HOUSING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing according to the preamble of the patent claim. 1.

[0002] A housing of the type mentioned above is known from patent document DE 199 39 614 C1. This housing, in this case designed as a pressure-resistant control cabinet, consists of a housing body and an opening area on the housing body that can be closed with a locking element, wherein the locking element forms at least a large part of a vertical wall of the housing body and is pivotably mounted on the housing body about a pivot axis for opening and closing.

[0003] EP 2 101 555 B1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of improving a housing of the type mentioned above. In particular, a housing is to be created that can be easily opened even when placed in a corner or niche of a room.

[0005] This problem is solved with a housing of the type mentioned at the outset by the features listed in the characterizing portion of claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, the pivot axis is designed to run horizontally to the housing body.

[0007] In other words, the solution according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the locking element no longer opens to the side (as in the prior art mentioned above), but now essentially opens forward like a flap. This eliminates the previously required lateral pivoting space.

[0008] Other advantageous embodiments of the housing according to the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0009] The housing according to the invention, including its advantageous further developments according to the dependent claims, is explained in more detail below with reference to the graphic representation of two exemplary embodiments.

[0010] It shows Figure 1, a side section, shows a first embodiment of the housing according to the invention with the locking element open (before closing); Figure 2, a side section, shows the housing according to Figure 1 in closed state; Figure 3 as a side section of the housing according to Figure 1 with the locking element open (after opening); Figure 4 shows a view of the inside of the locking element according to Figure 1 with the actuating element not activated; Figure 5 the locking element according to Figure 4 with the actuating element engaged; Figure 6 shows three parts of the second locking components in perspective. Figure 1in a first position for tool-related actuation; Figure 7 the locking components according to Figure 6 rotated by 90°; Figure 8 shows the same three parts of the second locking components in perspective as in Figure 6 , however, in a second position for manual operation; Figure 9 the locking components according to Figure 8 rotated by 90°; and Figure 10 in section a second embodiment of the housing according to the invention, more precisely, an alternative embodiment for an even more precise adjustment of the pivot axis.

[0011] The housing shown in the figures consists, in a known manner, of a preferably cuboid-shaped housing body 1 and an opening area 3 on the housing body 1 which can be closed with a closing element 2, wherein the closing element 2 forms at least a large part of a vertical wall of the housing body 1 and is pivotably mounted on the housing body 1 about a pivot axis 4 for opening and closing.

[0012] As shown, it is particularly preferred that the locking element 2 forms an outer wall of the housing body 1. Furthermore, according to the invention, the housing body 1 has a height of at least 160 cm, preferably at least 180 cm.

[0013] Essential for the housing according to the invention is that the pivot axis 4 is designed to run horizontally to the housing body 1. It is further particularly preferred that the locking element 2 is in the open position (compare Figure 1 The locking element 2 is designed to be completely removable from the housing body 1 without further ado – that is, in particular without the use of any tools – and is preferably designed not as a door, but as a cover. More precisely, the locking element 2 is designed as a front cover element extending over the entire height of the housing body 1. These features facilitate the handling of the locking element 2, which has a large aspect ratio. Or, to put it another way: A single person can grasp and remove the locking element 2 across its width by means of the lower horizontal pivot axis.

[0014] It is further provided that the pivot axis 4 is optionally designed to run along a lower end of the housing body 1 and / or along a lower end of the locking element 2.

[0015] With regard to the specific implementation, it is particularly preferred that the pivot axis 4 is formed from a horizontally extending sheet metal bend 4.1, 4.2 arranged on the housing body 1 and on the locking element 2.

[0016] In more detail, and this applies initially to all embodiments, it is preferably provided that one sheet metal bend 4.1 is formed on the housing body 1 itself. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the other sheet metal bend 4.2 is designed as a strip that can be screwed onto the locking element 2.

[0017] In order to be able to adjust the locking element 2 as precisely as possible, especially when several housings according to the invention are arranged next to each other, particularly with regard to possible gap dimensions, it is further preferred that, for fine adjustment of the locking element 2 to the housing body 1, two adjusting devices 7 arranged at a distance from each other and cooperating with the other sheet metal bend 4.1 are provided on one sheet metal bend 4.2.

[0018] With reference to the first embodiment (i.e., see in particular) Figures 1 to 5 It is preferably provided that the adjusting device 7 is designed as a screw whose free end interacts directly with the other sheet metal bend 4.1. Figure 10A particularly preferred embodiment is then shown, characterized in that the adjusting device 7 comprises an angle element 7.1, preferably approximately Z-shaped, which interacts with the other sheet metal bend 4.1, and a screw element 7.2 which adjustably fixes this angle element 7.1 either to the locking element 2 or to one of the sheet metal bends 4.2. This screw element 7.2 is, as shown in Figure 10 Visible, accessible from outside the housing (especially the bottom front edge), which further simplifies fine-tuning considerably.

[0019] Furthermore, for the initial coarse adjustment of the sheet metal bends 4.1, 4.2 relative to each other, a centering aid (not shown separately in the figures) is preferably provided. This is preferably designed in the form of two bores which are brought into congruity during the coarse adjustment.

[0020] Regarding the use of the housing according to the invention, it is further particularly preferred (although not shown in the figures) that at least one climate control building component such as a heat pump, a hot water storage tank, a ventilation system or the like is arranged in the housing body 1.

[0021] Preferably, a locking device 5 is provided between the housing body 1 and the locking element 2 for opening and closing the housing.

[0022] This locking device 5 is preferably optionally operated manually (see below). Figures 8 and 9 ) or exclusively with one tool (see here) Figures 6 and 7 ) operable. A screwdriver or similar tool can be used; in any case, a tool thinner than a human finger, so that it can fit through the corresponding opening on the aperture element 5.26, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0023] In more detail, it is further preferred that the locking device 5 is formed on the one hand from first locking components 5.10 arranged on the housing body 1 and on the other hand from second locking components 5.20 arranged on the locking element 2.

[0024] Preferably, one locking component comprises at least one, preferably at least two, and particularly preferably four, hooks 5.11, which—as shown—are preferably arranged on the housing body 1. Furthermore, the other locking components comprise at least one adjusting rail 5.21 and one adjusting element 5.22, which—as shown—are preferably arranged on the locking element 2. In order to connect the locking element 2, which could also be called the front cover, as firmly and completely as possible to the housing body 1, and in this way to compensate for manufacturing-related dimensional deviations, at least four hooks 5.11 and, accordingly, at least four locking openings 5.27, which will be discussed in more detail below, are provided, as already mentioned.

[0025] The figures show the aforementioned preferred arrangement. However, it is also possible that the hook 5.11 is located on the locking element 2 and, among other things, the adjusting rail 5.21 is located on the housing body 1.

[0026] Looking at it even more closely (see in particular the Figures 4 and 5 It is further preferably provided that the actuating element 5.22 is operatively connected to the actuating rail 5.21 via a rocker arm element 5.23. The actuating rail 5.21 itself is preferably mounted vertically displaceably on the locking element 2. Furthermore, the actuating rail 5.21 preferably has at least one (here four) locking opening 5.27 that interacts with the at least one hook 5.11.

[0027] It is further preferably provided that the rocker arm element 5.23 is mounted on a pivot axis 5.24 and has two lever arms on both sides of the pivot axis 5.24, one of which interacts with the adjusting rail 5.21 and the other with the adjusting element 5.22. As can be seen from the Figures 4 and 5 As can be seen, the rocker arm element 5.23 is preferably arranged at an upper end of the housing, preferably at an upper end of the locking element 2. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that actuating rails 5.21, each cooperating with a rocker arm element 5.23, are provided on both vertical edges of the locking element 2.

[0028] In particular with reference to the Figures 6 to 9It is further preferably provided that the actuating element 5.22 is preferably mounted vertically displaceably on a guide element 5.25. This guide element 5.25 is preferably attached to the housing, and particularly preferably – as shown – to the locking element 2, preferably by screws, via the through-openings visible in the figures.

[0029] As from the Figures 4 and 5 As can be seen, it is also preferably provided that the actuating element 5.22 is arranged centrally between two rocker arm elements 5.23. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the actuating element 5.22 is held in an upper vertical position by the rocker arm element 5.23, which is weight-loaded and preferably spring-loaded by the actuating rail 5.21.

[0030] To implement the aforementioned requirement that the locking element 2 can be opened either manually or with a tool, it is now preferably provided that a diaphragm element 5.26, preferably mounted horizontally adjustable, is arranged on the guide element 5.25. For fixing the diaphragm element 5.26, a fixing element 5.28, preferably a screw, and particularly preferably (and not as shown in the figures) with an external hexagon screw head, is preferably provided on the guide element 5.25. Figures 6 and 7 This shows the position in which the actuating element 5.22 can only be operated with a tool. In Figures 8 and 9 In contrast, the position shown is one in which the actuating element 5.22 can also be operated manually, whereby (as shown in Figure 8 (as can be seen) an additional plastic push button 5.29 can be attached to the actuating element 5.22.

[0031] To ensure that the housing can only be opened with a tool in certain applications, it is further preferably provided (though not shown separately) that a locking element 5.26.1, arranged on the housing, preferably on the housing body 1, is connected to the aperture element 5.26 (in particular to a locking element 5.26.1 which may be in the way depending on the position of the aperture element 5.26, preferably a chamfer on the aperture element 5.26). Figures 6 and 8 The cooperating coding element is designed to prevent manual operation of the locking device 5. This coding element is preferably designed as a finger element that engages in the aperture element 5.26 and prevents its displacement.

[0032] To make opening the housing even safer from a handling perspective, with reference to the Figures 1 to 3A locking hook element 6, which interacts with the locking element 2 when the housing is opened and has a limited horizontal adjustment range, is arranged on the housing body 1. This locking hook element 6 is preferably arranged in a middle height area of ​​the housing body 1, particularly to allow for easy operation and, in particular, unhooking.

[0033] The housing according to the invention functions as follows: The starting point of the explanation is Figure 1, in which the housing is shown with the locking element 2 open. To close it, it is simply tilted towards the housing body 1 via the pivot axis 4. The hooks 5.11 engage in the locking opening 5.27 on the adjusting rails 5.21, which are briefly lifted upwards due to the angle of the hook 5.11 when engaging. However, this has no effect on the rocker arm element 5.23, as the adjusting rails 5.21 are merely hooked onto it. Furthermore, the safety hook element 6 also engages in a corresponding locking opening on the adjusting rail 5.21 when closing. The housing according to the invention is now closed. This is shown in Figure 2 shown.

[0034] To reopen the housing, the actuator 5.22 must be operated, either by hand (for example, if a ventilation system is located in the housing) or, for example, with a screwdriver (for example, if a hot water storage tank is located in the housing), depending on the position of the cover element 5.26. When the actuator 5.22 is operated, it is moved downwards, guided by the guide element 5.25. The actuator 5.22 is then moved downwards by the guide element 5.25. Figures 4 and 5The visible protrusions on the actuating element 5.22 and the operatively connected rocker arm elements 5.23 are rotated about the pivot axis 5.24 such that the lever arm between the pivot axis 5.24 and the actuating element 5.22 moves downwards. Conversely, the lever arm between the pivot axis 5.24 and the adjusting rail 5.21 moves upwards simultaneously, thereby also raising the adjusting rail 5.21 itself, so that the engagement with the hook 5.11 can be released. Thanks to the safety hook element 6, which is then in the Figure 3 Even when the locking element 2 is lifted upwards by hand in the position shown to release the locking mechanism, care is taken to ensure that it does not simply tip forward onto the user. After releasing the locking hook element 6, the locking element 2 can then be lifted off the housing body 1 and set aside, practically releasing the pivot axis 4. Reference symbol list

[0035] 1 Housing body 2 Locking element 3 Opening area 4 Swivel axis 4.1 Sheet metal bend 4.2 Sheet metal bend 5 Locking device 5.10 First locking components 5.11 Hook 5.20 Second locking components 5.21 Adjusting rail 5.22 Actuating element 5.23 Toggle lever element 5.24 Pivot axis 5.25 Guide element 5.26 Cover element 5.26.1 Locking element 5.27 Latching opening 5.28 Fixing element 5.29 Plastic push button 6 Safety hook element 7 Actuating device 7.1 Angle element 7.2 Screw element

Claims

1. A housing comprising a housing body (1) and an opening region (3) on the housing body (1), which can be closed with a closure element (2), wherein the closure element (2) forms at least a majority of a vertical wall of the housing body (1) and is mounted on the housing body (1) so as to be pivotable about a pivoting axis (4) in order to be opened and closed, wherein the pivoting axis (4) extends horizontally relative to the housing body (1), wherein the pivoting axis (4) selectively extends on a lower end of the housing body (1) and / or on a lower end of the closure element (2), and wherein the housing body (1) has a height of at least 160 cm, characterized in that the closure element (2) is designed in the form of a front cover element that extends over the entire height of the housing body (1), wherein a safety hook element (6) that interacts with the closure element (2) during opening and has a limited horizontal adjustment range is arranged on the housing body (1).

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting axis (4) is formed by a respective sheet metal chamfer (4.1, 4.2) that is arranged on the housing body (1) and on the closure element (2) and extends horizontally.

3. The housing according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least one climate control component such as a heat pump, a hot water tank, a ventilation system or the like is arranged in the housing body (1).

4. The housing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a locking device (5) is provided between the housing body (1) and the closure element (2) in order to open and close the housing.

5. The housing according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking device (5) can be selectively actuated manually or exclusively with a tool.

6. The housing according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking device (5) is formed on the one hand by first locking components (5.10) arranged on the housing body (1) and on the other hand by second locking components (5.20) arranged on the closure element (2).

7. The housing according to claim 6, characterized in that the one locking components (5.10, 5.20) comprise at least one hook (5.11).

8. The housing according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the other locking components (5.10, 5.20) comprise at least one adjustment rail (5.21) and one control element (5.22).

9. The housing according to claim 8, characterized in that the control element (5.22) is connected to the adjustment rail (5.21) by means of a tilting lever element (5.23).

10. The housing according to claim 9, characterized in that the tilting lever element (5.23) is mounted on a pivot shaft (5.24) and has two lever arms on both sides of the pivot shaft (5.24), wherein one lever arm is designed for interacting with the adjustment rail (5.21) and the other lever arm is designed for interacting with the control element (5.22).

11. The housing according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the control element (5.22) is displaceably mounted on a guide element (5.25).

12. The housing according to claim 11, characterized in that an adjustably mounted cover element (5.26) is arranged on the guide element (5.25) in order to define an operability of the control element (5.22).