PROTECTIVE COVER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective cover according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Protective covers are used to delimit and cover work areas. Due to their mechanical strength, they are preferably used to shield moving machine components. They primarily fulfill functions already arising for safety reasons and / or protection against contamination, such as acting as a structural barrier against chips, lubricants, or coolants. Depending on the intended use, these can consist of a bellows with internal and external folds or comprise a length-adjustable base body formed from them. Versions that do not require a bellows (bellows-free) have shielding elements that at least partially overlap and are usually movable relative to one another transversely to their longitudinal direction. The shielding elements can, for example, be slats made of sheet metal or another suitable material.Composite materials made of at least two different materials are also possible.

[0003] The shielding elements used usually have a continuous cross-section or, at least in sections, an L-shaped design. The L-shaped cross-section thus comprises at least two legs angled towards one another. While the at least partially overlapping first legs of the shielding elements form a closed shielding surface, the cover surfaces of their respective second legs face one another. The length changeability of the protective cover is based on the at least limitedly variable distances between the second legs. To ensure the necessary overlap of the first legs to maintain the shielding surface and the cohesion of the protective cover as a whole, the individual shielding elements are interlinked. This can be achieved by movably coupling the directly opposite second legs via special connectors.The first legs can therefore also be referred to as covering legs, and the second legs as fastening legs. The connectors can be spring elements whose spring resistance is directed either in or against the direction of possible approach of the second legs. As a result, either the elongation or shortening of the shielding surface formed by the first legs is at least supported via the connectors. At the same time, at least some of these connectors can be designed to limit the distance between two immediately adjacent second legs of the shielding elements, so that the shielding surface always remains closed, even at the maximum possible extension length of the protective cover.

[0004] To achieve the most compact shortening of the protective cover (compression dimension), its connectors must meet corresponding requirements. These connectors should allow the second legs of the shielding elements connected by them to be brought as close together as possible.

[0005] Since the connectors are usually arranged between the second legs of the shielding elements, it is desirable that they be as flat as possible.

[0006] DE 20 2021 100 847 U1 and DE 20 2021 105 325 U1 disclose protective covers with the aforementioned features, the connectors of which have a central web with at least two arms pivotably arranged on the central web. DE 20 2021 100 847 U1 shows a connection of the second legs of the shielding elements to the connectors exclusively via the arms of the individual connectors, with their central webs having no connection whatsoever with the second legs of the shielding elements. In contrast, DE 20 2021 105 325 U1 discloses an exclusive connection of the second legs of the shielding elements to the central webs of the individual connectors, while the individual connectors are connected to one another via their arms.

[0007] Due to the design of the connectors and their coupling with the individual shielding elements, the previously known protective covers achieve very compact dimensions even when fully retracted. To maintain sufficient spacing between two shielding elements when the protective cover is fully extended, two interconnected connectors (DE 20 2021 105 325 U1) or correspondingly long arms are required.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a protective cover in such a way that it enables a further reducible compression dimension and allows the simplest possible manufacture and integration of its connectors.

[0009] This object is achieved by a protective cover having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, a protective cover is proposed in which the central web of a connector is connected to the second leg of a shielding element, while at least one arm of this connector is connected to the second leg of an immediately adjacent shielding element. In other words, with respect to two immediately adjacent shielding elements, the connector is thus connected, on the one hand, by its central web to one shielding element and, on the other hand, by at least one arm to the other. Ab screen element connected.

[0011] Such a connector enables extremely simple integration within the protective cover by eliminating the otherwise sometimes necessary coupling with another connector, since it can be connected directly to the second leg of two immediately adjacent shielding elements.

[0012] Preferably, the central web of a connector can have only two arms pivotably arranged thereon.

[0013] With regard to the position of the arms on the central web of a connector, it is considered particularly advantageous if, in particular, at least one arm is arranged in the region, preferably at one edge of the central web, while, in particular, at least one other arm of the same connector is arranged in the region, preferably at an edge of the central web facing away from this edge. In this way, two arms hinged to the central web can be arranged opposite each other.

[0014] According to a preferred development of the inventive concept, the central web of at least one connector can have a cantilever region, through which the central web is then connected to the second leg of a shielding element. The cantilever region makes it possible to space the arms of the connector appropriately far from the second leg of the shielding element.

[0015] In a particularly preferred manner, the invention provides that at least one, preferably each, arm of a connector can have a first arm portion and a second arm portion, wherein the two arm portions of the arm are movably connected to one another by an intermediate web. In this way, the arm thus configured is inherently movable.

[0016] Based on this, it is considered advantageous if at least one arm, preferably all arms of a connector are each connected to the associated central web by their first arm section.

[0017] In principle, it is considered advantageous if the two arm sections of the or an arm are arranged on the same edge of the associated intermediate web.

[0018] Particularly preferred is an offset arrangement of the two arm sections of an arm on the associated intermediate web such that the two arm sections of this arm can each be pivoted in one of two planes, in particular planes extending parallel to one another.

[0019] Advantageously, the first arm portions of at least two arms or the two arms of the same connector can be pivotable in a common plane.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the second arm sections of at least two arms or the two arms of the same connector can be pivotable in a common plane.

[0021] For the purposes of the invention, the term plane means a geometric plane.

[0022] According to an advantageous development, at least one arm of a connector can have a preferably pivotable free end portion. The end portion can be arranged on the second arm portion of this arm. In any case, the arm can be connected to the second leg of a shielding element via its free end portion.

[0023] The invention particularly preferably provides that the second leg of at least one shielding element can have at least one through-opening designed for, in particular, indirect connection to at least one connector.

[0024] Based on this, the center bars of two connectors can advantageously be connected to each other through their through-opening(s). This is then achieved by incorporating a portion of the second leg between these connectors.

[0025] Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the arms of two connectors can be connected to each other by incorporating a portion of the second leg through its or one of its through-openings. Advantageously, the free end portions of the arms can be connected to each other in this way.

[0026] The invention provides that the through-openings of the shielding elements are formed or arranged offset from one another. Specifically, this means an offset arrangement of at least some of the through-openings of the individual shielding elements with respect to a longitudinal direction of the individual shielding elements, such that a through-opening of at least one shielding element can be located between two through-openings of an immediately adjacent shielding element. This enables an ideal connection between the shielding elements and the connectors, particularly with regard to their inventive design.

[0027] According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the center webs and / or the arms of two connectors, in particular their free end sections, can be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, at least in some areas. Such a materially bonded connection can preferably be a weld. This can preferably be implemented as ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or additionally, the materially bonded connection can also be implemented by adhesive bonding. A combination of the connection types mentioned purely as examples can be limited to different areas of the connectors thus connected.

[0028] Particularly advantageously, at least one positioning means can be provided in the region of at least one through-opening of the second leg of a shielding element. The positioning means serves to align the position of the central web and / or an arm, in particular its free end section, of a connector on the second leg of a shielding element. This facilitates the precise determination of the position of the connectors on the shielding elements in order to maintain their uniform arrangement and alignment, which is crucial for the reliable function of the protective cover. At least one of the positioning means can be formed and / or arranged on the second leg of a shielding element.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, at least one positioning means formed and / or arranged on at least one of the connectors can in principle be provided.

[0030] At least one, preferably each, of the aforementioned positioning means can advantageously be formed by or have a through hole.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the or at least one positioning means may be formed by or have an edge-side recess.

[0032] The invention provides that at least one or each of the connectors can be formed from a plate-shaped base body. The base body, in particular the respective base body, can then preferably be divided into individual sections by section-wise cuts. The arrangement of the cuts allows, for example, the arms of a connector to be formed in a simple manner.

[0033] Even though the base body can have various thicknesses, the choice of which will be determined by the expert for the respective application, it can preferably have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0034] With regard to the aforementioned separations, at least one of the separations can be formed by cutting and / or punching and / or milling. Of course, at least partial sawing of the base body is conceivable as an alternative or additional option.

[0035] According to the invention, at least one connector can have at least one bending line along which at least a part of the connector can then be pivoted relative to another part of the same connector.

[0036] The or at least one of the bending lines can be formed by a film hinge, in particular a gapless one.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the or at least one bending line can be formed by an embossing and / or cross-sectional compression directed into the material of the connector.

[0038] Further alternatively or additionally, the or at least one bending line can be formed by a limited material removal.

[0039] Preferably, at least one of the bending lines can extend along an at least partial material removal and / or a series of perforation openings extending through the base body.

[0040] In principle, the invention provides that the shielding elements can be formed from a metal and / or that the connectors are formed from a plastic or at least comprise such a plastic. The plastic can be, for example, polyamide or polypropylene or polypropylene copolymer or polyethylene, to name just a few examples of a non-exhaustive list of possible plastics.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the connectors can be designed identically, which enables their extremely simple and cost-effective production.

[0042] Preferably, the arms of two connectors connected to one another via these, in particular in an at least partially pulled-apart state of the protective cover, can be pivoted in different directions relative to the associated central web.

[0043] In principle, it is considered advantageous if the free end sections of at least one connector face each other.

[0044] The protective cover according to the invention enables an extremely compact compression dimension while simultaneously reducing weight and being economical to manufacture. In particular, the coupling of the connectors to the shielding elements through their through-holes by means of integrally bonded connections, which is possible without the use of additional connecting means, contributes significantly to this. Compared to riveted connections, for example, the welded connection according to the invention exhibits significantly higher tear resistance, which significantly increases the load-bearing capacity and durability of the protective cover.

[0045] The invention is described below with reference to a Figures 1 to 5 illustrated embodiment is explained in more detail.

[0046] They show: Figure 1 - a protective cover according to the invention in a perspective view, Figure 2 - a single connector of the protective cover made of Figure 1in a two-dimensional view, Figure 3a - the connector of the protective cover from Figure 1 in a first bending form in perspective view, Figure 3b - the connector of the protective cover from Figure 1 in a second bending form in perspective view, Figure 4 - a section of the protective cover reduced to two shielding elements from Figure 1 in a perspective view and Figure 5 - the protective cover made of Figure 1 in a two-dimensional view.

[0047] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a protective cover 1 according to the invention. The protective cover 1 comprises a plurality of shielding elements 2, 3, each extending parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction X. These can preferably be formed from a metal. The shielding elements 2, 3 each have an L-shaped cross-section, at least in sections, so that each of these shielding elements 2, 3 has a first leg 2.1, 3.1 and a second leg 2.2, 3.2 angled relative to the first leg 2.1, 3.1. The cover surfaces of the second legs 2.2, 3.2 of the shielding elements 2, 3 lie opposite one another in such a way that their first legs 2.1, 3.1 at least partially overlap, forming a shielding surface 4 whose length can be varied in a length-changing direction A of the protective cover 1. The width of the second legs 2.2, 3.2 extends parallel to a transverse direction Y, while the width of the first legs 2.1, 3.1 extends parallel to a vertical direction Z.

[0048] On the respective second leg 2.2, 3.2 of each shielding element 2, 3, two connectors 5 are arranged here purely by way of example, by which the individual shielding elements 2, 3 are coupled and thus linked together so as to be movable relative to one another. The individual connectors 5 are also arranged purely by way of example in two rows R1, R2, running in particular parallel to the vertical direction Z. In the embodiment of the protective cover 1 shown, the individual connectors 5 all have the same design, so that they are structurally identical. Of course, they can also be combined with different connectors in an embodiment not shown here.

[0049] Figure 2shows the shape of one of the connectors 5 in a two-dimensional plan view, which is representative of all other identically constructed connectors 5. The connector 5 can preferably be made of a plastic or have such a material. The plastic can be, for example, polyamide or polypropylene or polypropylene copolymer or polyethylene. The connector 5 can be seen to be made of a plate-shaped base body G. This has individual cuts D in some areas, so that the base body G is divided into individual areas. Purely as an example, the base body G shown here can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The cuts D can be formed, for example, by cutting and / or punching and / or milling the base body G or can be introduced into it.

[0050] A plurality of bending lines F1-F8 present on the base body G, e.g., attached or incorporated, enable corresponding mobility. In this way, individual parts of the connector 5 are specifically designed to pivot along their bending lines F1-F8 relative to other parts of the same connector 5. At least one of the bending lines F1-F8 can be formed by a film hinge, in particular a seamless one. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the bending lines F1-F8 can be formed by an embossing directed into the material of the connector 5 and / or cross-sectional compression. Further alternatively or additionally, at least one of the bending lines F1-F8 can be formed by a limited material removal.At least one of the bending lines F1 - F8 can extend along an at least partial material removal and / or a series of perforation openings extending through the base body G - not shown in detail here.

[0051] Due to the separations D, the connector 5 is divided into a central web 5.1 and - in the embodiment shown here - exactly two arms 5.2, 5.3, which are pivotably arranged on the central web 5.1, in particular due to two of the bending lines F4, F5. It is evident that one of the arms 5.2 is arranged on or in the region of an edge 5.1a of the central web 5.1, while the other arm 5.3 is located on or in the region of an edge 5.1b of the central web 5.1 facing away from this edge 5.1a. The central web 5.1 itself has a cantilever region 5.1c, through which the central web 5.1 is connected to the second leg 2.2, 3.2 of a shielding element 2, 3 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 ).

[0052] Looking at the two arms 5.2, 5.3, it becomes clear that they each have a first arm section 5.2a, 5.3a and a second arm section 5.2b, 5.3b. Both arms 5.2, 5.3 are connected to the central web 5.1 by their first arm section 5.2a, 5.3a. The first arm section 5.2a, 5.3a and the second arm section 5.2b, 5.3b of each arm 5.2, 5.3 are movably connected to one another by an intermediate web 5.2c, 5.3c. It can be seen that both arm sections 5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b of an arm 5.2, 5.3 are located on the same edge 5.2d, 5.3d of the corresponding intermediate web 5.2c, 5.3c. The two arm sections 5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b of an arm 5.2, 5.3 are arranged offset from one another on the associated intermediate web 5.2c, 5.3c such that the two arm sections 5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b are each pivotable in one of two planes E1, E2, in particular extending parallel to one another. Due to this arrangement, the first arm sections 5.2, 5.32a, 5.3a of each arm 5.2, 5.3 are pivotable in a common first plane E1, and the second arm sections 5.2b, 5.3b of each arm 5.2, 5.3 are pivotable in a common second plane E2. The second arm section 5.2b, 5.3b of each arm 5.2, 5.3 each has a free end section 5.2e, 5.3e, which is intended to connect the connector 5 to the second leg 2.2, 3.2 of a shielding element 2, 3 (see . Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 ). It is clear that the free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e are facing each other.

[0053] In the present case - and therefore purely by way of example - a total of eight positioning means P5a - P5d, P5e - P5h are provided on the connector 5, of which a total of four positioning means P5a - P5d are located on the central web 5.1. The remaining four positioning means P5e, P5f; P5g, P5h are located in pairs on the free end section 5.2e, 5.3e of each arm 5.2, 5.3. The four positioning means P5a - P5d; P5f, P5g, P5h are located on the central web 5.1 and the two positioning means P5a - P5d; P5f, P5g, P5h are located on each of the two free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e of the arms 5.2, 5.3 in the region of the bending line F1, F8 delimiting the respective free end section 5.2e, 5.3e from its associated second arm section 5.2b, 5.3b. P5e, P5h are each formed by a through-hole. In contrast, the positioning means P5f, P5g located at the respective ends of the two free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e are each formed by a recess at the edge.

[0054] Figures 3a and 3b is identical to the one previously mentioned in terms of Figure 2 described in more detail, connector 5 in perspective view, which has a different bending shape: Figure 3ashows the connector 5 with arms 5.2, 5.3 pivoted downwards with respect to the illustration. For this purpose, their first arm sections 5.2a, 5.3a are each inclined downwards along the corresponding bending line F4, F5, so that the intermediate webs 5.2c, 5.3c are located below a plane within which the central web 5.1 extends. The intermediate webs 5.2c, 5.3c and the central web 5.1 essentially continue to run parallel to one another. This depends on the torque that occurs within the material when bending along the bending lines F4, F5 and can therefore also appear differently during intended use, for example in a slight inclination of the intermediate webs 5.2c, 5.3c relative to the central web 5.1, which, however, has no influence on the intended functionality of the connector 5. The second arm sections 5.2b, 5.3b of each arm 5.2, 5.3 are also opposite the respective intermediate web 5.2c, 5.3c is inclined downwards along the corresponding bending line F2, F7, while its free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e continue to extend parallel to the central web 5.1 by being angled accordingly along the bending lines F1, F8 relative to the corresponding second arm sections 5.2b, 5.3b.

[0055] Figure 3b shows the connector 5 with arms 5.2, 5.3 pivoted upwards with respect to the illustration. For this purpose, their first arm sections 5.2a, 5.3a are each inclined upwards along the corresponding bending line F4, F5, so that the intermediate webs 5.2c, 5.3c are located above the plane within which the central web 5.1 extends. The intermediate webs 5.2c, 5.3c and the central web 5.1 essentially continue to run parallel to each other, whereby here too the already mentioned design with regard to the intermediate webs 5.2c, 5.3c and their possible inclination Figure 3aThe above applies. The second arm sections 5.2b, 5.3b of each arm 5.2, 5.3 are also inclined upwards relative to the respective intermediate web 5.2c, 5.3c along the corresponding bending lines F2, F7, while their free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e continue to extend parallel to the central web 5.1, being angled accordingly relative to the corresponding second arm sections 5.2b, 5.3b along the bending lines F1, F8.

[0056] The two forms of the connector 5 from Figures 3a and 3b show it in its installation situation within the protective cover 1 in its at least partially pulled-apart state.

[0057] Figure 4 is a section of the protective cover 1 made of Figure 1in a perspective view. Based on this, the respective structure of the remaining shielding elements 2, 3 will be described in more detail below, as representative of their respective shielding elements 2, 3: The shielding elements 2, 3 preferably all have the same basic shape. However, there may also be shielding elements 2, 3 with a different shape, e.g., at the ends of the protective cover. Only their second legs 2.2, 3.2, which are angled relative to their respective first legs 2.1, 3.1, differ with regard to the number and position of the through openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b introduced or arranged therein. Purely as an example, the second leg 2.2 of one shielding element 2 has a total of four of these through openings 2.2a - 2.2d, while the second leg 3.2 of the other shielding element 3 has a total of two through openings 3.2a, 3.2b. Of course, the shielding elements 2, 3 can also have a different number of through openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b, which is always oriented to the number of rows R1, R2 of connectors 5.

[0058] In the area of ​​each through-opening 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b of the shielding elements 2, 3, two positioning means P2a - P2h, P3a - P3d are provided in the present case, formed and / or arranged in their second legs 2.2, 3.2. The number shown is of course purely exemplary and can also consist of more or fewer individual positioning means P2a - P2h, P3a - P3d per through-opening 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning means P2a - P2h, P3a - P3 are each formed by a through-hole. In any case, at least some of the positioning means P2a - P2h, P3a - P3d are provided for aligning the position of the central web 5.1 and an arm 5.2, 5.3, in particular its free end section 5.2e, 5.3e, of a connector 5 on the second leg 2.2, 3.2.

[0059] Furthermore, only one of the shielding elements 3 has guide elements S arranged at the ends of its second leg 3.2, which can serve, for example, to guide the protective cover 1 laterally along guide rails in a manner not shown in detail.

[0060] As can be seen, the through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b of the shielding elements 2, 3 are offset from one another with respect to their longitudinal direction X, so that the through-openings 3.2a, 3.2b of the shielding element 3, which has fewer through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b, are each located between two through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d of the immediately adjacent shielding element 2, which has more through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b. If one looks at the position of the through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b in combination with the Figure 3bThe reason for this becomes clear when looking at the connector 5 shown. Thus, the through-openings 3.2a, 3.2b of the shielding element 3, which has fewer through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b, each correspond to the central web 5.1 of a connector 5, while two through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d of the shielding element 2, which has more through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b, correspond to the two free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e of the arms 5.2, 5.3 of the connector 5.

[0061] Figure 5 now clarifies the installation situation of the connectors 5 within the protective cover 1 and in particular their connection with the shielding elements 2, 3. As can be seen, the connectors 5 of a row R1, R2 are arranged with alternating bending shape between the respective second legs 2.2, 3.2 of two directly adjacent shielding elements 2, 3, as in a synopsis of the Figure 3a with Figure 3bAs already indicated, the arms 5.2, 5.3 of two connectors 5 connected to one another via these connectors are pivoted in different directions relative to the associated central web 5.1, particularly when the protective cover 1 is at least partially extended.

[0062] To maintain clarity, the reference symbols in Figure 5 essentially limited to two of the connectors 5, but apply accordingly to the remaining connectors 5. The Figure 3a The connector 5, which has the apparent bending shape, is only given the reference number 5a here, while the connector 5 shown in Figure 3b The connector 5, which has a bending shape as shown, is only given the reference number 5b herein.

[0063] As can be seen, the central webs 5.1 of two connectors 5a, 5b are brought closer together by incorporating a region of the respective second leg 3.2 of a shielding element 3 such that they are connected to one another through one of its through-openings 3.2a, 3.2b. In contrast, the free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e of two connectors 5a, 5b are brought closer together by incorporating a region of the respective second leg 2.2 of an immediately adjacent shielding element 2 such that they are each connected to one another through one of its through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d. The actual connection of the central webs 5.1 and the free end sections 5.2e, 5.3e of two connectors 5a, 5b is, at least in some areas, materially bonded.

[0064] Particularly preferably, this is achieved by welding, in particular ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or additionally, it can of course also be achieved by gluing.

[0065] In any case, the central web 5.1 of a connector 5 is connected to the second leg 2.2, 3.2 of a shielding element 2, 3, while the arms 5.2, 5.3 of this connector 5 are connected to the second leg 2.2, 3.2 of an immediately adjacent shielding element 2, 3.

[0066] The material-to-material connection between the individual connectors 5 allows for an extremely compact compression dimension of the protective cover 1. By arranging the two arm sections 5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b of each arm 5.2, 5.3 next to one another, this is further reduced, since even when the protective cover 1 is fully compressed, the arm sections 5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b cannot lie on top of one another. During the connection process, the positioning means P2a - P2h, P3a - P3d arranged in the area of ​​the through-openings 2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b on the shielding elements 2, 3 serve in combination with the positioning means P5a - P5d arranged on the connectors 5; P5e, P5h the exact alignment of shielding elements 2, 3 and connectors 5 to each other.

Claims

1. Protective cover (1) comprising a plurality of screen elements (2, 3), in particular each having an L-shaped cross-section, which are linked together for movement relative to one another by connectors (5, 5a, 5b) which couple the screen elements, wherein the screen elements (2, 3) each have a first leg (2.1, 3.1) and at least one second leg (2.2, 3.2) angled relative to the first leg (2.1, 3.1), of which the second legs (2.2, 3.2) are arranged with their cover surfaces opposite one another so that the first legs (2.1, 3.1) of the screen elements (2, 3) that are immediately adjacent one another overlap one another at least in part by forming a length-variable screen surface (4), wherein at least one, preferably each, connector (5, 5a, 5b) has a centre web (5.1) which has at least two arms (5.2, 5.3) arranged in pivotal manner thereon, characterised in that the centre web (5.1) of a connector (5, 5a, 5b) is connected to the second leg (2.2, 3.2) of a screen element (2, 3) and at least one arm (5.2, 5.3) of this connector (5, 5a, 5b) is connected to the second leg (2.2, 3.2) of an immediately adjacent screen element (2, 3).

2. Protective cover (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the centre web (5.1) of at least one connector (5, 5a, 5b) has an extension region (5.1c) by means of which the centre web (5.1) is connected to the second leg (2.2, 2.3) of a screen element (2, 3).

3. Protective cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one, preferably each, arm (5.2, 5.3) of a connector (5, 5a, 5b) has a first arm portion (5.2a, 5.3a) and a second arm portion (5.2b, 5.3b) wherein the two arm portions (5.2a, 5.3a; 5.2b, 5.3b) of one arm (5.2, 5.3) are connected in movable manner to one another by an intermediate web (5.2c, 5.3c).

4. Protective cover (1) according to Claim 3 characterised in that at least one arm (5.2, 5.3), preferably all arms (5.2, 5.3), of a connector (5, 5a, 5b) are each connected to the associated centre web (5.1) by their first arm portion (5.2a, 5.3a).

5. Protective cover (1) according to Claim 3 or 4 characterised in that the two arm portions (5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b) of one arm (5.2, 5.3) are arranged on the same edge (5.2d, 5.3d) of the associated intermediate web (5.2c, 5.3c)6. Protective cover (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 5 characterised by a mutually offset arrangement of the two arm portions (5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b) of one arm (5.2, 5.3) on the associated intermediate web (5.2c, 5.3c) so that the two arm portions (5.2a, 5.2b; 5.3a, 5.3b) are each capable of pivoting in one of two planes (E1, E2) that in particular extend parallel to one another.

7. Protective cover (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 6 characterised in that the first arm portions (5.2a, 5.3a) of at least two arms (5.2, 5.3) or the two arms (5.2, 5.3) of the same connector (5, 5a, 5b) are capable of pivoting in a common plane (E1).

8. Protective cover (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 7 characterised in that the second arm portions (5.2b, 5.3b) of at least two arms (5.2, 5.3) or the two arms (5.2, 5.3) of the same connector (5, 5a, 5b) are capable of pivoting in a common plane (E2).

9. Protective cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one arm (5.2, 5.3) of a connector (5, 5a, 5b) has a free end portion (5.2e, 5.3e) arranged in particular on its second arm portion (5.2b, 5.3b) and preferably in pivotal manner, wherein this arm (5.2, 5.3) is connected by its free end portion (5.2e, 5.3e) to the second leg (2.2, 3.2) of a screen element (2, 3).

10. Protective cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the second leg (2.2, 3.2) of at least one screen element (2, 3) has at least one through opening (2.2a - 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b) configured for the, in particular indirect, connection with at least one connector (5, 5a, 5b).

11. Protective cover (1) according to Claim 10 characterised in that the centre webs (5.1) of two connectors (5a, 5a, 5b) are connected to one another by incorporating a region of the second leg (3.2) through its, or one of its, through openings (3.2a, 3.2b).

12. Protective cover (1) according to Claim 10 or 11 characterised in that the arms (5.2, 5.3) of two connectors (5, 5a, 5b), in particular their free end portions (5.2e, 5.3e), are connected to one another by incorporating a region of the second leg (2.2) through its, or one of its, through openings (2.2a - 2.2d).

13. Protective cover (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 12 characterised by an arrangement of at least some of its through openings (2.2a-2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b) offset in relation to a longitudinal direction (X) of the individual screen elements (2, 3) so that one through opening (3.2a, 3.2b) of at least one screen element (3) is placed between two through openings (2.2a - 2.2d) of an immediately adjacent screen element (2).

14. Protective cover (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 13 characterised in that the centre webs (5.1) and / or the arms (5.2, 5.3) of two connectors (5, 5a, 5b), in particular their free end portions (5.2e, 5.3e), are connected to one another through material bonding in at least some areas, preferably by welding, preferably ultrasonic welding, and / or adhesion.

15. Protective cover (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 14 characterised in that there is provided in the region of at least one through opening (2.2a- 2.2d; 3.2a, 3.2b) of the second leg (2.2, 3.2) of a screen element (2, 3) at least one positioning means (P2a - P2h, P3a - P3d) which is configured and / or arranged for the position alignment of the centre web (5.1) and / or an arm (5.2, 5.3), in particular its free end portion (5.2e, 5.3e), of a connector (5, 5a, 5b) on the second leg (2.2, 3.2).

16. Protective cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one positioning means (P5a - P5d, P5e - P5h) is provided on at least one of the connectors (5, 5a, 5b) and is formed and / or arranged thereon.

17. Protective cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one connector (5, 5a, 5b) has at least one bending line (F1-F8) along which at least one part of the connector (5, 5a, 5b) can pivot opposite another part of the same connector (5, 5a 5b).