PROTECTIVE ELEMENT FOR A PRODUCT USED TO HEATE A FLUID, SUCH AS A WATER HEATER

Abstract

Protective element (6) of a product for heating a fluid, such as a water heater, the protective element comprising a cardboard plate (7) having a plurality of zones (10), the plate (7) having an unfolded configuration, in which the plurality of zones (10) extend in a foreground, and a folded configuration, in which the plurality of zones (10) overlap in a stacking direction (E), the protective element (6) being characterized in that at least two zones (10) of the plurality of zones comprise a hole shaped to receive at least a portion (3, 4) of said product, the hole in each zone (10) being concentric with respect to the hole in each of the other zones (10) in the folded configuration of the plate (7). Abstract figure: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: PROTECTION ELEMENT FOR A PRODUCT FOR HEATING A FLUID, SUCH AS A WATER HEATER Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of protective elements of a product for heating a fluid, such as a water heater. Prior art

[0002] In the construction sector, it is known to install in a building products intended to heat fluids which circulate between the different spaces of the building. For example, at least one water heater can be provided to heat the water.

[0003] The water heater generally has a substantially cylindrical shape extending longitudinally between two opposite ends. In order to be able to easily obtain diverse and / or complex shapes, the ends are made of polymer material. However, the use of the polymer material weakens the ends of the water heater, which must be protected in order to limit the risks of deterioration, particularly when the water heater is packaged and transported.

[0004] Conventionally, to protect the ends of the water heater, an expanded polystyrene protection is used, arranged around each end of the water heater. Alternatively, it is possible to use a paper pulp (or paste) protection arranged around each end of the water heater.

[0005] However, paper pulp requires large quantities of water to be manufactured, which constitutes an ecological problem. In addition, both for the manufacture of the expanded polystyrene protection and for the manufacture of the paper pulp protection, it is necessary to have a mold adapted to the dimensions and shapes of each end of the water heater, which can vary between each model of water heater. This makes the manufacture of the protections more complex, time-consuming and expensive.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a protective element having a lower environmental impact and which can be manufactured more simply, more quickly and more economically. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0008] For this purpose, there is provided a protective element for a product for heating a fluid, such as a water heater, the protective element comprising a cardboard plate comprising a plurality of zones, the plate having a configuration unfolded, in which the plurality of zones extends in a first plane, and a folded configuration, in which the plurality of zones overlap in a stacking direction, the protective element being characterized in that at least two zones of the plurality of zones comprise a hole shaped to receive at least a portion of said product, the hole of each zone being concentric with respect to the hole of each of the other zones in the folded configuration of the plate.

[0009] Since the protective element is made of cardboard, it is not necessary to use large quantities of water to manufacture the protective element. The environmental impact and the cost of manufacturing and using the protective element are thus limited.

[0010] Furthermore, since the holes in the areas of the cardboard plate are shaped to receive at least one portion of the product, it is not necessary to use molds to obtain a protective element adapted to a specific type of product. Indeed, it is sufficient only to adapt the shape of each hole to the shape of said product so that the protective element is capable of protecting said product. The manufacture of the protective element is therefore simplified.

[0011] According to one aspect, in the folded configuration of the plate, the size of the holes progressively increases in the direction of stacking of the zones.

[0012] According to another aspect, at least one area of ​​the plate is devoid of holes.

[0013] According to another aspect, in the unfolded configuration of the plate, said zones are arranged in a single row.

[0014] According to another aspect, in the unfolded configuration of the plate, said zones are distributed in two aligned rows.

[0015] According to another aspect, only two zones belonging to different rows of the plate are directly connected to each other.

[0016] According to another aspect, the plate comprises a pre-cut arranged between two zones directly connected to each other.

[0017] According to another aspect, each pre-cut comprises two pre-cut lines substantially parallel to each other.

[0018] According to another aspect, the plate comprises a first face and a second opposite face, each of the pre-cuts being made on only one of the first face and the second face of the plate.

[0019] According to another aspect, the plate comprises a first face and a second opposite face, two successive pre-cuts being made in an intercalated manner on the first face or on the second face of the plate.

[0020] According to another aspect, the holes are shaped to snugly receive the at least one portion of the product. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0022] [Fig.l] shows a schematic front view of an example of a product for heating a fluid. Fig. 2

[0023] [Fig.2] shows a schematic front view of a protective element of the product of [Fig.l] according to a first embodiment of the invention, the protective element being in a first configuration. Fig. 3

[0024] [Fig.3] shows a schematic perspective view of the protective element of [Fig.2] in a second configuration. Fig. 4

[0025] [Fig.4] shows a schematic perspective view of the protective element of [Fig.2] in a third configuration. Fig. 5

[0026] [Fig.5] shows a schematic perspective view of the protective element of [Fig.2] in the third configuration receiving one end of the product of [Fig.l]. Fig. 6

[0027] [Fig.6] shows a schematic front view of a protective element of the product of [Fig.l] according to a second embodiment of the invention, the protective element being in a first configuration. Fig. 7

[0028] [Fig.7] shows a schematic front view of the protective element of [Fig.6] in a second configuration. Fig. 8

[0029] [Fig.8] shows a schematic front view of a protective element of the product of [Fig.l] according to a third embodiment of the invention, the protective element being in a first configuration. Description of the embodiments

[0030] Reference is now made to [Fig.l] representing a product 1 for heating a fluid. In this case, product 1 is a water heater, electric or thermodynamic.

[0031] The water heater 1 comprises a body 2 extending in a direction A between a first end 3, called the lower end, and a second end 4, called the upper end.

[0032] The body 2 has for example a substantially cylindrical shape, without this being limiting. For example, the body 2 could alternatively have a substantially prismatic shape. The body 2 is advantageously hollow. The fluid, in this case water, and a set of devices for heating the fluid can thus be received inside the body 2.

[0033] As visible in [Fig.l], at least one tube 5 is provided outside the body 2. The tube 5 is hollow and allows water to be conveyed inside the body 2. In this figure, the tube 5 extends substantially in the direction A, from the lower end 3 to the upper end 4.

[0034] The ends 3, 4 have, for example, a substantially circular cross-section. By "cross-section" is meant here substantially perpendicular to the direction A. As is clear from [Fig. 1], each end 3, 4 has a flared shape whose cross-section increases progressively in the direction of the opposite end 4, 3.

[0035] Advantageously, the lower end 3 and the upper end 4 are made of polymer material.

[0036] Now a protective element 6 of the water heater 1 will be described according to a first embodiment of the invention with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The protective element 6 makes it possible in particular to protect the lower end 3 or the upper end 4 of the water heater 1 as will be detailed.

[0037] The protective element 6 comprises a cardboard plate 7. The plate 7 is for example made of corrugated cardboard, without this being limiting. A thickness of the plate 7 is preferably between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. For example, the thickness of the plate 7 is 1 cm.

[0038] The plate 7 comprises a first face 8, called the upper face, and a second face 9, called the lower face. The plate 7 preferably has the general shape of a parallelogram.

[0039] A plurality of zones 10 are included in the plate 7. In this case, the plate 7 comprises seven zones which are numbered 10-1 to 10-7 in Figures 2 and 3.

[0040] Each zone 10 comprises a first face, called the upper face, and a second face, called the lower face. In Figures 2 and 3, the upper faces of zones 10-1 to 10-7 are numbered 8-1 to 8-7, and the lower faces of zones 10-1 to 10-7 are numbered 9-1 to 9-7.

[0041] Preferably, all the zones 10 have the same external shape and the same size. In the non-limiting example of the figures, each zone 10-1 to 10-7 has a substantially square external shape. It is however possible for the external shape and size to vary between each zone 10.

[0042] As will be detailed later, the zones 10 are directly connected to each other. two by two.

[0043] Depending on the arrangement of the zones 10, the plate 7 has an unfolded configuration, visible in [Fig.2], and a folded configuration, visible in figures 4 and 5. [Fig.3] shows an intermediate configuration between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.

[0044] In the unfolded configuration, the plurality of zones 10 extends in a first plane comprising a direction X, called the longitudinal direction, and a direction Y, called the transverse direction. The longitudinal X and transverse Y directions are perpendicular to each other. It is noted that the terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” are here randomly assigned to, respectively, the direction X and the direction Y, but they could be interchanged.

[0045] In [Fig.2], the plurality of zones 10 are arranged in a single row 11 in the unfolded configuration of the plate 7. In this case, the row 11 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction X. The row 11 may have a length in the X direction of between 2.5 m and 4 m, for example equal to 3 m. A width of the row 11, corresponding to the dimension of the row 11 measured in the Y direction, may be between 0.3 m and 0.5 m.

[0046] In the folded configuration, the plurality of zones 10 are superimposed in a stacking direction E. The stacking direction E may be substantially parallel to one of the X direction or the Y direction, or follow any other orientation in space.

[0047] Preferably, in the folded configuration, each zone 10-1 to 10-6 is in contact, at least partially, with the zone 10-2 to 10-7 superimposed directly on it, as will be detailed later.

[0048] At least two zones 10 comprise a hole 12. In this case, each of the zones 10-3 to 10-7 of the plate 7 comprises a respective through hole 12.

[0049] In the folded configuration of the plate 7, each hole 12 is concentric with respect to the holes 12 of the other zones. Thus, as visible in [Fig. 4], in the folded configuration a housing 13 is formed in the protective element 6 by the alignment of the holes 12 according to the stacking direction E. The protective element 6 can thus be arranged around the lower end 3 or the upper end 4 of the water heater 1 by introducing the respective end 3, 4 into the housing 13.

[0050] In the figures, each hole 12 is substantially circular, but this is not limiting. Advantageously, each hole 12 has a shape and size complementary to the portion of the end 3 or 4 of the water heater 1 with which the respective zone 10 is aligned when the protective element 6 is arranged around the end 3 or 4. Thus, the housing 13 has a shape and size complementary to the end 3, 4 around which the protective element 6 is arranged. For example, if end 3 or end 4 have a square cross-section, holes 12 will have a square shape as well.

[0051] In the example of the figures, as previously indicated, each end 3, 4 has a flared shape whose cross-section increases progressively in the direction of the opposite end 4, 3. Consequently, in this example the size of the holes 12 increases progressively in the stacking direction E of the zones, as clearly visible in [Fig.4].

[0052] Preferably, the size of each hole 12 is chosen so that, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the corresponding end 3, 4 of the water heater 1 is received in the housing 13 in a fitted manner. In other words, the size of each hole 12 is chosen so that the housing 13 matches the shape of the corresponding end 3, 4 of the water heater 1. This limits the movements of the water heater 1 when it is packed with the protective element 6 around the ends 3, 4. The risk of damage to the ends 3, 4 during transport of the water heater 1 is thus reduced.

[0053] Alternatively, the size of each hole 12 can be chosen so as to leave a clearance between the corresponding end 3, 4 and the housing 13.

[0054] As clearly visible in Figures 2 and 3, at least one zone 10 of the plate 7 is devoid of holes 12. In this case, the zones 10-1 and 10-2 are devoid of holes 12. The zone(s) 10 devoid of holes 12 is / are placed for example at one of the ends of the plate 7.

[0055] Thanks to each zone 10 devoid of holes 12, the mechanical resistance of the protective element 6 in the folded configuration is increased.

[0056] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, one or more secondary holes 14 may be arranged in the areas 10 of the plate 7. Each secondary hole 14 is shaped to receive, for example in a fitted manner, parts of the water heater 1 other than the ends 3, 4. For example, the secondary holes 14 may be shaped to receive the tube 5 of the water heater 1.

[0057] Depending on the length of the received water heater portion 1, the secondary holes 14 of several zones 10 can be aligned according to the stacking direction E when the plate 7 is in the folded configuration.

[0058] In some cases, the secondary holes 14 function as moisture evacuation or ventilation holes. Also, advantageously, even areas without holes 12 have secondary holes 14. This ensures proper moisture evacuation and sufficient ventilation of the ends 3, 4 of the water heater 1.

[0059] As indicated previously, the zones 10 are directly connected to each other two by two.

[0060] A pre-cut 15 is arranged between two zones 10 directly connected to each other. Thus, the number of pre-cuts 15 in the plate 7 is at least equal to N-1, where N is equal to the number of zones 10 of the plate.

[0061] When all the zones 10 have the same size, as in the figures, all the pre-cuts 15 are spaced apart by the same distance.

[0062] As shown in [Fig. 2], the pre-cuts 15 are arranged in an intercalated manner on the upper face 8 and the lower face 9 of the plate 7. In particular, the pre-cuts 15 shown in solid lines (pre-cuts 15 arranged between the zones 10-2 and 10-3, 10-4 and 10-5, and 10-6 and 10-7) correspond to the pre-cuts 15 arranged on the upper face 8, while the pre-cuts 15 shown in broken lines (pre-cuts 15 arranged between the zones 10-1 and 10-2, 10-3 and 10-4, and 10-5 and 10-6) correspond to the pre-cuts 15 arranged on the lower face 9.

[0063] Each pre-cut 15 comprises at least one pre-cut line 16. Advantageously, as can be seen from [Fig. 2], each pre-cut 15 comprises two pre-cut lines 16 substantially parallel to each other. For example, the two pre-cut lines 16 of each pre-cut 15 are separated from each other by a distance of between 2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[0064] Each pre-cut line 16 comprises a notch, continuous or discontinuous, passing through a portion of the thickness of the plate 7 from one of the upper face 8 or the lower face 9 without reaching the opposite face 9, 8. Such a notch can be made from a cut of the plate 7. Alternatively, the notch can be obtained by applying a force compressing the plate 7 at each pre-cut line 16, so that a thickness of the plate 7 at each pre-cut line 16 is reduced relative to the remainder of the plate 7.

[0065] In this case, each pre-cut line 16 extends in the Y direction. Preferably, each pre-cut line 16 extends over the entire width of the row 11. However, each pre-cut line 16 could also extend only over a portion of the width of the row 11.

[0066] As will be explained later, when changing from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, the plate 7 is folded at each pre-cut 15.

[0067] The pre-cuts 15 facilitate the transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration of the plate 7. In particular, in the absence of pre-cuts 15, when the plate 7 is folded between each zone 10 to transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, one of the faces 8, 9 of the plate is subjected to tensile forces which can lead to uncontrolled tearing of the plate 7. Thanks to the pre-cuts 15, the tensile forces acting on the plate 7 are reduced during folding between the zones 10.

[0068] When the pre-cuts 15 comprise two pre-cut lines 16, the tensile forces acting on the plate 7 are further reduced during the passage of the confi unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. In particular, thanks to the presence of two pre-cut lines 16 per pre-cut 15, each zone 10 can be superimposed on the zone 10 to which it is directly connected from the production of two folds. A folding edge 17, visible in Figures 3 to 5, is thus formed between the zones 10 directly connected to each other. Each folding edge 17 extends between the pre-cut lines 16 of the same pre-cut 15 substantially parallel to the stacking direction E.

[0069] An angle formed between each folding edge 17 and each of the zones 10 that it connects is remarkably smaller than an angle formed between the two zones 10 directly connected to each other when a single pre-cut line 16 is provided per pre-cut 15. The tensile forces acting on the plate 7 during the transition between the unfolded and folded configurations are thus reduced thanks to the presence of two pre-cut lines 16 per pre-cut 15.

[0070] Furthermore, the pre-cuts 15 make it easy to recognize the parts of the plate 7 at which the folding must be done, for example, to ensure that the holes 12 are concentric in the folded configuration. This also makes it possible to speed up the transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration.

[0071] The plate 7 may also comprise at least one flap 18.

[0072] Each flap 18 is preferably connected to at least one of the zones 10 located at the end of the plate 7, in this case one of the zones 10-1 or 10-7. Advantageously, each flap 18 is made in one piece with the zone 10 to which it is connected. In Figures 2 and 3, the plate 7 comprises two flaps 18 connected to the zone 10-7.

[0073] Each flap 18 is configured to move from an initial position, in which it is included in the first plane, to a final position in which it extends substantially parallel to the stacking direction E.

[0074] The transition from the initial position to the final position of the flap 18 is done in particular from a folding at the interface between the flap 18 and the zone 10 to which it is connected.

[0075] In the non-limiting example of Figures 2 and 3, in the initial position each flap 18 projects from the zone 10-7 in the transverse direction Y. Alternatively, each flap 18 can be formed from a cutout made inside the zone 10-7, this cutout comprising an edge connected to the rest of the zone 10-7.

[0076] At least one of the zones 10 not carrying a flap 18 comprises at least one notch 19. Preferably, all of the zones 10 not carrying a flap 18 comprise at least one notch 19.

[0077] In the example of Figures 2 and 3, each notch 19 is arranged on a different edge of the respective area 10. Alternatively, each notch 19 may be arranged within the respective area 10, the notch 19 thus forming a groove. Each notch 19 is advantageously shaped to tightly receive the respective flap 18 when in the final position. Also, each flap 18 and each respective notch 19 are configured to cooperate so as to maintain the plate 7 in the folded configuration.

[0078] Now the steps for moving from the unfolded configuration of the plate 7 to the folded configuration will be described for the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5.

[0079] First, the plate 7 is folded at each pre-cut 15 so that each zone 10 is directly opposite another zone 10, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. For example, the plate 7 is folded so that each zone 10 is directly opposite the zone 10 immediately behind the row 11. Also, zone 10-1 is directly opposite zone 10-2, zone 10-2 is directly opposite zone 10-3, zone 10-3 is directly opposite zone 10-4, etc.

[0080] As indicated previously, in this first embodiment, the pre-cuts 15 are made in an intercalated manner on the upper face 8 and the lower face 9. The folding of the plate 7 is carried out in such a way that the face 8, 9 of the plate 7 not comprising a given pre-cut 15 is put under compression at the junction between the two zones 10 between which the given pre-cut 15 is arranged. Thus, after folding at the level of each pre-cut 15, the zones 10 separated by pre-cuts 15 made on the upper face 8 have their lower faces facing each other, while the zones separated by pre-cuts 15 made on the lower face 9 have their upper faces facing each other. Also, as clearly shown in [Fig.3], the upper face 8-1 is opposite the upper face 8-2, the upper face 8-3 is opposite the upper face 8-4, and the upper face 8-5 is opposite the upper face 8-6. On this same [Fig.3], the lower face 9-2 is opposite the lower face 9-3, the lower face 9-4 is opposite the lower face 9-5, and the lower face 9-6 is opposite the lower face 9-7.

[0081] Then, the zones 10 are brought closer to each other, so that each face of a given zone 10 is in contact with the face of the zone 10 which is opposite, as illustrated in [Fig.4]. The folded configuration of the plate 7 is thus obtained. As indicated previously, the folded configuration can be maintained by the cooperation of each flap 18 with the respective notches 19.

[0082] Advantageously, in the folded configuration, the area 10 without holes 12 is arranged at one of the ends of the folded protective element 6. If the protective element 6 comprises several areas without holes 12, these areas without holes 12 are arranged directly one after the other at one of the ends of the folded protective element 6. This ensures that the housing 13 is closed only at one of its ends, thus making it possible to increase the depth of the housing 13. according to the stacking direction E.

[0083] The protective element 6 in the folded configuration has the advantage of being very compact. In particular, a thickness of the protective element 6 in the folded configuration is preferably substantially equal to the product of the thickness of the plate 7 times the number of zones 10.

[0084] As already indicated, in the folded configuration of the protective element 6, one of the ends 3, 4 of the water heater 1 can be received, for example in a fitted manner, inside the housing 13. The end 3, 4 is thus protected against possible impacts which occur during the transport of the water heater 1.

[0085] It is noted that the transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration as described above has the advantage of being very rapid, in particular less than 20 seconds, or even less than 15 seconds. It is in particular possible to transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration in 10 seconds. This makes it possible to make this transition between the unfolded and folded configurations at the same time as the water heater 1 is packaged. There is therefore no need to store the protective elements 6 in the folded configuration, which makes it possible to reduce the storage space of the protective elements 6.

[0086] Now a protective element 6 of the water heater 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 7. In these figures, the components equal or similar to the components of the protective element 6 of Figures 2 to 5 bear the same references as in these Figures 2 to 5. For the sake of brevity, such components will not be described again in the following. Only the differences between this second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described in detail below, all the other characteristics of the first embodiment being applicable to this second embodiment.

[0087] The protective element 6 of Figures 6 and 7 differs from the protective element 6 of Figures 2 to 5 in that the plate 7 comprises six zones 20, numbered 20-1 to 20-6 in the figures.

[0088] The zones 20 have a shape and size similar or identical to the zones 10. Like the zones 10, the zones 20-1 to 20-6 each comprise an upper face, referenced respectively 8-1 to 8-6, and a lower face, referenced respectively 9-1 to 9-6.

[0089] Similarly, at least two zones 20-1 to 20-6 comprise the hole 12 and at least one of the zones 20-1 to 20-6 is devoid of holes 12. In this case, the zone 20-1 is devoid of holes 12, while the zones 20-2 to 20-6 each comprise a respective hole 12.

[0090] Even if they are not illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, each zone 20-1 to 20-6 comprises for example at least one secondary hole 14 to guarantee the evacuation of humidity and ventilation, as explained previously.

[0091] As previously indicated, each hole 12 has a shape and size complementary to the portion of the end 3 or 4 of the water heater 1 with which the respective zone 10 is aligned when the protective element 6 in the folded configuration is arranged around the end 3 or 4. Advantageously, as explained above, the shape and size of the holes 12 make it possible to receive the end 3, 4 in a fitted manner in the housing 13 formed in the folded configuration.

[0092] The protective element 6 of Figures 6 and 7 also differs from that of Figures 2 to 5 in that all the pre-cuts 15 are arranged on the same face 8, 9 of the plate, as will be detailed. This allows the protective element 6 to be manufactured more quickly.

[0093] Furthermore, the protective element 6 of figures 6 and 7 differs from the protective element 6 of figures 2 to 5 in that, in the unfolded configuration, the zones 20-1 to 20-6 are distributed over two aligned rows 22, 22'. In this case, the rows 22, 22' are aligned along the direction X, without this being limiting.

[0094] As can be seen from [Fig.6], each row 22, 22' comprises three of the zones 20-1 to 20-6. The first row 22 comprises zones 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3, the second row 22' comprising zones 20-6, 20-5 and 20-4.

[0095] The number of zones 20-1 to 20-6 per row 22, 22' is therefore less than the number of rows 11 of the first embodiment of the protective element 6. The length of each row 22, 22' in the X direction is thus reduced compared to the length of the row 11 described above. This makes it possible to manufacture the protective element 6 of Figures 6 and 7 on a greater number of production lines and machines than the protective element 6 of Figures 2 to 5.

[0096] Preferably, in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the length of each row 22, 22' along the direction X is between 1 m and 2 m. For example, the length of each row 22, 22' is equal to 1.5 m. The width of each row 22, 22' may be equal to the width described above for row 11 of the first embodiment.

[0097] As visible in [Fig.6], the zones 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3 of the first row 22 are aligned in the transverse direction Y with, respectively, the zones 20-6, 20-5 and 20-4 of the second row 22.

[0098] The zones 20-1 to 20-6 belonging to the same row 22 are directly connected to each other two by two. However, as is clear from [Fig. 6], only two zones belonging to different rows 22, in this case the zones 20-3 and 20-4, are directly connected to each other. A space 23 is provided between the rest of the zones 20 aligned in the transverse direction Y which are arranged on different rows 22, 22'. In this case, the space 23 separates the zones 20-1, 20-6 and the zones 20-2, 20-5. This makes it possible to arrange the pre-cuts 15 only on one of the faces 8, 9 of the plate 7, while ensuring that the face 8, 9 without pre-cuts 15 can only be subjected to compressive forces when the plate 7 passes from the unfolded configuration to the configuration. In Figures 6 and 7, the pre-cuts 15 are arranged on the lower face 9.

[0099] It is noted that the pre-cuts 15 are similar or identical to the pre-cuts 15 of the first embodiment and, as indicated previously, each pre-cut 15 is arranged between two zones directly connected to each other. Only the pre-cut 15 arranged between the zones 20-3 and 20-4 of the different rows 22, 22' is distinguished by the orientation of the pre-cut lines 16 of the pre-cuts 15 described above. In particular, the pre-cut lines 16 arranged between the zones 20-3 and 20-4 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0100] Now the steps for moving from the unfolded configuration of the plate 7 to the folded configuration will be described for the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7.

[0101] As illustrated in [Fig.7], initially the plate 7 is folded simultaneously at the pre-cuts 15 separating from the other zones 20 the zones 20 of two different rows 22, 22' which are directly connected to each other. As indicated, in the example of figures 6 and 7, the zones 20-3 and 20-4 correspond to the only zones of the two different rows 22, 22' which are directly connected to each other. Also, in the example of figures 6 and 7, the plate 7 is folded simultaneously at the pre-cuts 15 separating the zones 20-2 and 20-3 and the zones 20-4 and 20-5. In the following, the simultaneous folding of the plate 7 at the pre-cuts 15 separating the zones 20-2 and 20-3 and the zones 20-4 and 20-5 is called “first folding”.

[0102] The first folding is carried out in such a way that the face of the plate 7 not comprising a given pre-cut 15 is put into compression at the junction between the two zones 20 between which the given pre-cut 15 is arranged. As indicated, in Figures 6 and 7 each pre-cut 15 is arranged on the lower face 9 of the plate 7. Also, after the first folding of the plate 7, the upper face 8-2 of the zone 20-2 and the upper face 8-3 of the zone 20-3 on the one hand, and the upper face 8-4 of the zone 20-4 and the upper face 8-5 of the zone 20-4 on the other hand, are brought into contact with each other.

[0103] Then, another folding of the plate 7, called second folding, is carried out at the level of the pre-cuts 15 separating the zones 20-1 and 20-2, and the zones 20-6 and 20-5. The second folding is also carried out in such a way that the face of the plate 7 not comprising a pre-cut 15 is put into compression at the level of the junction between the two zones 20 that the pre-cut 15 delimits.

[0104] As zones 20-3 and 20-4 were superimposed on zones 20-2 and 20-5 respectively during the first folding, the upper face 8-1 of zone 20-1 and the in lower face 9-3 of zone 20-3 on the one hand, and the upper face 8-6 of zone 20-6 and the lower face 9-4 of zone 20-4 on the other hand, are brought into contact with each other after the second folding. All zones 20 belonging to the same row 22, 22' are thus stacked.

[0105] In order to stack the zones 20 of the two rows 22, 22' of the plate 7, another folding, called third folding, of the plate 7 is carried out at the pre-cut 15 separating the zones 20-3 and 20-4 belonging respectively to the row 22 and to the row 22'. The third folding of the plate 7 is also carried out in such a way that the face of the plate 7 not comprising the pre-cut 15 between the two zones 20-3, 20-4 is put under compression at the level of this pre-cut 15. Also, after the third folding of the plate 7, the lower face 9-2 of the zone 20-2 and the lower face 9-5 of the zone 20-5 are brought into contact with each other.

[0106] The folded configuration of the plate 7, with all the zones 20 superimposed according to the stacking direction E and the holes 12 being concentric with each other, is thus obtained.

[0107] In this second embodiment, the stacking order of the zones 20 of the plate 7 according to the stacking direction E after the application of the steps described above is therefore the following: zone 20-1, zone 20-3, zone 20-2, zone 20-5, zone 20-4, zone 20-6.

[0108] As previously indicated, the folded configuration can be maintained by the cooperation of each flap 18 with the respective notches or grooves 19.

[0109] The application of the steps described above for the transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration of the plate 7 according to the second embodiment of the invention makes it possible to arrive at the folded configuration from the cutouts 15 made on a single face 8, 9 of the plate 7 while guaranteeing that the face 8, 9 without pre-cutouts 15 is only subjected to compressive forces. The manufacture of the protective element 6 is thus facilitated and the mechanical strength of this element 6 improved.

[0110] Advantageously, in the folded configuration, the zone 20 without holes is arranged at one of the ends of the folded protective element 6. If the protective element 6 comprises several zones 20 without holes, these zones 20 without holes are arranged directly one after the other at one of the ends of the folded protective element 6. This ensures that the housing 13 is closed only at one of its ends, thus making it possible to increase the depth of the housing 13 in the stacking direction E.

[0111] The protective element 6 in the folded configuration has the advantage of being very compact. In particular, a thickness of the protective element 6 in the folded configuration is preferably substantially equal to the product of the thickness of the plate 7 times the number of zones 10.

[0112] As already indicated, in the folded configuration of the protective element 6, one of the ends 3, 4 of the water heater 1 can be received, for example in a fitted manner, inside the housing 13. The end 3, 4 is thus protected against possible impacts which occur during the transport of the water heater 1.

[0113] Furthermore, the transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration of the plate 7 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 is very rapid. In particular, the steps described above can be implemented in a time of less than 20 seconds, or even less than 15 seconds. As for the first embodiment, it is also possible to transition from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration in this second embodiment in 10 seconds. This makes it possible to make this transition between the unfolded and folded configurations at the same time as the water heater 1 is packaged. There is therefore no need to store the protective elements 6 in the folded configuration, which makes it possible to reduce the storage space of the protective elements 6.

[0114] [Fig. 8] shows a protective element 6 of the water heater 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention. In this figure, components equal or similar to the components of the protective element 6 of Figures 6 and 7 bear the same references as in these Figures 6 and 7. For the sake of brevity, such components will not be described again in the following. Only the differences between this third embodiment and the second embodiment will be described in detail below, all other features of the second embodiment being applicable to this second embodiment.

[0115] The protective element 6 of [Fig. 8] differs from the protective element 6 of figures 6 and 7 in that one of the rows 22, 22' of the plate 7 comprises a zone 20 longitudinally between two other zones 20 which is separated by a space 23, on the one hand from one of the zones 20 which is immediately next to it in the longitudinal direction X, and on the other hand, from the zone 20 which is immediately next to it in the transverse direction Y. Each of the other zones 20 is directly connected to the zone 20 arranged immediately next to it in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y. In this case, the zone 20-5 is separated by the space 23 from the zone 20-4 and from the zone 20-2, all the other zones 20 being connected two by two by the parts of the plate 7 comprising the pre-cuts 15.

[0116] Furthermore, the protective element 6 of [Fig. 8] differs from the protective element 6 of FIGS. 6 and 7 in that the zone 20 without a hole 12 corresponds to that which is immediately next to it in the direction Y of the zone 20 separated by the space 23 from the zone 20 which is immediately next to it in the longitudinal direction X. In this case, the zone 20-2 is without a hole 12, while the zones 20-1, 20-3, 20-4, 20-5 and 20-6 each comprise a respective hole 12.

[0117] Even if they are not illustrated in [Fig.8], each zone 20-1 to 20-6 comprises for example at least one secondary hole 14 to guarantee the evacuation of humidity and ventilation, as explained previously.

[0118] To move from the unfolded configuration of the plate 7 of [Fig. 8] to the folded configuration, it can first be folded at the pre-cuts 15 corresponding to the zone separated by the space 23 from the zones immediately adjacent in the X and Y directions. In particular, this zone, in this case zone 20-5, is folded so as to be positioned opposite the zone with which it is directly connected by the pre-cuts 15 in the longitudinal direction X, in this case zone 20-6. Zone 20-4 can in turn be placed opposite zone 20-3 by folding the plate at the pre-cut 15 separating them. Then, the plate 7 is folded successively at each pre-cut 15 extending in the transverse direction Y, to finally fold the plate 7 at the pre-cuts 15 extending in the longitudinal direction X.

[0119] The folded configuration of the plate 7, with all the zones 20 superimposed according to the stacking direction E and the holes 12 being concentric with each other, is thus obtained.

[0120] Of course, the plate 7 and the zones 20 could have any other shape adapted to the water heater to be protected. Similarly, any other way of folding the plate 7 to obtain the superposition of the zones 20 according to the stacking direction E is conceivable.

[0121] Now a method of manufacturing the protective element 6 applicable to the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment described previously will be described.

[0122] The manufacturing method comprises a first step of making the holes 12 and the secondary holes 14, on the respective zone 10, 20. For this purpose, cutouts and / or perforations are made on a cardboard plate corresponding to the plate 7 in the unfolded configuration when it is full (i.e., when the plate 7 does not include any discontinuity on the faces 8, 9). During this step, the flaps 18 and the notches 19 can also be made from the cutouts and / or perforations of the cardboard plate.

[0123] In the case of the second embodiment and the third embodiment, this first step of the manufacturing method also comprises the production of a cutout making it possible to form the space 23.

[0124] Advantageously, the cutouts and / or perforations are made using a cutting tool. The cutting tool can be automated, which makes it possible to improve the precision of the cutouts and perforations made. The cutting tool is in particular configured so that each of the holes 12, and possibly each of the secondary holes 14, are shaped to receive, preferably in a fitted manner, the less a portion of the water heater 1.

[0125] In order for the holes 12 to have the shape and dimensions suitable for receiving one of the ends 3, 4, the water heater 1 can be modeled for example using computer-aided design software. This makes it possible to determine the actual size and shape of the water heater 1 to be protected without the need to manufacture prototypes.

[0126] The method comprises a second step of making the pre-cuts 15 described above on the plate 7. This step can be implemented by a pre-cutting tool applied against one of the faces 8, 9 of the plate 7. The pre-cutting tool is in particular capable of making a continuous or discontinuous notch, passing through part of the thickness of the plate 7 from one of the upper face 8 or the lower face 9 without reaching the opposite face 9, 8.

[0127] Alternatively, the pre-cuts 15 can be made using a non-cutting tool which exerts a compressive force on the plate 7, so as to create an area of ​​reduced thickness for each pre-cut line 16, as explained previously.

[0128] Of course, the order of carrying out the first and second steps described here can be reversed, the second step being able to be carried out before the first step.

[0129] After carrying out the first step and the second step of the method for manufacturing the protective element 6, the protective element 6 is obtained in the unfolded configuration.

[0130] To move to the folded configuration, the method comprises applying the steps for moving from the unfolded configuration of the plate 7 to the folded configuration which have been described above for the first to third embodiments of the protective element 6.

[0131] It is noted that the protective element 6 and the method of manufacturing it have an ecological advantage compared to the prior art. On the one hand, the manufacturing method does not use large quantities of water. On the other hand, since the protective element 6 is made of cardboard, it is biodegradable.

[0132] Furthermore, the protective element 6 is manufactured from a process using materials, such as cardboard, which are inexpensive but capable of absorbing collisions very satisfactorily. It is thus possible to obtain a high-performance and economical protective element 6.

[0133] The protective element 6 can also be adapted to any water heater without the need to manufacture a specific mold for each type of water heater. Indeed, as indicated above, the size and shape of the holes in the plate 7 can be modeled by computer, which makes it easy to obtain the protective element 6 adapted for a given type of water heater 1.

[0134] The protective element 6 is also a space-saving element, both in the unfolded configuration and in the folded configuration.

[0135] Finally, the protective element 6 is obtained without it being necessary to assemble several separate pieces. From a single cardboard plate, it is possible to manufacture the protective element 6, without having to use glue, staples, adhesive tape or the like.

[0136] Of course, even if the protection element 6 has mainly been described here as an element for protecting a part of a water heater 1, the protection element 6 can protect, totally or partially, any other product 1 for heating a fluid.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective element (6) for a product (1) for heating a fluid, such as a water heater, the protective element comprising a cardboard plate (7) comprising a plurality of zones (10, 20), the plate (7) having an unfolded configuration, in which the plurality of zones (10, 20) extends in a first plane, and a folded configuration, in which the plurality of zones (10, 20) are superimposed in a stacking direction (E), in which at least two zones (10, 20) of the plurality of zones comprise a hole (12) shaped to receive at least a portion of said product (1), the protective element being characterized in that, in the folded configuration of the plate, the hole (12) of each zone (10, 20) is concentric with respect to the hole (12) of each of the other zones (10, 20) and the size of the holes (12) increases progressively in the stacking direction (E) of the zones (10, 20).

2. Protective element (6) according to claim 1, wherein at least one area (10, 20) of the plate (7) is free of holes (12).

3. Protective element (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the unfolded configuration of the plate (7), said zones (10, 20) are arranged in a single row (11).

4. Protective element (6) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which, in the unfolded configuration of the plate (7), said zones (10, 20) are distributed in two aligned rows (22, 22').

5. Protective element (6) according to the preceding claim, in which only two zones (10, 20) belonging to different rows (22, 22') of the plate (7) are directly connected to each other.

6. Protective element (6) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which the plate (7) comprises a pre-cut (15) arranged between two zones (10, 20) directly connected to each other.

7. Protective element (6) according to the preceding claim, in which each pre-cut (15) comprises two pre-cut lines (16) substantially parallel to each other.

8. Protective element (6) according to one of claims 6 or 7, the plate (7) comprising a first face (8) and a second opposite face (9), in which each of the pre-cuts (15) is made on only one of the first face (8) and the second face (9) of the plate (7).

9. Protective element according to one of claims 6 or 7, the plate (7) comprising a first face (8) and a second face (9) opposite each other, in which two successive pre-cuts (15) are made intercalated on the first face (8) or on the second face (9) of the plate (7).

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