Cover structure

Abstract

A cover structure comprises a support frame for electric modules, a cover which is hinged to the support frame, a resilient element and a blocking device which comprises a deformable element and an abutment element. The abutment element is configured so as to urge the deformable element in the direction away from the hinging axis of the cover when it is arranged in a position between a lower limit angle and an upper limit angle with respect to the closed position, and is further configured so as to disengage the deformable element when the upper limit angle is passed. The deformable element is a flexible plate of flat shape and comprises a free end which develops in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flexible plate and which has a thickness substantially equal to that of the flexible plate. The abutment element comprises an end region which is configured so as to be arranged in abutment against the free end when the abutment element is rotated with respect to the closed position by an angle equal to the upper limit angle.

Description

[0001] COVER. STRUCTURE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a cover structure of the type comprising a support frame for electric modules and a cover which is hinged to the frame.

[0004] In the relevant technical sector with respect to civil and industrial electrical plants, there is perceived the need to provide systems for protection from external agents for the electric modules used in the plant.

[0005] For example, when electric modules, such as switches, push-buttons, sockets, etc., are used in external environments or are generally exposed to dust and dirt, there may be used a cover which is arranged so as to cover the electric modules and which can be opened if it becomes necessary to physically reach them.

[0006] Some known solutions provide for the use of suitable frames which can be applied to the supports on which the electric modules are mounted, and therefore to which the cover is rotatably connected, thereby allowing the movement described above. It is further possible to provide a spring which is capable of urging the cover into an open or closed position depending on the different operating requirements.

[0007] The document EP 0 263 376 Al further describes using a snap-fit system for keeping the cover in an open position during the use of the electric modules.

[0008] Another example of a module provided with a cover is described in US 2005 / 109529 Al.

[0009] However, the Applicant has perceived a need to improve the reliability of such a system and the other existing, conceptually similar solutions.

[0010] In fact, it must be understood that the support and cover are typically made from plastics materials and the action of opening / closing, which is repeated for an extremely high number of times during the life cycle of the product, can bring about a deterioration in the components of the snap-fit system.

[0011] Furthermore, in some situations there is also perceived the need to increase the stability of the cover in the position blocked open, generally improving the accessibility to the modules below.

[0012] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is therefore to provide a cover structure which is structurally and functionally configured to at least partially overcome one or more of the disadvantages set out with reference to the cited prior art.

[0013] In the context of this problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure in which the reliability in terms of maintenance of the performance characteristics over time are improved with respect to the known solutions.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure which allows the cover to be kept in an open position in a sufficiently stable manner but without the subsequent closure thereof excessively loading the components of the cover structure.

[0015] An object of the present invention is also to provide a cover structure which has a relatively compact structure which is suitable for being associated with the supports for electrical installations which are typically used in the field.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure which allows the known installation solutions to be improved in the context of a rational solution and at a relatively contained cost.

[0017] This problem is solved and at least one of these objects is at least partially achieved by the invention in a first aspect thereof by means of a cover structure comprising a support frame for electric modules and a cover which is preferably hinged to the support frame about a hinging axis so as to be able to rotate between a closed position and an open position, preferably passing through an intermediate position.

[0018] The cover structure preferably comprises a resilient element which is configured so as to urge the cover towards the closed position and / or towards the open position.

[0019] The cover structure preferably comprises a blocking device.

[0020] The cover structure preferably comprises a deformable element and an abutment element which are formed on the support frame and on the cover, respectively, or vice versa.

[0021] The deformable element is preferably in the form of a flexible plate having a flat shape.

[0022] Preferably, the flexible plate comprises a free end and extends, preferably in the direction away from the hinging axis.

[0023] Preferably, the deformable element and the abutment element are configured so that an end region of the abutment element approaches the deformable element.

[0024] Preferably, the end region urges the deformable element in a direction away from the hinging axis during a rotation of the cover from the closed position to the intermediate position.

[0025] Preferably, the deformable element and the abutment element are further configured so as to disengage the deformable element in the open position so as to allow the deformable element to return into a non-deformed condition.

[0026] Preferably, the free end develops in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a development direction of the flexible plate. Preferably, the deformable element and the abutment element are further configured so that, once the cover has reached the open position and the deformable element is returned into the non-deformed condition, the end region is urged, preferably by means of a rotation of the cover towards the closed position, and preferably brought about by means of the resilient element, towards the free end until moving into abutment against the free end so as to maintain the cover in the open position.

[0027] Preferably, the deformable element is configured so that the end region remains in abutment against the free end until an urging action is applied to the free end, preferably in a point-like manner, sufficient to deform the flexible plate.

[0028] In a second aspect thereof, the invention also relates to a cover structure comprising a support frame, preferably intended for supporting electric modules, and a cover which is hinged to the support frame about a hinging axis so as to be able to rotate between a closed position and an open position, preferably passing through an intermediate position.

[0029] The cover structure preferably comprises a resilient element which is configured so as to urge the cover into an open position and / or into a closed position.

[0030] The cover structure preferably comprises a blocking device which includes a deformable element and an abutment element which are formed on the support frame and on the cover, respectively, or vice versa.

[0031] The deformable element is preferably in the form of a flexible plate.

[0032] The deformable element is preferably configured so as to urge the deformable element in a direction away from the hinging axis when the cover is arranged in a position between a lower limit angle and an upper limit angle with respect to the closed position. Preferably, the position included between a lower limit angle and an upper limit angle with respect to the closed position corresponds to the intermediate position.

[0033] Preferably, the abutment element is configured so as to disengage the deformable element when the upper limit angle is passed so as to allow the deformable element to return into a non-deformed condition.

[0034] Preferably, the flexible plate has a flat shape and comprises a free end.

[0035] Preferably, the free end develops in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a development direction of the flexible plate.

[0036] Preferably, the free end has a thickness which is substantially equal to a corresponding thickness of the flexible plate.

[0037] Preferably, the abutment element comprises an end region which is configured so as to be arranged in abutment against the free end when the abutment element is rotated with respect to the closed position by an angle equal to the upper limit angle.

[0038] It will be appreciated that the cover structure of the present invention according to the first and / or second aspect allows urging of the components which is less powerful with respect to the known solutions because it is not necessary to provide specific seats for blocking the cover.

[0039] The deformable element is further in a substantially non-deformed condition when the cover is in the open position and, advantageously, also when it is in the closed position, consequently reducing the risk of permanent plastic deformations of the structure which could compromise the correct operation thereof. In addition, it must be observed that the cover is kept open by means of the abutment between the abutment element and the deformable element, thereby making the open position particularly stable.

[0040] The use of a flexible plate then allows the unblocking of the cover to be obtained by means of an urging action which is applied to the end of the plate itself, also in a direction similar to or virtually identical to that of a point-like load. In fact, the form and arrangement of the plate are such as to provide a support base sufficient to keep the cover open in a stable manner but, at the same time, it may be deformed by means of relatively contained loads which are therefore also applied in a point-like manner or with similar methods.

[0041] The present invention may further have at least one of the additional preferred features set out below.

[0042] In some embodiments, the abutment element comprises a blocking member and an elongate portion which extends in a direction away from the blocking member and from the hinging axis, the end region being defined on the elongate portion.

[0043] It is thereby possible to position the abutment element in such a position as not to impede the rotation of the cover, maintaining a compact structure with spatial requirements comparable to those of the known solutions.

[0044] Preferably, the cover defines a housing for the abutment element. In some embodiments, the blocking member is configured so as to be received in the housing. Preferably, the housing comprises an opening, through which the elongate portion, exiting the housing, passes. In some embodiments, the abutment element is formed as a different member with respect to the cover.

[0045] As a result of the above-mentioned features, the construction and assembly of the cover structure may be simplified. Preferably, the abutment element is made of a plastics material which is different from the cover so as to allow the use of a material with mechanical characteristics which are more suitable for supporting the deformation cycles required for unblocking the cover.

[0046] In some embodiments, the deformable element includes a widened base, by means of which it is connected to a base surface of the frame.

[0047] Preferably, the widened base is formed by a plurality of ribs having a transverse development with respect to the flexible plate.

[0048] As a result of the above-mentioned features, there may be limited the risk that the plate may break as a result of the deformations which it undergoes during use of the cover structure.

[0049] Preferably, the resilient element comprises a torsion spring which is received in the housing. Preferably, the resilient element includes respective ends, the housing comprising an additional opening, through which one of the ends passes so as to abut the frame.

[0050] These features also contribute to simplifying the structure and to optimizing the assembly thereof.

[0051] In some embodiments, the blocking member has a substantially complementary shape with respect to the housing, the blocking member preferably having a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0052] It is thereby possible to use a housing which is arranged in a state substantially concentric with the hinging axis and to obtain a rotation of the blocking member by rotating the cover itself.

[0053] Preferably, the free end defines a tip of the plate, the elongate portion being in abutment, in the region of the end portion, with the tip of the plate when the abutment element is rotated with respect to the closed position by an angle equal to the upper limit angle.

[0054] As a result of this feature, the blocking of the cover is brought about in a support position, contributing to the stability of the structure in this position but without having to keep the structure in a stressed state.

[0055] In some embodiments, the abutment element is of elongate form with a substantially rectilinear development.

[0056] In the present description and in the appended claims, a number of terms and expressions are considered to have, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the meaning expressed in the following definitions.

[0057] The expression "electric module" or "module for electric plant" is intended to be understood to be any module which can be used in a domestic, commercial or industrial electric plant which is intended to control and generally operate the components or the equipment items present in the plant. These modules may comprise by way of non-limiting example sockets, switches of various types, sensors, control devices, such as thermostats, or signalling devices, such as ringers, buzzers.

[0058] This definition also includes ornamental elements which are typically formed by dummy push-buttons with a covering function, for example, where other units of different types are not present.

[0059] The expressions "substantially parallel" and "substantially perpendicular" with reference to two directions, axes, planes or components, in the context of the present invention, are intended to indicate a possible deviation of ±10°, preferably ±5°, with respect to complete parallelism and complete perpendicularity between the two directions, axes, planes or components, respectively. The term "plate" is intended to be understood to identify a structure in which two dimensions have a significantly greater extent than the third one. These two greater dimensions may have extents which are mutually similar or also mutually different provided that both are significantly greater than the third dimension.

[0060] The features and advantages of the present invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0061] • Figures 1A and IB are two perspective views of the cover structure of the present invention in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively;

[0062] • Figure 2 is a detailed view, in accordance with a cross-section, of the cover structure of the present invention with the cover arranged in an open position;

[0063] • Figure 3 is a perspective view of another detail, in accordance with a different cross-section, of the cover structure of the present invention with the cover arranged in an open position; and

[0064] • Figures 4A and 4B are two detailed views, in accordance with a crosssection of the cover structure of the present invention with the cover arranged in an intermediate position and in an open position, respectively.

[0065] Initially with reference to Figure 1, a cover structure according to the present invention is generally designated 100.

[0066] The cover structure 100 comprises a support frame 1 which is configured to support, directly or indirectly, electric modules and a cover 2.

[0067] In some embodiments, the support frame 1 is in the form of a framework.

[0068] There is thereby defined a through-opening 101 which allows the electric modules to be reached and where applicable installed. In particular, the support frame 1 may be provided with engaging elements 102, by means of which the electric modules can be fixed to the frame.

[0069] Alternatively, the support frame 1 may be combined with a suitable support which is intended in turn for fixing the electric modules.

[0070] Again alternatively, there may be provision for the electric module to be fixedly joined to the support frame 1 itself.

[0071] The cover 2 is further hinged to the support frame 1 about a hinging axis X so as to be able to rotate between a closed position illustrated in Figure 1A and an open position illustrated in Figure IB.

[0072] It may be observed that the cover may provide a central, transparent region 20 in order to allow observation of the modules below when in the closed position.

[0073] The transparent region 20 may further be made from flexible material, allowing any switches and push-buttons to be actuated even when the cover is closed.

[0074] Now with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the cover structure 100 further comprises a resilient element 3 which, as will be seen below in greater detail, acts on the cover 2 in order to urge it so as to open. It may be observed that, in some embodiments, the resilient element can also be configured so as to urge the cover 2 so as to close and both so as to open and to close, in accordance with the angular position of the cover 2 with respect to the frame 1.

[0075] Still with reference to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments the cover structure comprises a blocking device 4 which allows the cover 2 to be kept in an open position.

[0076] To this end, the blocking device 4 includes a deformable element 5 and an abutment element 6 which are preferably formed on the support frame 1 and the cover 2, respectively. In order to facilitate the cover structure 100, and in particular to provide for the abutment element 6 to be used with a structurally simple solution, the cover 2 can advantageously be provided with a housing 21, inside which the abutment element 6 is inserted.

[0077] The housing 21 can be defined by an arc-like structure which extends from the cover 2 substantially about the hinging axis X. The arc-like structure has such an extent that the housing is not completely closed, but at least one opening 22 through which a portion of the abutment element 6 can pass is defined.

[0078] It may be observed that, in some embodiments, the abutment element 6 comprises a blocking member 61 and an elongate portion 62.

[0079] The housing 21 is advantageously configured so as to contain therein the blocking member 61 with the elongate portion 62 which passes through the opening 22, while exiting the housing 21.

[0080] In this manner, even in the embodiments in which the abutment element 6 is formed as a different member with respect to the cover 2, it is possible to bring about a connection between the abutment element 6 and the cover 2 itself so as to make the two components rotationally secure about the hinging axis X.

[0081] It may also be observed that, in some embodiments, the blocking member is of substantially cylindrical shape with an axis which is substantially coincident with the hinging axis X. The blocking member 61 advantageously has a shape which substantially complements the housing 21 and therefore the above-mentioned configuration, with the elongate portion 62 which passes through the opening 22, allows the cover 2 and the abutment element 6 to be kept rotationally secure.

[0082] The elongate portion may further extend in the direction away from the housing 21 so as to interact with the deformable element 5 in accordance with methods described below, in greater detail, with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention. As may be observed in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the deformable element 5 is preferably in the form of a flexible plate 50.

[0083] During the rotation about the hinging axis X of the cover 2, the abutment element 6 interacts with the deformable element 5 with different methods as a function of the rotation angle of the cover 2 with respect to the frame 1.

[0084] Preferably, considering a rotation with respect to the closed position of the cover 2, in a first rotation step the abutment element 6 and in particular the elongate portion 62 thereof, is kept spaced apart from the deformable element 5, which is not therefore subjected to stresses.

[0085] This condition is maintained until the cover 2 reaches an angle with respect to the closed position equal to a lower limit angle al.

[0086] By way of example, the lower limit angle ol may have an extent between 10° and 45° and more preferably between 20° and 35°.

[0087] In any case, it will be appreciated that, in alternative through non-preferred embodiments, the lower limit angle may also have values which are smaller or greater. In particular, this angle may also be equal to 0°, corresponding to the closed position of the cover 2, that is to say the abutment element 6 may urge the deformable element 5 even when the cover 2 is closed.

[0088] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a preferred embodiment, in which, as illustrated above, there is no contact between the abutment element 6 and the deformable element 5 in the first portion of the movement of the cover 2 in the opening direction.

[0089] Advantageously, with the lower limit angle ol being passed, the abutment element 6 moves into contact with the deformable element 5, urging it so as to bend it. The contact takes place in the region of one of the greater faces of the deformable element 5, which are defined by the plate-like shape thereof. In other words, the contact occurs preferably so as to generate a force which is directed in the direction of greatest deformability of the plate. The stress produced by the abutment element 6 is preferably such as to generate flexion of the deformable element 5 in the direction away from the hinging axis X.

[0090] The deformable element 5 is urged by the abutment element 6 so that the cover 2 reaches an upper limit angle o2, by passing which the abutment element 6 disengages the deformable element 5.

[0091] By way of example, the upper limit angle o2 may have an extent between 90° and 160° and more preferably between 90° and 120°.

[0092] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, it may be observed that, in accordance with preferred embodiments, the deformable element extends from a base surface 10 of the frame 1 over a length I and the distance d between the end region 60 of the abutment element 6 and the base surface 10 varies as a function of the rotation of the cover 2 about the hinging axis X. When the cover passes the position defined by the upper limit angle o2, the distance d is greater with respect to the length I and consequently there is no contact between the end region 60 and the deformable element 5.

[0093] The position corresponding to the upper limit angle o2, illustrated in Figure 4B, instead represents the position in which the end region 60 is in abutment against the deformable element 5, in the region of a free end 51 thereof which, as previously illustrated, may advantageously form a tip of the plate 50 which forms the deformable element.

[0094] In fact, it may be observed that the flexible plate 50 is preferably of flat shape and the free end 51 develops in a plane substantially perpendicular to the development direction of the plate 50, which advantageously coincides with the direction of the length I thereof. The free end 51 therefore forms substantially a tip, which does not necessarily taper to a point, of the plate 50. In other words, the free end 51 may have a thickness which is substantially equal to that of the flexible plate 50.

[0095] Therefore, there are no widened portions or other variations of form in the plate 50, the presence of which could impede the deformability thereof or make the movements thereof poorly fluid or poorly predictable.

[0096] Therefore, this allows the production of optimum deformation of the deformable element 5 following the urging action produced by the abutment element 6.

[0097] In fact, as illustrated above, the abutment element 6 is configured so as to urge the deformable element 5 in a direction away from the hinging axis X when the cover 2 is in a position between the lower limit angle ol and the upper limit angle o2.

[0098] However, when the upper limit angle o2 is passed by the cover 2, the deformable element 5 is disengaged so as to allow the same deformable element 5 to return into a non-deformed condition.

[0099] As mentioned above, the resilient element 3 is advantageously configured so as to urge the cover 2 so as to open. There may be provision for, when the cover 2 is in the position corresponding to the upper limit angle o2, the resilient element 3 is in a substantially neutral condition or for it not to further urge the cover 2 so as to open, or in any case it produces only a minimal urging action.

[0100] In this manner, the abutment position, that is to say the position in which the cover 2 is in an angular position corresponding to the upper limit angle o2, may be sufficiently stable with the abutment element 6 in abutment against the free end of the deformable element 5.

[0101] In some embodiments, this is also brought about by providing for the resilient element 3 to be received in the housing 21, with an additional opening being formed in the housing 21, by means of which the resilient element 3 passes so that a respective end thereof abuts the frame 1, as may be observed, for example, in Figure 3.

[0102] To this end, it may also be observed that the resilient element 3 may comprise a torsion spring 30 which is received in the housing 21, as may be observed in Figure 2, so as to be combined optimally with the blocking member 61 of the abutment element 6.

[0103] Therefore, the closure of the cover 2 can be brought about by urging the cover 2 so as to close with sufficient force to obtain a deformation of the plate by applying a load in the region of the free end 51.

[0104] It may be observed that, as illustrated in Figure 4B, the load applied by the abutment element 6 to the deformable element 5, when the cover 2 is arranged in the region of the upper limit angle and is urged so as to close, is such as to be substantially a point-like load or resembles this type of urging action.

[0105] This involves the fact that there is required a specific force for obtaining a sufficient deformation of the deformable element 5 to again allow the passage of the abutment element 6 and the respective closure of the cover 2.

[0106] It is thereby possible to prevent, or in any case limit, accidental closures of the cover 2 and to confer sufficient stability on the cover 2 when it is in the open position.

[0107] Vice versa, during the opening step, the application of the load is brought about gradually because the end region 60 of the abutment element 6 moves progressively into contact with the deformable element 5.

[0108] In fact, it may be observed that, in preferred embodiments, the end region 60 follows a circular trajectory during the rotation of the cover 2 while the abutment element 6 is preferably of substantially rectilinear form or in any case another form which does not follow the same circular trajectory of the end region 60 suitable for defining the previously described abutment. Now with reference also to Figure 3, it may be observed that, in some embodiments, in order to improve the resistance of the deformable element 5 to the oscillating movements which occur following opening and closing of the cover, there may be provided a widened base 52, by means of which the deformable element 5 is connected to the base surface 10 of the frame 1.

[0109] Preferably, the widened base 52 is formed by a plurality of ribs with a transverse development with respect to the flexible plate 50.

[0110] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the abutment element 6 may be made from a different plastics material from the cover 2. In fact, using a more rigid material for the abutment element 6, it is possible to facilitate the deformation of the deformable element 5 which is instead made from the same material as the cover 2, being obtained, for example, by form-moulding in a single piece.

[0111] The invention thereby solves the problem proposed, at the same time achieving a number of advantages. In particular, there is provided a cover structure capable of being maintained in a stable manner in the open position, while providing a structurally simple and robust solution.

Claims

Claims1. A cover structure (100) comprising:- a support frame (1) for electric modules;- a cover (2) which is hinged to the support frame (1) about a hinging axis (X) so as to be able to rotate between a closed position and an open position, passing through an intermediate position;- a resilient element (3) which is configured so as to urge the cover (2) towards the open position and / or towards the closed position,- a blocking device (4) which comprises a deformable element (5) and an abutment element (6) which are formed on the support frame (1) and on the cover (2), respectively, or vice versa, the deformable element (5) being in the form of a flexible plate (50) having a flat shape, the flexible plate (50) comprising a free end (51) and extending in a direction away from the hinging axis (X), the deformable element (5) and the abutment element (6) being configured so that an end region (60) of the abutment element (6) approaches the deformable element (5) and urges it away from the hinging axis (X) during a rotation of the cover (2) from the closed position to the intermediate position, and are further configured so as to disengage the deformable element (5) in the open position so as to allow the deformable element (5) to return in a nondeformed condition, the free end (51) developing in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a development direction (I) of the flexible plate (50), the deformable element (5) and the abutment element (6) further being configured so that, once the cover (2) has reached the open position and the deformable element (5) returns into the non-deformed condition, the end region (60) is urged, by a rotation of the cover (2) towards the closed position, towards the free end (51) until moving into abutment against the free end (51) so as to maintain the cover (2) in the open position.

2. A cover structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the abutment element (6) comprises an elongate portion (62) which extends in the direction away from the hinging axis (X), the end region (60) being defined on the elongate portion (62).

3. A cover structure (100) according to claim 2, wherein the cover (2) defines a housing (21) for the abutment element (6), the abutment element (6) comprising a blocking member (61) which is configured so as to be received in the housing (21), the elongate portion (62) extending in a direction away from the housing (21).

4. A cover structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (21) comprises an opening (22), through which the elongate portion (62), exiting the housing (21), passes.

5. A cover structure (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the abutment element (6) is formed as a different member with respect to the cover (2).

6. A cover structure (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the blocking member (61) has a substantially complementary shape with respect to the housing (21), the blocking member (61) preferably having a substantially cylindrical shape.

7. A cover structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the abutment element (6) is made of a plastics material which is different from the cover (2).

8. A cover structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable element (5) includes a widened base (52), by which it is connected to a base surface (10) of the frame (1).

9. A cover structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the widened base (52) is formed by a plurality of ribs having a transverse development with respect to the flexible plate (50).

10. A cover structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient element (3) comprises a torsion spring (30) which is received in the housing and which includes respective ends, the housingincluding an additional opening, through which one of the ends passes so as to abut the frame (1).

11. A cover structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate position is defined by a position between a lower limit angle (ol) and an upper limit angle (o2) formed between the cover (2) and the support frame (1) with respect to the closed position.

12. A cover structure (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lower limit angle (ol) has an extent between 10° and 45° and more preferably between 20° and 35°.

13. A cover structure (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the upper limit angle (o2) has an extent between 90° and 160° and more preferably between 90° and 120°.

14. A cover structure (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the end region (60) is configured so as to be arranged in abutment against the free end when the abutment element (6) is rotated with respect to the closed position by an angle equal to the upper limit angle (o2).

15. A cover structure (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the free end (51) defines a tip of the plate (50), the elongate portion (62) being configured so as to be in abutment, in the region of the end region (60), with the tip of the plate (50) when the abutment element (6) is rotated with respect to the closed position by an angle equal to the upper limit angle (o2).

16. A cover structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable element (5) is configured so that the end region (60) remains in abutment against the free end (51) until an urging action sufficient to deform the flexible plate (50) is applied to the free end (51).

17. A cover structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free end (51) has a thickness which is substantially equal to a corresponding thickness of the flexible plate (50).

18. A cover structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (1) comprises engaging elements (102) for fixing electric modules.

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