EP2204887A1 - Covering device for switches and/or sockets - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a cover holder (2) comprising a locking unit e.g. collar (21), for a partially enclosed channel, which is ended in a discharge outlet (25) of the cover holder. The discharge outlet discharges a fluid in the surrounding of the covering device. A partially enclosed deflection unit is provided outside the channel with a groove and a rib. The deflection unit deflects the fluid into the channel in a closed condition, where the fluid comes from the surrounding of the covering device. The groove is arranged at the holder, and the rib is arranged at a cover (3).

Description

Cover plates for electrical sockets or switch boxes are often used in the wet area. The cover plates are commonly used in outdoor buildings to protect against the ingress of liquid into the can. A cover plate usually consists of a frame part or cover holder with an opening and a lid, which is movably connected to the frame part and is provided to cover the opening. Usually, coil springs are used to cause the necessary contact force of the lid to the frame part.

State of the art

In order that the penetration of liquid into the opening can be prevented, in the prior art mainly sealing means made of an elastic material are used. A disadvantage of these sealants is in particular that they age faster due to the use and the weather conditions in the outdoor area and thus become brittle and leaky. Another disadvantage of elastic sealants, such as foam, is the accumulation of dirt. For example, algae can form on dirty spots. Foams are difficult to clean, so that such cover plates for hygiene reasons in the chemical industry or in the medical field are not suitable. In other cover plates, this disadvantage is to be remedied by the fact that the frame part at the opening a protective edge has, wherein the lid is slipped over this protective edge. However, it has been found that this solution, which usually dispenses with soft sealants, allows certain residual amounts of liquid to penetrate into the opening.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to propose a cover, which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular has a dense, age-resistant, low-wear and cost seal between the lid and cover bracket and so the high performance requirements.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a covering device according to independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the inventive cover device will become apparent from the dependent claims.

In particular, these objects are achieved by the invention by a cover device for protecting a switch and / or socket, which is connectable to the switch and / or socket, wherein the cover comprises a cover holder with an opening and a closing this opening movable cover and wherein the lid is pressed in the closed state by means of spring means on the lid holder, wherein the opening enclosing locking means are each provided with a support surface on the lid holder and the lid, the two support surfaces form-closed in the closed state, the lid holder a the locking means at least for Part having enclosing channel, wherein the channel opens into a discharge of liquid into the environment of the covering serving discharge opening of the cover holder, wherein outside of the channel, this at least partially enclosing deflection means having a groove and a Rib are present, by means of which in the closed state from the environment of the cover device coming liquid is deflected into the channel. The blocking means are, for example, formed as a collar, each with a bearing surface, wherein a respective collar is arranged on the lid holder and a collar on the lid. An essential advantage of this device consists in the fact that the interaction of deflecting means, channel and blocking means the penetration of liquid from the environment into the opening is the best possible preventable. The one or more deflection means, consisting of at least one groove and a rib projecting into this groove, form a "labyrinth seal". Several groove-rib pairs may be provided to increase the effect of the labyrinth seal. As a result, penetrating liquid is deflected several times and reduced the penetration rate. Nevertheless, if penetrating liquid has passed through the deflection means, the liquid is collected in the channel and fed to the discharge opening. The blocking means prevent as much as possible that liquid which has passed the deflection means and the channel can penetrate into the opening. This provides reliable protection against the ingress of dripping, spray or jet water. The cover is also suitable for protection against foreign bodies, such as dust, sand or dirt. In addition, the cover also serves as protection against contact.

In a further embodiment of the covering device, the groove is arranged on the cover holder and the rib on the lid. One of the advantages of the invention is that in the lid holder usually the space is designed such that a groove can be attached, while the lid has a rib, which protrudes in the closed state without contact in the corresponding groove. But the diversion can also be achieved be that the lid has the groove and on the lid holder, the corresponding rib is arranged.

In a further embodiment variant of the covering device, the cover is pivotable relative to the cover holder about a pivot axis. The bearing surfaces are inclined in the closed state against a plane passing through the pivot axis plane. In another embodiment of the cover, the collar of the cover holder has a collar edge, wherein the support surface of the collar of the lid holder is inclined against the collar edge of the lid holder. The collar of the lid has a collar edge, wherein the bearing surface of the collar of the lid is inclined against the collar edge of the lid. One of the advantages of the invention is that the support surface can be maximized by the inclination. As a result, an advantageous positive connection between the lid and lid holder is achieved. By suitable choice of the tilt angle, the positive connection can be optimized.

In one embodiment, the cover device fastening means for releasably securing the cover device to a housing of the switch and / or socket or on a wall mounting plate. One of the advantages of the invention is that the covering device can thereby be fastened to various types of cans and thus can be used universally. The cover can also be attached to a mounting plate on a wall.

In another embodiment variant of the covering device, a handle is provided on the cover, wherein the handle has a rib which is inclined towards the lid holder for deflecting liquid from the environment. One of the advantages of the invention is that the deflection brakes or distracts penetrating liquid and reduces the force on the lid. This ensures that the lid closes in the closed state together with the lid mount the opening approximately liquid-tight.

In a further embodiment of the covering device, the or each spring means is designed as a spiral spring, which is arranged on an axle member. One of the advantages of the invention is that the use of a spiral spring permits a compact design of the cover device, so that the deflection means can be arranged as completely as possible along the opening.

In another embodiment of the covering device, a deflection means for deflecting liquid is arranged on the outer edge of the channel. One of the advantages of the invention is that the deflecting means implemented as a rib or web, for example, serves to divert fluid into the channel in the area of the pivot axis. In the closed state, for example, the liquid can penetrate to the channel in the region of the pivot axis. The deflection causes the liquid to be slowed down and discharged in the channel.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische und vereinfachte Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen Abdeckvorrichtung, welche in einer Explosionszeichnung dargestellt ist;
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische und vereinfachte Darstellung der Abdeckvorrichtung, wobei diese im geöffneten Zustand dargestellt ist;
• Fig. 3 zeigt die Abdeckvorrichtung gemäss Fig. 1, wobei die Abdeckung im geschlossenen Zustand dargestellt ist;
• Fig. 4 als ein Detail der Fig. 3 in einer Schnittdarstellung;
• Fig. 5 zeigt ein Detail der Figur 4;
• Fig. 6 zeigt die Deckelhalterung in einer Aufsicht;
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine geschnittene Darstellung der Fig. 6;
• Fig. 8 zeigt ein Detail von Fig. 6 in einer Schnittdarstellung;
• Fig. 9 zeigt den Deckel der Abdeckvorrichtung in einer Aufsicht;
• Fig. 10 zeigt die Innenseite des Deckels;
• Fig. 11 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Deckels in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung;
• Fig. 12 zeigt eine Detailansicht des Deckels;
• Fig. 13 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Deckels in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung;
• Fig. 14 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Deckels in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung;
• Fig. 15 zeigt eine Detailansicht des Deckels;
• Fig. 16 zeigt ein Detail des Deckels und insbesondere die Rippe im Randbereich desselben;
• Fig. 17 zeigt eine Detailansicht des Deckels.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Here are the drawings and their description further essential features and advantages of the invention.

• Fig. 1 shows a schematic and simplified representation of the inventive cover device, which is shown in an exploded view;
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic and simplified representation of the cover, wherein this is shown in the open state;
• Fig. 3 shows the cover according to Fig. 1 wherein the cover is shown in the closed state;
• Fig. 4 as a detail of Fig. 3 in a sectional view;
• Fig. 5 shows a detail of FIG. 4 ;
• Fig. 6 shows the lid holder in a plan view;
• Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the Fig. 6 ;
• Fig. 8 shows a detail of Fig. 6 in a sectional view;
• Fig. 9 shows the lid of the cover in a plan view;
• Fig. 10 shows the inside of the lid;
• Fig. 11 shows a side view of the lid in a partially sectioned view;
• Fig. 12 shows a detailed view of the lid;
• Fig. 13 shows a side view of the lid in a partially sectioned view;
• Fig. 14 shows a side view of the lid in a partially sectioned view;
• Fig. 15 shows a detailed view of the lid;
• Fig. 16 shows a detail of the lid and in particular the rib in the edge region thereof;
• Fig. 17 shows a detailed view of the lid.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cover device 1 for switch and / or sockets for protection against liquid, which is remotely connected to the switch and / or socket. In particular, switch and / or plug as electrical or electronic switch and / or plug, for example, realized for home installations. Electrical switches, electrical buttons or electrical plugs are commonly used for live wiring, such as household appliances or lamps. It is also possible to provide plug sockets for communication or multimedia plug or cable. For example, communication plugs can be connectors for telephone, LAN or WAN applications. Multimedia connectors can be, for example, cinch plugs or couplings for audio or video cabling. For example, a switch can also be realized as a pushbutton or pushbutton. Switches, buttons and / or plugs for mounting on walls of buildings, cabinets and the like are also referred to as electrical appliances. The switches, pushbuttons and / or plugs should be usable in the wet area and be mounted flush or flush. The cover can be permanently or temporarily connected to a can. It can also be an integral part of a can. The covering device 1 comprises a lid holder 2 with an opening 4 and a movable lid 3 closing this opening 4. The lid 3 is pressed in the closed state by means of spring means 5 onto the lid holder. At the lid holder 2 and the lid 3, a collar 21,31 is provided, each collar 21,31 has a bearing surface 211,311. The two bearing surfaces 211,311 are in the closed state to each other, which, for example, a Cone seal is realized. Thereby, the penetration of liquid 6 into the opening 4 can be prevented. The cover holder 2 has a collar 21 at least partially enclosing channel 24 with an outer edge 241, wherein the channel 24 opens into a the discharge of liquid 6 serving discharge opening 25 of the cover holder 2. The cover holder 2 has a spaced from the outer edge 241 of the channel 24, this at least partially enclosing groove 23. The cover 3 has a rib 33 projecting into the groove 23 in the closed state, whereby liquid 6 coming from the surroundings of the covering device 1 can be deflected. The cover device 1 has fastening means 7,26 for releasable attachment to a housing of the switch and / or socket. The or each spring means 5 is formed as a spiral spring, which is arranged on an axle member 8. The lid and lid holder are preferably made of plastic which has good rigidity, impact resistance, dimensional stability, good insulating properties and good heat resistance. The use of such a material or material connections allows the covering device to be used in various fields, including the chemical or medical industries. The cover device is used, for example, in such a way that it is fastened to an electrical and / or electronic switch and / or an electrical and / or electrical socket and the drainage opening 25 is directed downwards against the environment. Since no sealing material, such as foam, must be used to seal the cover, the cover is less susceptible to dirt or grime accumulation. The cover can be cleaned with simple means and is easy to disinfect.

FIG. 2 illustrates the cover device 1 in an open position. In this case, the lid 3 with respect to the Cover holder 2 pivotable about a pivot axis. When closed, as in FIG. 3 is illustrated, the bearing surfaces 211.311 are inclined against a plane passing through the pivot axis plane. The cover holder 2 may have fastening means 28 for fastening an electrical apparatus. In the present case, a tab with a hole for performing, for example, a pin or a screw is provided. Out FIG. 2 it can be seen that a rib 27 is provided in each case in the region of the pivot axis. Usually, the covering device 1 is mounted perpendicular to a mounting plane on a building wall or a device, so that the outlet opening 25 is arranged at the lowest point. The rib 27 in the region of the pivot axis serves for deflecting liquid into the channel 24. In the closed state, the liquid can, for example, penetrate in the region of the pivot axis. The deflection causes the liquid to be slowed down.

The FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate in a sectional view the closed state of the cover device 1, wherein FIG. 5 a detail of FIG. 4 shows. The lid 2 touches the lid holder 3. The collar 21 of the lid holder 2 has a collar edge, wherein the support surface 211 of the collar 21 of the lid holder 2 is inclined against the collar edge of the lid holder 2. The collar 31 of the lid 3 has a collar edge, wherein the support surface 311 of the collar 31 of the lid 3 is inclined against the collar edge of the lid 3. The rib 33 of the lid 3 projects contactlessly into the groove 23. The rib 33 has at least one surface and / or at least one edge, which is in the closed state at a small distance from a surface and / or edge of the groove 23. The groove 23 has two opposing side surfaces. The rib 33 has two opposite, planar side surfaces. Each side surface of the rib 33 has from the opposite side surface the groove 23 in the closed state a small distance. The groove 23 has a flat base. The rib 33 has an end face, which is in the closed state in, for example, at a small distance from the base of the groove 23. The spacing of the rib from the groove can be chosen deliberately. The size of the spacing can also be dependent on the manufacturing tolerances of lid 3 and lid holder 2. In addition, the rib must be spaced from the groove so that the lid can be closed without contact. The rib should not touch the groove, so that the freedom of movement of the lid is ensured. Furthermore, the rib should not touch the groove also because in the closed state, the cone seal should be effective. Basically, the smallest possible narrow gap between the lid and lid holder is desired. Groove 23 and rib 33 are cooperative and form a "labyrinth seal". For example, the groove and rib may be referred to as a pair. Several groove-rib pairs may be provided to increase the effect of the labyrinth seal. If several groove-rib pairs are used, liquid is deflected several times and thereby slowed down over several stages. Liquid, which has been deflected and slowed, is collected in the channel 24 and preferably discharged at the drainage port 25 into the environment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of FIG. 4 , In FIG. 5 illustrates how the liquid 6 is deflected several times after penetration into the opening between the lid 3 and lid holder 2. This deflection causes the velocity of the penetrating liquid from the environment to be throttled or reduced. The rib 33 protruding into the depression or groove 23 without contact extends as far as possible along the opening 4. The cover 3 can also have a plurality of sections with groove-rib pairs. In one embodiment, not shown Also be provided that the labyrinth seal consists of several, for example. Concentric or mutually parallel groove-rib pairs. In a further embodiment, a groove may also be provided on the cover 3 and a rib which projects correspondingly into the groove in the closed state on the cover holder 2.

The FIGS. 6 to 8 show the cover holder 2 of the cover 1 in different views. FIG. 8 shows in a detailed view of the recess or groove 23 of the lid holder.

The FIGS. 9 to 17 show the lid 3 of the cover 1 in different views. On the lid 3, a handle 35 is provided, wherein the handle has a lid holder 2 inclined rib 351 for deflecting liquid 6 from the environment. In FIG. 17 are in a side view of the lid 3, the spring means 5, which presses the lid on the lid holder, and the axis 8 can be seen, wherein the spring means are formed as a spiral spring.

Reference numeral Legend

1

covering

2

cover support

21

collar

211

bearing surface

23

Slot / groove / deflection

24

channel

241

outside of

25

drain opening

26

hole

27

rib

28

fastener

3

cover

31

collar

311

bearing surface

33

Deflecting rib /

35

Handle

351

rib

4

opening

5

spring means

6

liquid

7

holding means

8th

axis

9

sealant

Claims (10)

Cover device (1) for protecting a switch and / or socket, which is connectable to the switch and / or socket, wherein the cover device (1) has a cover holder (2) with an opening (4) and an opening (4) comprises closing movable cover (3) and wherein the lid (3) in the closed state by means of spring means (5) is pressed onto the cover holder (2),
characterized,
that the opening (4) enclosing locking means (21,31) are each provided with a support surface (211,311) on the cover holder (2) and the lid (3), wherein the two bearing surfaces (211,311) form-closed close in the closed state,
in that the cover holder (2) has a channel (24) which at least partially encloses the blocking means (21, 31), wherein the channel (24) flows into a discharge opening (FIG. 1) for discharging liquid (6) into the surroundings of the covering device (1). 25) of the lid holder (2) opens,
that outside of the channel (24), this at least partially enclosing deflection means with a groove (23) and a rib (33) are present, by means of which in the closed state from the environment of the covering device (1) coming liquid (6) in the channel ( 24) is deflectable. Covering device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking means are designed as collars (21, 31) each with a bearing surface (211, 311), one collar (21) each being attached to the lid holder (2) and one collar (31). is arranged on the lid (3). Covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the groove (23) on the cover holder (2) and the rib (33) are arranged on the cover. Covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover (3) with respect to the cover holder (2) is pivotable about a pivot axis and that the bearing surfaces (211,311) inclined in the closed state against a plane passing through the pivot axis level are. Covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the collar (21) of the cover holder (2) has a collar edge, wherein the bearing surface (211) of the collar (21) of the cover holder (2) against the collar edge of Lid holder (2) is inclined and that the collar (31) of the lid (3) has a collar edge, wherein the support surface (311) of the collar (31) of the lid (3) against the collar edge of the lid (3) is inclined. Covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the covering device (1) fastening means (7,26) for releasable attachment to a housing of the switch and / or socket. Covering device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a handle (35) is provided on the cover (3), the handle having a rib (351) inclined towards the cover holder (2) for deflecting surrounding liquid (6). having. Covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the or each spring means (5) is designed as a spiral spring which is arranged on an axle member (8). Covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a deflection means (27) for deflecting liquid is arranged on the outer edge (241) of the channel (24). Use of a covering device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the covering device (1) is attached to an electrical and / or electronic switch and / or electrical and / or electrical socket in such a way that the drainage opening ( 25) is directed against the environment down.

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