EP4685405A1

EP4685405A1 - Cover for covering a transmission line between an outdoor unit and a building and a kit comprising the cover

Info

Publication number: EP4685405A1
Application number: EP24190551.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olivier SIEGEL; Lionel CHAUMEIL; Florian ANTOINE
Original assignee: BDR Thermea Group BV
Current assignee: BDR Thermea Group BV
Priority date: 2024-07-24
Filing date: 2024-07-24
Publication date: 2026-01-28

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a cover for covering at least a part of at least one transmission line extending at least partially in a length direction between an outdoor unit, optionally a heat pump unit, and a wall, such as of a building. The cover comprises a unit opening for abutment to the outdoor unit in a region where the transmission line protrudes from the outdoor unit, and a wall opening for abutment to the wall in a region where the transmission line protrudes from the wall. The unit opening and the wall opening are distanced from each other at least in the length direction. The cover has a top surface inclined relative to each of the unit opening and the wall opening and configured to guide water away from each of the unit opening and the wall opening by means of gravity. The cover comprises a plurality of cutting lines for cutting of the cover along the cutting line for adaption of the cover in the length direction.

Description

Technical field

The invention concerns a cover, the use thereof, a kit including the cover as well as the use of the kit.

Background

An outdoor unit of a heating and/or cooling system is fluidly and/or electronically connected via transmission lines to the inside of e.g. a building. Such transmission lines exit the outdoor unit and are typically exposed until they enter the building, e.g. via an opening in the building wall. To avoid damage to the exposed transmission lines due to weather conditions, e.g. by water and/or snow, e.g. sleeves may house parts of the transmission lines.
A drawback of sleeves may be that they may not allow to house additional elements between the heat pump and the building, for example valves. Specifically, a valve may be an exogel valve, which empties the water circuit if there is a risk of freezing and associated damage; and a leakage valve, which empties the refrigerant in the water circuit in case of leakage; and an electric element, such as for electric consumption measurement. Furthermore, a sleeve may not precisely cover the end of the transmission line, meaning that the wall opening, and the unit opening may insufficiently or not be protected.
There is a need for a more reliable and simpler way of handling e.g. drain water between an outdoor unit and a wall of a building or any other entity to which a transmission line from the outdoor unit runs.
Hence, improvements as to the reliability, versatility and/or handling/installation of protection of transmission lines, in particular against drain water, are desired.

Summary of the invention

The present invention solves this problem and provides a cover for covering at least a part of at least one transmission line extending at least partially in a length direction between an outdoor unit, optionally a heat pump unit, and a wall, such as of a building. The cover comprises a unit opening for abutment to the outdoor unit in a region where the transmission line protrudes from the outdoor unit, and a wall opening for abutment to the wall in a region where the transmission line protrudes from the wall. The unit opening and the wall opening are distanced from each other at least in the length direction. The cover has an inclined top surface, e.g. inclined relative to each of the unit opening and the wall opening, and is configured to guide water away from each of the unit opening and the wall opening by means of gravity. The cover comprises a plurality of cutting lines for cutting the cover along one of the cutting lines for adaption of the cover in the length direction.
The cover may be ready for use without cutting along a cutting line, in case the full (i.e. maximum) length of the cover is used, as this length corresponds to the distance between the outdoor unit and the wall. However, it is not excluded that only after cutting the cover along a cutting line the cover is ready for use.
In some embodiments, the transmission lines may be completely covered/hidden by the cover between the outdoor unit and the wall.
The idea underlying the invention may be summarized as simplification of installation of a protection for transmission lines between an outdoor unit and a wall in which the transmission lines "disappear". In particular, in some embodiments, the cover may allow to hide the transmission lines, to protect the transmission lines as well as the unit and the wall, to allow for access for maintenance/check, and/or to offer an enclosed volume for additional elements that are to be protected, e.g. valves. The cutting lines allow to customize the length of the cover, e.g. dependent on the distance between the outdoor unit and the wall. The cutting lines are configured as separation lines for separation of a part of the cover from the remaining cover, such that the cover is configured to be adaptable (i.e. to be shortened) as to its dimension in the length direction.
Liquid or snow, in particular rainwater, is supposed to drain away so as to avoid contact with the wall and/or the outdoor unit, due to the slope of the top surface of the cover. Also, refrigerant or other fluids in the transmission lines (e.g. water in case of a monobloc outdoor unit) may be drained away, in case of leakage. Optionally, due to the direction of the slope and also the presence of the cutting lines, if formed as grooves and/or ribs, the cutting lines may support guidance of water to a desired location (e.g. away from the wall). Alternatively or additionally, a cutting line may be indicated by means of e.g. a colored line (no reduction in material).
The invention offers various improved embodiments in terms of reliability, versatility and/or handling. For example, the cutting line allows to provide a pre-cut design for adjusting the length of the cover. The cutting lines may also help that the cutting will be parallel to the unit/wall, namely along the cutting line. If not, cutting may create a gap between the cover and the wall and then, this area may not be covered appropriately.
A slope of the top surface of the cover is such as to direct water to e.g. a side instead of the wall.
In other words, the top surface is configured to guide water away from each of the unit opening and wall opening, irrespective of whether the cover is cut along a cutting line or not (i.e. whatever the resizing of the part according to a cutting line is). The top surface includes the cutting lines, i.e. the cutting lines cross the top surface. The cutting lines may support water drainage by establishing a guiding function, if the cutting line is realized as a groove which receives and guides the water.
The unit/wall openings are unit/wall connectors (joints), as they allow for abutment against the unit/wall to connect the cover to the unit/wall.
The slope of the top surface may be oriented towards the periphery of the assembly, so that water may run down the side rather than towards the wall and the unit to which the cover is installed. This may prevent water from accumulating at the wall and/or indoor unit, which could lead to moisture, discoloration, electrical problems or reliability issues on these components.
The cover is made of a cuttable material, and the cutting lines may be a cutting groove/rib to facilitate cutting of the cover. In particular, the cover may have grooves parallel to its opening at the wall and the unit. This may allow the user to cut the part to make it thinner and adjust it to the space available between the wall and the unit.
The cover may be seen as a housing configured to accommodate transmission lines, such as cables and/or pipes. The cover may be regarded as forming a channel between the outdoor unit and the wall, wherein the channel houses the transmission lines (and optionally further elements, such as valves) at least partially.
The cover has at least two openings, which may represent opposite faces and/or wherein at least one opening of the two openings is vertical in the installation position, i.e. when installed.
The top surface (upper face) has at least one, optionally two or more, slope(s) configured to drain liquid/material (e.g. water or snow) along the outer side of the cover.
As such, the top surface may be regarded as a roof of the cover. The inclination of the top surface may be inclined to the effect that the normal vector is directed outside the cover (i.e. the normal vector does not point inwardly). This may help to direct water to flow away from the top surface, i.e. the cover.
Optionally, the wall opening may be lower than the unit opening. Alternatively or additionally, the wall opening may be smaller than the unit opening. Both openings may have a same lower level.
The length of the inclined top surface in the length direction may be about 50 to 90% of the length of the cover in the length direction, i.e. of the upper surface.
The top surface forming the inclined roof may comprise the cutting lines. The remaining part of the upper surface may be free of cutting lines. Preferably, the cutting lines are on the side of the wall opening, but they may be also on the side of the outdoor unit (additionally or alternatively).
The upper surface at the unit opening may be higher than the top surface. In other words, the upper surface adjacent the unit opening may be higher/elevated compared to upper surface/top surface adjacent the wall opening. Also, the opposite configuration is possible, namely: The upper surface at the wall opening may be higher than the top surface. In other words, the upper surface adjacent the wall opening may be higher/elevated compared to upper surface/top surface adjacent the unit opening.
Optionally, edges of the unit opening at least partially circumscribing the unit opening lie in a vertical first plane, and/or edges of the wall opening at least partially circumscribing the wall opening lie in a vertical second plane. Further optionally, the first and second planes may be parallel to each other.
Optionally, the top surface is inclined relative to the horizontal, when the cover is installed on site.
Optionally, the top surface comprises at least two inclined roof sides opposite to each other and separated, optionally symmetrically, by an edge peak, wherein each roof side is inclined relative to the horizontal, when the cover is installed on site. As such, the top surface may be regarded as a roof having two roof halves.
Optionally, the cutting lines at least in parts run perpendicular to the length direction. Optionally, the cutting lines run parallel to the plane defined by the wall opening. Accordingly, this may allow for effective shortening of the length of the cover in the length direction.
Optionally, the cutting lines extend/run at least partially along the perimeter of the wall opening. In other words, the cutting lines may at least in parts be parallel to the wall opening. This configuration may help to place the wall opening at the desired position in the length direction. The cutting line to be cut may be seen as representing the "new" wall opening, once the cover has been cut along said cutting line.
More optionally, the cutting lines may substantially run parallel to the second vertical plane. In this case, a wall opening defined/formed by a respective cutting line is also vertical, when installed.
Optionally, the (all or at least some) cutting lines are distanced less than 10 cm from the wall opening.
Optionally, there is a ((flat)) distance minimum between an edge (unit or wall side) and all cutting lines, such that this flat distance is at least equal to the minimum distance required between the rear side of the unit and the wall. Put differently: An outdoor unit may need to be positioned away from the wall with a minimum distance, so as to ensure that sufficient air flow can enter/exit the unit. That is why the outdoor unit may not be directly installed on the wall, but at a certain distance. The cover may be realized in such a way that, even with the minimal length of the cover (by cutting at the smallest dimension), it is ensured that this minimal distance is achieved. Accordingly, the minimum length of the cover cut along the cutting line leading to the shortest length of the cover may be 150 mm, preferably at least 250 mm.
Optionally, the cover further comprises at least one bottom groove at a bottom region of the cover, the at least one bottom groove configured as a separation line for separation of a lowest part of the bottom region from the remaining cover and further optionally running horizontally.
Optionally, the cover may be integral, i.e. one piece. Alternatively, the cover may comprise first and second sections, which are separable from each other. Hence, the cover may comprise more than one part. For example, the cover may consist of two or more parts.
Optionally, the cover is configured for division (separation) perpendicular to the length direction or comprises the first and second sections (i.e. is already divided/separated), optionally the first section comprising at least the wall opening, and the second section comprising at least the unit opening. These sections may represent a wall section and an outdoor unit section accordingly. This may allow for mounting of the cover under an offset of a building wall. The cover may comprise at least of two sections/parts, optionally more sections.
Alternatively or additionally, the cover may be configured for division parallel to the length direction, optionally the first section comprising at least a part of the wall opening and of the unit opening and the second section comprising at least a part of the wall opening and of the unit opening. These sections may be connectable to each other from side to side. Hence, the sections may represent two halves which each include a side of the cover. Alternatively, the sections may represent an upper part and a lower part (i.e. two halves which represent upper and lower parts) of the cover.
Optionally, the cover comprises, in a bottom region, at least one opening configured for drainage. The opening may allow for drainage of condensation water, snow, and/or flammable and leaking fluid to escape. Accordingly, optional evacuation openings on the bottom may allow for drainage of water and leaking liquid.
Optionally, the dimension of the cover in the length direction is at most 500 mm and/or the dimension of the inclined top surface in the length direction is at least 150 mm. This may allow for sufficient versatility of the cover. The minimal dimension of the cover (when cut as small as possible) in the length direction is at least 150 mm, preferably at least 250 mm. In other words, a distance between the wall or unit opening, and the cutting line furthest away from the unit or wall opening, respectively, is at least 150 mm, preferably at least 250 mm.
By means of the cutting lines, the length of the cover may be adjustable between 250 to 350 mm. A suitable length of the cover depends on the distance between the outdoor unit and the wall. It may be preferable to cover substantially the entire length of this distance by the cover.
Optionally, the cover comprises an insulating and cushioning material, optionally expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or has an average wall thickness of about 10 to 30 mm. The cover may be made of foamed plastic such as EPP, optionally with a density between 45 and 80 g/L and/or with UV resistance compatibility, so as to allow for versatility as to shapes, functions and compatibility with outdoor applications (waterproof, compatibility with outdoor temperature, sunlight and humidity). A thickness of the walls of the cover, e.g. of the EPP, may be between 10 and 30 mm. An optional reinforcement of the cover may be made of steel.
Optionally, the edges of the unit opening are configured for engagement with a bracket, optionally a metal bracket, at the outdoor unit, further optionally such that the unit opening at least partially embraces the bracket. The bracket may be configured such that it protects (even without cover) the outdoor unit from entry of water. For example, the bracket may be configured for sealing against water. The bracket may be integral to the outdoor unit or may be an additional part mounted to the outdoor unit.
Optionally, the top surface of the cover is planar, at least partially. Alternatively, the top surface may, at least in parts, be rounded or curved. Optionally, the inclination of the top surface is such that the cover has, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the length direction, at least in parts a triangular, rounded, and/or trapezoidal shape. These or other geometries may be beneficial in terms of guiding water away from the cover.
Optionally, the unit opening, and the cover are configured such as to allow to open a maintenance panel of the unit without removing the cover. For example, it may be possible to remove the evaporator grid of the outdoor unit for maintenance without removing the hydraulic pipes and the cover.
In some embodiments, the cover does not need to be fixed with e.g. screws in place. Rather, the cover may be shaped such that it allows for engagement with a bracket, e.g. by sliding the cover onto the bracket.
Optionally, the cover may be made, e.g. consist, of plastics or metal. For example, the whole cover can may be made of plastic foam (while an optional bracket is made of metal). This may provide for (thermal) insulation of transmission lines, in particular pipes that are not in contact with the outside air. Optionally, a bottom e.g. plate (made of metal or plastic) may be added.
Optionally, the cover may be configured for two alternative installation modes. More specifically, the cover may, by means of a mount cutting line, be adaptable to be configured for wall-mounted or for floor-mounted installation of the outdoor unit. A mount cutting line may run at least in parts parallel to the length direction and perpendicular to the length direction, and may be one of the plurality of cutting lines.
The invention is also directed to the use of the cover of the invention with an outdoor unit of a heating and/or cooling system, optionally a heat pump system, more preferably an air-source outdoor unit. During use, the cover least partially covers a transmission line, optionally tubing for fluid communication and/or electric wire for electric communication and/or power supply between the outdoor unit and an indoor unit located behind a wall of a building.
Using a cover of an embodiment of the invention may include the following steps for installing for the cover between an outdoor unit and a wall, namely: Installing the piping (hydraulic or refrigerant) and/or the wires (power and/or signal) between an opening in the outdoor unit and an opening in the wall; Adjusting the length of the cover to the space/distance available between the wall and the outdoor unit by cutting the cover along the at least one cutting line; Placing the cover and optionally a bottom part around the piping and/or wiring to cover it;
The invention is also directed to a kit comprising a cover of the invention and a bracket for mounting a unit opening of the cover to the outdoor unit, wherein the bracket is at least partially planar and comprises at least one void for passing through the at least one transmission line, and the cover is configured to be slid at least partially along the bracket in the vertical direction for installation of the cover, preferably on site, optionally wherein the bracket and the cover are disassembled. The kit may help to provide a mounting means for the cover.
Optionally, the kit is used for connection to an outdoor unit, wherein a rear side of the outdoor unit is substantially planar and comprises, in a lower part of the rear side, the at least one transmission line protruding from the remaining outdoor unit in a length direction, and the bracket is mounted to the rear side of the outdoor unit and the cover is mounted to the bracket.
The invention, in general, is applicable to any kind of heat pump system comprising an outdoor unit, including at least one ground source (water)- or air source-heat pump unit and a cover of the invention, optionally also a bracket. A heat pump unit of the heat pump system may be a split unit or a monobloc unit. The heat pump system may be configured to heat and/or cool air or water (of a closed loop or of an open loop, such as domestic hot water).

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 schematically shows in Fig. 1(a) and 1(b) perspective views from different perspectives, and in Fig. 1(c) a side view of a cover of an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 schematically shows in Fig. 2(a) a perspective view, and in Fig. 2(b) a side view, and in Fig. 2(c) a cross-sectional side view of an outdoor unit, a wall and a cover of an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of an outdoor unit having transmission lines and a cover of an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 schematically shows in Fig. 4(a) an upper view and in Fig. 4(b) and 4(c) perspective views from different perspectives of a cover of an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 schematically shows in Fig. 5(a) to 5(d) perspective views of an outdoor unit to which a cover of an embodiment of the invention is being mounted.
Fig. 6 schematically shows in Fig. 6(a) to 6(c) side views of a wall and an outdoor unit to which a cover of an embodiment of the invention is being mounted.
Fig. 7 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of an outdoor unit comprising a cover of an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

Fig. 1(a) to 1(c) schematically show a cover 1 comprising a unit opening 5 for abutment to an outdoor unit (not shown in Fig. 1) in a region where a transmission line 4 (not shown in Fig. 1) protrudes from the outdoor unit 2, and a wall opening 6 for abutment to the wall 3 (not shown in Fig. 1) in a region where the transmission line 4 (not shown in Fig. 1) protrudes from, i.e. disappears in, the wall 3.
The unit opening 5 and the wall opening 6 are distanced from each other at least in the length direction L, which is the y-direction in Fig. 1(a). The cover 1 has an inclined top surface 8a, 8b, namely inclined relative to each of a plane defined by unit opening 5 and a plane defined by the wall opening 6, and is configured to guide water away from each of the unit opening 5 and the wall opening 6 by means of gravity.
The cover 1 forms a substantially closed housing and has the two openings 5, 6. Preferably, the openings 5, 6 are opposite each other and are intended to be installed on one side at the heat pump outdoor unit 2 and on the other side at the wall 3 of a building.
Further, the cover 1 comprises a plurality of cutting lines 12 for cutting of the cover 1 along one of the cutting lines 12 for adaption of the cover 1 in the length direction L. Hence, by cutting the cover 1 along one of the cutting lines 12, the length of the cover 1 can be shortened as needed, by removing a remainder of the cover 1 defined by a cutting line 12. The cutting lines are at least in part straight lines embodied as grooves (i.e. a reduction of material), so that a (e.g. manual) cutting device may facilitate the actual separation of the cover 1 along a cutting line 12.
The upper surface 7 comprises the top surface 8 comprising at least two inclined roof sides 8a, 8b opposite to each other and separated by an edge peak 11, wherein each roof side 8a, 8b is inclined relative to the horizontal plane H, i.e. in the xy plane, when the cover is installed on site.
In the figures, the top surface 8, in particular the sides 8a, 8b are plan, i.e. flat. Alternatively, the inclination of the top surface 8 may be such that the cover 1 has, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the length direction L, at least in parts a triangular, rounded, and/or trapezoidal shape.
15
wall cutting lines 12 extend at least partially along the perimeter of the wall opening 6, such that the cover 1 is configured to be adaptable as to its dimension in the length direction L.
A dimension/length of the cover 1 in the length direction may be at least 500 mm. The dimension of the roof 8 in the length direction L is at least 150 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a minimum distance between one of the openings and the closest cutting line is at least 150 mm, preferably at least 250 mm.
The cover 1 comprises an insulating and cushioning material, optionally expanded polypropylene (EPP), and has a wall thickness of about 10 to 30 mm. One or more reinforcement parts (not shown) may be used, such as a structural steel part to support and reinforce the cover 1.
With continued reference to Fig. 1(a), edges 6a of the wall opening 6 at least partially circumscribe the wall opening 6 and lie in a vertical second plane P2. The wall cutting lines 12 substantially run parallel to the second vertical plane P2.
The wall opening 6 may be lower than the unit opening 5. Alternatively or additionally, the wall opening 6 may be smaller than the unit opening 5. Both openings 5, 6 may have a same lower level.
The length of the inclined top surface 8 in the length direction L may be about 50 to 90% of the length of the cover 1 in the length direction, i.e. of the upper surface 7.
The top surface 8 forming the inclined roof may comprise the cutting lines 12. The remaining part of the upper surface 7 may be free of cutting lines 12.
The upper surface 7 at the unit wall opening 5 may be higher than the top surface 8. In other words, the upper surface 7 adjacent the unit opening 5 may be higher/elevated compared to upper surface 7/top surface 8 adjacent the wall opening 6.
Fig. 1(b) shows a bottom groove 13 at a bottom region 14 of the cover 1, the at least one bottom groove 13 configured as a separation line for separation of a lowest part 14a of the bottom region 14 from the remaining cover 1 and optionally running horizontally. In other words, the cover 1 may be made of several parts assembled together, in particular a lowest part 14a may be assembled with the remaining elements. A bottom groove 13 separates the two elements. The cover 1 comprises the bottom region 14 having a lowest edge 14a of the cover 1, seen when installed on site.
The bottom region 14 comprises a bottom 10 (e.g. a horizontal plate) having at least one opening 16 configured for drainage. The bottom region 14 of the cover 1 may have a plurality of openings 16 to allow water to drain away in the event of rainwater penetrating into the cover 1 or splashing and/or condensation water and/or evacuation. The drain also allows a flammable fluid to escape in the event of a leak from a refrigeration circuit passing through the casing or positioned in the vicinity. The opening 16 at the bottom 10 may allow for positioning of an exogel valve inside the cover 1. (An exogel valve is a frost protection device which opens the water circuit in case of freezing risk). With such opening 16 in the cover, the water from the condensation on a pipe due to temperature difference with ambient air or due to the opening of the exogel valve may drain.
Fig. 1(b) shows that edges 5a of the unit opening 5 at least partially circumscribe the unit opening 5 and lie in a vertical first plane P1.
Fig. 1(c) shows a side surface 9 of the cover 1, which side surface may be vertical, when the cover 1 is installed on side. The upper side 7 of the cover is inclined relative to the remaining top surface 8 of the cover 1.
Fig. 2(a) to 2(c) schematically show a cover 1 covering transmission lines 4 between the outdoor unit 2 and the wall 3. The cover 1 houses at least electrical cables and/or pipes 4 for the passage of a fluid, commonly referred to as transmission lines 4. The electrical cables may be power cables for supplying energy to the outdoor unit heat pump or some of its components and/or signal cables for sending information between the outdoor unit and elements inside the building, such as a heat pump indoor unit or an electronic control box. The fluid pipes may be tubes for the inlet and outlet water circuit between the heat pump (monobloc) and the building, or tubes for the inlet and outlet refrigerant circuit between the indoor and outdoor units (split units).
Fig. 2(c) specifically shows that the transmission lines 4 are housed in the cover 1 and run between the outdoor unit 2 and to a building having the wall 3. Accordingly, the cover 1 at least partially covers the transmission lines 4, e.g. a tubing for fluid communication and/or electric wire for electric communication, between the outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit (not shown) located behind the wall 3 of a building.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a rear side 19 of the outdoor unit 2 from which the transmission lines 4 protrude. The rear side 19 faces the wall (not shown in Fig. 3).
Fig. 4(a) to (c) reflect cutting of the cover 1 along a mount cutting line 15 for adaption of the cover 1 to a desired mounting configuration. The cover 1 is, by means of the mount cutting line 15, configured for two alternative mounting/installation modes. More specifically, the cover 1 is, by means of the cutting line 12, adaptable for wall-mounted or for floor-mounted installation of the outdoor unit 2. The mount cutting line 15 may be the innermost cutting line 12, e.g. partially run along the innermost wall cutting line 12. The cutting line 15 runs at least in parts parallel to the length direction L and perpendicular to the length direction L, see Fig. 4(a) and 4(b). Basically, a corner 18 of the cover 1 is removed from the cover 1 when cutting along the cutting line 15, see Fig. 4(b). This corner 18 is configured for engagement with a wall holder 22 (not shown in Fig. 4), if the outdoor unit 2 is mounted to the wall 3 (and not standing on the bottom, but being held by the wall holder 22, which is shown in Fig. 6).
Fig. 5 reflect steps when preparing the cover 1 for use with an outdoor unit 2, wherein the wall 3 is not shown. The outdoor unit 2 may have connector and/or valve 21 for connection to the transmission line 4 (not shown in Fig. 5). In a first step, shown in Fig. 5(b), a bracket 17 (optionally made of metal) is mounted to the rear side 19 of the outdoor unit 2. The bracket 17 is at least partially planar and comprises at least one void 20 for passing through the at least one transmission line 4. The cover 1 is configured to be slid at least partially along the bracket 17, e.g. opposite to the vertical direction V for installation of the cover 1, preferably on site. The assembly may be done in a direction parallel and in the same way as gravity (from top to down). The bracket 17 at least in parts functions as a rail for engagement with the cover 1. More specifically, a rear side 19 of the outdoor unit 2 is substantially planar and comprises, in a lower part of the rear side 19, the at least one transmission line 4, which protrudes from the remaining outdoor unit 2 in a length direction L. The bracket 17 is mounted to the rear side 19 and comprises a void 20 for receipt of the transmission lines 4 etc. The edges 5a of the unit opening are configured for engagement with the bracket 17 at the outdoor unit 2. Specifically, the unit opening edges 5a at least partially embrace the bracket 17. Optionally, bottom 10 may be provided to the cover 1 so as to substantially close the cover 1.
The cover 1 is slid onto the bracket 17 from top to bottom, i.e. parallel to the direction of gravity, i.e. opposite to the vertical direction V. Fig. 5(d) shows the final state after mounting, in which the wall opening 6 is also connected to the wall 3 (not shown).
A kit of the invention comprises a cover 1 and a bracket 17. The cover 1 and the bracket 17 may be provided together as a kit for mounting to the outdoor unit 2. When provided, the bracket 17 and the cover 1 may be disassembled.
Fig. 6(a) to (c) show an embodiment of the invention in which the cover 1 comprises first 1A and second 1B sections, which are separable or already separated from each other. In this embodiment, the cover 1 is configured for division perpendicular to the length direction L, i.e. parallel to the wall planes P1 and P2. Hence, the first section 1A comprises the wall opening 6, and the second section 1B comprises the unit opening 5. A multiple part cover such as the cover 1 comprising the first 1A and second 1B section may be beneficial in case of a wall offset 3a, e.g. an indentation in the wall 3. Due to the offset, the space between the rear side 19 and the wall 3 is not constant but larger behind a lower part of the outdoor unit 2 than at an upperpart of the outdoor unit 2. It is also conceivable that the multiple part cover 1 is useful in case there is an offset at the outdoor unit 2 or in any other restrictions in the ambient space. Fig. 1(a) shows that the first section 1A is individually positioned at the transmission line 4, namely at the wall 3. Fig. 1(b) shows that in a subsequent step, the second section 1B is separately punted. Fig. 1(c) shows the final state, in which the first 1A and second 1B sections of the cover 1 are positioned adjacent to each other, optionally joined to each other.
Alternatively or additionally, the cover 1 may be configured for division parallel to the length direction L. In this case, the first section 1A may comprise at least a part of the wall opening 6 and of the unit opening 5, and the second section 1B may comprise at least a part of the wall opening 6 and of the unit opening 5.
Also, Fig. 6(a) to (c) show that the wall 3 comprises the wall holder 22 for holding the outdoor unit 2 above the bottom.
Fig. 7 shows that the lowest part 14a of the cover 1 is connectable to the bottom 10 by means of a connecting part (basis) 23.
The detailed description of the invention is provided with respect to the embodiments depicted in the drawings. Obvious variations and alternatives may occur to the skilled person, based on the summary of the invention. These variations and alternatives are part of the invention in so far they are covered by the appended claims.

Reference signs

1: cover
1A,1B: first, second section of cover
2: outdoor unit
3: wall
3a: wall offset
4: transmission line
5: unit connector/opening
5a: edge of unit connector/opening
6: wall connector/opening
7: upper side
8: roof/top surface
8a,b: roof sides
9: side surface
10: bottom
11: edge peak
12: wall cutting lines
13: bottom groove
14: bottom region
14a: lowest part
15: mount cutting line
16: opening
17: bracket
18: corner
19: rear side of outdoor unit
20: void in bracket
21: valve
22: wall holder
23: connecting part

P1, P2 first,: second plane
L: length direction
H: horizontal (plane)
V: vertical direction

Claims

Cover (1) for covering at least a part of at least one transmission line (4) extending at least partially in a length direction (L) between an outdoor unit (2), optionally a heat pump unit, and a wall (3), such as of a building, wherein the cover (1) comprises
a unit opening (5) for abutment to the outdoor unit (2) in a region where the transmission line (4) protrudes from the outdoor unit (2), optionally wherein edges (5a) of the unit opening (5) at least partially circumscribing the unit opening (5) lie in a vertical first plane (P1),

a wall opening (6) for abutment to the wall (3) in a region where the transmission line (4) protrudes from the wall (3), optionally wherein edges (6a) of the wall opening (6) at least partially circumscribing the wall opening (6) lie in a vertical second plane (P2),

the unit opening (5) and the wall opening (6) are distanced from each other at least in the length direction (L),
wherein the cover (1) has a top surface (8a, 8b) inclined relative to each of the unit opening (5) and the wall opening (6), and configured to guide water away from each of the unit opening (5) and the wall opening (6) by means of gravity, and

the cover comprises a plurality of cutting lines (12) for cutting of the cover along one of the cutting lines for adaption of the cover in the length direction (L).
Cover of claim 1, wherein the top surface (8) further comprising at least two inclined roof sides (8a, 8b) opposite to each other and separated, optionally symmetrically, by an edge peak (11), wherein each roof side (8a, 8b) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane (H), when the cover is installed on site.
Cover (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting lines (15) at least in parts run perpendicular to the length direction (L).
Cover (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting lines extend at least partially along the perimeter of the wall opening (6), such that the cover is configured to be adaptable as to its dimension in the length direction (L).
Cover (1) of claim 4, wherein at least one mount cutting line (15) substantially runs parallel to the second vertical plane (P2).
Cover (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (1) further comprises at least one bottom groove (13) at a bottom region (14) of the cover, the at least one bottom groove configured as a separation line for separation of a lowest part (14a) of the bottom region (14) from the remaining cover (1) and optionally running horizontally, such that the cover is configured to be adaptable as to its dimension in the length direction (L).
Cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (1) comprises first (1A) and second (1B) sections, which are separable from each other.
Cover of claim 7, wherein the cover is configured for division perpendicular to the length direction (L), optionally the first section (1A) comprising at least the wall opening (6), and the second section (1B) comprising at least the unit opening (5).
Cover of claim 6 or 7, wherein the cover is configured for division parallel to the length direction (L), optionally the first section (1A) comprising at least a part of the wall opening (6) and of the unit opening (5), and the second section (1B) comprising at least a part of the wall opening (6) and of the unit opening (5).
Cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises, in a bottom region (14), at least one opening (16) configured for drainage.
Cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the dimension of the cover in the length direction (L) is at most 500 mm and/or a distance in the length direction (L) between the wall or unit opening, and the cutting line furthest away from the unit or wall opening, respectively, is at least 150 mm, preferably at least 250 mm..
Cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (1) comprises an insulating and cushioning material, optionally expanded polypropylene (EPP), and/or has an average wall thickness of about 10 to 30 mm.
Cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the edges of the unit opening (5a) are configured for engagement with a bracket (17), optionally a metal bracket, at the outdoor unit (2), further optionally such that the unit opening (5a) at least partially embraces the bracket (17).
Cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the inclination of the top surface (8) is such that the cover has, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the length direction (L), at least in parts a triangular, rounded, and/or trapezoidal shape.
Use of the cover of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (1) at least partially covers a transmission line (4), optionally a tubing, for fluid communication and/or an electric wire for electric communication and/or electric power supply between the outdoor unit (2) and an indoor unit located behind a wall (3) of a building.
Kit comprising a cover (1) of any of the preceding claims 1 to 14 and a bracket (17) for mounting a unit opening (5) of the cover (1) to the outdoor unit (2), wherein
the bracket (17) is at least partially planar and comprises at least one void (20) for passing through the at least one transmission line (4), and

the cover (1) is configured to be slid at least partially along the bracket (17) in the vertical direction (V) for installation of the cover (1), preferably on site,

optionally wherein the bracket (17) and the cover (1) are disassembled.
Use of the kit of claim 16, wherein
the kit is used for connection to an outdoor unit (19), wherein a rear side (19) of the outdoor unit (2) is substantially planar and comprises, in a lower part of the rear side (19), the at least one transmission line (4) protruding from the remaining outdoor unit (2) in a length direction (L), and the bracket (17) is mounted to the rear side (19) of the outdoor unit (2) and the cover (1) is mounted to the bracket (17).