EP3064842A1 - Hood mounting barrier for an installation device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a hood mounting lock (100, 110, 120, 200) for an installation device (300), which serves to block a mounting of a hood (301) on the installation device. The hood mounting lock has at least one fastening means (101 a, 101 b, 111, 121, 201) for attaching the hood mounting lock on the installation device and at least one spring element (102, 112, 122, 202), which is adapted to a mounting of the hood allow the installation device in a stretched state and to prevent in a dissolved state. Further disclosed is an installation device with a hood mounting lock.

Description

Installation devices such as water heaters or gas water heaters are usually transported to the customer after their manufacture in the factory and installed there by a professional.

In use, such installation devices may be at least partially covered to the outside by a hood. The hood protects the installation device especially against splashing water and dust, and it should also prevent non-expert persons make or change settings on the installation device. In addition, the hood protects the installation device during transport.

For transport, moving or sensitive components of the installation device are factory-fused to prevent shocks or certain orientations from unintentionally unlocking, displacing or damaging these parts when moving the device. Such components may be single elements (such as certain bolts) or even entire device internals (e.g., sensitive gauges). For example, to secure the components may be fixed or removed for a separate transport before the hood is placed on the installation device. Afterwards, the installation device with hood can be delivered.

When assembling the installation device, the fitter first removes the hood. He then installs the installation device, for example, by attaching it to a wall and connected in the required manner to existing gas, water and / or power lines. Before he puts the hood back on and completes the installation, the installer must also unlock or insert the previously secured components for transport. If the installer forgets this deactivation of the transport lock, dysfunctions on the installation device that can cause additional costs and, in the worst case, even a danger to the customer and the environment can mean.

It is therefore necessary to ensure that the installation equipment in particular Regarding the transport-secured components are installed error-free.

Object of the present invention is to provide a hood mounting lock for an installation device, which prevents a technician of the device forget important steps for proper installation.

The object is achieved by the hood mounting lock according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

The hood mounting lock according to the invention comprises at least one fastening means with which the hood mounting lock can be attached to the installation device.

The attachment means may comprise, for example, one or more clips or hooks or a cap which is slipped onto a component of the installation device. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening means can be fixed with an adhesive connection on the installation device, and / or it can comprise one or more Einstecknoppen or sparks, which can be inserted into appropriate holes or grooves on the installation device. It is understood that numerous other fastening means are conceivable.

Particularly advantageous is an embodiment with which existing installation devices can be retrofitted in each case without changes to the respective installation devices are required.

The hood mounting lock according to the invention also comprises at least one spring element, which is adapted to allow a mounting of the hood on the installation device in a tensioned state and to prevent in a dissolved state.

The spring element can thus assume a first state in which the spring element is tensioned, and a second state in which the spring element is loosened. In the first state, the hood can be mounted on the installation device, whereas in the second state mounting of the hood is prevented by the spring element.

The hood mounting lock thus serves to lock a mounting of the hood on the installation device. The lock is active when the spring element is in the relaxed (ie dissolved) state, and inactive when the spring element is in the tensioned state.

For example, the at least one spring element may be adapted to stand in a released state of a surface of the installation device so that the hood abuts when placed on the spring element, which prevents the complete placement and thus the assembly of the hood.

The hood of the installation device can thus only be placed on an installation device with hood mounting lock when the spring element is stretched. If an installation device, for example, factory-prepared for delivery, thus important security measures can be taken, and after a tensioning of the spring element, the hood can be placed for transport. The hood also serves as a protective cover for the device.

If the spring element is brought to a relaxed state by a user at the beginning of installation of the device, the hood can be put back to the completion of the installation until the fitter has actively tensioned the spring element. This will prevent the fitter from forgetting important steps at the end of the installation, which could be a cost or even a security risk.

The hood mounting barrier according to the invention therefore has the advantage that an installer who wants to install and connect the installation device after its delivery to a user is reminded to carry out important before assembly of the hood, if necessary, still to be performed steps, in particular a transport lock of the type mentioned for sensitive components or to install separately supplied components.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hood mounting lock comprises at least one retaining element which is adjustable between a locking adjustment and an unlocking adjustment. In the locking setting, the at least one holding element holds the spring element in a tensioned state, whereas it releases the spring element in the unlocking setting. The holding element may in particular be designed mechanically, for example comprise at least one hook, at least one eyelet and / or at least one bolt such as a slide.

Such a holding element in particular simplifies placing the hood by holding the spring element in the cocked position, which allows the placement. The spring element therefore does not have to be held manually, for example, in a tensioned state when the hood is put on.

Preferably, the at least one retaining element is arranged to cause mechanical pressure on the retaining element (for example, in the direction of an intended seating movement of the hood) to unlock, ie to change over from the locking setting into the unlocking setting. For example, the holding element may comprise at least one pin or hook, which engages in the spring element, in order to keep it in a tensioned state, which yields under pressure but is thus moved out of an engagement position.

In particular, this embodiment allows automatic unlocking of the retaining element when the hood, while being placed on the installation device, comes into contact with the retaining element and thereby transmits a pressure for placing the hood on the retaining element; the transmitted pressure can then unlock the at least one retaining element. The said contact can be effected by suitably adapted to each other geometries of retaining element and hood.

After unlocking the patch hood itself (instead of the retaining element) hold the spring element in a stretched state. A removal of the hood, for example, for the purpose of installing the device, then automatically causes a transition to the relaxed state of the spring element, thus activating the hood mounting lock.

According to a preferred embodiment, the holding element consists wholly or partly of an elastically yielding material, for example of a resilient plastic (eg a thermoplastic) or metal. This allows a simple change of the retaining element.

In particular, the holding element may have a latching mechanism with which the spring element is held in a tensioned state after being pressed on the holding element (in a first direction) until it is brought into a released state (for example by pressure on the holding element in a second direction).

The first and second directions may be the same or may be at a positive angle, such as an angle of about 180 °, about 90 °, or an angle of between about 0 ° and about 90 ° (e.g., about 45 °).

Advantageously, an embodiment in which the spring element is adapted to abut in a tensioned state substantially parallel to a surface of the installation device. For example, the spring element may comprise a leg, which can optionally be folded up to the surface (and there assumes the tensioned state) and can be folded away from the surface (and assumes the released state there).

The spring element is preferably adapted to include in a dissolved state with said surface a right or acute angle, which is open in a direction from which the hood is to be placed on the installation device. When placing the hood this then engages in the angle and abuts approximately at the apex of the angle to the spring element, which thus prevents the complete placement and thus the assembly of the hood.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the at least one fastening means and the spring element each comprise at least one (straight or curved) legs, wherein the legs are connected to one another at a leg point, in the tensioned state of the spring element are substantially parallel to each other and in a dissolved state of the spring element include a right or acute angle. This embodiment allows a stable attachment to the installation device so that the hood, when the spring element is released, engages in its placement as described above in the right or acute angle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hood mounting lock is in one piece formed, for example, of metal or a plastic, preferably of a thermoplastic, elastically yielding material. This allows for easy production and low weight of the hood mounting lock.

The hood mounting lock can be present as a separate accessory for attaching to an installation device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, an installation device comprises a hood mounting lock according to the invention. Such an installation device may also have a removable hood. Preferably, the hood is adapted to convert when placing on the installation device, a holding element from the locking setting in the unlocking setting; This can be achieved in particular by suitable, coordinated geometric shapes of hood and retaining element and its position on the installation device.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of such an installation device, in which the at least one retaining element as described above is configured so that mechanical pressure on the retaining element in the direction of Aufsetzbewegung the hood a change from the locking setting in the unlocking (ie unlocking the at least one retaining element ) causes. An attachment of the hood, which is possible when the holding element is in the lock setting, thus automatically causes an unlocking of the holding element, so that this releases the spring element. As long as the hood is placed on the installation device, for example during transport of the installation device, the spring element is preferably kept taut by the patch hood. When removing the hood, the spring element is automatically released, which prevents in the sequence as described above, that the hood can be placed again. This reminds a fitter to make important settings and / or installations if necessary. To then install the hood on the installation device, the installer must actively bring the spring element in a tensioned state.

In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. It is understood that individual elements and components can be combined differently than shown.

Figur 1a

eine erste beispielhafte Haubenmontagesperre gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 1b

eine zweite beispielhafte Haubenmontagesperre gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 1c

eine dritte beispielhafte Haubenmontagesperre gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 2a

eine auf eine Komponente eines Installationsgerätes montierte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Haubenmontagesperre, bei dem das Federelement in gelöstem Zustand ist;

Figur 2b

die Haubenmontagesperre von Figur 2b, bei der das Federelement in gespanntem Zustand ist;

Figur 3a

ein Installationsgerät mit über einer Haubenmontagesperre aufgesetzter, abnehmbarer Haube; und

Figur 3b

das Installationsgerät gemäß Figur 3a, bei dem die Haubenmontagesperre aktiv ist und ein Aufsetzen der Haube unterbindet.

They show schematically:

FIG. 1a

a first exemplary hood mounting lock according to the present invention;

FIG. 1b

a second exemplary hood mounting lock according to the present invention;

Figure 1c

a third exemplary hood mounting lock according to the present invention;

FIG. 2a

a mounted on a component of an installation device embodiment of a hood mounting lock according to the invention, wherein the spring element is in a dissolved state;

FIG. 2b

the hood mounting lock of FIG. 2b in which the spring element is in the tensioned state;

FIG. 3a

an installation device with a removable hood attached over a hood mounting lock; and

FIG. 3b

the installation device according to FIG. 3a , in which the hood mounting lock is active and prevents putting on the hood.

In the FIG. 1 a hood mounting lock 100 shown has two attachment means 101a and 101b, with which the hood mounting lock 100 can be attached to an installation device. The fastening means are formed in the example shown as a perforated rail, each of which can be fixed by means of a screw 103 on the installation device.

The hood mounting lock 100 further comprises a spring element 102, which is in the illustrated case in a dissolved state and by pressing in the direction of arrow R1 (on the fasteners 101, 101 b to) can be stretched; accordingly, the Spring force of the spring element of the direction of the arrow R1 opposite.

The spring element 102 and the fastening means 101a and 101 of the hood mounting lock 100 shown each comprise a leg. In cross section, the legs form a substantially U-shape. The fastening means 101 a, 101 b are thus connected to the spring element at a first (in the illustration lower) end of the hood mounting lock, whereas they are separated at a second (in the illustration upper) end of the hood mounting lock from the spring element.

Preferably, the hood mounting barrier is made of a resilient metal or a suitable thermoplastic material.

The illustrated hood mounting lock 100 has retaining elements 104a and 104b which are designed as hooks and are suitable for engaging in a locking setting in a counterpart 105 on the spring element in order to hold the spring element 102 in the tensioned state, after it has been moved accordingly in the direction of the arrow R1. The holding elements 104a, 104b in this case have a latching mechanism, by which the locking adjustment can be effected by simply pressing the spring element. For this purpose, the holding elements 104a, 104b designed elastically yielding, so that the hooks can snap into the counterpart 105.

The holding elements 104a, 104b are further designed so that a further pressing of the spring element 102 (in the direction R1) in its tensioned state causes an unlocking, so that the holding elements release the spring element 102 so again. This is caused by the elasticity and suitable geometric configuration of the holding elements, which can yield in the direction R2 (from the open to the closed end of the U-shaped hood mounting lock).

The spring element 102 has at its open, in the representation of the upper end to the fastening means 101 a, 101 b pointing towards curvature K. With a suitably narrow hood, this curvature allows the hood to increasingly press the spring element in the direction of the insertion movement of the hood in the direction R1, ie against the spring force, thus unlocking the holding elements 104a, 104b. When the bonnet is attached, the holding elements no longer hold the spring element in a tensioned state, but the hood itself. If the hood is removed afterwards, the spring element automatically assumes the relaxed state and thereby prevents a renewed complete placement and thus a mounting of the hood.

FIG. 1b schematically shows a further embodiment 110 of the hood mounting lock according to the invention. In particular, it comprises a fastening means 111 with a cap-shaped structure, which can be slipped onto a suitable component of an installation device; Alternatively, an annular attachment means is conceivable that can be pushed over a component of the installation device. Such fastening means 111 make it possible to use the hood mounting lock 101 for an installation device, without this having corresponding holes or otherwise must be specially adapted to the hood mounting lock. In particular, existing installation equipment can therefore be retrofitted with a hood mounting lock with cap or annular fastener.

The hood mounting lock 110 of FIG. 1b further comprises a spring element 112, which is in the representation in a dissolved state. The spring element 112 has indentations 115a, 115b, in which retaining elements 114a, 114b can engage, in order to hold the spring element in a locked state in a locked state. In such state (not shown in the figure) of the spring member, the holding members 114a, 114b pierce the spring member, and their hook-shaped ends protrude therethrough.

Now, if the hood mounting lock 110 is attached to an installation device and the holding elements 114a, 114b in the locked position, the spring element so in a stretched state, so pushes a suitably shaped hood when placed in the direction R2 on the outside of the spring element to the projecting therethrough, hook-shaped Ends of the holding elements 114a, 114b. These are therefore unlocked with the Aufsetzbewegung by being deflected in the Aufsetzrichtung so that they release the spring element. As above with respect to in FIG. 1a described embodiment, the spring element is then held in the attached hood by this even in a stretched state, and a removal of the hood causes without further action that the spring element passes into the dissolved state, in which there is a complete reassembly of the hood and thus their assembly in derogation.

Figure 1c shows a further embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated hood mounting barrier 120 includes a cap-shaped fastener 121 which is similar to that shown in FIG FIG. 1b has described advantages. The hood mounting lock 120 further includes a spring member 122 which is formed as a compression spring and can be brought by pressure in the direction R1 (on the fastener 121 to) in a tensioned state. In this tensioned state and with suitable dimensions of the hood, the spring element fits completely into a gap between installation device and hood, so that a placement of the same is possible. However, if the spring element 122 is in a released state, it does not fit in the said gap and thus prevents a fitting of the hood.

FIG. 2a 1 shows a hood mounting barrier 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to a component 208 of an installation device by means of a fastener 201 (in particular, the component 208 is therefore part of the installation device). The fastening means 201 has nubs 203, which are pressed into corresponding grooves and hold the hood mounting lock on the component 208.

The hood mounting lock 200 further includes a spring member 202; Spring element 202 and fastening means 201 are formed in the embodiment shown as two legs, which are interconnected in a leg point.

In the in FIG. 2a the situation shown is the spring element in a dissolved state in which it encloses an angle α with the fastening means and correspondingly protrudes from the surface 209 of the installation device (or its component 208).

If a suitably dimensioned hood is placed on the installation device with the correspondingly positioned component 208 in this state, it engages in the open angle α of the hood mounting lock. The projecting spring element prevents a complete touchdown and reminds the fitter to be made before a hood assembly measures.

In FIG. 2b is attached to the component 208 hood mounting lock 200 of FIG. 2a to see in a stretched state. In this state, the legs formed by fastening means 201 and spring element 202 extend substantially parallel to one another. Accordingly, the spring element 202 is also substantially parallel to the surface 209 of the installation device (or its component 208). The spring element 202 is held by a holding element 204 in the tensioned state. The holding element 204 is analogous to those in the FIG. 1b shown holding elements 114a, 114b, in particular engages his hook-shaped outer end in the tensioned state of the spring element in an opening or notch of the spring element and partially protrudes through this.

When placing a suitably tight-fitting hood on the installation device in the direction R2, the protruding end retaining element is deflected by the hood in the direction R2 and thus brought into unlocking. The spring element is then no longer held by the hood 204, but by the hood in a tensioned state.

If the hood removed, the spring element is as already described automatically in the in the FIG. 2a shown relaxed state and prevents a new complete placement of the hood and thus their installation.

FIG. 3a shows an installation device 300, the one in the FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrated component 208 with attached hood mounting lock 200 and a patch hood 301 includes. As shown by dashed lines, the support member 204 is deflected under the hood so that it does not engage (more) in the spring element 202. This is held by the hood 301 itself in a stretched state.

After the hood 301 has been removed, the spring element automatically assumes a relaxed state and therefore protrudes from the surface of the component 208 such that the hood engages in a renewed placement between the component 208 and the spring element 202; this is in FIG. 3b shown. In this situation, the hood 301 can not be fully fitted and mounted. For this, the spring element would have to be brought into a tensioned state, for example, by a fitter, the spring element active (and, if necessary, important settings such as Unlocking a transport lock has made) on the retaining element 204 imprints that this is brought into a locking adjustment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Cover mounting lock

101a, 101b

fastener

102

spring element

103

screw

104a, 104b

retaining element

105

Counterpart to the retaining element

110

Cover mounting lock

111

fastener

112

spring element

114a, 114b

retaining elements

115a, 115b

notches

120

Cover mounting lock

121

fastener

122

spring element

200

Cover mounting lock

201

fastener

202

spring element

203

burl

204

retaining element

208

Component of an installation device

209

Surface of the component

300

installation device

301

Hood

R1

Direction against the spring force

R2

intended Aufsetzrichtung for the hood

α

Angle between spring element and fastener or surface

Claims (10)

A hood mounting lock (100, 110, 120, 200) for an installation device (300) for inhibiting installation of a hood (301) on the installation device, the hood mounting lock comprising: at least one fastening means (101a, 101b, 111, 121, 201) for attaching the hood mounting lock on the installation device; and at least one spring element (102, 112, 122, 202), which is adapted to allow a mounting of the hood on the installation device in a tensioned state and to prevent in a dissolved state. Hood mounting lock according to claim 1, further comprising at least one holding element (104a, 104b, 114a, 114b, 204) which is adjustable between a locking adjustment, in which the holding element holds the spring element (102, 112, 122, 202) in a tensioned state, and an unlocking setting in which the retaining element releases the spring element. Hood mounting lock according to claim 2, wherein the at least one retaining element (104a, 104b, 114a, 114b, 204) is adapted to be converted from the locking adjustment by mechanical pressure on the retaining element in the unlocking setting. Hood mounting barrier according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one retaining element (104a, 104b, 114a, 114b, 204) consists wholly or partly of an elastically yielding material. Hood mounting lock according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the retaining element comprises a latching mechanism. Hood mounting lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spring element (102, 112, 122, 202) is adapted to
in a tensioned state at least partially substantially parallel to one Surface (209) of the installation device and / or stand in a detached state from the surface (209) of the installation device. Hood mounting lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, which is integrally formed, for example of metal or a thermoplastic material. Installation device (300) with a hood mounting lock according to one of claims 1 to 7. An installation device according to claim 8, further comprising a removable hood (301) and having the additional feature of claim 2, wherein the hood is adapted to convert the retaining element from the locking setting into the unlocking setting when placed on the installation device. Installation device according to claim 9 and with the additional feature of claim 3, wherein the hood (301) is adapted to transmit the mechanical pressure to the holding element (104a, 104b, 114a, 114b, 204) when it is placed on the installation device ,

Images