Cover and cover system

Abstract

A cap (3) adapted to be in liquid-tight sealing engagement with an opening (2) in a vacuum system wherein a pressure outside the closure system is higher than a pressure inside the closure system wherein the cap is arranged to perform a pivoting movement about a pivot axis for opening the cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pivotable cover. The cover can be used as a liquid-tight seal for an opening in a closed system. The invention also provides a cover system for liquid-tight sealing of an opening in a vacuum system. The closed system can be a vacuum system. The vacuum system can be a vacuum sewage system, for example for organic waste from toilets, sinks or fish farming. The vacuum system can have many different uses, for example for conveying condensed water in refrigerators and coolers, for example in supermarkets, or the vacuum system can be a vacuum tank. Other uses of the invention are also disclosed. Background Art

[0002] From time to time, it is necessary to check a vacuum system or other closed system in which the external pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the closed system in order to clear, remove objects, or to repair and maintain the vacuum system. Therefore, the vacuum system may be provided with an opening covered by, for example, a pipe fitting or a pipe fitting assembly or a cover, which can be removed to access the interior of the vacuum system. Prior art solutions for vacuum system fittings or covers use screws or bolts or other devices for firmly attaching the vacuum tube / system fitting or cover to the vacuum tube. Prior art solutions often require tools for removing and attaching the cover to the vacuum system. Opening the cover or tube / system fitting in the prior art solutions also requires that the pressure in the vacuum system be balanced with the environment before the cover or pipe fitting can be opened. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a solution to the above problems or at least alleviates the above problems.

[0004] The invention provides a cover adapted to be in fluid-tight sealing engagement with an opening in a closed system. The pressure outside the closed system may be higher than the pressure inside the closed system. The cover is arranged to perform a pivoting movement about a pivot axis to open the cover.

[0005] By balancing the force on the cover caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the closed system, the cover can be kept in place liquid-tightly in the opening. The pivot axis can be arranged in the middle part of the cover. The pivot axis can divide the area of ​​the cover into a first area and a second area, and wherein the first area is equal to or approximately equal to the area of ​​the second area. The pivot axis can be provided by a longitudinal element, a geometry in the cover, or a geometry in the opening. The closed system can be a vacuum system. The opening in the system can be an opening in a pipe or a tank. The pivoting motion for opening the cover can be activated by a force applied to a portion of the cover in the area near the perimeter of the cover away from the pivot axis or on the perimeter of the cover. The cover can be provided with a liquid-tight sealing element around the perimeter of the cover for sealing engagement between the opening and the cover in the closed system. The perimeter of the cover can be arranged to slide on the surface of the opening at least in a partial pivoting motion.

[0006] The present invention also provides a cover system for liquid-tight sealing of an opening in a closed system, wherein the pressure outside the closed system is greater than the pressure inside the closed system, the cover system comprising a shell element provided with an opening, wherein the shell element further comprises at least one connecting element for connecting the shell element to the closed system; and a cover arranged to perform a pivoting movement around a pivot axis to open the cover.

[0007] By balancing the forces on the cover caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the closed system, the cover can be kept in place liquid-tightly in the opening. The pivot axis can be arranged in the middle part of the cover. The pivot axis can divide the area of ​​the cover into a first area and a second area, and wherein the first area is equal to or approximately equal to the area of ​​the second area. The pivot axis can be provided by a longitudinal element, a geometry in the cover, or a geometry in the opening. The opening in the housing can be provided with two relative pivot areas defining the pivot axis. The opening can be provided with a liquid-tight sealing element for sealing engagement between the opening and the cover. The cover can be provided with a liquid-tight sealing element around the perimeter of the cover for sealing engagement between the opening and the cover. The outer perimeter of the cover can be arranged to slide on the surface of the opening at least in a partial pivoting motion.

[0008] The pivoting movement for opening the lid may be initiated by a force applied to a portion of the lid in an area near or on the periphery of the lid remote from the pivot axis.The closure system may be a vacuum system.

[0009] A cover adapted for fluid-tight sealing engagement with an opening in a closed system, wherein the cover is arranged to perform a rotational movement about a pivot axis to open the cover.

[0010] A housing element for a cover system is also provided, the cover system being used to liquid-tightly seal an opening in a closed system, wherein the pressure outside the closed system is greater than the pressure inside the closed system. The cover is arranged to perform a pivoting movement about a pivot axis to open the cover. The housing element has an opening. The housing element may also include at least one connecting element for connecting the housing element to the closed system.

[0011] The opening in the housing may extend upwardly from the closed system. The circumference of the opening may increase in a direction away from the closed system.

[0012] The cover or cover system or housing element can be used as an inspection opening in a vacuum sewage system for at least one of toilets, sinks, grey water, black water, water or organic material, for example in fish farming. The cover or cover system or housing element can be used as an inspection opening in a vacuum system for condensed water, in a vacuum system for conveying condensed water from at least one cooler or refrigerator, in a vacuum system for conveying condensed water from at least one of a refrigerator, a display refrigerator or a freezer in a shop or supermarket.

[0013] The present invention also provides a pivotable cover for liquid-tightly covering an opening in a vacuum sewage system. The vacuum sewage system is provided with an opening that is liquid-tightly closed by the cover. The pivotable cover may be provided with a liquid-tight seal for sealing engagement between the opening and the cover. The liquid-tight seal may partially rest in a recess around the perimeter of the cover.

[0014] The pivotable cover may be arranged to interact with the interior of the opening into the vacuum sewage system by a pivoting movement. The pivot axis of the cover may be provided in the opening by surface areas on which the cover may rest in a closed position in which the cover is sealingly engaged with the interior of the opening to provide a liquid-tight seal for the vacuum system. These surface areas serve as the pivot axis of the cover when opening the cover. This enables the cover to be opened with very little force, even if the pressure outside the vacuum sewage system is higher than the pressure inside the vacuum sewage system.

[0015] The lid and lid system provide a simple solution that is easy to use, does not require any tools for opening, and can be opened and / or removed even in the presence of a vacuum in a vacuum system. All that is required to open the lid is to press down gently at a location on the lid. The location can be marked.

[0016] The lid and lid system can also be designed to be opened by mechanical, electrical or electromechanical means, which provide force to the lid at a specific position of the lid or lid system. The mechanical, electrical or electromechanical means can operate automatically or semi-automatically. The lid and lid system can be implemented in multiple positions in the vacuum system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings. The exemplary embodiments are non-limiting for the invention and further embodiments may be envisaged.

[0018] Figure 1A-Figure 1C An exemplary embodiment of a sequence of opening and removing a cover in a cover system having a housing element for a vacuum tube is illustrated;

[0019] Figure 1A The cover is illustrated in a closed and fluid-tight position, covering an opening of a housing element of a vacuum tube;

[0020] Figure 1B The diagram shows Figure 1A a vacuum tube of a lid system, wherein the lid is in a partially open position after a portion of the lid has been depressed and vacuum pressure is overcome for opening the lid;

[0021] Figure 1C illustrates a housing element of a vacuum tube with a cover removed from an opening in the housing element;

[0022] Figure 2A-2C The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1A-Figure 1C A housing element in a vacuum tube with a cover and a sequence for opening the cover of an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2A The cover is shown in a longitudinal section in a closed and liquid-tight position, covering the Figure 1A an opening in a housing element of a vacuum tube;

[0024] Figure 2B The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1B A housing element having an open vacuum tube and a partially opened cover;

[0025] Figure 2C The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1C A housing element of a vacuum tube, wherein the cover is removed from the opening;

[0026] Figure 3A-3C A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view is shown Figure 1A-Figure 1C , but also illustrates the interaction between the cover and the interior of the opening in the housing element.

[0027] Figure 4 is a partial top view of the opening and housing elements of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 .

[0028] Figure 5A The diagram shows the effect of the cover in the closed position in the opening of the housing element of the vacuum tube on the vacuum tube. Figure 4 The force on the cover of an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5B Picture shows Figure 5A A cover is in an open pivoted position.

[0030] Figure 6A-6B A cover for the closure system is shown in side view.

[0031] Figure 6C-6E The diagram shows a partial view from above Figure 6A-6B Cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are examples only and further embodiments of the invention may be envisaged. In all drawings and throughout the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar features.

[0033] Figure 6A-6E A cover 30 for closing the system is shown in FIG. Fig. 6A - In Figure B, the cover 30 is shown in a cross-sectional side view. The cover is adapted to engage with an opening in a closed system in a liquid-tight seal. The perimeter of the cover has a shape and size corresponding to the interior of the opening. A closed system is a system in which the pressure on the outside 33 of the closed system is higher than the pressure on the inside 32 of the closed system. The closed system can be, for example, a tube or a tank. The closed system can be a vacuum system. Since the volume within the closed system has a lower pressure than the pressure outside the cover, the cover is subjected to a net force that draws the cover into the closed system. The cover is prevented from being drawn into the closed system by element 31. Fig. 6A The element 31 in is a longitudinal element. The element 31 provides a pivot axis about which the cover can be pivoted. With the cover 30 in position in the opening for sealing engagement with the opening, the net forces acting on the cover are balanced so as to hold the cover in position in the opening, thereby providing a fluid-tight seal for the opening in the closed system. The cover 30 is arranged to perform a pivoting movement about the pivot axis 31 for opening the cover, such as Figure 6B The element 31 around which the cover can rotate can be, for example, Fig. 6AThe longitudinal element 31 shown, the geometry of the cover itself or the geometry of the opening or the geometry of adjacent structures that provide the effect of enabling the cover to perform a pivoting movement about the pivot axis 31. The cover 30 is rotated by applying a torque to rotate the cover about the pivot axis 31. The cover 30 can be rotated about the pivot axis 31 by applying a force on the cover that is sufficiently far away from the pivot axis, and wherein the applied force is small compared to the force on the cover caused by the pressure difference between the interior 32 and the exterior 33 of the closed system. The small force can be applied to a portion of the cover in an area near or on the periphery of the cover that is away from the pivot axis. The small force should be large enough to overcome the friction in the system. Applying a small force causes a small rotation of the cover about the pivot axis, thereby creating a small opening between the periphery of the cover and the opening. The small opening causes pressure equalization between the interior 32 of the closed system and the exterior 33 of the closed system. When the pressure between the interior 32 and the exterior 33 is equalized, the net sum of the forces provided by the pressure difference will be zero, and the cover will no longer be held in place in the opening. Then, as Figure 6B As shown, the cover 30 can be further rotated to provide a larger opening, or the cover can be removed. The cover opens from the outside of the vacuum system; that is, it opens on the side of the vacuum system with the highest pressure. The cover solution can be used in systems with a pressure difference, where the pressure inside the system is less than the pressure outside the system. The closed system can be a vacuum system. Reference will be made later to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The exemplary embodiment in details describes the forces on the cover.

[0034] Fig. 6A The cover 30 in the embodiment is in a position to close the opening of the closure system 35. In order to provide a liquid-tight seal of the opening, a sealing element 34 is provided between the perimeter of the cover and the opening. The liquid-tight sealing element 34 can be arranged in the opening attached to the opening, which is in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B 30 is in a pivoted position. A fluid-tight sealing element 34 may alternatively be provided around the perimeter of the cover for sealing engagement between the opening in the closed system and the cover. The sealing element may be a separate part of the cover. The sealing element may be an integral part of the cover.

[0035] Figure 6C-6E Illustration of a partial side and top view Fig. 6A - The cover 30 of FIG. B. The cover 30 is provided with a longitudinal element in the form of an axle, shaft or rod. The opening 36 in the housing is provided with two opposite pivoting areas 37, 38 defining a pivot axis, such as Fig. 6E37,38 are arranged on each side of the opening in the closed system. The receiving areas 37,38 are U-shaped to be able to receive the longitudinal element 31 and to hold the longitudinal element 30 in place along the pivot axis defined by the receiving areas 37,38 and the longitudinal element 30. The longitudinal element 30 can rotate around the pivot axis while being arranged in the receiving area. The pivot axis 31 is arranged in the middle part of the cover 30. The pivot axis 31 divides the area of ​​the cover 30 into a first area and a second area, and wherein the first area is equal to or approximately equal to the area of ​​the second area. As described above, the cover 30 is kept in place in the opening liquid-tightly by balancing the force on the cover caused by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the closed system. Since the first area is equal to or approximately equal to the second area of ​​the cover, the forces acting on the first area and the second area are equal or approximately equal, which results in zero net force on the cover. The sealing element between the perimeter of the cover and the opening generates friction, thereby keeping the cover 30 in the opening in a liquid-tight engagement position.

[0036] The closed system in FIG6 may be a vacuum system. The vacuum system may be any kind of vacuum system, for example, a vacuum tank, a vacuum sewage system for toilets, sinks, etc., a vacuum system for conveying organic waste in fish farming, a vacuum system for conveying condensed water, for example in freezers and refrigerators in supermarkets. Figure 5A , Figure 5B In the vacuum system shown in , the pressure inside the system is 0.45 bar absolute and the external pressure is atmospheric pressure of 1.0 bar absolute. Other vacuum systems may have a different pressure than atmospheric pressure of 1.0 bar outside and a different pressure inside. Figure 5A , Figure 5B In vacuum sewage systems of the invention, the vacuum pressure may be about 0.4 bar to 0.6 bar absolute pressure. Other vacuum sewage systems may operate at a vacuum pressure between, for example, 0.25 bar to 0.45 bar absolute pressure.

[0037] In a vacuum system, the system can detect the vacuum of the system. If the vacuum pump stops, the vacuum in the system decreases. In the case where the vacuum is reduced or even disappears, the cover should also be liquid-tight in these cases to prevent unwanted leakage of the vacuum system. For example, vacuum systems are used in bathroom systems, and any leakage is unhygienic. In order to ensure that the cover is tightly held in place in the opening of the housing in the case of loss of vacuum in the system, a locking member can be arranged on the cover, thereby fastening the cover to the opening in the housing. The locking member can be held in place by spring force. The locking member should be easy to open and close so that the cover can be simply removed from the housing. The locking member can be a snap-in and snap-out solution. The locking member can be designed to be opened and closed by a person's hand. The locking member can also be designed to be opened and closed by using mechanical, electrical or electromechanical devices.

[0038] A closing mechanism with a lid, a pivot axis, and corresponding shapes of the lid and the opening provides a lid for an opening in a closed system, which can be opened with little force even when the pressure outside the lid is higher than the pressure inside. The opening force of the lid provided by a small additional force can be provided by a person's hand gently pushing downward. The removal of the lid does not require any tools. The lid is also reliably held in place by the vacuum pressure of the tube, as explained above. Therefore, a person can press the lid in place with his hand, and then the lid is fastened in place by the vacuum in the vacuum tube. No screws or bolts are required to firmly attach the lid to the vacuum tube. The lid can be opened without removing the vacuum in the vacuum tube system. The solution is simple, low cost, and easy to use. The area to be pushed by the user's hand can be marked on the lid. The push area can be set on one of the sides of the lid, at or near the periphery of the lid far enough from the pivot axis of the lid. The push area can be at or near the periphery of the lid at or near the line perpendicular to the pivot axis. The area to be pushed can be marked on the lid so that the user can easily remove it. The operation of the lid can also be performed by a machine. The machine can be manually operated, semi-automatic or automatic.

[0039] Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of a cover system for a vacuum system are disclosed.

[0040] Figure 1A-Figure 1C The opening and removal of a cover 3 covering an opening 2 in a housing element of a vacuum tube 1 are illustrated in sequence. Figure 1A, a housing element of a vacuum tube 1 having an opening 2 covered by a cover 3 is illustrated. The housing element may be provided with an inlet and an outlet for connecting to a vacuum tube in a vacuum system, thereby providing an opening with a cover for the vacuum system. The housing element may be connected to a closed system, thereby providing an opening with a cover in the closed system. A plurality of such housing elements may be connected and integrated with the closed system in positions where it is desired to be able to open the cover to gain access to the interior of the closed system. The cover 3 is in a closed and liquid-tight position covering the opening 2 of the vacuum tube 1. The perimeter of the cover has a shape and size corresponding to the interior of the opening. The opening 2 of the vacuum tube enables inspection, maintenance and removal of objects and dirt from the interior of the vacuum tube. The cover provides a liquid-tight seal for the vacuum system and therefore provides a seal for liquids, gases and solids. When the cover is in place in the opening, the vacuum system remains a closed system. In Figure 1A In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the housing extends upward from the vacuum tube to prevent liquid and dirt from coming out of the vacuum tube when the cover is removed and the opening into the vacuum tube is exposed. The circumference of the opening increases in a direction away from the opening. This increase in the circumference of the opening in a direction away from the opening into the vacuum tube enables easy access to the interior of the vacuum tube when the cover is removed.

[0041] Figure 1B Pictured Figure 1A A vacuum tube with a cover, wherein the cover 3 is in a partially open position after a portion of the cover has been pressed down and the vacuum pressure is overcome for opening the cover, as explained above. The cover is provided with a sealing element 4 around the circumference 5 of the cover. The sealing element may be an integral part of the cover. The sealing element may be an element separate from the cover. The sealing element may be elastic and compressible so as to enable the cover to seal against the inside of the opening when it is in the closed position. The sealing element 4 may have a slightly inclined shape with the largest diameter facing the outside of the cover. The sealing element 4 together with the circumferential design of the cover enables the cover to slide along the inside of the opening 2 and to seal liquid-tightly against the opening 2. As shown from Figure 1B It can be seen that the cover 3 is designed to pivot about a pivot axis of the cover 3. One part of the cover is designed to be able to move out of the opening 2, while the opposite side of the cover is designed to move into the opening. The rotational movement of the cover about the pivot axis is part of the solution to enable easy opening of the cover 3. Figure 1C The vacuum tube 1 is shown with the cover 3 removed from the opening 2. The sealing element 4 around the circumference can be clearly seen. Inside the opening 2, a first area 6 can be seen which abuts against the inner wall 7 of the opening 2. The first area 6 provides a first pivoting area for the cover 3. A corresponding second area 8 (at Figure 1C The wall of the opening (not visible in the figure) against the inside is arranged diametrically opposite to the first area 6. The line between the first area 6 and the second area 8 provides the pivot axis 9 for the cover. Figure 1CAs can be seen in the figure, the first pivot area 6 and the second pivot area 8 are rounded at the top. The rounded tops of the first area 6 and the second area 8 increase the pivot area and reduce the forces on the pivot area. The exemplary embodiment is used in a vacuum sewage system, and the material of the pipe and tank are typically made of polypropylene or other similar lightweight materials. Such materials are not designed to withstand high pressures and may require a larger area for distributing the forces in the pivot area. A rounded top area is also provided for improved force distribution. The rounded top also enables smooth pivoting movement of the cover 3 about the pivot axis 9. In other embodiments where the cover is made of a material that withstands higher pressures, the top portion of the pivot area can be an edge. The edge can be sharp. The shape of the edge increases the force of the edge on the cover. Figure 1A-Figure 1C In the embodiment illustrated in , the cover is rigid and is designed to withstand the forces on the cover due to the vacuum and the top area defining the pivot area for rotation. As mentioned above, the material used for the cover is adapted to the shape of the pivot area and vice versa. Figure 1A-Figure 1C The cover shown in has an oval shape. The cover may have other shapes, such as a circular shape or an even more oval shape. The cover may also be provided with hinges which divide the area of ​​the cover into two halves, so that one half of the cover can be operated at a time. The cover may be hinged to the opening, for example, by a longitudinal element 31. The cover may be transparent so that the interior of the pipe system or tank can be observed. Due to the forces acting on the cover, the area of ​​the cover should also not be too large. The material of the cover may be adapted to the specific application and system requirements. Rubber covers and covers with integrated steel elements are also possible.

[0042] Figure 2A-2C The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1A-Figure 1C A vacuum tube housing 1 having an opening 2 and a cover 3 and a sequence for opening the cover. Figure 2A The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1A The cover 10 of the embodiment of the present invention is in a closed and liquid-tight position, thereby covering the opening in the vacuum tube. It can be seen that the sealing element 4 is tightly supported against the inner wall 10 of the opening 2. Figure 2B The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1B Vacuum tube housing with opening 2 and partially opened cover 3. The pivoting movement of cover 3 about pivot axis 9 can be seen ( Figure 4 ), wherein a first end of the cover on a first side of the pivot axis 9 is located in an upward position above the inner wall of the opening, and the other end of the cover 3 on the other side of the pivot axis 9 is located in a downward position of the inner wall of the opening 2. Figure 2C The longitudinal cross-section diagram shows Figure 1C1 . A vacuum tube housing of a embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover 3 is removed from the opening 2. The sealing element 4 is seen in more detail in the cross-sectional view. The sealing element 4 is arranged in the recess 11 around the perimeter of the cover. The sealing element has a V-shape which allows the sealing element to bend when bearing against the inner wall of the opening, thereby providing a liquid-tight seal, and at the same time allows a sliding movement of the cover 3 with the sealing element 4 against the inner wall of the opening 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B as shown. The first pivot area 6 is also shown in Figure 2c, which has a circular top area and a downwardly inclined area 13 on each side of the circular top. The downwardly inclined area 13 increases the strength of the opening structure so that it can withstand the forces applied to the structure by the cover. The material in the embodiments of Figures 1-3 can be made of, for example, polypropylene or a similar material. When performing a pivoting movement for opening the cover, the downwardly inclined area can also provide support for the part of the cover that is pivoted into the opening. In other embodiments, depending on the materials used for the housing element and the tube system, the downwardly inclined area 13 can be omitted. The second pivot area 8 arranged opposite to the first pivot area 6 on the inside of the opening wall has a shape corresponding to the first pivot area 6. The downwardly inclined area 13 of the pivot area does not need to extend downward to meet the corresponding pivot area, that is, it does not need to extend around the entire inner circumference of the opening, but can also extend partially along the inside of the wall of the opening. The pivot area with the downwardly inclined area is Figure 3A-3C is shown in more detail in . Figure 3A-3C A longitudinal partial cross-sectional view is shown Figure 1A-Figure 1C The opening sequence of the lid is shown in FIG. 1 , but also illustrates the interaction between the underside of the lid and the pivoting area inside the opening. Figure 3A In , the cover is in the closed position, wherein the underside of the cover bears against the rounded top portion of the pivoting area 6. Figure 3B In the embodiment, the cover is in an open position, wherein the second end of the cover is in a downward position bearing against the downwardly inclined area 13 of the pivot area 6. Figure 3C When the cover is removed from the opening, the cover is in a free position in which the cover is loose and not attached to the opening. Figure 3A-3C The interior of the opening 2 is also illustrated. The lower part 12 of the opening 2 has a funnel-like shape facing the inside of the vacuum tube. This funnel-like shape can provide protection against liquids and dirt coming out of the vacuum tube when the cover is opened and removed. Figure 4 is a view of the opening and interior of the housing element from partially above, showing the pivot area 6 on one of the sides. The pivot axis 9 is illustrated as a line molded into the interior of the housing.

[0043] Figure 5AAlso illustrated are the forces acting on the cover 3 when the cover is in the closed position in the opening 2 of the vacuum system 1. The forces acting on the cover are shown with arrows. The size of the arrows is only illustrative and may not be the actual size of the force. A larger arrow shows a greater force than a smaller arrow.

[0044] The force F holding the cover 3 in place in the opening 2 of the vacuum system is the underside area A of the cover multiplied by the pressure difference P between the inside of the vacuum system and the outside ambient air:

[0045] F=A*P.

[0046] The pressure P of the ambient air is about 1 bar, and the pressure inside the vacuum system shown in FIG1 is about 0.45 bar in use. The size of the cover for covering the opening 2 in the vacuum system may vary depending on the intended use of the system. For example, the area of ​​the cover may be 50 cm 2 . This provides a force of approximately 275N acting on the cover. Therefore, due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the vacuum system, a large force is required to overcome the force caused by the vacuum in the vacuum system. This is a force that may be difficult to overcome by pulling the cover out of the opening in the vacuum system. Therefore, the cover in a typical vacuum system, for example for sewage, may not be able to be removed, for example by human hands, when the pressure in the closed system has not yet equalized with the surrounding environment. Figure 5A , the lid is placed on a pivot point, or more precisely on a pivot axis 9. The pivot axis is arranged in the middle part of the lid. The lid is divided into two areas by the pivot axis. These two areas are equal or approximately equal. The lower side area of ​​the lid is divided into two areas, as shown by the first force 15 and the second force 16 acting on the lid. These two areas with the first force and the second force represent two forces, each trying to push the lid towards and into the opening (chamber), but at the same time interacting with each other because the stiffness of the lid balances these two forces around the pivot axis. The force 18 in the middle of the lid (largest arrow) is the force acting on the lower side of the lid due to the pivot axis provided by the pivot area of ​​the opening. By acting on one of the multiple sides of the lid (in this case the left side ( Figure 5A The arrow 17 in FIG. 1) applies a small force towards the outer surface of the cover, which is added to the first force 15, and the resultant force acting on the outside of the cover towards the inside of the vacuum system is then large enough to overcome the friction of the system and rotate the cover counterclockwise about the pivot axis, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B The force applied to the cover is near the perimeter of the cover. This combined force acting on the cover from outside the vacuum system and towards the inside of the vacuum system is then large enough to move the right side portion of the cover over the opening in the vacuum system, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B The left side of the cover moves down into the opening, as shown. Figure 5BAs shown. The sealing element 4 slides against the inside of the opening. When the right tip of the cover moves over the opening, the pressure on the underside and the upper side of the cover is equalized, making the cover easy to remove from the opening. The small force required to open the cover is much smaller than the force from the vacuum system acting on the cover.

[0047] The design of the cover may depend on the closed system and the system requirements and the intended use for the cover and the positioning of the cover in the closed system. The closed system may be, for example, a large vacuum system for sewage transport. The design of the cover may also depend on whether the cover should be manually operated or machine operated as described above.

[0048] Having described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporating these concepts may be used. These and other examples described above are intended to be exemplary only, and the actual scope of the present invention will be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. A cover adapted for fluid-tight sealing engagement with an opening in a closed system, wherein: The pressure outside the closed system is higher than the pressure inside the closed system, wherein the lid is arranged to perform a pivoting movement about a pivot axis for opening the lid.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein The cover is held fluid-tightly in place in the opening by balancing forces on the cover due to pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the closed system.

3. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pivot axis is arranged in a middle portion of the cover.

4. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The pivot axis divides an area of ​​the cover into a first area and a second area, and wherein the first area is equal to or approximately equal to an area of ​​the second area.

5. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The pivot axis is provided by a longitudinal element, a geometry in the cover or a geometry in the opening.

6. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The closed system is a vacuum system.

7. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The opening in the system is an opening in a pipe or a tank.

8. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The pivoting movement for opening the lid is initiated by a force applied to a portion of the lid located near or on a perimeter of the lid remote from the pivot axis.

9. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The cover is provided with a fluid-tight sealing element around the perimeter of the cover for sealing engagement between the opening in the closed system and the cover.

10. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The perimeter of the cover is arranged to be able to slide at least a portion of the pivoting movement over the surface of the opening.

11. A cover system for a liquid-tight seal of an opening in a closure system, wherein: The pressure outside the closed system is greater than the pressure inside the closed system, and the cover system comprises: - a housing element comprising the opening, wherein the housing element further comprises at least one connecting element for connecting the housing element to the closed system; - A lid arranged to perform a pivoting movement about a pivot axis for opening the lid.

12. The cover according to claim 11, wherein The cover is held fluid-tightly in place in the opening by balancing forces on the cover due to pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the closed system.

13. A cover system according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein: The pivot axis is disposed in a middle portion of the cover.

14. The cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The pivot axis divides an area of ​​the cover into a first area and a second area, and wherein the first area is equal to or approximately equal to an area of ​​the second area.

15. The cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The pivot axis is provided by a longitudinal element, a geometry in the cover or a geometry in the opening.

16. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The opening in the housing is provided with two opposing pivot areas defining the pivot axis.

17. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein: The cover is provided with a fluid-tight sealing element around the perimeter of the cover for sealing engagement between the opening and the cover.

18. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein: The opening is provided with a fluid-tight sealing element for sealing engagement between the opening and the cover.

19. A cover system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The outer perimeter of the cover is arranged to slide at least a portion of the pivoting movement on a surface of the opening.

20. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein: The pivoting movement for opening the lid is initiated by a force applied to a portion of the lid in an area near or on the periphery of the lid remote from the pivot axis.

21. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein: The opening in the housing extends upwardly from the closure system.

22. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein: The circumference of the opening increases in a direction away from the closed system.

23. A cover system according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein: The closed system is a vacuum system.

24. A housing element for a cover system for liquid-tight sealing of an opening in a closure system, wherein: The pressure outside the closed system is greater than the pressure inside the closed system, and the cover is arranged to perform a pivoting movement around a pivot axis to open the cover, the housing element includes the opening, wherein the housing element also includes at least one connecting element for connecting the housing element to the closed system.

25. The housing according to claim 24, wherein: The opening in the housing extends upwardly from the closure system.

26. A housing according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein: The circumference of the opening increases in a direction away from the closed system.

27. A cover adapted for fluid-tight sealing engagement with an opening in a closed system, wherein: The cover is arranged to perform a rotational movement about a pivot axis in order to open the cover.

28. The cover of claim 27, wherein: The cover is held fluid-tightly in place in the opening by balancing forces on the cover caused by pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the closed system.

29. A housing element for a cover system for liquid-tight sealing of an opening in a closure system, wherein: The pressure outside the closed system is greater than the pressure inside the closed system, and the lid is arranged to perform a pivoting movement about a pivot axis in order to open the lid.

30. Use of a cover according to any one of claims 1-10, 27, 28, or a cover system according to any one of claims 11-23 as an inspection opening in a vacuum sewage system for at least one of a toilet, a sink, grey water, black water, water or organic material.

31. Use of a cover according to any one of claims 1-10, 27, 28 or a cover system according to any one of claims 11-24 as an inspection opening in a vacuum system for condensed water, in a vacuum system for conveying condensed water from at least one cooler or refrigerator, in a vacuum system for conveying condensed water from at least one of a refrigerator, display refrigerator or freezer in a shop or supermarket.

32. Use of a housing element according to any one of claims 24 to 26, 29 to provide an inspection opening in a vacuum sewage system for at least one of a toilet, a sink, grey water, black water, water or organic material.

33. Use of a housing element according to any one of claims 24 to 26, 29 to provide an inspection opening in a vacuum system for condensed water, in a vacuum system for conveying condensed water from at least one cooler or refrigerator, in a vacuum system for conveying condensed water from at least one of a refrigerator, display refrigerator or freezer in a store or supermarket.

Images