A multi-purpose manhole cover opener
By designing a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, which combines steel pipes, inertial counterweights, and hook assemblies, the problems of inconvenience and low efficiency of existing tools have been solved, enabling efficient and safe opening of manhole covers and improving construction efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING GAS GRP
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images

Figure CN224337179U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a manhole cover opener, and more particularly to a multi-purpose manhole cover opener. Background Technology
[0002] In urban and rural areas, the underground equipment of public utilities such as electricity, gas, and heating all need to be sealed with manhole covers. When repairing or maintaining them, the manhole covers need to be opened. Currently, multiple tools such as crowbars and picks are usually used for the operation, which is very inconvenient to carry. Moreover, crowbars and picks are large and irregular in size, making it very inconvenient and inefficient to open the manhole covers. Utility Model Content
[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an integrated, multi-purpose, time-saving, labor-saving and highly efficient multi-purpose manhole cover opener.
[0004] This utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, comprising a steel pipe, an inertial counterweight, a pull rod, and a support base. The upper end of the steel pipe is provided with a handle, and the lower end of the steel pipe is fixedly connected to the upper end of the pull rod. Limiting blocks are respectively provided on opposite sides of the lower end sidewall of the pull rod. The counterweight is slidably mounted on the steel pipe, and the support base is rotatably mounted on the sidewall of the steel pipe.
[0005] This utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, wherein an upper retaining ring is fitted on the upper end of the steel pipe and a lower retaining ring is fitted on the lower end of the steel pipe. The upper retaining ring is located below the handle, the inertial counterweight is located between the upper and lower retaining rings, and the support base is rotatably connected to the lower retaining ring.
[0006] This utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, wherein a spring is also fitted on the steel pipe, and the spring is located between the inertial counterweight and the lower retaining ring.
[0007] This utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, which further includes a hook assembly. The hook assembly includes a hook rod and a connecting sleeve. The upper end of the connecting sleeve is threaded to the lower end of a steel pipe, and the lower end of the connecting sleeve is fixedly connected to the hook rod. The pull rod is located inside the connecting sleeve.
[0008] This utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, wherein the pull rod includes a first pull rod and a second pull rod. The upper end of the first pull rod is fixedly connected to a steel pipe, and the lower end of the first pull rod is rotatably connected to the upper end of the second pull rod. The two limiting blocks are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the lower end side wall of the second pull rod.
[0009] This utility model relates to a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, wherein the inertial counterweight and the connecting sleeve are both provided with anti-slip textures.
[0010] This utility model relates to a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, wherein a chain is provided between the connecting sleeve and the lower retaining ring.
[0011] The difference between this utility model and the prior art is that this utility model ingeniously integrates the hook assembly, steel pipe, pull rod and inertial counterweight into one unit, and forms a lever through the support seat. When opening the manhole cover, the appropriate opening method can be selected according to the style of the manhole cover, the tightness and other factors.
[0012] This utility model provides a multi-purpose manhole cover opener and its application method, which has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0013] (1) This manhole cover opener has the characteristics of multiple uses. It can not only act as a gas manhole cover loosener, but also act as a gas manhole cover pry tool using the lever principle. During construction, its lightweight and portable design greatly improves the convenience of operation for operators, and it is simple, safe and reliable to operate, significantly improving work efficiency.
[0014] (2) When opening the manhole cover, the operator selects the opening method according to the tightness of the manhole cover. If the manhole cover is loose, the hook rod is used to hook the manhole cover directly; if the manhole cover is tight, the hook claw assembly is unscrewed and the manhole cover is loosened by the inertial counterweight and the pull rod to improve work efficiency.
[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a multi-purpose manhole cover opener in one usage state according to the present invention;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another usage state of the multi-purpose manhole cover opener of this utility model.
[0018] Figure label:
[0019] 01-Steel pipe; 11-Handle; 12-Upper retaining ring; 13-Lower retaining ring; 14-Spring; 02-Inertia counterweight; 21-Anti-slip texture; 22-Through hole; 03-Pull rod; 31-First pull rod; 32-Second pull rod; 33-Limit block; 04-Support base; 05-Hook claw assembly; 51-Hook rod; 52-Connecting sleeve; 06-Chain. Detailed Implementation
[0020] like Figure 2As shown, this utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, including a steel pipe 01, an inertial counterweight 02, a pull rod 03, and a support base 04. A handle 11 is provided at the upper end of the steel pipe 01, and the lower end of the steel pipe 01 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the pull rod 03. Limiting blocks 33 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the lower end side wall of the pull rod 03. The counterweight is slidably disposed on the steel pipe 01, and the support base 04 is rotatably disposed on the side wall of the steel pipe 01.
[0021] In the construction and maintenance of modern urban infrastructure, opening and closing manhole covers is a frequent and important task. This utility model of a manhole cover opener, with its unique design, is not only widely used for operating gas manhole covers in gas systems, but can also play a role in similar manhole cover operations in other fields.
[0022] The steel pipe 01 is the core component of the manhole cover opener, used to support and connect other components. The upper end of the steel pipe 01 is welded with a T-shaped handle 11, which is convenient for operators to pick up and operate. Some special manhole covers are screwed with flat or hexagonal bolts. The left and right ends of the handle 11 are designed with slotted head 111 and hexagonal head 112, respectively, to facilitate the tightening of the bolts on these manhole covers.
[0023] The inertial counterweight 02 has a certain weight, and its inertial force can assist the operator to increase the force on the manhole cover, making it easier to pry or lift the manhole cover. Especially when dealing with some gas manhole covers that are tightly locked to the manhole opening due to long-term use or that are heavy, the inertial force generated by the counterweight can significantly reduce the force required for the operator to open the gas manhole cover and improve work efficiency.
[0024] The inertial counterweight 02 is preferably cylindrical in shape, and it has a through hole 22 along the axial direction. The diameter of the through hole 22 is slightly larger than the diameter of the steel pipe 01, which makes it convenient to be fitted onto the steel pipe 01 and reduces the friction between the two.
[0025] Gas well covers typically have at least two elliptical opening holes. The upper end of the pull rod 03 is welded to the lower end of the steel pipe 01, and the two are located on the same central axis. This arrangement is both aesthetically pleasing and facilitates connection with other components. Two limiting blocks 33 are welded to the opposite side walls of the lower end of the pull rod 03. These blocks are used to extend into the opening holes of the gas well cover, engage with the gas well cover, and open it.
[0026] The support base 04 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the steel pipe 01 by bolts or pins, and forms a lever with the steel pipe 01. The lever principle is used to pry open the gas well cover.
[0027] When the manhole cover needs to be opened, the operator first inserts the pull rod 03 with the limit block 33 into the opening hole of the gas manhole cover, and then turns the handle 11 so that the limit block 33 is engaged with the gas manhole cover. At this time, the manhole cover opener and the manhole cover are in a roughly vertical position, and the inertial counterweight 02 is located at the lower end of the steel pipe 01. Then, the inertial counterweight 02 is pulled upward so that it impacts the handle 11. Under the action of its own weight and the operator's pulling force, the counterweight generates a sliding inertial force, and transmits the force to the handle 11 in the form of a reaction force. The manhole cover opener then tends to move upward, thereby causing the gas manhole cover to vibrate until the gas manhole cover loosens. Then, the support base 04 is turned to support it on the ground. Using the lever principle, the gas manhole cover is opened by pressing down the handle 11.
[0028] This manhole cover opener is multi-functional, serving not only as a gas manhole cover loosener but also as a gas manhole cover pry tool using leverage. During operation, its lightweight and portable design greatly enhances the ease of carrying for operators, while its simple, safe, and reliable operation significantly improves work efficiency.
[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper end of the steel pipe 01 is fitted with an upper retaining ring 12, and the lower end of the steel pipe 01 is fitted with a lower retaining ring 13. The upper retaining ring 12 is located below the handle 11, the inertial counterweight 02 is located between the upper retaining ring 12 and the lower retaining ring 13, and the support base 04 is rotatably connected to the lower retaining ring 13.
[0030] When opening the manhole cover, there is a risk of fingers being squeezed when the operator pulls the inertial counterweight 02 upward to strike the handle 11, which could cause work-related injuries. To avoid operator injury, an upper retaining ring 12 is installed on the steel pipe 01 below the handle 11 by bolting or welding. In this way, the inertial counterweight 02 strikes the upper retaining ring 12, which in turn indirectly strikes the handle, causing the manhole cover opener to move upward, thereby causing the gas manhole cover to vibrate and achieve the purpose of opening the gas manhole cover.
[0031] In addition, a lower retaining ring 13 is installed at the lower end of the steel pipe 01 by means of bolts or welding, which is used to limit the inertial counterweight 02 and prevent it from falling off the steel pipe 01.
[0032] There are several ways to connect the support base 04 and the lower retaining ring 13. The preferred method is to set a lifting lug on the lower retaining ring 13, and the support base 04 is rotatably connected to the lifting lug by a locking pin. This connection method has the advantages of simple structure and low cost, which not only facilitates operation, but also effectively saves expenses.
[0033] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a spring 14 is also fitted on the steel pipe 01, and the spring 14 is located between the inertial counterweight 02 and the lower retaining ring 13.
[0034] The inertial counterweight 02 has a certain weight and abuts against the lower retaining ring 13 to prevent it from falling off; however, this also makes them prone to frictional damage. In addition, during the opening of the gas well cover, the inertial counterweight 02 often impacts the lower retaining ring 13, exacerbating the damage to both and significantly shortening their service life.
[0035] To overcome the above problems, a strong spring 14 is fitted onto the steel pipe 01. The inner diameter of the spring 14 is slightly larger than the diameter of the steel pipe 01 and smaller than the diameter of the lower retaining ring 13. The outer diameter of the spring 14 is slightly larger than the diameter of the through hole 22 of the inertial counterweight 02. This arrangement ensures that the spring 14 will not fall off the steel pipe 01. On the other hand, it ensures that the inertial counterweight 02 is supported on the spring 14, avoiding collision or friction with the lower retaining ring 13, thereby protecting the inertial counterweight 02 and the lower retaining ring 13 and extending their service life.
[0036] In addition, the spring 14 has elasticity. When opening the gas well cover, the operator pulls the inertial counterweight 02 back and forth, causing it to slide up and down along the steel pipe 01. During the downward movement, when the inertial counterweight 02 contacts the spring 14 and presses the spring 14 downward, it will be subjected to the upward reaction force of the spring 14. Utilizing the elasticity of the spring 14, it can effectively buffer the impact on the lower retaining ring 13 and push the inertial counterweight 02 upward, saving the operator's physical strength.
[0037] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, this utility model discloses a multi-purpose manhole cover opener, which also includes a hook assembly 05. The hook assembly 05 includes a hook rod 51 and a connecting sleeve 52. The upper end of the connecting sleeve 52 is threadedly connected to the lower end of the steel pipe 01, and the lower end of the connecting sleeve 52 is fixedly connected to the hook rod 51. A pull rod 03 is located inside the connecting sleeve 52. A chain 06 is provided between the connecting sleeve 52 and the lower retaining ring 13.
[0038] This manhole cover opener can not only vibrate and loosen manhole covers that are tightly engaged with the manhole opening and pry them up, but it is also equipped with a special hook assembly 05 for dragging manhole covers or opening manhole covers that are not tightly engaged with the manhole opening.
[0039] The connecting sleeve 52 has an open top with an internal thread, and the lower end of the steel pipe 01 has a matching external thread. The two are connected by threads. The length of the connecting sleeve 52 is greater than that of the pull rod 03. When the connecting sleeve 52 is connected to the steel pipe 01, the pull rod 03 is located inside the connecting sleeve 52. This design not only protects the pull rod 03 but also simplifies the space, allowing components with different uses to be integrated into one unit, thus improving the applicability of the manhole cover opener.
[0040] In addition, a detachable chain 06 is installed between the connecting sleeve 52 and the lower retaining ring 13. In special circumstances, such as when opening a manhole cover buried in a hole, the connecting sleeve 52 can be unscrewed from the steel pipe 01, the length of the manhole cover opener can be extended by the chain 06, and then the manhole cover can be opened by the hook rod 51. This setting further enhances the adaptability of the manhole cover opener.
[0041] The hook rod 51 is welded to the bottom of the connecting sleeve 52 and is located on the same central axis as the connecting sleeve 52 and the steel pipe 01. This setting makes the manhole cover opener aesthetically pleasing and ensures concentrated force during use, simplifying the operation process and improving work efficiency.
[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the pull rod 03 includes a first pull rod 31 and a second pull rod 32. The upper end of the first pull rod 31 is fixedly connected to the steel pipe 01, and the lower end of the first pull rod 31 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the second pull rod 32. Two limiting blocks 33 are respectively set on opposite sides of the lower end side wall of the second pull rod 32.
[0043] During the process of opening the manhole cover, the operator inserts the pull rod 03 into the opening hole of the manhole cover and uses the inertial counterweight 02 to loosen the manhole cover. At this time, the manhole cover opener is roughly perpendicular to the manhole cover. Because the manhole cover is heavy, after the manhole cover is loosened, the manhole cover opener needs to be tilted so that the support base 04 is stably supported on the ground, and the manhole cover is pried open using the lever principle. In this stage, the pull rod 03 is inserted at an angle into the opening hole of the manhole cover, so that the angle between the pull rod 03 and the manhole cover is less than 90 degrees. At the same time, the pull rod 03 forms a support point with the upper and lower surfaces of the manhole cover. During the process of prying open the manhole cover, the upper support point will be subjected to the downward pressure applied by the pull rod 03, while the lower support point will be subjected not only to the upward pressure applied by the pull rod 03, but also to the weight of the manhole cover itself. This stress situation makes the opening hole of the manhole cover very prone to deformation or cracking, ultimately leading to the failure of the manhole cover.
[0044] To overcome the aforementioned problems, the pull rod 03 adopts a two-section design, consisting of a first pull rod 31 and a second pull rod 32. The upper end of the first pull rod 31 is welded to the lower end of the steel pipe 01, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the upper end of the second pull rod 32 via bolts or pins. The limiting block 33 is located at the lower end of the second pull rod 32. When the manhole cover is opened, the support base 04 is supported on the ground, and the first pull rod 31 tilts synchronously with the steel pipe 01. The second pull rod 32 rotates relative to the first pull rod 31 and adjusts its position. Throughout the process, the two limiting blocks 33 on the second pull rod 32 always abut against the lower surface of the manhole cover. When the handle 11 is pressed down, the manhole cover is lifted. This structure has a dual advantage: firstly, it significantly increases the contact area between the limiting block 33 and the manhole cover; secondly, it ensures that the manhole cover is only subjected to the same pulling force from the two limiting blocks 33, thereby effectively preventing damage or scrapping of the manhole cover during the opening process.
[0045] like Figure 1, 2 As shown, both the inertial counterweight 02 and the connecting sleeve 52 have anti-slip textures 21 on their outer surfaces.
[0046] When opening the manhole cover, the operator selects the opening method according to the tightness of the manhole cover. If the manhole cover is loose, the hook rod 51 is used to hook the manhole cover directly; if the manhole cover is tight, the hook claw assembly 05 is unscrewed, and the manhole cover is loosened by the inertial counterweight block 02 and the pull rod 03.
[0047] To ensure safety and ease of operation, anti-slip textures 21 are designed on the surfaces of both the inertial counterweight 02 and the connecting sleeve 52 to address potential issues such as the inertial counterweight 02 slipping out of the hand or the hook components being too tight to unscrew. This effectively increases friction and reduces operational risks. The design of the anti-slip textures 21 can be flexibly tailored to aesthetics and ease of operation, and is not specifically limited here.
[0048] In addition, the handle 11 and the inertial counterweight 02 are also equipped with an insulating layer. If the manhole cover opener accidentally touches a live wire during the opening process, it can effectively prevent the operator from being electrocuted and also improve the operator's comfort.
[0049] It should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "middle", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0050] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0051] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. Various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present utility model by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present utility model should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A multi-purpose manhole cover opener, characterized in that: It includes a steel pipe, an inertial counterweight, a tie rod, and a support base. The upper end of the steel pipe is provided with a handle, and the lower end of the steel pipe is fixedly connected to the upper end of the tie rod. Limit blocks are respectively provided on opposite sides of the lower end sidewall of the tie rod. The counterweight is slidably mounted on the steel pipe, and the support base is rotatably mounted on the sidewall of the steel pipe.
2. The multi-purpose manhole cover opener according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the steel pipe is fitted with an upper retaining ring, and the lower end of the steel pipe is fitted with a lower retaining ring. The upper retaining ring is located below the handle, the inertial counterweight is located between the upper retaining ring and the lower retaining ring, and the support base is rotatably connected to the lower retaining ring.
3. The multi-purpose manhole cover opener according to claim 2, characterized in that: A spring is also fitted onto the steel pipe, and the spring is located between the inertial counterweight and the lower retaining ring.
4. A multi-purpose manhole cover opener according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a hook assembly, which includes a hook rod and a connecting sleeve. The upper end of the connecting sleeve is threaded to the lower end of the steel pipe, and the lower end of the connecting sleeve is fixedly connected to the hook rod. The pull rod is located inside the connecting sleeve.
5. A multi-purpose manhole cover opener according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pull rod includes a first pull rod and a second pull rod. The upper end of the first pull rod is fixedly connected to the steel pipe, and the lower end of the first pull rod is rotatably connected to the upper end of the second pull rod. The two limiting blocks are respectively set on opposite sides of the lower end side wall of the second pull rod.
6. A multi-purpose manhole cover opener according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the inertial counterweight and the connecting sleeve have anti-slip textures on their outer surfaces.
7. A multi-purpose manhole cover opener according to claim 6, characterized in that: A chain is provided between the connecting sleeve and the lower retaining ring.