Device for covering a light shaft and method

The device with a projecting substructure design addresses dirt accumulation in light wells by allowing debris to fall through gaps, maintaining cleanliness and facilitating easy cleaning, while adhering to safety and design standards.

EP4332324B1Active Publication Date: 2026-02-25Q-EVO GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2022193718
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-09-02
Publication Date
2026-02-25
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Light wells often accumulate dirt in their edge areas due to covers that are mechanically secured, making cleaning laborious and infrequent, leading to a dirty cityscape.

Method used

A device with a substructure that holds the cover, featuring elements projecting beyond the support element to create gaps, allowing dirt to fall through and preventing accumulation, while ensuring safety and compliance with design standards.

Benefits of technology

The solution maintains a clean cityscape by ensuring dirt falls through the cover gaps, while meeting safety and design requirements, and allows for easy cleaning and adjustment to various facade orientations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device for covering a light well and a method for adapting such a device. A device (10) for covering a light well comprises a substructure (12) for holding a cover (15) for covering the light well. The substructure (12) has at least one support element (13) for placing the cover (15) on it. Viewed from above, at least one element of the substructure (12) projects outwards beyond the support element (13), so that the substructure (12) is able to hold a cover (15) that projects outwards beyond the support element (13). In this way, soiling of the cover is prevented.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for holding a cover for covering a light shaft and a method for adapting a device

[0002] Light wells serve to supply a building with light. Wells primarily used for ventilation are also referred to as light wells in this application. A light well is typically located below ground level and serves as an interface between a building opening, such as a window or ventilation opening, and the external environment or ground surface. In this way, for example, basement rooms can be supplied with light and air.

[0003] Light wells are covered at the top with a grate or grille. This prevents objects or people from falling into the light well. The grate is designed, for example, as a net or grid, allowing light to enter and ensuring ventilation. In other words, the grate typically has openings. Furthermore, the grate can prevent unauthorized access to the building.

[0004] Common light wells have a surrounding support on which the cover rests. This leads to the problem that dirt accumulates in the edges of the cover. Since the cover is usually mechanically secured against unauthorized removal, cleaning is laborious and therefore rarely occurs in practice. As a result, the cityscape is often characterized by dirty light wells.

[0005] The features mentioned above can be combined individually or in combination with the embodiments and features of the invention mentioned below, unless otherwise stated.

[0006] German patent application DE 20 2010 016 163 U1 describes a rainproof, dirt- and insect-repellent light well cover for basement light wells with a frame divided into a ventilation area and a lighting area. German patent application DE 20 20 853 A1 relates to a cladding for the light well of a basement window, consisting of two right-angled bent sheet steel parts. German patent application DE 20 2013 101 100 U1 describes a light well cover with a cover plate and a support to which the cover plate is attached.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a further developed device for holding a cover for covering a light shaft and a further developed method for adapting a device.

[0008] The problem is solved by the device according to claim 1 and by the method according to the dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] To solve the problem, a device for holding a cover for a light well is used, comprising a substructure for holding the cover. The substructure has at least one support element for placing the cover. Viewed from above, at least one element of the substructure projects outwards beyond the support element. In particular, the substructure is thus capable of holding a cover that projects outwards beyond the support element.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea that the substructure fills the available cavity in such a way that it cannot be displaced unintentionally within it. For this purpose, the substructure has elements that extend, in plan view, to the boundaries of the cavity. The cavity can be, for example, a light well, a space above a light well, or a trench excavated around an existing light well, as described in detail below. Since at least one element of the substructure projects outwards beyond the support element, a cover dimensioned to completely cover the upper opening of the cavity also projects beyond the support element.

[0011] In other words, when viewed from above, a gap remains between the outermost point of the substructure element and the outermost point of the support element. This ensures that a distance is maintained between a wall bordering the cavity and the support element. The support element therefore does not extend to the outermost edge of the substructure in either the longitudinal or transverse direction, but rather ends at a position further inward. At least one element of the substructure extends further outward than the support element. This allows any dirt or debris accumulating in the outer area of ​​the cover to fall through the cover and into the light well. In this way, a clean and well-maintained cityscape is ensured.At the same time, the applicable requirements for maximum size of openings in the cover can be met, ensuring safety and usability and compliance with relevant standards.

[0012] The described gap between the outermost point of the substructure element and the outermost point of the support element, or between the cavity wall and the support element, does not necessarily have to remain unobstructed. For example, a wall of the device may be located between them. It is important that, when installed as intended, the support element does not extend to the cavity wall, allowing an outer edge of the cover to project beyond the support element. This ensures that any dirt or debris accumulating in the cover's edge zones falls through openings in the cover and does not remain visible from above.

[0013] In other words, the outermost elements of the substructure define one or more actual or imagined, in particular flat, outer surfaces of the substructure that enclose it. At least one outermost area of ​​the support element, viewed from above, is spaced from at least one of these outer surfaces.

[0014] The at least one element of the substructure can be any component or section of the substructure. This at least one element need not fulfill any function other than projecting beyond the support element. It also does not necessarily need to be rigidly connected to one or more other parts of the substructure. Typically, it prevents the substructure from shifting within the cavity in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction. The at least one element of the substructure projects beyond the support element, at least partially. There may also be areas where the support element extends to or beyond the element of the substructure, or where no corresponding element of the substructure is present. This can, for example, be advantageous for the stiffness of the structure.Since dirt can accumulate in these areas and they are difficult to access, these areas are typically only present to a small extent. For example, viewed from above, at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and particularly preferably at least 95% of the circumference of the substructure is designed such that at least one element of the substructure projects beyond the support element.

[0015] A light well comprises an interior space and a wall that at least partially defines the interior space. This wall is also referred to as a frame. Specifically, the interior space is rectangular in longitudinal and / or cross-sectional sections. Typically, one of the four sides of the interior space is not enclosed by a wall, as this may be where, for example, a window is located.

[0016] The cover serves to conceal the top of the light well. The cover is typically a flat, flat element. In particular, the cover essentially completely covers the light well.

[0017] A support element is an element on which the cover can rest. This allows the cover to be positioned on the substructure. Typically, the cover can be attached to the substructure in this position and / or to the substructure. The cover can be held by the substructure in such a way that vertical forces acting on the cover are absorbed by the substructure. In particular, the substructure transfers the vertical forces directly or indirectly to the wall of the light well or to the surrounding ground. Preferably, at least two support elements are present. In particular, a support element has a bearing surface on which a portion of the cover can be placed. Typically, the bearing surface is flat and / or horizontally oriented. The support element can be a section or part of another component of the substructure.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support element has a width of at most 20 mm, in particular at most 15 mm, and preferably about 10 mm. The minimum width depends on the required mechanical stability and should not be less than 6 mm or 8 mm, depending on the requirements.

[0019] The substructure is designed to be inserted into an open-topped cavity. The cover is typically dimensioned to completely cover the opening of the cavity, thus sealing it from above. The substructure can be designed to extend at least along the entire longitudinal extent of the light well and / or at least along the entire transverse extent of the light well.

[0020] The substructure can be installed in newly constructed light wells. For this purpose, the light well is typically designed so that it ends a height H below the ground level (GOK). H corresponds to the height of the substructure including the cover. The substructure can therefore rest on the wall of the light well and / or the cover can be flush with the surrounding ground. The wall of the light well typically has a horizontal surface for this purpose.

[0021] The substructure can also be integrated into existing light wells. There are two options here. First, the upper section of the existing light well wall can be removed so that it ends below ground level (GOK) by a height H. The substructure can then be placed on the wall as described above, just as with a new light well. This is particularly feasible if the wall's load-bearing capacity is known and sufficient. Alternatively, especially if the wall's load-bearing capacity is unknown or insufficient, the second option is to use a larger substructure and position it around the existing light well. For this, a U-shaped trench (as seen from above) is excavated around the light well wall, and a load-bearing structure, such as a base plate, is installed at the bottom of the trench.The substructure is installed in the trench outside the wall of the light well. The cavity to be covered, or rather the upper opening of this cavity, then has a correspondingly larger base area. The wall of the light well is then located within the cavity enclosed by the device and can be completely or partially removed.

[0022] In a simple embodiment, the substructure can also be inserted directly into an existing light shaft and the cover placed on top of it.

[0023] This allows the problem of soiling in the edge areas of existing light wells to be solved in a simple way.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one element of the substructure projects beyond the support element by a length L of at least 20 mm. In particular, the length L is at least 30 mm. This ensures that typical debris such as cigarette butts can fall freely through the openings in the cover. This keeps the light well cover especially clean. In another embodiment, the length L is at least 40 mm, and in particular at least 50 mm. This allows even larger debris such as leaves or small twigs to fall freely through the openings.

[0025] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a wall that at least partially encloses the substructure. The wall forms the outer boundary of at least one area of ​​the device. "Enclosing" means that the wall forms the outer termination of the device. The wall can also be referred to as a frame.

[0026] In particular, the wall is made of metal, typically steel such as hot-dip galvanized steel, preferably sheet metal. This offers the advantage that the structure can be prefabricated and simply installed on site. This ensures high dimensional accuracy with minimal susceptibility to errors. Furthermore, compared to conventional light wells, very thin walls are possible, significantly expanding design options. For example, natural stone paving can be laid right up to the light well. A previously necessary, clearly visible concrete section is no longer required.

[0027] In one embodiment, the wall comprises three interconnected side parts. On the sides where side parts are present, these side parts typically form the outer termination of the device. The side parts are mechanically connected to one another, in particular by welding.

[0028] A side panel is a part of the wall that encloses the substructure on one side. Specifically, there are two outer side panels, for example, short side panels, and a central side panel between them, for example, a long side panel. Specifically, each side panel is connected at one end to one or two other side panels. In particular, the wall is U-shaped in plan view. Specifically, the side panels are connected to each other at right angles.

[0029] There need not necessarily be short and long sides, since the basic shape can also be square in plan view. In this case, any one of the sides is the "short side" and an adjacent side is the "long side" within the meaning of the invention. The same applies to the terms "longitudinal direction", "longitudinal extent", "longitudinal section" and "transverse direction", "transverse extent", "cross section".

[0030] This design allows for adjustments to the depth and orientation of the device, for example, to accommodate facades of neighboring houses that project forward at different distances and / or are angled. The gap between the support element and the wall of the light well in the area of ​​the substructure allows the short side panels to be shortened significantly on the side opposite the long side panel. If necessary, the side panels can also be shortened by different amounts. The cover can be shortened to the same extent, and at an angle if required. The shortened side is the side facing the facade. The visible front edge, projecting forward or away from the house, remains unchanged. The position and / or orientation of the front edge can thus be easily adjusted.This is also possible in advance, for example by providing side panels of different lengths, so that on the construction site only the correct device needs to be positioned at the respective light well. This effectively prevents errors and achieves a high degree of accuracy. For instance, the front edge can be aligned to match the joint pattern of the road surface. This opens up a multitude of new design possibilities.

[0031] In one embodiment, the wall comprises four interconnected side panels. These can form a rectangular shape in plan view. The device can therefore be substantially or completely closed in the circumferential direction. This can be used, for example, when a light well is located directly in front of a house entrance. A window and / or a ventilation opening can then be located below the device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the wall has a smooth outer surface. There are no outwardly projecting elements or protrusions. In particular, the device is designed so that no other parts of the device project through or past the wall beyond its outer surface. Specifically, the wall extends along one or more planes. This ensures that, when installed, the device is statically decoupled from the surrounding soil with respect to any vertical forces that may occur. The wall does not, in particular, form a bearing for the surrounding soil. This allows for vertical movement or sliding of the surrounding soil independently of the device. This can occur, for example, due to the expansion of moist soil during frost (frost heave) or settlement in the surrounding soil.This ensures a consistently uniform floor surface or covering in the vicinity of the device. Tilting of floor slabs around the light well is prevented.

[0033] In one embodiment, the device includes the cover. Typically, when viewed from above, the cover extends beyond the support element in at least one direction.

[0034] The cover can be placed on the substructure in a detachable manner. In particular, the device is designed such that horizontal displacement of the cover relative to the substructure is blocked. This can be achieved, for example, by one or more locking mechanisms. Alternatively, the cover can be permanently attached to the substructure or be attachable to it. In one embodiment, the cover cannot be detached from the substructure without causing damage. The cover can be composed of several cover elements.

[0035] In one embodiment, the device, including the cover, has a height greater than 20 cm, particularly greater than 30 cm, and / or less than 100 cm, particularly less than 55 cm. This height has proven optimal with regard to transport and handling on the one hand, and stability and rigidity on the other. A particularly advantageous height is approximately 42 cm. The dimensions in plan view depend on the dimensions of the light well. The length is particularly greater than 40 cm, preferably greater than 60 cm, and / or less than 200 cm, preferably less than 150 cm. The width is particularly greater than 20 cm, particularly greater than 30 cm, and / or less than 90 cm, particularly less than 60 cm.

[0036] In one embodiment, the device further comprises at least one fastening means to selectively block the lifting of the cover from the substructure. In particular, lifting is blocked by a positive locking mechanism. Selective blocking means that lifting is either possible or blocked at will. This prevents unauthorized removal, while still allowing the cover to be selectively removed, for example, for cleaning purposes.

[0037] In one embodiment, two fastening means are provided. In particular, the fastening means are arranged to attach the cover to the substructure on different long sides and / or different short sides. In one embodiment, one fastening means is located in the area of ​​a front left corner and one fastening means in the area of ​​a rear right corner.

[0038] In one embodiment, the fastener or cover has a locking element that can be moved, in particular shifted horizontally, to engage a section of the substructure. The locking element can be moved in a horizontal plane, particularly along the transverse direction of the substructure. A movable locking bar can be provided, which in particular has the locking element at one end.

[0039] In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided to secure the locking bolt against unintended displacement. For example, a screw can be provided, whereby the locking bolt can be moved from a fixed position to a movable position and vice versa by screwing the screw in and out. The position of the locking bolt can be the same in both positions. The screw can secure the locking bolt against displacement, for example, by frictional or positive locking. The screw can be accessible from the outside, allowing for particularly easy removal if necessary. The screw can be a socket head cap screw.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism can be designed as a lock. This reliably prevents unlocking without the appropriate access authorization, such as a key.

[0041] In one embodiment, the cover is divided into several parts. In particular, each part can be positioned separately on the substructure. Each part can be positioned independently of the other parts, and in particular, locked and / or removed. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the individual parts. The parts are of a similar design. In this way, manufacturing costs can be minimized.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cover comprises a retaining structure and at least one cover element. In particular, the cover element is essentially plate-shaped. Typically, the cover element is held by the retaining structure. Specifically, the cover element projects outwards beyond the retaining structure. The retaining structure holds the cover elements. The retaining structure is typically designed to rest on at least one support element of the substructure and thus hold the cover elements in position relative to the substructure.

[0043] In one embodiment, the substructure has two spaced-apart retaining elements. Specifically, the retaining elements are inverted U-shaped and / or plate-shaped in side view. In particular, each side element has at least one support element on its upper surface.

[0044] A plate-shaped component is significantly smaller in one direction of extension than in the other two directions, in particular by a factor of ≥ 10 or ≥ 20. Specifically, the surfaces that bound the plate-like component in the short direction of extension are arranged in mutually parallel planes. A retaining element is a part for holding. The retaining elements comprise the support elements and thus hold the cover. Each retaining element comprises at least one support element. An inverted U-shaped component has the form of a "U" mirrored across a horizontal plane.

[0045] The retaining elements can run longitudinally. In this case, the retaining elements can be overlaid in the transverse direction by an element of the substructure, for example, by a wall and / or a stiffener. Alternatively, the retaining elements can be designed so that they are not overlaid in the longitudinal direction by an element of the substructure.

[0046] The retaining elements can run transversely. In this case, the retaining elements can be extended longitudinally by an element of the substructure, for example, by a wall and / or a stiffener. Alternatively, the retaining elements can be designed so that they are not extended transversely by an element of the substructure. There can be retaining elements running longitudinally and retaining elements running transversely.

[0047] In one embodiment, the retaining parts are connected to each other by one, two, or more first stiffeners. In particular, a first stiffener is mechanically connected, especially by welding, to both a first retaining part and a second retaining part. In particular, two such first stiffeners are present, resulting in a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first stiffeners are arranged at an angle to a horizontal plane. "At an angle" means an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°. Specifically, the angle of each stiffener to the horizontal plane is greater than 10°, typically greater than 20°, and / or less than 70°, typically less than 50°. In one embodiment, the angle is approximately 25°. This inclined arrangement ensures that there is no horizontal surface on which dirt or water could accumulate. Furthermore, such an inclined stiffener, especially if it is plate-shaped, can transmit forces in two spatial directions. This allows for a particularly rigid structure with minimal material usage.

[0049] In one embodiment, the substructure has one or more supports for transmitting vertical forces. In particular, the supports are connected to each other and / or to other elements of the device by secondary stiffeners. The supports can also be designed as plate-shaped components. In plan view, the supports can be oriented perpendicular to the inverted U-shaped support elements. In particular, the supports are connected to each other and to the inverted U-shaped support elements by secondary stiffeners.

[0050] In one embodiment, the second stiffeners are arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. The same principles apply to the inclined second stiffeners as described above for the inclined first stiffeners.

[0051] In particular, secondary stiffeners are present, connecting the columns to the inverted U-shaped retaining elements. These secondary stiffeners are inclined both longitudinally and transversely. This allows for particularly effective force transmission in two spatial directions.

[0052] In one embodiment, the substructure, the wall, and / or the cover are made of and / or assembled from plate-shaped elements. Specifically, the wall, the at least one fastening element, the at least one locking element, the retaining structure, the at least one cover element, the retaining parts, the first stiffeners, the supports, and / or the second stiffeners are made of and / or assembled from plate-shaped elements. This allows for particularly simple and efficient design and manufacturing. The plate-shaped components can have a thickness of at least 6 mm, in particular at least 8 mm, and / or at most 14 mm, in particular at most 12 mm.

[0053] In particular, the substructure, the cover, and / or the wall are made essentially or entirely of steel. Weatherproof, hot-dip galvanized steel is preferred. Typically, the entire device is made of steel.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention is a method for adapting a device for covering a light well. The method comprises providing a device for covering a light well with a cover for covering the light well and a substructure for holding the cover. The substructure has at least one support element for placing the cover on it. The device further comprises a wall that at least partially encloses the substructure. The wall has three interconnected side parts, one of which can be a central side part and / or two of which can be outer side parts. The method further comprises adapting an extension of at least one outer side part of the wall on a side of the outer side part facing away from the central side part and / or adapting the contour of an outer edge of the cover.

[0055] In this way, as described above, the depth and / or orientation of the device can be adjusted. All features, embodiments, and advantages of the aspect of the invention mentioned at the outset also apply to this aspect, and vice versa. The device is designed according to the invention.

[0056] Adjusting the length of at least one side panel can be achieved by providing a longer or shorter side panel or by shortening a side panel. Adjusting the shape of the outer contour of the cover can be achieved by providing a deeper or shallower cover, a cover with a slanted outer contour, or by shortening the cover straight or at an angle.

[0057] Another independent aspect, not covered by the appended claims, is a device for covering a light well, comprising a cover for covering the light well and a substructure for holding the cover. The substructure has at least one support element for placing the cover upon it. The device further comprises a wall that at least partially encloses the substructure, the wall having three interconnected side parts, one of which can be a central side part and / or two of which can be outer side parts. This aspect allows for adjustment of the depth and / or orientation of the device. All features, embodiments, and advantages of the aforementioned aspects of the invention also apply to this aspect, and vice versa.

[0058] Another aspect not covered by the appended claims is a device for covering a light well, comprising a cover for covering the light well and a substructure for holding the cover, wherein, viewed from above, the cover projects outwards beyond at least one element of the substructure. This aspect provides an alternative solution to the problem. The substructure may have at least one support element for placing the cover. All features, embodiments, and advantages of the aforementioned aspects of the invention also apply to this aspect, and vice versa.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below, also with reference to figures. Features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined individually or in combination with the described items, unless otherwise stated. The claimed scope of protection is not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

[0060] They show: Fig. 1: Exploded view of a device according to the invention, Fig. 2a: Top view of a device according to the invention, Fig. 2b: Enlarged detail from Fig. 2a , Fig. 3a: Longitudinal section through a device according to the invention, Fig. 3b: Cross-section FF from Fig. 3a with two enlarged details, as well as Fig. 4 Representation of parts of a device according to the invention.

[0061] Figure 1Figure 10 shows a perspective exploded view of a device 10 for covering a light well. The device 10 comprises a substructure 12 designed to hold the cover 15. The cover 15 is a grate, shown here as a so-called barefoot grate, and completely closes the opening of the light well. The substructure 12 comprises two spaced-apart, inverted U-shaped, plate-like retaining elements 40 in side view. The upper surface of each retaining element 40 has a horizontal surface that serves as a support element 13 for the cover 15. The cover 15 rests on the support elements 13 and is thus held in place by the substructure 12.

[0062] The cover 15 can be part of the device 10. The cover comprises a plurality of parallel, plate-shaped cover elements 18. These are approximately 40 mm wide and / or approximately 10 mm thick. Slots with a maximum width of 10 mm are arranged between the cover elements 18. These allow light and air to pass through, thus ensuring the function of the light shaft. The narrow slots ensure smooth operation. The cover elements 18 are arranged and fastened on a support structure 17, which is described further below with reference to the Figures 3b and 4 will be discussed in detail.

[0063] The device 10 further comprises a wall 20, which is composed of three interconnected side parts 21, 22, 23. In plan view, the side parts 21, 22, 23 form a U-shape. The wall 20 encloses all other elements of the device 10 in three directions. A fourth direction may be open. For example, the window may be located there when installed. A central side part 22 is arranged between two outer side parts 21, 23 and is firmly connected to them, preferably by welding. The outer surface 25 of each side part 21, 22, 23, and consequently the outer surface 25 of the wall 20, is smooth. The wall 20 has openings into which stiffeners and / or supports 45 of the substructure can be inserted and, in particular, welded.

[0064] The retaining elements 40 are connected to each other by means of two first stiffeners 42. The first stiffeners 42 are aligned at an angle of approximately 25° to the horizontal so that any dirt falling onto them can slide downwards due to gravity and no dirt visible from above accumulates on the first stiffeners 42.

[0065] The device 10 further comprises three vertical supports 45, which are arranged at particularly uniform intervals between the legs of one of the U-shaped retaining elements 40 and support the upper portion of the retaining element 40. This minimizes the deflection of the retaining element 40. Depending on the length of the retaining elements 40, more or fewer supports 45 may be arranged. The underside of the supports 45 can rest on the floor of the cavity into which the device 10 is inserted. Alternatively or additionally, the underside of the supports 45 can rest on a base 45, which is particularly firmly connected to the wall 20 and extends, in particular, only over a portion of its surface and / or in a U-shape in plan view. The same applies to the undersides of the legs of the U-shaped retaining element 40.

[0066] The supports 45 are connected to each other and to a retaining element 40 by means of second stiffeners 42. These are also arranged at an angle between 20° and 30° to prevent build-up.

[0067] The retaining parts 40 each have two or more holes 36, each containing a bolt 37. These serve as abutments for a locking element.

[0068] Securing cover 15, which in relation to the Figures 3b and 4 will be discussed in detail.

[0069] Figure 2a shows a top view of a device according to the invention 10. Figure 2b shows the in Figure 2aThe highlighted section is shown as an enlarged detail. The cover 15 is divided into two or more identical parts 15a, 15b, of which only one part 15a is located on the substructure 12. In this way, the weight of the individual component is limited to less than 50 kg, so that lifting and removing the cover 15, for example for cleaning the light shaft, is possible with two people.

[0070] The support elements 13 run in Figure 2aFrom right to left, the cover extends over essentially the entire length of the device 10. Only the outer walls 21, 23 project beyond the support elements 13 in the longitudinal direction. In the transverse direction, the cover 15 projects beyond the support elements by a length L of approximately 40 mm (top side shown) or approximately 50 mm (bottom side shown). This ensures that any dirt that gets onto the support 15 in the outer area falls through the slots and does not remain visible from above. The middle side panel 22 and the supports 45 project beyond the support element 13 in the transverse direction in the direction of the top side shown. The outer side panels 21, 23, the associated base panels 49, and optionally an additional stiffener project beyond the support element 13 in the transverse direction in the direction of the bottom side shown. The side panels 21, 23 can project beyond the support element 13 longitudinally on one or both sides.However, this is not necessary, since in the other case at least 95% of the circumference of the substructure 15 is designed such that at least one element of the substructure 15 projects beyond the support element 13. Thus, at least 95% of the outer contour of the device 10 is designed in such a way that any dirt or debris can fall downwards unimpeded.

[0071] At the in Figure 2aOn the side of the device 10 shown below, which adjoins the window in the light well, adjustments can also be made to one or both side panels and / or the outer contour of the cover 15. For example, the facade of the house containing the light well may be angled in plan view relative to a neighboring house. In this case, it may be desirable to maintain a straight edge for the light well despite the angled facade, for example, to align it with other light wells and / or to align the front edge of the light well with the joint pattern of a road surface. To achieve this, the device can be shortened, for example, along the angled line 50. Specifically, the two outer side panels 21, 23, and the cover 15 are shortened along this line 50. Shortening can be done mechanically, e.g., by cutting.The modification can be carried out by cutting off the respective parts, as well as by providing a correspondingly shorter part from the outset. These different options are summarized under the term "adaptation". The extension of the side parts 21, 23 is adjusted, and the outer contour of the cover 15 is adjusted. In addition, a stiffener and / or other parts of the substructure can be adjusted accordingly, if necessary.

[0072] These adjustments can also be made in other ways and independently of each other, depending on local conditions. For example, a straight cut may be necessary if a facade protrudes beyond the alignment of neighboring facades. Longer sections may also be required if a facade falls behind a line. For non-standard facades, such as those found on older timber-framed buildings, an individual, irregular adjustment may be necessary. A longitudinally angled adjustment is also possible if the facade extends diagonally rather than vertically in the area of ​​the light well.

[0073] Figure 3aFigure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a device 10 according to the invention. It is visible that each of the cover elements 18 of the cover 15 rests on a transverse rib 19. The transverse ribs 19 are held by a longitudinal strut 16. It is evident that two longitudinal struts 16 are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction to allow the cover 15 to be divided into the two separate parts 15a and 15b. Locking bars 33 are also shown, which are horizontally displaceable in the transverse direction of the device 10 to engage hook-shaped locking elements 32 attached to the locking bars 33. Figure 3b and 4 As shown and described in detail below, the cover 15 can be moved from a non-intervention position to an intervention position and back. This allows it to be selectively blocked from being lifted.

[0074] Figure 3b shows a cross-section FF from Fig. 3awith two enlarged details. The hook-shaped locking element 32 is shown in the detail view at the top right. The locking bolt, together with the locking element 32, can be moved from right to left and vice versa in this view. The engagement position shifted to the right is shown. In this position, the locking element 32 engages behind the bolt 37 (forming an undercut with it), so that lifting the cover 15 is positively blocked. To release the blockage, the locking element 32 must be moved to the left.

[0075] Furthermore, it is visible that the transverse ribs 19 have recesses 35 on their undersides in which the support elements 13, which are part of the retaining elements 40, are located. In this way, a positive-locking mechanism prevents the cover 15 from shifting laterally. Additional recesses may be present in the transverse ribs 19 in which the longitudinal struts 16 are arranged and, in particular, fastened.

[0076] The length L is also visible in the enlarged illustrations. It extends between the outer side of the support element 13 and the outer side of the middle side section 22 of the wall (left illustration, i.e., the side facing away from the facade) or between the outer side of the support element 13 and the outer side of the first stiffener 42 (right illustration, i.e., the side facing the facade).

[0077] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of parts of a device 10 according to the invention from a low angle. For clarity, some elements of the device 10 have been omitted, namely the wall and the front retaining part 40. In particular, the cover 15, composed of the retaining structure 17 and cover elements 18, is shown in detail. It is visible that the locking bolts 33 run between the respective transverse ribs 19 and each has the hook-shaped locking element 32. The locking bolts 33 are arranged to be horizontally displaceable in their respective guides. An engagement position is again shown in which a locking element 32 engages a bolt 37. There is one locking bolt 33 each in the longitudinal direction, located at the front end and at the rear end of the respective part 15a, 15b of the cover 15.A locking element 32 of each part 15a, 15b is located on the right side and a locking element 32 on the left side. This effectively prevents unauthorized removal of the cover 15. The cover 15 shown, and in particular its retaining structure 17, are characterized by high mechanical strength and minimal deflection, making them especially suitable for high-traffic areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. For other applications, smaller covers 15, or even conventional gratings, may suffice.

[0078] For the cover 15 or for each part 15a, 15b of the cover 15, at least one transverse rib 19 may be present which does not have a recess 35 for being placed on the retaining part 40. This is shown at the front left. Instead, a recess is provided on the retaining part 40, as shown in Figure 1As shown, the cover 15 with the transverse rib 19 can be inserted into the substructure 15 at this point. This prevents the cover 15 from shifting longitudinally. Furthermore, this method makes placing the cover 15 particularly easy. Reference symbol list

[0079] device 10 substructure 12 support element 13 cover 15 Part 15a, 15b longitudinal strut 16 Support structure 17 Cover element 18 transverse rib 19 length L wall 20 side panel 21, 22, 23 Outside 25 Locking element 32 Locking bar 33 recess 35 Hole 36 bolt 37 Retaining part 40 first stiffening 42 support 45 second stiffening 47 bottom part 49 line 50

Claims

1. Device (10) for holding a cover (15) for covering a light well, the device (10) comprising a substructure (12) for holding the cover (15) for covering the light well, the substructure (12) having at least one support element (13) for supporting the cover (15), wherein, when viewed from above, at least one element of the substructure (12), which is arranged in a cavity during use as intended and prevents the substructure (12) from shifting within the cavity in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction, protrudes outwards beyond the support element (13) so that the substructure (12) is able to hold a cover (15) which protrudes outwards beyond the support element (13), so that dirt which accumulates in the edge areas of the cover (15) can fall down through openings in the cover (15).

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one element of the substructure (12) protrudes beyond the support element (13) by a length L of at least 20 mm, in particular at least 30 mm.

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) further comprises a wall (20) which at least partially encloses the substructure (12).

4. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wall (20) comprises three interconnected side parts (21, 22, 23).

5. Device (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (20) has a smooth outer surface (25).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) comprises the cover (15).

7. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (10) further comprises at least one fastening means for selectively blocking the cover (15) from being lifted off the substructure (12).

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening means has a locking element (32) which can be moved horizontally to engage behind a section of the substructure (12).

9. Device (10) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (15) is divided into several parts (15a, 15b), wherein each part (15a, 15b) is able to be arranged separately on the substructure (12).

10. Device (10) according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (15) has a support structure (17) and one or more essentially plate-shaped cover elements (18) which are held by the support structure (17), wherein the at least one cover element (18) protrudes outwards beyond the support structure (17).

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substructure (12) has two spaced-apart, plate-shaped supporting parts (40) which are inverted U-shaped when viewed from the side, each supporting part (40) having at least one support element (13) on an upper side.

12. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the supporting parts (40) are connected to each other by two first stiffeners (42), wherein the first stiffeners (42) are in particular arranged inclined in relation to a horizontal plane.

13. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substructure (12) has several supports (45) for transmitting vertical forces, wherein the supports (45) are connected to each other and / or to other elements of the device (10) by second stiffeners (47), wherein the second stiffeners (47) are in particular arranged inclined in relation to a horizontal plane.

14. Method for adjusting a device (10) for covering a light well, comprising: - Providing a device (10) for covering a light well according to one of the preceding claims with a cover (15) for covering the light well, wherein the device (10) further comprises a wall (20) which at least partially encloses the substructure (12), wherein the wall (20) has three interconnected side parts (21, 22, 23), one of the side parts (21, 22, 23) being a central side part (22) and two of the side parts (21, 22, 23) being outer side parts (21, 23), - Adjusting an extension of at least one outer side part (21, 23) of the wall (20) on a side of the outer side part (21, 23) facing away from the central side part (22) and / or adjusting a course of an outer contour of the cover (15).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Cladding for the light well of a basement window

    DE2020853A1