Manhole cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a manhole cover (1) with a manhole frame (10) forming a manhole opening (D) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), and with a manhole cover (30), wherein the manhole opening (D) can be closed by positioning the manhole cover (30) on a cover receptacle (11) of the manhole frame (10). A guide (40) is formed between the manhole cover (30) and the cover receptacle (11) such that the manhole cover (30) rotates into a closed position (PV) by an angle (W) when lowered into the cover receptacle (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a manhole cover according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Manhole covers are known from the state of the art in road construction, consisting of a manhole frame that forms a longitudinally extending manhole passage and a manhole cover. The manhole frame has a cover mount, allowing the manhole passage to be closed by positioning the manhole cover on or in the cover mount.

[0003] A corresponding prior art is known from EP 2 045 398 A2, which describes various securing systems to prevent the manhole cover from being easily lifted out of its cover receptacle, whether due to excess pressure beneath the manhole cover or, for example, due to air suction from vehicles. The securing systems include additional screws to screw the manhole cover to the manhole frame, screw cam locks, in which a locking element pivots into a pocket to lock the cover, and additional screwed inner covers. Based on these previously known systems, EP 2 045 398 A2 proposes rotating four lugs cast onto the manhole cover under four webs cast onto the manhole frame. A flat, inclined ramp is formed between the lugs and the webs, so that the manhole cover is braced against the manhole frame when rotated.EP 2 045 398 A2 does propose a stop in the direction of rotation so that the tension cannot be increased indefinitely. In practice, however, it is problematic that the manhole cover can rotate after installation due to traffic load. This either increases the tension in the direction of the stop to such an extent that the manhole cover becomes wedged and can no longer be removed, or the manhole cover rotates freely and is then unsecured. The rigid structural positioning of the stop does not do justice to slightly changing dimensions of the manhole cover, e.g. due to aging or environmental influences. Furthermore, pressure relief of the manhole is not possible. A further disadvantage is that the manhole cover initially sinks to its closing height in free fall, which can cause it to tip over and jam. In some cases, fatigue spalling can also occur due to the impact forces.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to develop a shaft frame whose shaft cover can be easily and conveniently installed and also easily dismantled over its service life, but is nevertheless secured as far as possible against unintentional lifting out and preferably also allows pressure relief against excess pressure in the shaft structure.

[0005] Main features of the invention are set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1 and the description. Further embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 16 and the description.

[0006] The invention relates to a manhole cover, preferably for road construction, comprising a manhole frame forming a manhole passage extending in a longitudinal direction, and comprising a manhole cover, wherein the manhole passage can be closed by positioning the manhole cover on a cover receptacle of the manhole frame. A guide is formed between the manhole cover and the cover receptacle such that the manhole cover rotates into a closed position when lowered into the cover receptacle (particularly in the longitudinal direction) by an angle of rotation (particularly about the longitudinal direction).

[0007] The advantage of this is that the manhole cover does not fall into the closed position in free fall, but rather the guide reduces the lowering speed by forcing the manhole cover into a rotating movement. In the closed position, the manhole cover closes the manhole passage. This is preferably the lowest achievable position of the manhole cover on the cover holder (apart from, for example, seal play). The guide can define a specific angle of rotation between the manhole frame and manhole cover and / or, in the closed position, define a specific angle of rotation of the manhole cover on the cover holder. This defined position can be reached without much effort when lowering the manhole cover. The manhole cover is preferably designed so that it can be inserted into the cover holder.The positioning of the manhole cover on a cover receptacle of the manhole frame particularly includes variants in which the manhole cover is accommodated in the cover receptacle. The manhole frame can thus form the connection geometries for the periphery, in particular the road surface and its supporting layers. Preferably, the cover receptacle and the manhole cover are circular. The manhole cover is particularly preferred for use in road construction.

[0008] A preferred configuration is one in which the angle of rotation (in particular the angle by which the manhole cover rotates into the cover receptacle during lowering) is between 3 degrees and 100 degrees. These angles are suitable for ensuring controlled lowering and prevent any guides, such as the lowering ramps, from requiring overlap in the circumferential direction.

[0009] The angle of rotation (in particular the angle by which the manhole cover rotates into the cover receptacle when lowered) is preferably at least 3 degrees, more preferably at least 6 degrees, and particularly preferably at least 10 degrees. From these angles of rotation, free fall can be braked and support is provided when mounting the manhole cover in a defined angular position, for example in order to position locking devices, latches, securing elements, release structures, or surface structures of the manhole frame and manhole cover relative to one another. As an upper limit, the angle of rotation should be no more than 100 degrees, preferably no more than 30 degrees, and particularly preferably no more than 14 degrees. These upper limits prevent actual screwing and can be quickly achieved during assembly. The angle of rotation can be, for example, 12 degrees.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment, the guide is designed such that the manhole cover rotates into the closed position under its own weight during lowering by the rotation angle. The installer therefore does not need to actively initiate the rotational movement, but can limit themselves to the lowering, during which the rotation is triggered by the guide. The guide should preferably be designed to be non-self-locking. Any slight upward rotation in certain usage situations then subsequently reverses into a lowering movement with rotation into the closed position.

[0011] In a more detailed embodiment, the guide can have a lowering ramp that slopes downwards in the circumferential direction (in particular of the cover receptacle and / or the manhole cover). Such a lowering ramp serves as a sliding surface and, to a certain extent, forms a cam mechanism. The lowering ramp should be designed to be non-self-locking, in particular by having a sufficiently large gradient. Preferably, the guide has several such lowering ramps that are distributed in the circumferential direction of the manhole cover, in particular evenly distributed. This prevents the manhole cover from tipping from its longitudinal alignment during lowering. The several lowering ramps can each have the same shape. In particular, the guide can have a Z-shaped profile, which is composed in particular of a gently sloping middle section and two steeply sloping end sections.The two steeper end sections can then serve to define the beginning and end of the rotational movement, while the middle section essentially supports or triggers the turning movement.

[0012] In particular, the lowering ramp(s) can have a steep or vertical entry section on the side of a pre-positioning height, which in particular forms a rotation stop at least in the direction of rotation opposite to the screwing in. This can thus provide the dismantler with a tactile indication of the end rotation position, from which the manhole cover can then be finally lifted out. Furthermore, the lowering ramp(s) can have a steep or vertical securing section on the side of the closed position, which in particular forms a rotation stop at least in the direction of rotation opposite to the screwing in. The securing section prevents, for example, the manhole cover from rotating up from the closed position, even if a torque acts on the manhole cover, for example due to vehicle braking. In particular, the entry section and the securing section can form the end sections of the Z-shaped profile.

[0013] Furthermore, the guide can form a rotation stop in the screwing direction in the closed position. This is preferably designed such that the screwing movement is stopped after lowering, preventing the manhole cover from rotating further due to momentum or traffic loads, for example. This ensures that a defined angle of rotation is achieved and maintained in the closed position.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the guide has at least one or two, in particular one, two, three, four, five or six active pairs distributed over the circumference of the manhole cover, wherein the active pairs each have a sliding element on one of the cover receptacle and the manhole cover and a lowering ramp on the other of the cover receptacle and the manhole cover and are designed such that the sliding element is guided on the lowering ramp in such a way that the manhole cover rotates into the closed position by the angle of rotation when lowered. In this way, a defined movement sequence of the manhole cover can be achieved during lowering. Preferably, at least three active pairs are distributed over the circumference of the manhole cover in such a way that the manhole cover is secured in position against tipping (in particular from its orientation in the longitudinal direction).The manhole cover rests on at least three points during lowering and is secured against tipping from its longitudinal alignment. Particularly preferred are at least three pairs of locking devices evenly distributed around the circumference of the manhole cover. This stabilizes the manhole cover, particularly against tipping. Furthermore, the locking devices can be combined in different ways by moving the manhole cover toward the cover holder at different angles of rotation.

[0015] Optionally, the sliding element(s) can be mounted on the manhole cover, and the lowering ramp(s) can be mounted on the manhole frame. This has the advantage of eliminating any projections that could interfere with access.

[0016] Specifically, the sliding element(s) can each be formed by an L-shaped base located on the underside of the manhole cover with the free leg facing outward. This allows the sliding elements to be installed deep beneath the top of the manhole cover without requiring significant material. This allows the guide to be installed deeper into the manhole frame, for example, beneath sealing levels, thus reducing contamination.

[0017] Furthermore, the sliding element or sliding elements can each have a sliding runner that is at least twice or three times as long in a circumferential direction of the manhole cover as it is wide in the radial direction. Sliding on narrow runners is associated with low friction. Furthermore, the runners can be guided in circumferential grooves or on circumferential edges and circumferentially vertical guide surfaces in order to achieve coaxial alignment of the manhole cover to the manhole frame. Alternatively or additionally, the runners can be guided along the circumferential direction on support surfaces that define the position of the manhole cover relative to the manhole frame in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the height.

[0018] When closed, the manhole cover should rest loosely in the cover mount. This allows it to function under traffic loads, similar to a manhole cover without such guidance.

[0019] Optionally, the guide can be adjusted to allow for upward and downward play in the cover mount when in the closed position, allowing vertical movement of the manhole cover. This allows the manhole cover to move freely in the longitudinal direction. This prevents the manhole cover from jamming and allows the guide to move freely. In particular, the manhole cover (e.g., its sliding elements) will then neither rest downwards in the longitudinal direction in the area of ​​the guide, nor will it strike upwards in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] In one variant of the manhole cover, the guide has a vertically aligned free relief space in the closed position such that the guide does not absorb any vertically acting traffic loads that act on the manhole cover. This allows the guide to be designed more delicately because it does not have to bear the traffic loads. Preferably, a circumferential sealing ring is arranged between the manhole cover and the cover holder, via which the manhole cover is supported on the cover holder, preferably in such a way that the sealing ring bears the entire weight of the manhole cover. Despite the guide, the entire dead weight of the manhole cover can thus be used to achieve the sealing effect of the sealing ring. The sealing ring is preferably arranged in a horizontal parting plane between the manhole cover and the cover holder. This means that the dead weight acts perpendicularly on the cross-section of the sealing ring.It is recommended that the sealing ring be seated in a groove in the manhole frame. Due to its alignment, the sealing ring will not fall out of the groove and can be easily inspected visually from above. In alternative designs, the manhole cover can also rest directly on the manhole frame in the horizontal separation plane. The sealing ring can be omitted, especially for manhole covers that are not surface watertight.

[0021] Furthermore, a secondary seal can be arranged in a vertical dividing plane between the manhole cover and the cover receptacle. This secondary seal is preferably located in a receiving groove in the manhole cover and is preferably closer to the upper side of the manhole cover than the sealing ring. The secondary seal keeps the gap between the manhole frame and the manhole cover largely free of dirt. The secondary seal can, for example, be designed with a sealing lip.

[0022] An optional feature of the manhole cover is that, in the closed position, the manhole cover is secured by a lifting stop opposite the cover mount, preventing it from moving linearly out of the cover mount in the longitudinal direction without reversing by the rotation angle. This prevents, for example, the manhole cover from being lifted out of the manhole frame by vehicle suction.

[0023] Further optionally, the guide can have a vertically aligned free lifting space and a lifting stop in the closed position such that the manhole cover can be lifted within the lifting space and up to the lifting stop. This enables pressure relief, whereby the manhole cover can be lifted up to the lifting stop. This can provide a defined outlet cross-section to allow gas or liquid to escape from the manhole structure. The manhole cover can then fall back into the closed position and the traffic area is once again properly available. The guide therefore leaves space upwards for a pressure drop, so that the manhole cover can be lifted for pressure relief, in particular at least partially out of the manhole frame. Preferably, the lifting space is designed so large that the area of ​​the manhole cover corresponding to the sealing ring can be lifted above the top of the manhole frame.

[0024] Preferably, the lifting stop is designed such that a lifting movement at least does not cause the manhole cover to rotate completely outward, contrary to the rotation inward movement. In the event of a pressure event, this prevents the connection between the manhole cover and the manhole frame from becoming detached. The lifting stop should be designed such that it does not prevent the manhole cover from being lowered back into the closed position. If the manhole cover rotates at all in the event of a pressure event (e.g., due to escaping water being set into rotation), the lifting stop should be designed such that it does not prevent it from returning or rotating back into the closed position.

[0025] Specifically, the lifting stop can be aligned horizontally so that a lifting movement does not cause the manhole cover to unscrew in the opposite direction to the screwing in, and in particular does not cause the manhole cover to be screwed in further, and in particular does not cause a rotation lock and / or rotation inhibition. Accordingly, the manhole cover does not rotate open on its own in the event of a pressure drop. This ensures that the manhole cover remains in a defined position in the event of a pressure drop and falls back into the locked position. Furthermore, this prevents any resistance to rotation for the fitter when lifting the manhole cover. Even with slight tension on the manhole cover, e.g., with a lifting device / crane, it can then be unscrewed.

[0026] Optionally, the lifting stop can have a downward-extending rotation stop, e.g., a locking lug, or the lifting stop can be designed to slope upwards so that it does not rotate in the opposite direction of rotation. Preferably, the lifting stop is designed to slope upwards in the direction of rotation. These optional features can prevent a lid raised by, for example, water pressure from rotating, which could potentially open the lid.

[0027] A groove-shaped guide slot can be installed between the lifting stop and the lowering ramp. However, the slot flanks do not necessarily run parallel to each other, but can be designed differently depending on their functions. Different guide characteristics are particularly desirable for lowering and raising.

[0028] According to an optional aspect of the manhole cover, pre-positioning means are formed between the manhole cover and the cover receptacle, which correspond in such a way that the manhole cover can be placed pre-centered at a pre-positioning height on or in the cover receptacle that is higher than the closed position, and that the pre-centered manhole cover, guided by the pre-positioning means, can be rotated in a horizontal plane or at the pre-positioning height up to the guide (in particular up to the entry section of the guide, which can be formed vertically, for example). With the help of the pre-positioning or pre-centering and the defined rotational movement, the manhole cover can be rotated easily and conveniently in the horizontal plane until it engages the guide and from there rotates down.

[0029] Independently of the manhole cover already described, the invention also relates to a manhole cover with a manhole frame which forms a manhole passage running in a longitudinal direction, and with a manhole cover, wherein the manhole passage can be closed by positioning the manhole cover on a cover receptacle of the manhole frame, wherein the manhole cover can be lowered into a closed position in the cover receptacle, wherein pre-positioning means are formed between the manhole cover and the cover receptacle, which correspond in such a way that the manhole cover can be set down in a pre-centered manner at a pre-positioning height on or in the cover receptacle which is higher than the closed position, and that the pre-centered manhole cover is guided by the pre-positioning means in a horizontal plane orcan be rotated at the pre-positioning height into a lowering position from which the manhole cover can be lowered, in particular into the closed position.

[0030] All manhole covers with pre-positioning devices prevent the manhole cover from becoming jammed in the cover holder. During pre-positioning, the fitter has a largely clear view of the pre-positioning devices, which is easy to do and reduces the risk of pinching fingers. In particular, the pre-centered manhole cover only needs to be rotated horizontally and only then does it lower further into the cover holder, particularly into the closed position. To rotate it in the horizontal plane, the fitter should preferably pull or push on the lifting device. For this purpose, the manhole cover should have at least two off-center fastening geometries for the lifting device. This allows the fitter to apply torque via one of the off-center fastening geometries and the lifting device attached to it.The manhole cover specified in the preceding paragraph may have the mandatory and / or optional features of the previously specified manhole cover. The screwing-in process, on the one hand, and the pre-positioning process, on the other, are therefore independent inventions.

[0031] The manhole covers can also be characterized by the fact that the manhole cover protrudes upwards above the manhole frame at the pre-positioning height.

[0032] According to a more detailed embodiment, the pre-positioning means comprise circular-segment-shaped guideway sections or a circumferentially circular guideway, preferably on the cover receptacle. These guideways or guideway sections allow a defined rotational movement in the horizontal direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the manhole cover should sit on a support surface of the cover holder in the closed position (at least indirectly, if the sealing ring is arranged here), which is particularly formed by a step that is lower than the top side. This means that the guide is hardly or not at all stressed by superimposed loads / traffic loads, but the forces are diverted via the support surface into the manhole frame and from here into the surrounding area. Optionally, the guide track or the guide track sections are formed in this support surface. Furthermore, the guide track or the guide track sections can open into recesses in an inner surface of the manhole frame, with the lowering ramps each defining a side surface of one of these recesses. The guide track orthe guideway sections on the one hand and the lowering ramps on the other hand are arranged at least essentially on the same radius around the longitudinal direction (but in particular offset in height in the longitudinal direction). Optionally, the optional receiving groove of the optional sealing ring is formed in this support surface. The base of the guideway or guideway sections should be arranged lower than the upper end of the sealing ring. This prevents the pre-positioning means from coming into contact with the sealing ring. This would require the manhole cover to be lifted again once it has been pre-positioned. The sealing ring should be arranged outside the pre-positioning means, in particular surround the pre-positioning means. This allows the sealing ring to form a closed ring around the pre-positioning means. In the center of the sealing ring, the pre-positioning means can be moved without interfering with the sealing ring.

[0034] In one design variant, the sliding element(s) each form one of the pre-positioning means. This combination of functions results in low structural complexity and comparatively simple manufacturing. Specifically, the optional sliding runner of the sliding element or the sliding runners of the sliding elements can each form one of the pre-positioning means. A sliding runner is particularly suitable for guiding in a groove or along an edge.

[0035] It is also possible for the sliding elements or skids to form the lower end of the manhole cover. The manhole cover can then be placed on the traffic area or another support surface on the sliding elements or skids. Optionally, the sliding elements or skids can be arranged offset upwards to form separate support surfaces. This protects the sliding elements or skids from damage.

[0036] A further addition to the manhole cover can be that at least one release opening is formed in the upper side of the manhole cover in the area between the manhole frame and the manhole cover for levering up the manhole cover, particularly in the optional degree of freedom of the lifting clearance. Due to long service intervals, the manhole cover can become stuck in the cover holder due to dirt or it can cake to the manhole frame due to oxidation. Large forces can be easily applied by levering, which is particularly facilitated by a free lifting clearance. This prevents the need for heavy lifting equipment, which could potentially lift the manhole frame out of the roadway surface. A lever edge should be formed on the manhole cover (particularly on its circumference) to facilitate levering.

[0037] The inventive designs are particularly suitable for manhole covers whose manhole covers are preferably designed in a heavy-duty construction. For example, the manhole cover can have a surface weight of 300 kg / m². Such manhole covers fit snugly in the cover holder and can be moved by a technician and a hoist according to the intended movement kinematics.

[0038] The manhole cover can either have passage openings or be designed to be surface watertight. Furthermore, the manhole cover can be constructed in one or more parts, particularly from cast iron, or from cast iron and a filler material such as a concrete material. The manhole frame is preferably made of cast iron, cast iron with concrete, or with a concrete ring. The concrete can be applied to the inside and / or outside, and / or in a space and / or on both sides of the cast iron. Optionally, the concrete alone forms a lower support surface for the manhole frame, or the concrete together with the cast iron forms a lower support surface.

[0039] Optionally, the manhole cover features mounting geometries or fastening elements for hoists on the top. This allows it to be conveniently installed and lifted with the aid of a hoist.

[0040] The shaft frame preferably has a vertically aligned tubular frame skirt below the cover support. This forms the transition from the shaft passage to the shaft, e.g., a concrete tube. Parts of the guide can be formed in the wall of the tubular frame skirt.

[0041] Furthermore, the manhole frame can have a horizontally aligned frame collar on the upper side of the manhole cover, which surrounds the cover mount. This frame collar allows the manhole frame to be easily fixed flush with the road surface. The frame collar also provides support and prevents the manhole frame from sinking into the road surface.

[0042] In the closed position, the manhole cover should form a top surface that is at least substantially flush with the manhole frame. This results in an obstacle-free traffic area. Furthermore, the frame apron and / or the manhole cover can have a surface structure on the top surface, in particular an anti-slip structure.

[0043] The invention also relates to a shaft structure comprising a shaft having an upper shaft opening covered with one of the manhole covers as specified above and below, wherein the upper side of the manhole cover is arranged at least substantially flush with a traffic area. Such a shaft structure benefits from the advantageous manhole cover, according to the above-mentioned explanations.

[0044] It should be noted that horizontal refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and vertical refers to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Depending on the installation position, e.g., on an uphill roadway, the specified horizontal and vertical directions may deviate from the geodetic understanding of vertical and horizontal.

[0045] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a manhole cover, the manhole cover arranged in a closed position; Fig. 2 a detailed view of the Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a detailed view according to the Fig. 2 , wherein the manhole cover is arranged in a raised relief position; Fig. 4 a three-dimensional detailed view of the manhole cover corresponding to that of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a three-dimensional detailed view of the shaft frame corresponding to that of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section through a manhole cover whose manhole cover is arranged at a pre-positioning height; Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a manhole cover from above with a cutout; Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a lifting stop which is designed to rise; and Fig. 9 shows a further alternative embodiment of a lifting stop which is designed with a rotation stop.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a manhole cover 1, the manhole cover 30 of which is arranged in a closed position PV. An enlarged section of this is the Fig. 2 Deviating from Fig. 2 the manhole cover 30 is in Fig. 3 arranged in a relief position PE. The Fig. 4 and 5contain three-dimensional detailed views of the manhole cover 30 and the manhole frame 10. According to the longitudinal section according to Fig. 6 The manhole cover 30 is arranged at a pre-positioning height PZ. Fig. 7 is a top view of the manhole cover 1 of the Fig. 1 can be found.

[0047] According to Fig. 1 The manhole cover 1 comprises a manhole frame 10 and a manhole cover 30. In the Fig. 1In the closure position PV shown, a flush upper surface OS is formed by the shaft frame 10 and the shaft cover 30. The shaft frame 10 forms a shaft passage D running in a longitudinal direction L, which can be closed or is closed by positioning the shaft cover 30 on a cover receptacle 11 of the shaft frame 10 as shown. The shaft cover 30 is designed in particular to be insertable into the cover receptacle 11. Between the shaft cover 30 and the cover receptacle 11, a guide 40 is formed, which causes the shaft cover 30 to rotate by an angle of rotation (cf. reference number W in Fig. 5 and 7 ) into the Fig. 1 and 2 shown locking position PV. The manhole cover 30 and the cover holder 11 are circular in design, so that the manhole cover 30 can be rotated even in a relatively low position.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, the manhole cover 30 is designed to be surface watertight. Alternatively, however, it could also be equipped with through holes, e.g. for drainage. Furthermore, the manhole cover 30 is here formed as a single piece from cast iron. Alternatively, a construction from cast iron and a filling material such as a concrete material is also possible. The manhole cover 30 should preferably be designed in a heavy-duty version for use in road construction. On the upper side OS of the manhole cover 30, fastening geometries 70 for a lifting device are formed, which in particular are again in Fig. 7 can be seen from a different perspective.

[0049] The shaft frame 10 has a horizontally aligned frame collar 23 on the upper side OS (reference number see Fig. 2), which surrounds the cover receptacle 11 and the manhole cover 30. Both the manhole cover 30 and the manhole frame 10 have a surface structure 73 on the upper side OS, in particular an anti-slip structure with a plurality of elevations (ridges) having a height greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0050] The functioning of the guide 40 is now based on the Fig. 1 to 6 described in more detail, whereby with regard to features not described again, reference is made to the above description of the Fig. 1 is referred to.

[0051] According to the detailed view of the Fig. 2 (see also Fig. 3 , 5 , 6 ), the shaft frame 10 has a vertically aligned tubular frame skirt 21 in the lower area of ​​the cover holder 11. In this area, the guide 40 has a lowering ramp 41 sloping in the circumferential direction UR, as can be seen in particular in the Fig. 5 and 6This lowering ramp 41 is designed to be non-self-locking due to a sufficiently large gradient, so that the manhole cover 30 rotates through the angle of rotation W into the locking position PV when lowered due to its own weight.

[0052] In Fig. 1 It can be seen from illustration fragments without reference numbers that several such lowering ramps 41 are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction UR of the manhole cover 1. In particular, there are four of them in the present case, which are arranged evenly distributed over the circumferential direction UR. These lowering ramps 41 are each of the same shape and, as shown in the Fig. 5 and 6As can be seen, a Z-shaped profile, which is composed of a flatter sloping middle section 47 and two steeper sloping end sections. One of the end sections is a vertical entry section 45, which forms a rotation stop in the direction of rotation opposite to the screwing in. The other of the end sections is a vertical securing section 46, which lies in the rotation angle W of the locking position PV and forms rotation stops in the screwing in direction (see reference number DR in Fig. 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 ) and opposite thereto. The more gently sloping central section 47 rotates the manhole cover 30 from the access section 45 into the securing section 46. In order to be able to remove it again from there, the manhole cover 30 must first be lifted slightly and can then be rotated back to the access section 45.

[0053] In this case, the guide 40 consists of four active pairs P1 distributed over the circumference 31 of the manhole cover 30, wherein the active pairs P1 each have a sliding element 32 on the manhole cover 30 and one of the lowering ramps 41 on the cover receptacle 11. The sliding elements 32 are guided on the lowering ramp 41 in such a way that the manhole cover 30 rotates into the closed position PV when lowered by the angle of rotation W in the screwing-in direction (DR).

[0054] Due to the four active pairs P1 arranged evenly over the circumference 31 of the manhole cover 30, the manhole cover 30 is secured against tipping from the horizontal H when lowered along the lowering ramp 41 and can be lowered into the locking position PZ at four different angles of rotation, i.e., rotated by 90 degrees each. Alternatively, designs with at least one or two, in particular with one, two, three, four, five, or six active pairs are also possible.

[0055] The angle of rotation W should be at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 6 degrees, and particularly preferably at least 10 degrees. Furthermore, the angle of rotation W should be at most 100 degrees, preferably at most 30 degrees, and particularly preferably at most 14 degrees. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle of rotation is 12 degrees.

[0056] How to use the Fig. 1 to 4 As can be seen, one of the sliding elements 32 is formed by an L-shaped foot 37, which is arranged on the underside of the manhole cover 30 and points outwards with the free leg 38. The sliding element 32 has a sliding runner 36, which is at least three times as long in the circumferential direction UR of the manhole cover 1 as it is wide in the radial direction R. The other three sliding elements (not shown) are designed with the same shape as the illustrated sliding element 32.

[0057] In the Fig. 1 and 2It can be seen that the manhole cover 30 in the closed position PV lies relatively loosely in the cover receptacle 11 despite the guide 40. Therefore, the guide 40 in the closed position PV has upward and downward play for vertical movements of the manhole cover 30 in the cover receptacle 11. The manhole cover 30 does not rest on the sliding elements 32 at the bottom, nor do the sliding elements 32 strike anything at the top. For this purpose, the guide 40 in the closed position PV has a vertically aligned free relief space XA below the sliding element 32 (see Fig. 2), so that the guide 40 does not absorb any vertically acting traffic loads acting on the manhole cover 30. Instead, a circumferential sealing ring 19 is arranged between the manhole cover 30 and the cover receptacle 11, via which sealing ring 19 the manhole cover 30 is supported on the cover receptacle 11 such that the sealing ring 19 bears the entire weight of the manhole cover 30. The sealing ring 19 is arranged in a horizontal parting plane E1 between the manhole cover 30 and the cover receptacle 11, where it sits in a receiving groove 20 of the manhole frame 10. In particular, the receiving groove 20 is formed in a horizontal support surface 24 of the cover receptacle 11, which is formed by a step arranged lower than the upper side OS. As soon as the sealing ring 19 is compressed by loads, the support surface 24 comes into contact with the manhole cover 30 and part of the load is diverted past the sealing ring 19 into the manhole frame 10.The projection of the sealing ring 19 over the support surface 24 is smaller than the free relief clearance XA, so that even when the sealing ring 19 is compressed, no traffic loads are transferred via the sliding elements 32.

[0058] In a vertical parting plane E2 between the manhole cover 30 and the cover receptacle 11, a secondary seal 39 with a sealing lip is arranged, which is seated in an outwardly facing receiving groove 72 of the manhole cover 30 and is arranged closer to the upper side OS of the manhole cover 1 than the sealing ring 19.

[0059] The shaft cover 30 is secured in the rotation angle W of the locking position PV by a lifting stop 50 against linear movement out of the cover holder 11 in the longitudinal direction L without turning back by the rotation angle W. For this purpose, the guide 40 in the locking position PV forms a vertically aligned free lifting space XH above the sliding element 32 (see Fig. 2) and the lifting stop 50. The manhole cover 30 can thus be lifted within the lifting clearance XH and with the sliding element 32 up to the lifting stop 50. The contact surface of the manhole cover 30 to the sealing ring 19 is thereby - as can be seen in Fig. 3 sees - raised above the upper side OS of the shaft frame 10. In this way, the guide 40 leaves space for a pressure drop, so that the shaft cover 30 can be partially lifted out of the shaft frame 10 for venting or to drain water.

[0060] The lifting stop 50 is aligned horizontally (see in particular Fig. 5 and 6 ), so that, on the one hand, the lifting movement does not cause the manhole cover 30 to unscrew in the opposite direction to the screwing in, and, on the other hand, does not cause the manhole cover 30 to be screwed in further and does not cause a rotation lock and / or rotation inhibition. To remove the manhole cover, the sliding element 32 can be rotated back along the lifting stop 50.

[0061] How to use the Fig. 5 and 6 As can be seen, a groove-shaped guide slot is formed between the lifting stop 50 and the lowering ramp 41, the flanks of which, however, do not run parallel to one another.

[0062] According to Fig. 6the manhole cover 30 assumes a pre-positioning height PZ. For this purpose, pre-positioning means 60 are formed between the manhole cover 30 and the cover receptacle 11, which correspond in such a way that the manhole cover 30 can initially be pre-centered and placed in the cover receptacle 11 at this pre-positioning height PZ, which is higher than the closed position PV. In particular, it is also higher than the relief position PE. The pre-positioning means 60 are also designed such that the pre-centered manhole cover 30 is centered and, guided by the pre-positioning means 60, can be rotated in a horizontal plane into the vertical entry sections of the guide 40 or a lowering position, from where it can be lowered further.

[0063] The pre-positioning means 60 comprise circular segment-shaped guide track sections 12, 13 on the cover receptacle 11, which are formed by grooves in the step of the support surface 24 (see in particular Fig. 5and 7 ).

[0064] These guideway sections 12, 13 each open into recesses 26 in an inner surface 25 of the manhole frame 10, with the lowering ramps 41 each defining a side surface of one of the recesses 26. The manhole cover 30 is thus rotated with the aid of the pre-positioning means 60 until the sliding elements 32 fall into the recesses 26. The sliding elements 32 each form one of the pre-positioning means 60, for which purpose the sliding skids 36 engage in the guideway sections 12, 13. The sealing ring 19 surrounds the pre-positioning means 60 by having a larger radius than these.

[0065] The manhole cover 30 protrudes according to Fig. 6 at the pre-positioning height PZ relatively far upwards out of the shaft frame 10, so that the fitter still has a largely clear view of the pre-positioning means 60 for pre-positioning.

[0066] As can be seen especially in Fig. 7As can be seen, four release openings 22 for levering up the manhole cover 30 are formed in the upper side OS of the manhole cover 1 in the area between the manhole frame 10 and the manhole cover 30. For this purpose, there is a lever edge 71 on the manhole cover 30, which can be gripped under with a lever tool inserted into the release opening 22.

[0067] According to the previously described embodiments, the lifting stop 50 is aligned horizontally. In rare cases of pressure, the manhole cover 30 is loaded with a torque about the longitudinal axis L. For applications with such requirements, alternative designs of the lifting stop 50 according to the Fig. 8 and 9 possible, the differences to the design according to Fig. 6 be briefly explained.

[0068] According to Fig. 8The lifting stop 50 can be designed to be inclined (ie, relative to the horizontal) in such a way that it does not rotate in the opposite direction of rotation DR. Rather, it rotates in the direction of rotation DR, provided that it rotates slightly at all.

[0069] In the variant of the Fig. 9 The lifting stop 50 is equipped with a downwardly extending locking lug 51, which forms a rotation stop. This is shown in combination with an otherwise horizontal lifting stop 50. Combinations of the rotation stop with an ascending lifting stop 50 are also possible, as in Fig. 8 shown or conversely, a sloping lifting stop 50, which promotes active unscrewing up to the rotation stop. This allows the sliding elements 32 to be positioned over the lowering ramps 41, and the manhole cover 30 lowers smoothly again over the lowering ramps 41 once the pressure drop has passed.

[0070] The lifting stop 50 is available in all variants shown in the Fig. 6 , 8 and 9 designed so that it does not prevent lowering back into the closed position PV. If the manhole cover 30 rotates at all in the event of pressure (e.g., due to escaping water being set in rotation), the lifting stop 50 should be designed so that it does not prevent it from returning or rotating back into the closed position.

[0071] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0072] Among other things, the formation of a shaft structure with a shaft having an upper shaft opening is possible, wherein the shaft opening is covered with the illustrated shaft cover 1, and wherein the upper side OS of the shaft cover 1 is arranged at least substantially flush with a traffic area.

[0073] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations. List of reference symbols 1 Manhole cover 50 Lifting stop 51 Safety lug 10 Shaft frame 11 Lid holder 60 Pre-positioning agents 12 Guideway section 13 Guideway section 70 Mounting geometries for 19 sealing ring Hoist 20 Receiving groove (shaft frame) 71 Lever edge 21 frame apron 72 Receiving groove (manhole cover) 22 Release opening 73 Surface structure 23 frame collar 24 Support surface D Shaft passage 25 lateral surface DR Screwing direction 26 recess E1 horizontal parting plane (sealing ring) 27 Concrete ring E2 vertical dividing plane H horizontal 30 Manhole cover L Longitudinal direction 31 circumference of the manhole cover OS Top 32 Sliding element P1 active pair 36 Skid PE Relief position 37 L-shaped foot PV Locking position 38 free thigh PZ Pre-positioning height 39 Secondary seal R radial direction UR circumferential direction 40 guide V vertical 41 lowering ramp W angle of rotation 45 Entry section XA Relief space 46 Security section XH free lifting space 47 Middle section

Claims

1. Manhole cover (1) with a shaft frame (10) forming a shaft passage (D) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), and with a shaft cover (30), wherein the shaft passage (D) can be closed by positioning the shaft cover (30) on a cover receptacle (11) of the shaft frame (10), characterized in that a guide (40) is formed between the manhole cover (30) and the cover receptacle (11) such that the manhole cover (30) rotates into a closed position (PV) by an angle of rotation (W) when lowered into the cover receptacle (11).

2. Manhole cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide (40) is designed in such a way that the manhole cover (30) rotates into the closed position (PV) by the angle of rotation (W) when lowered due to its own weight.

3. Manhole cover (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide (40) has a lowering ramp (41) sloping in the circumferential direction (UR).

4. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle of rotation (W) is between 3 degrees and 100 degrees.

5. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (40) has at least one or two, in particular one, two, three, four, five or six active pairs (P1) arranged distributed over the circumference (31) of the manhole cover (30), wherein the active pairs (P1) each have a sliding element (32) on one of the cover receptacle (11) and the manhole cover (30) and each have a lowering ramp (41) on the other of the cover receptacle (11) and the manhole cover (30) and are designed such that the sliding element (32) is guided on the lowering ramp (41) in such a way that the manhole cover (30) rotates into the closed position (PV) when lowered by the angle of rotation (W).

6. Manhole cover (1) according to claim 5, characterized in thatthe sliding element(s) (32) are each arranged on the manhole cover (30) and the lowering ramp (41) or the lowering ramps (41) are each arranged on the manhole frame (10).

7. Manhole cover (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the sliding element(s) (32) are each formed by an L-shaped foot (37) which is arranged on the underside of the manhole cover (30) and points outwards with the free leg (38).

8. Manhole cover (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the sliding element(s) (32) each have a sliding skid (36) which is at least twice or three times as long in a circumferential direction (UR) of the manhole cover (1) as it is wide in the radial direction (R).

9. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe guide (40) in the closed position (PV) has a vertically aligned free relief space (XA) such that the guide (40) does not absorb any vertically acting traffic loads acting on the manhole cover (30).

10. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manhole cover (30) is secured in the closed position (PV) by a lifting stop (50) relative to the cover receptacle (11) against linear movement out of the cover receptacle (11) in the longitudinal direction (L) without turning back by the angle of rotation (W).

11. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (40) in the closed position (PV) has a vertically aligned free lifting space (XH) and a lifting stop (50) such that the manhole cover (30) can be lifted within the lifting space (XH) and up to the lifting stop (50).

12. Manhole cover (1) according to claim 11, characterized in thatthe lifting stop (50) is designed such that a lifting movement at least does not cause the shaft cover (30) to be completely unscrewed in opposition to being screwed in.

13. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Pre-positioning means (60) are formed between the manhole cover (30) and the cover receptacle (11), which correspond in such a way that - the manhole cover (30) can be placed in a pre-centered manner at a pre-positioning height (PZ) in the cover receptacle (11) which is higher than the closed position (PV), and - that the pre-centered manhole cover (30) is guided by the pre-positioning means (60) and can be rotated in a horizontal plane into the guide (40).

14. Manhole cover (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the pre-positioning means (60) have circular segment-shaped guide track sections (12, 13) or a circumferentially circular guide track, preferably on the cover receptacle (11).

15. Manhole cover (1) according to one of claims 13 or 14 in conjunction with one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the sliding element(s) (32) each form one of the pre-positioning means (60).

16. Manhole cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an upper side (OS) of the manhole cover (1) in the region between the manhole frame (10) and the manhole cover (30) at least one release opening (22) for levering up the manhole cover (30) is formed.

Images