EP2369062B1 - Element as closing insert for a depression in the ground, in particular as a covering insert for a shaft - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an element as a final use for a bottom-side recess, in particular as a covering insert for a shaft, with integrated electronic components in these. Here, the term "use" means a part that can be inserted into another.

State of the art

In particular, so-called inspection shafts are known, which are also referred to as manholes or inspection shafts, which serve for the review, maintenance and cleaning of pipelines. Such shafts are usually made of precast concrete, masonry, fiber cement or polymer concrete and are also increasingly made of plastic. As the networks of the major telcommunications providers are becoming larger, faster and more complex, more and more so-called nodes are being used, for which cable ducts accessible from the outside are provided.

However, all these shafts have one thing in common, that they are covered with at least one removable insert in the form of a manhole cover, with such manhole covers have in principle only one purpose, namely to temporarily cover a hole.

Conventional manhole covers, in particular cable duct covers for telecommunications infrastructures, are generally made watertight, begehbeziehwegsfahrfahrbar. They have a rigid connection to a manhole frame on which they rest or with which they are fixed. They are usually found on sidewalks, in pedestrian areas and in comparable areas, such as train stations, airports and even on ships. They are also on surfaces accessible by cars, such as land entrances, normal and busy roads, that is generally to find paved traffic areas, their design here is usually designed so that the manhole covers withstand relatively high wheel loads. Manhole covers are also known for infrastructures such as gas and power lines as well as other intelligences.

A cover of a shaft is usually carried out by a direct mounting at least one manhole cover on the opening of a manhole. For this purpose, the manhole has a frame construction, in which the respective manhole cover is used. In addition, many manhole covers have options that allow a displaceable, secure and ausnivellierbare positioning of the manhole cover on the shaft.

In this connection, it has already been recognized that a manhole cover can also be used in a different way than for covering a shaft-like depression, namely for receiving electronic components with which measured values of a measuring station can be interrogated via radio, for example in the area of one at the shaft bottom Passing gas line is attached. Such a remote reading is for example in the GB 2 326 002 A described. Furthermore, from the JP 2004 253 928 A an existing drainage cover, manhole or manhole cover, in which also an antenna for transmitting data is integrated.

Object of the invention

In contrast, the invention has for its object to provide an "intelligent" element, can be covered with the bottom-side depressions, the element at the same time should at least attract the attention of people in the vicinity of him. This "intelligent" element should be particularly suitable as a replacement for manhole cover of conventional shafts and beyond their designs can be adapted under certain conditions.

Solution of the task

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an "intelligent" element which has electronic components which enable at least a visual or an acoustic reproduction of different text and / or image displays or tones and tone sequences. According to the invention, it is expedient to accommodate the electronic components at least in the formation of a projection unit within the element.

The basic idea of the invention is thus to replace conventional manhole covers, either round or square covers, by the intelligent element in the design of an intelligent cover, or to modify conventional covers in such a way that they likewise have the desired intelligence.

Advantages of the invention

The term "projection unit" means such means that are suitable to make information visible and / or audible to humans. For example, in the simplest case, a lighting unit can be understood as illuminating a medium, for example a poster. Projection means, such as strong light sources, LEDs but also laser light sources can project information near or even in the distance or on a sky or a wall or house wall. Holographic projection means can also be provided which, for example, via project an information column onto a lid. As an additional feature, the holographic representations may also include controls such as holographic keyboards.

Since a variety of manhole covers are already present in the usual infrastructure, it is advantageous if the element has a replacement for these manhole covers corresponding to their outer shape. It is also possible, similar to a doormat, the element as an insert in areas of a running and / or running surface in a the dimensions of the element correspondingly formed recess flush with the running and / or running surface only. This allows one or more persons who are close to or pass the "intelligent" element to be easily supplied with an information platform. This may be either a manhole cover according to the invention or a relatively flat insert according to the invention in a corresponding recess.

Since the view of pedestrians, in particular, is often directed to the ground, in order to avoid possible obstacles, above all this group of people becomes necessarily aware of the "intelligent" elements according to the invention located on the ground or in the ground, if they differ from each other. and / or image lights. In contrast to posters on walls, to which only targeted must be looked up. The font and / or image displays can be displayed statically, ie as a fixed image, or dynamically, for example as a movie. So-called static elements have the property that the element consists predominantly of an impact-resistant transparent pane, with an advertising medium, for example a poster, being applied behind it. An additional lighting enhances the advertising impression. Advantageously, these are designed such that they adapt to the environment in which, for example, the luminosity of the ambient lighting is adjusted or even the intelligent element becomes active when passersby are present in the vicinity.

It is also possible to provide illumination means in the "intelligent" element which, for example in the case of a danger through arrows - also accompanied by acoustic signals - indicate the direction to emergency exits or behavioral measures. For example, in tunnel systems by simply replacing the previous manhole cover an intelligent element can be provided, the projection element is designed such that this, for example, in case of smoke by the corresponding projection by a laser the escape route from the tunnel. This application can also be applied to buildings, trains, airplanes and buses.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the electronic components for the visual reproduction of different font and / or image displays are designed such that an interactive communication is possible with this. This creates a dialogue between the respective "intelligent" element on the one hand and a user on the other hand. In this case, this element can have, in addition to at least one projection unit, a computer connected thereto. Further, the interactive communication can be wireless and / or by means of at least one control element which is externally attached to the element, such as a push button, piezo pushbutton or touch screen and the like. Also holographic keyboards could be used in this way. For example, important information can be communicated to passers-by, such as traffic-related or safety-relevant or even tourist information. Or pedestrians can find out by foot where the next bus stop is and / or when the next bus leaves. In addition, tourists can find out which ones want to find out for themselves, what attractions there are and how they can be reached. Quite apart from advertising films that can be changed and adapted according to the input of the passerby. All information in this regard are presented via the projection unit according to the invention.

Also, for example, the arrival of an aircraft or train can be displayed in one or more languages. Last but not least, it is with an operator For example, by a touch screen possible that data provided from data lines (for example, W-LAN or already in the manhole lines (WAN)) provided data are presented. An integrated memory can also be used for data transmission and by UMTS or a similar transmission medium.

In order to help the element according to the invention to succeed, it is expedient to pay attention to its quality, such as its statics and operability, that is to say that a transparent covering layer is provided as a window for the projection unit, which is made accessible or passable. Their slip ability is also to be considered.

Further, it is advantageous if the provided with the window cavity of the element is designed to be watertight in terms of its longevity, where appropriate, this cavity may also be equipped with an air conditioning device, which in turn depends on the particular location, for example, in direct sunlight a cooling of the electronics attached. For this purpose, either an inner or outer heat cycle offers. For an internal heat cycle, one can use heat exchangers with fans. On the other hand, in an external heat cycle, a sealed channel may be used which sucks cooler air from a duct, which is then blown through a heat exchanger.

To supply energy to the "intelligent" element, it is expedient if a supply voltage of 230 V is present, wherein a supply by a suitable battery or solar cells is also possible.

Finally, in the embodiment of the present invention as a chess cover another idea to be included, and that by using the below a manhole cover usually available space in addition. There are many devices in the street area, which could be housed in shafts rather than disturbing the environment to deface. Examples would be Traffic counting systems, scoreboards, radars and antennas. Also in the walking area, various options are conceivable, such as orientation aids for the blind or even hidden monitoring devices.

In the simplest case, the intelligent element serves as illumination, which is advantageously demand-controlled. This means that this lighting adapts to the environment and / or depends on the presence of people. A simple further development provides that the projection unit is provided with an informational poster, which is illuminated by the projection unit. Preferably, this type of simple training on a self-sufficient power supply, so that can be replaced by the intelligent element in a very simple manner conventional manhole cover.

Also, an "intelligent" element can act as a balance or be used for traffic counting or tire profile recognition, which would be appropriate for example at a highway entrance, before bridges, in tunnels, etc. Finally, detectors and sensors can be used with which, for example, explosives can be determined.

drawings

Fig. 1 a

einen Längsschnitt durch einen herkömmlichen Kabelschacht mit drei Schachtdeckeln in einer Reihenanordnung,

Fig. 1 b

den Kabelschacht gemäss Fig. 1 a in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 1 c

eine Draufsicht auf den kompletten Kabelschacht gemäss Fig. 1 a,

Fig. 2

in perspektivischer Darstellung ein erfindungsgemässes "intelligentes" Element, zusammengesetzt aus einem Ober- und Unterbau,

Fig. 3

ein von unten gesehenen Abschnitt des Oberbaus gemäss Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

ein von unten gesehener Abschnitt einer in den Oberbau gemäss Fig. 2 einzulegender durchsichtiger Deckschicht in der Form eines Verbundsicherheitsglases, in einem vergrösserten Massstab,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung von schräg oben gesehen des Unterbaus gemäss Fig. 2, in einem verkleinerten Massstab,

Fig. 6

ein perspektivisch dargestellter Abschnitt eines schräg von oben gesehenen Steckergehäuses, in einem verkleinerten Massstab,

Fig. 7

eine schräg von oben gesehener Draufsicht auf Module im Betrieb, in einem vergrösserten Massstab,

Fig. 8a

eine schematische Draufsicht auf zwei Module,

Fig. 8b

eine schematische Draufsicht von vier Displays in einer Gitteranordnung und

Fig. 8c

eine schematische Draufsicht von drei Displays in einer Reihenanordnung.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments and explained. Show it:

Fig. 1 a

a longitudinal section through a conventional cable tray with three manhole covers in a series arrangement,

Fig. 1 b

the cable duct according to Fig. 1 a in a sectional side view,

Fig. 1 c

a plan view of the entire cable tray according Fig. 1 a,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an inventive "intelligent" element, composed of a top and bottom,

Fig. 3

a section of the superstructure seen from below according to Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

a seen from below section of one in the superstructure according to Fig. 2 transparent cover layer to be placed in the form of a laminated safety glass, on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 5

a perspective view of obliquely seen above the substructure according to Fig. 2 on a smaller scale,

Fig. 6

a perspective section of an obliquely viewed from above connector housing, on a reduced scale,

Fig. 7

an oblique top view of modules in operation, on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 8a

a schematic plan view of two modules,

Fig. 8b

a schematic plan view of four displays in a grid arrangement and

Fig. 8c

a schematic plan view of three displays in a series arrangement.

Description of the embodiments

The in the Fig. 1a -1c 1 has a concrete trough 2, which has a rectangular plan and on which rests a frame 3 made of chromium steel, in which three rectangular manhole covers 4 are inserted. The latter consist of a chrome-nickel tub, which is filled with steel reinforcements and concrete. Thus, the manhole cover 4 can be pulled away from the shaft 1 in all directions, they are trapezoidal at its four end faces - representative of all faces with 5 -, at the same time for each manhole cover 4 four hook holes 6 are provided in the common tools for engaging the manhole cover 4 can intervene.

The in the Fig. 1 a and 1 b indicated by 7 and 8 arrows indicate the clear width of the concrete tub 2, which may be, for example 80 x 80 cm and 100 x 100 cm to 100 x 500 cm, the scale ( Fig. 8a ) can be made in length in 40 or 50 cm increments.

In contrast, is now in Fig. 2 an inventive "intelligent" element 104 is shown in perspective, for example, the manhole cover 4 according to the Fig. 1a - 1c replace. This element 104 is referred to in practice as a so-called module and consists roughly of two main assemblies, namely a superstructure 110 and a base 120. The majority of this construction is made of stainless chromium-nickel steel, with various parts needed in larger numbers and have no supporting properties, are made of aluminum.

In the superstructure 110 four displays or projection units 111 - 114 are housed in the present embodiment, that is, this contains the HMI (Human Machine Interface) and thus the essential functions that can be perceived and used by the passers-by. Here, the superstructure 110 is designed as a frame-like, dichtverschweisstes housing and has mounting and maintenance openings on its lower and its front sides, being provided on the upper side in the opposite edge regions four round recesses 115 in a row, which on the one hand as an assembly aid and on the other hand for the inclusion of controls 116, such as push buttons serve. In the middle of the superstructure 110 a laminated safety glass is provided as a transparent cover layer 117 ( Fig. 4 ) located in the area of the projection units 111-114 on ribs 118 and 119 (FIG. Fig. 3 ). On the ribs 118 and 119 and the top of the frame-like housing of the superstructure 110 each glass support profiles made of plastic are attached or placed so that the cover layer 117 of glass does not rest on a metallic surface, in addition, a circumferential seal is provided. On the underside of the superstructure 110, a circumferential groove and threaded holes are provided, which serve for its attachment to the base 120.

The substructure 120 itself ( Fig. 5 ) consists of a watertight welded rectangular container 121 (alternatively potted container) with inside intersecting web plates 122 and 123. As a result, the base 120 receives a high rigidity, which also contributes as a static reinforcement of the superstructure 110 at the same time. In the web plate 123 relatively large openings 124 are recessed, so that a wiring and an air circulation by means of a fan in the case of an internal air conditioning between the designated 125-128 chambers can be done. Further, in the bottom of the base 120, a bore 129 is provided for a cable entry. In the provided in the interior of the base 120 four chambers 125 - 128, for example, in the chambers 125 and 127 not shown heat exchanger for cooling the air conditioning system added, whereas in the two other chambers 126 and 128 not shown PC components, current transformers and a controller will be included. The whole substructure 120 equipped in this way is screwed to the superstructure 110 and sealed by a sealing round cord.

At the bottom of the base 120, a plug housing 130 is provided ( Fig. 6 ), which accommodates the wiring of the modules, because the container 121 of the substructure 120 is designed relatively massive because of its supporting function (the bottom is for example 10 mm thick) and therefore less flexible for adjustments. In the connector housing 130 different sockets 131 are housed, as for video signals, power transmission, communication, etc. The sockets 131 themselves are bolted to a mounting strip 132, which in turn is glued to the connector housing 130. Here, the connector housing 130 can be designed such that an extension to a total of four modules is possible. For this purpose, only the mounting strip 132 must be reworked in a suitable manner.

In Fig. 7 Furthermore, two modules 140 seen from above are shown, whose four displays or projection units 111-114 each show a tree as an image display. The projection units 111-114 are covered by the cover layer 117 in the form of a scratch-resistant and vandal-proof composite glass which is resistant to salts or the like, on the underside of which a plastic frame 141 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) is glued, which with various Threaded inserts 142 ( Fig. 7 ), whereby this is screwed from below to the superstructure 110. This ensures that the cover layer 117 can be easily replaced in the event of damage. However, for this purpose first the projection units 1 1 1 - 114 must be removed from the superstructure 110, so that the screws can be unscrewed from the threaded inserts 142, that is, that they are accessible at all. For the inclusion of the cover layer 117 is further provided that this has on its underside a circumferential groove for a round cord, with which then a seal to the superstructure 110. In the illustration according to Fig. 7 are the two modules 140 in a frame 3 according to Fig. 1 a -1 c of a shaft 1 not shown with reinforced discs.

In Fig. 8a -8c Finally, schematic illustrations show how a communication screen of a module can look like. In Fig. 8a are sketched in a plan view of the two modules 140, each having an image area 143 and the controls 116, wherein the indicated by 144 arrow indicates a possible scaling direction. The image area 143 can in turn be formed by a plurality of displays Fig. 8b with four displays in a grid arrangement (as well as in Fig. 2 ) and according to Fig. 8c with three displays in a row arrangement.

Another possible variant is given if these modules 140, for example in the area of a running and / or driving surface, are sunk flush with the running and / or running surface in a recess corresponding to the dimensions of these modules. In such an application or use of the inventive idea then the individual modules can be placed independently of the location of a shaft targeted as needed.

It is also possible to form the "intelligent" elements 104 around and thus use round projection units, in particular monitors, to meet the shafts with a round manhole cover. Furthermore, representations of 3D images as a hologram conceivable. Finally, individual forms of a "smart" element can be created, which then takes into account the diversity of the different manufacturers of manholes or manhole covers. Here, the system is cast in place directly into an existing manhole frame, by laying the statics and technology of a module loosely in an existing manhole frame and then pour the whole thing with a suitable material, which then relatively expensive civil engineering work can be omitted.

Industrial Applicability

Especially in the telecommunications field arise increasingly outside cable ducts that are covered by manhole cover. These in turn have several functions: on the one hand, they prevent passers-by or vehicles from falling or falling into the respective shaft and, on the other, they protect the interior of the shaft from all too much contamination by stones, gravel and sand, but generally not from water. This means that such manhole covers have in principle only a cover function and provide a maintenance access.

The present invention now extends these functions of such manhole covers by a projection function and / or acoustic function without losing the loss of normal tasks of covers such as statics, operability, longevity, etc. The module shown uses existing shafts, that is, existing manhole covers are simply replaced by such a module and there is already a visual interface with one or more projection elements, such as monitors or beamer before, with which new services such as advertising and information can be offered where there are no limits to other business fields. The intelligence for controlling the projection elements for visual and / or acoustic representation is preferably formed entirely in an element in the formation of a manhole cover, so that conventional manhole cover by such can be exchanged with the desired intelligence. Another advantage is that the elements in the formation of the respective manhole cover according to customer requirements with the appropriate intelligences, such as projection elements, monitors, acoustic transmitters, receiving means for receiving data, etc. can be equipped.

In addition, the modules according to the invention are advantageously suitable for being deliberately embedded in the ground in pedestrian zones, for example, so that passers-by can walk barrier-free over them and view the respective information platform.

Thus serve the different embodiments of the inventive elements and thus transmitted via projection units font and / or image displays or tones or sequences of tones for advertising, tourist as well as traffic or security relevant information and entertainment purposes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS Element as a final use for a bottom-side recess, in particular as a covering insert for a shaft

1.

cable shaft

Second

Betonwanne

Third

frame

4th

manhole cover

5th

trapezoidal shape

6th

hook hole

7th

arrow

8th.

arrow

104th

element

110th

superstructure

111th

projection unit

112th

projection unit

113th

projection unit

114th

projection unit

115th

recess

116th

operating element

117th

topcoat

118th

rib

119th

rib

120th

substructure

121st

container

122nd

web plate

123rd

web plate

124th

opening

125th

chamber

126th

chamber

127th

chamber

128th

chamber

129th

drilling

130th

plug housing

131st

sockets

132nd

mounting strip

140th

module

141st

Plastic frame

142nd

threaded insert

143rd

image area

144th

arrow

Claims (10)

1. Element (104) as a closing insert for a depression in the ground, in particular as a covering insert for a shaft (1), with electronic components integrated therein, characterized in that means for visually and/or acoustically reproducing script and/or image displays and/or tones and tone sequences are provided within the element (104) for projection outside the element (104).
2. Element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means are accommodated in a cavity within the element (104) that is provided with a transparent cover layer (117), at least one of which means is a projection unit (111).
3. Element according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is formed as a replacement for a shaft covering of a shaft (1) and corresponds in its load-bearing form to a shaft cover (4).
4. Element according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is embedded as an insert in the region of a walking and/or driving surface, in a depression formed so as to correspond to the dimensions of the element (104), in line with the walking and/or driving surface.
5. Element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for visually reproducing the different script and/or image displays, it is equipped with electronic components in such a way that interactive communication is possible.
6. Element according to Claim 5, characterized in that the interactive communication is provided as a dialogue between a computer, which is provided in the element (104) and is connected to at least one projection unit (111), and a user in such a way that the interactive communication takes place wirelessly and/or by means of at least one operating element (116) on the element (104) that can be reached from the outside, such as a pushbutton, piezoelectric button or touchscreen and the like.
7. Element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visual information thereof takes the form of static and/or dynamic script and/or image displays.
8. Element according to Claim 7, characterized in that the script and/or image displays or tones or tone sequences serve for advertising, tourist information, such as traffic/transport or safety/security information, and for entertainment purposes.
9. Element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed in a watertight manner and/or is equipped with an air conditioning device.
10. Element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a way corresponding to a conventional round shaft cover, it is equipped with a round monitor, the electronic components of which can possibly be cast with a suitable material in situ in a shaft frame of a correspondingly round form.

Images