EP3763880A1 - Device for preferably flush mounting in a road surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for preferably flush installation in the road surface, for example road caps, drainage shafts, inspection openings or the like, comprising a frame defining an opening and a cover that can be positioned with play in the frame, with concrete individual compensating elements acting between the frame and the cover that when the cover is inserted, the play between the frame and the cover is at least reduced or a fit, preferably a press fit, is created, the compensating elements being components that are independent of the cover and frame.

Description

The invention relates to a device for preferably flush installation in the road / road surface, for example a rigid or adjustable road cap, shaft, in particular a final shaft, water drain, inspection opening or the like, comprising a frame defining an opening and a cover that can be positioned with play in the frame.

It is generally about road fixtures, which include, for example, street caps (including valve boxes, hydrant boxes, valve caps) and manhole covers. It is a small shaft that is used to make fittings for water, sewage, gas or district heating pipes installed below the road surface easily accessible and usable. In the street area, the caps sit approximately vertically over the fittings on the lines. Mainly it concerns gate valves for outgoing house connection lines, for the separation of line sections or connections for water extraction as underground hydrants.

The classic street cap consists of a mostly hollow cylindrical frame that is closed on the top with a lid. The road cap is made either from cast iron or from plastic. In addition to road caps with a rigid frame, there are also those that are adjustable in height. These are used in particular in asphalt road construction. Using a height-adjustable street cap, this can be installed flush with the surface in the road surface.

The term "street cap" is to be understood in the broadest sense in the light of the invention. Ultimately, these are any inserts, manhole covers, slide caps, etc. that are built into a road surface. For the state of the art, reference is made to merely by way of example DE 10 2011 008 189 B4 , DE 10 2010 055 036 A1 , DE 10 2004 010 556 B4 , DE 20 2008 012 318 U1 and DE 10 2013 203 031 A1 .

Devices of the type in question are regularly manufactured with relatively large manufacturing tolerances, not least for reasons of cost. The lid is usually made of cast iron. The frame or the upper part (in the case of height-adjustable street caps, comprising a lower part and one in the lower part insertable and displaceable upper part) can be made of plastic. In the case of a robust construction, however, the frame for receiving the cover, possibly the entire upper part, is also made of cast iron. In particular, when the components are manufactured from cast iron, there is the problem of large manufacturing tolerances, which lead to unwanted rattling noises when being driven over during transport and when installed. When the frame is made of plastic, the tolerance-related relative movement between the cover and the frame leads to wear of the part made of plastic, in this case the frame.

If you wanted to manufacture the cover and the frame with lower tolerances, this would entail enormous additional costs in production. Due to the general price pressure, this is not responsible.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing the generic device in such a way that the problems occurring in the prior art are largely eliminated, despite the tolerances. Even taking the tolerances as a basis, rattling noises should be largely eliminated both during transport and when installed, i.e. when driving over the device.

The above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. According to this, the generic device, for example a street cap, is characterized in that concrete individual compensating elements act between the frame and the cover in such a way that when the cover is inserted, the play between the frame and the cover is at least reduced or a fit, preferably a press fit, arises, with the compensation elements from the cover and frame are independent components.

According to the invention it has been recognized that the tolerance problem between the cover and the frame can be solved not only by cost-intensive, more precise production, ie by reducing production tolerances, but also by constructive measures that are also inexpensive. Thus, compensation elements independent of the cover and frame are provided in the manner according to the invention, namely compensation elements acting between the frame and the cover which are arranged evenly distributed over the circumference. When they are used, ie when the cover is inserted into the frame, the play between the frame and the cover is at least reduced. A fit, preferably a press fit, is preferably produced with the interposition of the specific compensating elements. Thus, a device for tolerance compensation in road fixtures is created.

It is essential that the compensation elements are separate components that are used between the frame and the cover. It is a kind of clip that compensates for the play existing between the cover and the frame over the circumference. These compensating elements can already be installed during the transport of the pairing of the frame and cover, so that no rattling noises occur. The cover does not have to be completely inserted into the frame during transport. When installing in the street, the cover is completely inserted into the frame and the compensation elements come into full effect, initially as centering elements, then as tolerance compensation elements, as anti-rattle elements or avoiding direct contact between the frame and the Lid, at least in the insertion area, with the integration of drainage channels, etc., also serves as corrosion protection, since liquid can drain or run through between them. The device according to the invention with the specific compensating elements thus has multifunctional properties which, in combination, make up the invention.

At least 3, preferably 4 or 5 or more compensation elements are advantageously provided, the compensation elements being assigned to the cover. In principle, it is also conceivable that the compensation elements are assigned to the frame.

In particular when the compensating elements are assigned to the cover, the cover can have a preferably cylindrical insertion region for positioning the cover in the frame. The insertion area can also be oval, rectangular or square. The compensating elements are assigned to this plug-in area, the compensating elements preferably being U-shaped and reaching around or over the plug-in area from the end on the plug-in side. in the Specifically, the plug-in area can be equipped with recesses, recesses or guides into which the compensating elements can be plugged on / inserted from the free end or edge and can preferably be fixed or locked via integral locking pins, locking nipples or the like.

When the cover is inserted, the compensating elements lie opposite a contact surface of the frame, the compensating elements or parts or areas thereof being at least slightly deformed when the cover is inserted into the frame.

This means that the compensating elements are made from a relatively soft material, in particular from plastic, preferably by injection molding.

The contact surface assigned to the frame can be designed in the sense of a circular ring surface, wherein an inwardly at least slightly protruding, at least partially circumferential ring or flange area can be provided in an advantageous manner.

To facilitate handling, in particular installation and any deformation of the compensating elements required during installation, these are equipped, at least on the outside, with at least one deformable or deformable rib or a web or the like. For easy handling of the compensating element, it can be designed identically on both sides, also with the respective rib or the web. In the context of such an embodiment, it does not matter how around the clip is plugged onto or onto the plug-in area of the cover.

When inserting the cover into the frame, ie with previously positioned compensation elements in or on the cover, the ribs, webs or the like initially serve for centering and are deformed during further insertion so that a fit or press fit between the cover and the frame arises with the interposition of the at least three compensation elements.

In a further advantageous manner, the compensating elements are designed as clips or clasps, caps or the like and these can simply be inserted or pushed on from below via the plug-in area of the cover.

At this point it should be noted that any type of cover can be used, so that all types of road fixtures are covered by the teaching according to the invention.

The insertion of the cover into the frame is facilitated by the fact that the compensation elements are equipped with a bevel or a cone in the insertion direction of the cover, i.e. at the edge area on the insertion side.

Furthermore, the compensation elements are equipped on the inside with inwardly protruding engagement elements, for example with inwardly orthogonally protruding pins that fit into corresponding recesses in the plug-in area of the cover. A secure positioning of the compensation elements is guaranteed.

The compensation elements are made of plastic and have a material-specific elasticity, so that they can literally be clipped into their position. They can be brought into the position provided there by briefly widening them over the plug-in area of the cover and lock into place in a stationary manner.

When the compensating elements are in position, the cover can easily be pressed into the frame by deforming at least the ribs or webs, so that play between the frame and the cover is completely eliminated.

Since the fit has a zonal effect due to the concrete ribs, webs or the like, the cover can be easily removed from the frame with a suitable tool. It may be necessary to replace the compensating elements so that another firm seat can be achieved without annoying rattling noises when being driven over.

To facilitate the insertion of the cover into the frame, the compensation elements or the ribs of the compensation elements can with a Bevel, a cone or the like, whereby the centering and the interference fit achieved by deformation of the ribs is favored.

In the light of the above, it is essential that the cover can be equipped with appropriate compensation elements in the delivery state. If the cover is removed from the frame several times, slightly worn compensating elements can be easily replaced so that the cover is always firmly seated in the frame. This particularly favors the use of a cover made of cast iron in a frame, also made of cast iron.

It has already been mentioned above that the frame in the case of a height-adjustable road cap can be an integral part of an upper part which can be pushed into a lower part for height adjustment or adaptation to the level of the road surface. All parts can be made of gray cast iron. A rattling between the cover and the frame or upper part is eliminated by using the compensation elements.

The compensating elements are made of a preferably heat-resistant plastic, preferably by injection molding. Due to the material-specific elasticity, they can ideally be clipped into their position, from the free end of the frame here onto the plug-in area of the cover.

Although the problem of rattling, both during transport and when driving over the device in the installed state, occurs predominantly with a material pairing of gray cast iron and gray cast iron, the use of such compensating elements can also be used for the pairing of plastic-plastic or gray-cast plastic. In the production of the cover and frame / upper part, larger tolerances can be accepted or tolerated, which can then be at least largely or entirely eliminated by using the compensation elements, depending on the size of the play and the compensation elements.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen Ansicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung am Beispiel einer Straßenkappe mit Deckel und Rahmen bzw. Oberteil,

Fig. 2

in einer Draufsicht den Gegenstand aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

in einer schematischen Seitenansicht, geschnitten, das Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 unter Nutzung von Klippsen als Ausgleichselemente,

Fig. 4

den Gegenstand aus Fig. 3 in einer schematischen Ansicht schräg von unten

Fig. 5a bis e

in schematischen Ansichten ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei die Figuren einen ovalen Deckel zeigen und

Fig. 6a bis e

in schematischen Ansichten ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Ausgleichselements in Form eines Klipps.

There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand on the claims subordinate to claim 1 and on the other hand on the following explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention based on Reference drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. Show in the figures

Fig. 1

in a schematic view an embodiment of a device according to the invention using the example of a street cap with cover and frame or upper part,

Fig. 2

in a plan view of the object Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3

in a schematic side view, in section, the embodiment of a device according to the invention according to Fig. 1 using clips as compensation elements,

Fig. 4

the item Fig. 3 in a schematic view obliquely from below

Figures 5a to e

in schematic views a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, the figures showing an oval cover and

6a to e

in schematic views an embodiment of a compensation element in the form of a clip.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, the device comprising a round cover 1, a frame 2 and an upper part 3. The frame 2 is an integral part of the upper part 3. The upper part 3 is used for insertion into a lower part, not shown in the figure, in a specific embodiment as a height-adjustable street cap.

The round cover 1 and the frame 2 or the upper part 3 are made of cast iron in the exemplary embodiment selected here. Accordingly, there are significant tolerances between the cover 1 and the frame 2, without Take countermeasures for rattling during transport and when being driven over when installed.

Fig. 2 shows the arrangement Fig. 1 in a top view. The round cover 1 and the frame 2 are shown.

Fig. 3 shows the arrangement Fig. 1 in a sectioned side view. The cover 1 is inserted into the frame 2. The upper part 3 extends far down with a cylindrical area 4. The cover 1 has a cylindrical plug-in area 5, in which the lower area is used to accommodate the compensating elements 7. From the free edge of the plug-in area 5, the compensating elements 7 are attached, which act between the cover 1 or the plug-in area 5 of the cover 1 and the frame 2, more precisely against a contact surface 8 of the frame 2, which are designed as a circumferential ring or flange area can.

With the interposition of the compensating elements 7, the play between the cast-iron cover 1 and the likewise cast-iron frame 2 is eliminated.

Fig. 4 shows the item Fig. 3 diagonally from below. Fig. 4 clearly shows that the compensating elements 7 are clipped into special areas of the insertion area 5, namely in materially tapered / reduced insertion areas 6.

Fig. 4 It can also be seen that the compensation elements 7 are equipped with a longitudinal rib or with a web 9, the ribs or webs 9 of all compensation elements 7 being at least slightly deformed when the cover 1 is inserted into the frame 2. It should be noted that the compensation elements 7 with the ribs or webs 9 are made of plastic.

Due to the provision of the ribs or webs 9, even after insertion and after deformation of the ribs or webs 9, there is at least a small distance between the rest of the surface of the compensating elements 7 and the contact surface 8 of the frame 2 so that water can run off between them. This effectively prevents corrosion between the components.

The Figures 5a to 5e show, in the context of a second exemplary embodiment, an oval cover 1 with an insertion area 5 protruding from the underside. From below, the compensating elements 7 are inserted into defined insertion areas of the insertion area 5. The in Fig. 5 A total of four compensation elements 7 are provided, which are arranged equidistant from one another.

Figures 6a to 6e finally show in concrete terms the compensating element 7, which is designed as a U or in the sense of a clip. Deformable ribs or webs 9 are formed on both side surfaces so that the compensating element 7 can be clipped on as desired.

On the inside of the compensating element 7, a type of pin 10 is formed, also on both sides, with which the respective compensating element 7 engages in a corresponding recess in the side surfaces of the insertion area 5 of the cover 1. Thus, the compensation elements 7 can be safely and immovably positioned in their intended position, i.e. in the respective insertion area.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention only serve to explain the teaching claimed, but do not restrict them to the exemplary embodiments.

List of reference symbols

1

cover

2

frame

3

Top

4th

cylindrical area of the upper part

5

Insertion area of the cover

6th

tapered / reduced insertion areas

7th

Compensation element

8th

Contact surface of the frame

9

Rib / web

10

Pin code

Claims (13)

Device for preferably flush installation in the road / road surface, for example road caps, drainage shaft, inspection opening or the like, comprising a frame defining an opening and a cover that can be positioned with play in the frame,
characterized in that concrete individual compensation elements act between the frame and the cover in such a way that when the cover is inserted, the play between the frame and the cover is at least reduced or a fit, preferably a press fit, is created, the compensation elements being independent of the cover and frame Components are. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least three, preferably four, five or more compensating elements are provided. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compensating elements are assigned to the cover. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover has a preferably cylindrical plug-in area for positioning the cover in the frame, to which the compensating elements are assigned, the compensating elements preferably being U-shaped and encompassing the plug-in area from the edge on the plug-in side. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the plug-in area has recesses or recesses into which the compensating elements can be inserted from the free edge and preferably locked in place via integral locking pins, locking nipples or the like. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the compensating elements lie opposite a contact surface of the frame when the cover is inserted, the compensating elements or parts or areas thereof being at least slightly deformed when the cover is inserted into the frame. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact surface is formed by an inwardly at least slightly protruding, at least partially circumferential ring or flange area of the frame or that the contact surface is flush with the inner surface of the frame. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the compensating elements are designed as clips or clips, caps or the like. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one deformable web, rib or the like is formed on at least one outside of each compensating element, so that when the cover is inserted into the frame, the compensating elements are center the bars. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the compensating elements are equipped with a bevel or a cone in the insertion direction of the cover, ie at the edge region on the insertion side. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in the case of a height-adjustable street cap, the frame is part of an upper part which can be pushed into a lower part. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the compensation elements consist of a preferably heat-resistant plastic. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cover and, if applicable, the frame or the upper part are made of metal, preferably cast, in particular gray cast iron.

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