EP3841253B1 - Frame system and manhole covering - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a frame system for a manhole cover with at least a first and a second frame element, as is known for example from EN 33 13 130 A1 or DE 77 01 915 U are known. The invention further relates to a manhole cover.

Due to the different tolerances of the cover and the frame parts, a joint or gap is necessary between the individual frame parts for assembly of manhole covers. In order to compensate for these tolerances and at the same time provide a stable device, the joint is usually filled with lead. This means that the frame parts and the cover of a manhole cover can be manufactured to fit perfectly.

The use of lead to fill the joint requires special occupational safety measures during assembly and any dismantling of the manhole cover, particularly when processing hot, liquid lead. In addition, lead has now been classified as a reproductive toxic substance. On this basis, occupational safety regulations may be tightened and lead may be included in the list of substances of particular concern. Accordingly, a restriction on the use of lead is to be expected in the future, which will make it necessary to substitute the material.

The invention is based on the object of providing a frame system, in particular for a manhole cover, which is simple, inexpensive and safe to manufacture, enables simplified assembly on site, is reusable, provides compensation for tolerances for a precise fit and is weather and wear resistant. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a manhole cover.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the frame system by the subject matter of claim 1 and with regard to the manhole cover by the subject matter of claim 5. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

Specifically, the problem is solved by a frame system for a manhole cover, with at least a first and a second frame element, each of which has at least a first connecting surface and/or at least a second connecting surface. The first and second frame elements can be connected to one another in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner along the opposing first or second connecting surfaces. When the first and second frame elements are connected, at least one joint region is formed between the opposing first connecting surfaces or between the opposing second connecting surfaces, wherein the joint region can be filled with a joint element in such a way that the jointed connection of the frame elements can be released and restored. When the first and second frame elements are connected, the joint region is expediently filled or filled with the joint element, a hot-melt adhesive material.

The invention is based on the basic idea that a joint or a gap between interconnectable frame elements can be designed and filled with a suitable joint element so that tolerances of the components of the frame element or an associated manhole cover can be compensated.

Furthermore, the connected frame elements should be able to be dismantled without causing any damage after the joint has been filled with the joint element, so that the frame system can be dismantled for transport and reassembled at the site of use. This allows for advantageous production and simplified transport to the site of use of the frame system or manhole cover.

In particular, according to the present invention, it is provided that at least one joint region is formed between the opposing first connecting surfaces or between the opposing second connecting surfaces, wherein the joint region, preferably exclusively the joint region, between the first and second frame element can be filled with a joint element in such a way that the jointed connection of the frame elements can be released and restored.

Each frame element has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface. In the sense of the present invention, the first connecting surface is to be understood in particular as a corner connecting surface, i.e. a connecting surface in a corner region of the frame system. The second connecting surface is preferably to be understood as a side connecting surface, i.e. a connecting surface along a side extension of the frame system. The first and second connecting surfaces, i.e. the corner connecting surfaces and the side connecting surfaces, can have identical or different geometries.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, a frame element according to the invention can have exclusively corner connection surfaces, i.e. first connection surfaces, or exclusively side connection surfaces, i.e. second connection surfaces. Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the invention, the frame element according to the invention can have both corner and side connections with respective corner connection surfaces and side connection surfaces.

The joint area between two opposing connecting surfaces of two frame elements can be filled using the joint element. In particular, when the frame elements are expediently connected to one another and form a joint area, the joint element can be expediently introduced or cast into the joint area. In the sense of the invention, the adjacently arranged frame elements can thus be jointed along their opposing connecting surfaces.

Both the force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection of the frame elements and the jointing by means of the joint element can be removed and restored.

Accordingly, the grouted connection can be dismantled without causing any damage and can be completely restored in a practical and functional manner. The joint element is designed in such a way that the function of the grouted connection between the frame elements can be fully restored after reassembly.

This makes it possible for the frame system to be fully assembled during production and the joint element to be inserted appropriately, the frame system to then be dismantled, transported to the site of use and fully reassembled on site. This ensures simplified production and optimized transport and use of the frame system according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, the joint area can be cast by means of the joint element, so that the joint element can be introduced into the joint area when the first and second frame elements are connected.

The joint element can be introduced into the joint area as a fluid, so that the fluid joint element can expediently, in particular completely, fill the joint formed between the first and second frame elements. Even small joint areas and varying cross-sections of joint areas can thus be expediently filled. Preferably, only the joint area between the interconnected frame elements is filled with the joint element.

After a hardening process within the joint area, the joint element can change its state of aggregation to a solid body. In particular, the joint element can change its state of aggregation in the course of a temperature change, so that the joint element assumes a solid state of aggregation when the temperature drops. Preferably, the joint element has a melting temperature such that processing of the joint element is made easier.

According to the invention, the joint element comprises a hot-melt adhesive material. In this sense, the joint element can be bonded by increasing the temperature in converted into a fluid or flowing state of aggregation and poured or introduced into at least one joint area of the frame system.

In particular, the hot-melt adhesive material can have standard processing parameters, so that simple processing is possible without special protective measures, such as those required when processing liquid lead. This means that lead can be adequately replaced as a joint material by the hot-melt adhesive material.

Furthermore, non-destructive dismantling and restoration of the joint sealed with hot-melt adhesive is possible after the initial grouting.

According to a further embodiment, the hot-melt adhesive material comprises a copolyamide. This means that the at least one joint of the frame system can be filled with commercially available materials. Furthermore, a durable and weather-resistant joint with sufficient mechanical properties, comparable to jointing with lead, is available.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame system has at least four frame elements, each with a first and/or second connecting surface, wherein between adjacent frame elements at least one joint region is formed along the opposing first or second connecting surfaces, wherein in the connected state of the frame elements, in particular for forming the frame system, only the joint regions can be or are filled with the joint element.

By exclusively filling the joint area with the joint element, material savings and a shortened production time for the frame system can be achieved. In particular, only the areas necessary for tolerance compensation, namely the joint areas between opposing connecting surfaces of the frame elements, need to be filled with the joint element. This means that the joint element can be used appropriately and efficiently.

According to a secondary aspect of the invention, a manhole cover is provided with at least one first manhole cover and a frame system according to the invention. In this sense, the frame system according to the invention can be used in particular with at least one corresponding manhole cover.

According to one embodiment, the at least one manhole cover can be fitted into the frame system by filling the at least one joint area with the joint element, but preferably two or more joints are present and filled in order to enable sufficient and as simple as possible tolerance compensation between the cover and frame elements.

This means that tolerances of both the frame elements and the at least one manhole cover can be taken into account and adjusted when forming and filling the joint areas with the joint element. A precisely fitting design of the manhole cover is possible.

In particular, the frame system can be assembled, the at least one manhole cover can be inserted into the frame system and then the at least one joint area can be filled or filled using the joint element, whereby two or more joints are preferably filled in order to enable sufficient and as simple as possible tolerance compensation between the cover and frame elements. In this way, an exact, play-free assembly of the manhole cover is possible.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Schachtabdeckung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Rahmensystems;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Vergrößerungsansicht einer verfugten Verbindung eines ersten Rahmenelements mit einem zweiten Rahmenelement;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht einer Verbindung von einem ersten und einem zweiten Rahmenelement entlang erster Verbindungsflächen; und

Fig. 5

ein perspektivischer Ausschnitt der verfugten Verbindung des zweiten mit einem dritten Rahmenelement entlang zweiter Verbindungsflächen.

In these show:

Fig.1

a perspective view of a manhole cover according to the invention;

Fig.2

a perspective view of a frame system according to the invention;

Fig.3

an enlarged perspective view of a grouted connection of a first frame element to a second frame element;

Fig.4

a perspective sectional view of a connection of a first and a second frame element along first connecting surfaces; and

Fig.5

a perspective section of the grouted connection of the second with a third frame element along second connecting surfaces.

Fig.1 shows a manhole cover 100 with a frame system 1 and two manhole covers 2. In contrast, Fig.2 the frame system 1 according to Fig.1 , but without the manhole covers 2.

The frame system 1 has according to Fig.1 a total of eight frame elements 10; 20; ...; 80 with different lengths. Each of the frame elements 10; 20; ...; 80 is formed with a first connecting surface 10a; 20a; ...; 80a, in the form of a corner connecting surface, and a second connecting surface 10b; 20b; ...; 80b, in the form of a side connecting surface. Accordingly, each of the frame elements 10; 20; ...; 80 closes according to Fig.1 with one side end to a corner of the frame system 1.

Between adjacently arranged frame elements 10; 20; ...; 80, the first connecting surfaces 10a; 20a; ...; 80a or second connecting surfaces 10b; 20b; ...; 80b, which are directed opposite one another, form an individual joint region 12; 23; 34; 45; 56; 67; 78; 81. A joint region 12 is provided between the first and second frame elements 10; 20, which can differ, for example, from the joint region 56 between the fifth and sixth frame elements 50; 60.

Furthermore, a joint element 90 is provided in each of the joint areas 12; ...; 81, preferably for completely filling the respective joint area 12; ...; 81. Thus, a precisely fitting filling can be provided for each individual joint area 12; ...; 81 by means of the joint element 90, in particular by allowing or pouring the joint element 90 in a liquid state into the respective joint area 12; ...; 81.

Furthermore, since the joint element 90 has a hot-melt adhesive material, in particular a copolyamide, non-destructive disassembly of the assembled manhole cover 100 or the frame system 1 and complete reconstruction of the same can be provided. This makes it possible, among other things, to simplify transportation and reconstruction at the site of use.

In Fig.3 is a perspective enlarged view of a grouted connection of the first frame element 10 with the second frame element 20.

Out of Fig.3 it is evident that the first and second frame elements 10; 20 are connected to one another in a force-locking and/or form-locking manner by means of two connecting elements 4 in the form of screw-nut connections. Thus, a connection of the frame elements 10; ...; 80 is available to provide a sufficiently stable frame system 1 for a manhole cover 100.

In particular, the frame elements 10; ...; 80 can have corresponding through holes, in particular according to Fig.3 each have two through holes along the first and/or second connecting surfaces 10a; 10b; 20a; 20b ...; 80a; 80b for conveniently receiving the connecting elements 4.

The first connecting surfaces or corner connecting surfaces 10a; 20a of the first and second frame elements 10; 20 are directed opposite one another. A joint region 12 is formed between the first connecting surfaces 10a; 20a of the first and second frame elements 10; 20. The joint region 12 is completely filled with the joint element 90.

In Fig.4 is a perspective sectional view of the connection of the first and second frame elements 10; 20 along the first connecting surfaces or the corner connecting surfaces 10a; 20a. In this sense, Fig.4 the joint area 12 between the first and second frame elements 10; 20, which is filled with the joint element 90.

According to Fig.4 the joint element 90 extends completely over the first connecting surfaces after filling or filling the joint area 12 10a; 20a. In this sense, the cast joint element 90 is to be understood as a seal or the like, which reproduces the contour of the first connecting surfaces 10a; 20a and thus completely fills the joint area 12. Furthermore, two through holes can be seen along the first connecting surface 20a of the second frame element 20, through which the connecting elements 4 extend, preferably during casting with the joint element 90.

In Fig.5 a perspective section of the connection of the second and third frame elements 20; 30 along second connecting surfaces 20b; 30b is shown.

The second and third frame elements 20; 30 are also connected to one another in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner by means of preferably two connecting elements 4.

The opposing second connecting surfaces 20b; 30b form the associated joint area 23 in between. According to Fig.5 the joint area 23 is completely filled or filled with the joint element 90. This provides a practical design of the jointed connection between the second and the third frame element 20; 30.

In summary, the present invention can be used to provide a frame system 1 for a manhole cover 100 that can be advantageously manufactured, transported, and repeatedly dismantled and assembled, wherein tolerances of the individual components can be compensated in such a way that a precisely fitting design of the manhole cover 100 can be provided.

Each individual joint area 12; 23; ...; 81 can be individually filled with the joint element 90 in a practical manner and under the simplest conditions, whereby non-destructive disassembly and a system that can be completely restored in functional terms are also possible.

List of reference symbols

1

Frame system

2

Manhole cover

4

Fasteners

10

(first) frame element

10a

first (corner) connection surface (of the first frame element)

10b

second (side) connecting surface (of the first frame element)

12

Joint area (between the first and second frame element)

20

(second) frame element

20a

first (corner) connection surface (of the second frame element)

20b

second (side) connecting surface (of the second frame element)

23

Joint area (between the second and third frame element)

30

(third) frame element

30a

first (corner) connection surface (of the third frame element)

30b

second (side) connecting surface (of the third frame element)

34

Joint area (between the third and fourth frame element)

40

(fourth) frame element

40a

first (corner) connection surface (of the fourth frame element)

40b

second (side) connecting surface (of the fourth frame element)

45

Joint area (between the fourth and fifth frame elements)

50

(fifth) frame element

50a

first (corner) connection surface (of the fifth frame element)

50b

second (side) connecting surface (of the fifth frame element)

56

Joint area (between the fifth and sixth frame element)

60

(sixth) frame element

60a

first (corner) connection surface (of the sixth frame element)

60b

second (side) connecting surface (of the sixth frame element)

67

Joint area (between the sixth and seventh frame element)

70

(seventh) frame element

70a

first (corner) connection surface (of the seventh frame element)

70b

second (side) connecting surface (of the seventh frame element)

78

Joint area (between the seventh and eighth frame element)

80

(eighth) frame element

80a

first (corner) connection surface (of the eighth frame element)

80b

second (side) connecting surface (of the eighth frame element)

81

Joint area (between the eighth and the first frame element)

90

Joint element

100

Manhole cover

Claims (6)

1. Frame system (1) for a manhole covering (100) having at least one first frame element (10) and one second frame element (20), which each have at least one first connecting surface (10a; 20a) and/or at least one second connecting surface (10b; 20b), wherein the first and second frame elements (10; 20) can be connected to one another in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner along the mutually opposite first or second connecting surfaces (10a; 10b; 20a; 20b), wherein, in the connected state of the first and second frame elements (10; 20), at least one joint region (12) is formed between the mutually opposite first connecting surfaces (10a; 20a) or between the mutually opposite second connecting surfaces (10b; 20b), and wherein, in the connected state of the first and second frame elements (10; 20), at least one joint region (12) is formed between the mutually opposite first connecting surfaces (10a; 20a) or between the mutually opposite second connecting surfaces (10b; 20b); 20), and wherein, in the connected state of the first and second frame elements, the joint region (12) is filled with a joint element (90) which has a hot-melt adhesive, as a result of which the joined connection of the frame elements (10; 20) can be released and reestablished.
2. Frame system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint region (12) can be cast by means of the joint element (90), so that the joint element (90) can be introduced into the joint region (12) in the connected state of the first and second frame elements (10; 20).
3. Frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive comprises a copolyamide.
4. Frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame system (1) has at least four frame elements (10; 20; 30; 40) each having a first and/or second connecting surface (10a; 10b; 20a; 20b; 30a; 30b; 40a; 40b),
   wherein between mutually adjacent frame elements (10; 20; 30; 40) at least one joint region (12; 23; 34; 41) is formed in each case along the mutually oppositely directed first or second connecting surfaces (10a; 10b; 20a; 20b; 30a; 30b; 40a; 40b), wherein, in the connected state of the frame elements (10; 20; 30; 40), only the joint regions (12; 23; 34; 41) can be filled with the joint element (90) in each case.
5. Manhole covering (100) having at least one manhole cover (2) and a frame system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.
6. Manhole covering (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the manhole cover (2) can be fitted into the frame system (1) by means of the filling of the at least one joint region (12) with the joint element (90).

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