DEVICE FOR HOLDING BAIT, IN PARTICULAR BAIT FOR RODENTS

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for holding bait (2), in particular bait for rodents, comprising: a housing part (3) that can be inserted into a manhole, in particular a sewer manhole or a cable duct manhole, at least one bait platform (8) arranged in the housing part (3), delimiting at least one passage opening (9) on the bait platform side, through which a rodent can gain access to bait (2) arranged in the housing part (3).

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for holding bait (2), in particular a bait for rodents, characterized by: a housing part (3) that can be inserted into a manhole, in particular a sewer manhole or a cable duct manhole, at least one bait platform (8) arranged in the housing part (3), delimiting at least one passage opening (9) on the bait platform side, through which a rodent can gain access to bait (2) arranged in the housing part (3).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a plurality of bait platforms (8) arranged in the housing part (3), each delimiting at least one passage opening (9) on the bait platform side, through which a rodent can gain access to bait (2) arranged in the housing part (3).

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that an intermediate space (9a) defining an intermediate plane is formed between two adjacently arranged bait platforms (8).

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the or at least one passage opening (9), delimited on the bait-platform side, of a first bait platform (8) is arranged offset to the or at least one passage opening (9), delimited on the bait-platform side, of another bait platform (8) arranged next to the first bait platform (8).

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bait platform (8) is designed in at least some sections with a bait platform section running in at least some sections with an inclination or a curvature relative to at least one other bait platform (8), arranged next to the former in particular.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bait platform (8) is provided in at least some sections with a surface structuring that influences the flow in particular the velocity of flow of water flowing along it.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bait platform (8) is designed with openings passing through it in at least some sections.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bait platform (8) is designed to extend through the housing part (3) and at least some sections in a spiral or helical form in at least some sections.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one closing body (15) is mounted movably relative to at least one bait platform (8), wherein, in an open position, the closing body (15) is moved away from the respective at least one bait platform (8), such that the respective at least one passage opening (9) delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed, and, in a closed position, is moved toward the at least one bait platform (8), such that the respective at least one passage opening (9) delimited on the bait-platform side is closed.

10. An apparatus according to one of the claims 9, characterized in that the closing body (15) is designed as a float or comprises at least one float.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one receiving chamber (31) is formed or arranged in a receiving space (5) delimited by the housing part (3), such that electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus (1), in particular control units and detection devices is or can be arranged in said receiving chamber.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the or a receiving chamber (31), in which electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus (1), in particular control units and detection devices is or can be arranged have a receiving-chamber-base body (44), in particular cylindrical, which delimits a receiving chamber volume (43) for receiving electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus (1), said receiving-chamber-base body protruding into the receiving space (5) on the housing-part side in at least some sections.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the receiving chamber (31) is releasably fastenable on the housing part (3), wherein the releasable fastening of the receiving chamber (31) on the housing part (3) is or may be designed by interaction, in particular form-fitting, of at least one fastening section (45) on the housing-part side with at least one fastening section (46) on the receiving-chamber-base-body side.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the receiving chamber (31) is or can be arranged on the housing part (3), mounted rotatably relative to the housing part (3), rotating between a fastened position, in which the at least one fastening section (45) on the housing-part side and the at least one fastening section (46) on the receiving-chamber-base-body side interact in a form-fitting manner in particular, so that the receiving chamber (31) is releasably fastened on the housing part (3), and a release position, in which the at least one fastening section (45) on the housing-part side and the at least one fastening section (46) on the receiving-chamber-base-body side do not interact, so that the receiving chamber (31) is releasable from the housing part (3).

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the receiving chamber (31) has in the region of an upper exposed cover section (53) at least one tool working region (54) for form-fitting engagement of a tool (55), by means of which tool (55), rotational movements can be transferred to the receiving chamber (31) to convert the receiving chamber (31) from the fastened position into the release position and vice versa.

16. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fastening section (45) on the housing-part side is designed as a ring-disk element, which protrudes radially from a cylinder-type section (47) of the housing part (3) and has at least one shoulder-type fastening protrusion (49) protruding axially away from it, and the at least one fastening section (46) on the receiving-chamber-base-body side is designed as a ring-disk element, which protrudes radially from a cylinder-type shoulder (50) on the receiving-chamber-base body (44) and has a corresponding shoulder-type fastening protrusion (52) protruding axially.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by at least one bait-holding device (12) for holding at least one bait (2), wherein the bait-holding device (12) is designed or arranged on a section of the receiving chamber (31) protruding into the receiving space (5) on the housing-part side.

18. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one in particular optical monitoring device (83) for monitoring at least one part of the receiving space (5) delimited by the housing part (3) is designed or arranged in or on at least one receiving chamber (31) designed or arranged in a receiving space (5) delimited by the housing part (3), electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus (1) being arranged or disposable in said receiving chamber.

19. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a water-surge-protection element (61) for preventing the penetration of water into the or a receiving space (5), delimited by the housing part (3), in particular into a region (5a) of the receiving space (5) situated above the passage opening (9), in a surge-type rise in water level in a manhole, which is or can be arranged beneath at least one bait platform (8).

20. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a fastening device (73) by means of which the housing part (3) can be fastened, in particular releasably, on a wall of a sewer system (4), in particular a manhole, wherein the fastening device (73) comprises at least one first fastening element (74), in particular in a ring shape, extending around the housing part (3) on the outside circumference, and at least one second fastening element (75) for fastening the first fastening element (74) on the wall of the sewer system (4).

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the second fastening element (75) comprises at least one fastening-element section (75a) extending around the housing part (3) on the top side in at least some sections, forming a buoyancy ensuring device and being releasable on the exposed top side of the housing part (3), in particular in a form-fitting manner.

22. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by at least one guide device (97) for movable guidance, in particular linearly, of the housing part (3) inserted into a manhole (96) relative to a wall of the manhole (96).

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the guide device (97) comprises at least one wheel-type or roller-type guide element (98) by means of which the housing part (3) is or can be guided on the wall of the manhole (96) so that it is movable in a rolling manner along the wall of the manhole (96).

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one wheel-type or roller-type guide element (98) is mounted on a holding device (99) that is designed or arranged on the housing part (3), wherein the wheel-type or roller-type guide element (98) is or can be braced against the wall of the manhole (96) via the holding device (99), in particular being acted upon by tensioning force.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the guide device (97) comprising at least one gearwheel-type or toothed rack-type linear guide element (103) on the housing-part sided and at least one corresponding in particular gearwheel or toothed rack-type linear guide element (104) on the sewer wall side by means of which the housing part (3) is or can be guided movably linearly on the wall of the manhole (96).

26. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide device (97) comprises at least one drive device, in particular motorized, that is or can be coupled to at least one guide element (98, 103, 104) and is equipped to transmit a drive force inducing a drive movement in the at least one guide element (98, 103, 104) to the at least guide element (98, 103, 104).

27. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide device (97) comprises at least one rod-type guide element (105) that is or can be fastened in the manhole (96) and is arranged on the housing part (3) or passes through said housing part, in particular axially, wherein the housing part (3) is guided to be movable relative to the rod-type guide element (105).

28. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one float (106) is designed or arranged in or on the housing part (3).

29. A manhole, in particular a sewer manhole or cable duct manhole, comprising at least one apparatus (1) according to claim 1.

Description

[0097] Additional advantages, features and details of the invention are derived from the embodiment described below as well as on the basis of the drawings. They show:

[0098] FIGS. 1-28 each show a schematic diagram of an apparatus for holding bait according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0099] FIGS. 1-10 each show a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in a sectioned schematic diagram.

[0100] The apparatus 1 serves to hold a bait 2. The bait 2 contains substances, i.e., in particular toxins and active ingredients which cause death of pests and/or prevent reproduction of pests. The apparatus 1 comprises a housing part 3. The housing part 3 is inserted into a sewer system 4, i.e., a sewer drain and/or a sewer manhole, for example. The housing part 3 is fastened by means of a fastening device on the housing-part side, which is not shown in greater detail in FIG. 1, by means of which the housing part 3 is fastened, in particular releasably, on a wall of the sewer system 4. The fastening device may comprise fastening elements designed in the form of hooks or profiles, so that the housing part 3 can be fastened in the wall of the sewer system 4 or corresponding climbing devices (not shown) such as iron ladders on the sewer-system side.

[0101] The housing part 3 is manufactured from a corrosion-resistant material such as a steel plate and (essentially) as a hollow cylindrical body, i.e., the housing part 3 delimits an (essentially) cylindrical receiving space 5.

[0102] As is evident based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10, a cover element 6 can be provided in the region of an upper end face of the housing part 3. The housing part 3 can thus be closable on the end face by means of a cover element 6. The possibility of access to the receiving space 5 can be created by removing the cover element 6. The cover element 6 can have a threaded section (not shown); the housing part 3 has an opposing threaded section (also not shown), so that the cover element 6 can be screwed to the housing part 3. A sealing element 7, which permits sealing of the housing part 3 in the region of the upper end face, can be arranged between the cover element 6 and the housing part 3.

[0103] In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, a typically annular bait platform 8 is arranged or formed in the receiving space 5 on the housing-part side. In the embodiments according to the other figures, a plurality of typically annular bait platforms 8 are arranged or formed in the receiving space 5 on the housing-part side. Respective bait platforms 8 each delimit a passage opening 9, typically circular. A passage opening 9 thus defines an upper region of the receiving space 5 situated above the latter and a lower region 5b of the receiving space 5 situated below it. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10, respective bait platforms 8 are structurally tied to the housing part 3 by means of inside walls 11, which are offset radially toward the inside with respect to the outside wall 10 of the housing part 3.

[0104] The bait 2 can be arranged in the upper region of the receiving space 5. A bait-holding device 12 for holding the bait 2 is provided for this purpose, on which the bait 2 is held. In principle, however, the or an additional bait 2 can also be arranged lying directly on a bait platform 8.

[0105] Irrespective of the number of respective bait platforms 8, when water flows into and/or rises in the housing part 3, a counter-pressure develops in the housing part 3, opposing the inflowing and/or rising water and/or counteracting the inflow and/or rise of water, because of the given volume (internal volume) and the imperviousness of the housing part 3. This is the result of the fact that the air in the housing part 3 is compressed due to the inflow and rise of water. The rise of water in the housing part 3 thus becomes increasingly difficult because of the counterpressure that thus develops. This defines a principle, which counteracts the contamination of water with substances such as toxins and/or active ingredients that are contained in the corresponding baits 2. In consideration of the housing part design comprising a plurality of bait platforms 8, this means that such a high counterpressure can oppose the water rising in the housing part 3 upon reaching a certain bait platform 8 that the water can no longer rise under the given flow conditions in the housing part 3.

[0106] In housing part designs comprising a plurality of bait platforms 8, respective bait platforms 8 are arranged above or below each other. Depending on the geometry of the respective bait platforms 8, a plurality of bait platforms 8 may be arranged in parallel in at least some sections (see particularly FIGS. 2-6). An intermediate space 9a defining an intermediate plane is formed between two (directly) adjacent bait platforms 8. The respective intermediate spaces 9a need not be the same with respect to their shape, their volume, etc., but instead may be different. This is true of the exemplary case of more than two bait platforms 8 and thus at least two corresponding intermediate spaces 9a. The respective intermediate spaces 9a communicate with one another through the respective passage openings 9 delimited on the bait-platform side; there is thus the possibility of passage from a “bottom” or “lower-most” bait platform up to a “top” or “upper-most” bait platform.

[0107] Corresponding bait platforms 8 or intermediate spaces 9a formed between corresponding bait platforms can create a flow-based “calming,” influencing the flow in general, of the water rising in the housing part 3. The water flowing into the housing part 3 and rising in it must thus “travel” upward along the path over several intermediate levels, which typically leads to a “calming” of the flow of the water. The respective bait platforms 8 may also be provided in at least some sections with a surface structuring (not shown), for example, in the form of flow-influencing ribs and/or beads, which influence the flow, in particular the type of flow and/or the velocity of flow of water flowing along this and/or water rising in the housing part 3.

[0108] Particularly based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-6, it is evident that passage openings 9 delimited by respective bait platforms 8 can be arranged offset relative to each other. As can be seen in FIG. 2, a passage opening 9 of a first bait platform 8 may be designed in an edge region of the first bait platform 8 and a passage opening 9 of another bait platform 8 next to the first bait platform 8 may be designed in an edge region of the additional bait platform 8 arranged oppositely. Due to the offset configuration of the respective passage openings, a “calming” or in general an influence on the flow of water rising in the housing part 3, for example, in a meandering form, is likewise possible. The offset configuration of the respective passage openings 9 can also facilitate the movement of pests between the respective intermediate spaces and/or intermediate planes.

[0109] Based on the embodiments according to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is evident that at least one bait platform 8 may be designed in at least some sections with a bait platform section running at an inclination or bent and/or curved relative to at least one additional bait platform 8 arranged in particular next to it. Likewise, an influence on the flow of water rising in the housing part 3 can be implemented through corresponding inclined and/or bent and/or curved profiles of bait platforms 8. Inclined and/or bent and/or curved profiles of bait platforms 8 can also facilitate the ascent and/or descent of pests between the respective intermediate spaces and/or intermediate planes 9a in the sense of ascending and/or descending ramps.

[0110] As an additional measure for influencing the flow of water rising in the housing part, at least one bait platform may be designed in at least some sections with openings and/or perforations (not shown separately) passing through them. The respective openings in a bait platform 8 designed like a hole (plate) structure in general can “dampen” the flow of rising water and can thus likewise “calm” it. The openings are present in addition to the respective passage openings and they differ in particular in their size, i.e., in particular in their diameter from the respective passage openings 9; these openings are small in comparison with the respective passage openings 9. Roundish openings, for example, can have a diameter between 50 μm and 3 mm.

[0111] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment having a bait platform 8 that is designed to extend in at least some sections in a spiral or helical form through the housing part 3. Through a corresponding spiral or helical design of the bait platform 8 (like a spiral staircase) a pest penetrating into the housing part 3 can easily move within the housing part 3, for example, to arrive at a bait 2. A spiral and/or helical bait platform 8 may also have an influence on the flow of water rising in the housing part 3. A spiral and/or helical bait platform 8 is also indicated by a dashed line in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, showing a housing part design comprising only one (single) bait platform 8. A spiral and/or helical bait platform 8 can also be expedient for a housing part design comprising only one (single) bait platform 8, since a pest can be enabled to ascend and descend within the housing part 3 only via one (single) corresponding spiral-shaped or helical bait platform.

[0112] The optional possibility that the housing part 3 can be equipped with a closing body 15 is shown based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. The consequently optional closing body 15 is movably mounted between an open position and a closed position. The more detailed purpose and functionality of the closing body 15 is explained in the following, particularly with reference to the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10.

[0113] In the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10, guide sections 13 on the housing-part side in the form of elongated guide receptacles are formed between the outside wall 10 of the housing part 3 and the inside walls 11, which are offset radially toward the inside. The guide sections 13 on the housing-part side interact with guide elements 14 corresponding to them in the form of elongated guide webs of a closing body 15. A linear guide and thus a movable mounting of the closing body 15 are implemented due to the interaction of the guide sections 13 on the housing-part side with the guide elements 14 on the closing-body side, making it possible to move the closing body 15 relative to the bait platform 8. The mounting of the closing body 15 includes an undetachable configuration and/or connection of the closing body 15 on and/or to the housing part 3.

[0114] The movable mounting of the closing body 15 enables an open position and a closed position of the closing body 15. The closing body 15 is thus particularly movably mounted or guided or can be moved between an open position and a closed position as well as optionally vice versa relative to the bait platform 9.

[0115] In the open position shown in FIG. 7, the closing body 15 is moved away from the bait platform 8 (here, the lower one) in such a way that the passage opening 9, which is delimited on the bait-platform 8 side, is exposed. Accordingly, a pest can pass through the passage opening 9 in the open position of the closing body. In the closed position shown in FIG. 8, the closing body 15 is moved against the lower bait platform 8 in such a way that the passage opening 9, which is delimited by the lower bait platform 8, is closed. Accordingly, a pest cannot pass through the passage opening 8 in the closed position.

[0116] In order to reach a bait 2 arranged in an upper region of the receiving space 5, a pest must first enter the housing part 3. Passages 21 are formed in the guide elements 14 on the closing-body side for this purpose. The passages 21 allow access to a lower region of the receiving space 5. To reach the bait 2, the pest must additionally go through the passage opening 9, which is delimited by the bait platform, onto the upper bait platform 8 and thus into an upper region of the receiving space 5. After biting on the bait 2, the pest can go from the upper region of the receiving space 5 into the lower region of the receiving space 5 and leave the apparatus 1 through corresponding passages 21 by passing through the passage openings 9.

[0117] The closure of the passage opening 9 delimited by the bait platform 8 implemented in the closed position of the closing body 15 prevents unwanted penetration of water which is possible in particular with high water or a water surge, for example, into the upper region of the receiving space 5, in which the bait 2 is arranged. Consequently, in the closed position of the closing body 15, this eliminates the risk of contamination of water in the manhole with the substances contained in the bait 2.

[0118] The closing body 15 shown in FIGS. 7-10 has a cup-shaped closing section 16, which, in the closed position, is in sealing contact with contact sections 17 formed on the edges on the bait-platform side, which delimit the passage opening 9 delimited by the lower bait platform 8. Due to the sealing contact of corresponding counter-contact sections 18 formed on the cup-shaped closing section 16 with the corresponding contact sections 17 on the bait-platform side, penetration of water into the upper region of the receiving space 5 is prevented. For the purpose of sealing, sealing elements 19 in the form of sealing lips are also formed on the contact sections 17 on the bait-platform side. With the same purpose, sealing elements 20 in the form of sealing rings are also designed on the counter-contact sections 18 on the closing-body side. As can be seen, additional sealing elements in the form of sealing lips not identified further are also provided in the region of the opening of the guide section 13 on the housing-part side and on lateral regions of the closing body 15.

[0119] The movement of the closing body 15 from the open position into the closed position takes place in the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 and 8 due to a rise in the water level in the manhole. This is associated with the fact that the closing body 15 is designed as a float. The closing body 15 thus has, for example, a cavity (not shown) approximately filled with air. Alternatively or additionally, the closing body 15 may be manufactured from a low-density plastic material, in particular foamed, which floats on a water surface and does not sink because of the difference in density. A movement of the closing body 15 from the open position into the closed position is thus induced automatically by a rise in the water level of the manhole. Accordingly, a movement of the closing body 15 from the closed position into the open position is induced by a drop in the water level in the manhole.

[0120] The closing body 15 may be mounted to be reversibly or irreversibly movable, and the movement of the closing body 15 from the open position into the closed position, as described, may thus be reversible or irreversible. A reversibly movable mounting of the closing body 15 means that the closing body 15 can go from the open position to the closed position on its own. An irreversibly movable mounting means that the closing body 15 is or can be held in the closed position in particular releasably, via a closing-body-holding device (not shown) and thus cannot go from the closed position to the open position on its own. A corresponding closing-body-holding device can comprise at least one mechanical and/or magnetic holding means on the housing-part side and/or on the closing-body side, said means being equipped for mechanical and/or magnetic holding of the closing body 15 in the closed position. The mechanical or magnetic holding means on the housing-part side and/or on the closing-body side may thus interact in such a way that the closing body 15 is securely held in the closed position and is not readily releasable from same.

[0121] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 1. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 and 8, the apparatus 1 here comprises a motorized drive device 22 in the form of an electric motor, which is coupled to the closing body 15 and is equipped to move the closing body 15 from the open position into the closed position and/or vice versa. A movement of the closing body 15 from the open position into the closed position can thus be induced here in a targeted manner by a motorized drive device 22 coupled to the closing body 15. The coupling between the motorized drive device 22 and the closing body 15 is implemented via traction means 23 in the form of a chain. The closing body 15 can also be designed as a float in this embodiment. Operation of the motorized drive device 22 is controlled via a control unit 24 assigned to the latter and equipped to generate control information (control commands) that controls the operation of the motorized drive device 22.

[0122] The control unit 24 is additionally equipped to generate the control information as a function of water level information describing the or a water level in the manhole supplied by a water-level detecting device 25 for detecting the water level in the manhole accommodating the apparatus 1. Consequently, operation of the motorized drive device 22 can be controlled as a function of the water level detected via a corresponding water-level detecting device 25 and mapped in corresponding water level information in the manhole, which accommodates the apparatus 1.

[0123] In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the water-level detecting device 25 is arranged externally, i.e., in a spatially separate location from the apparatus 1. Consequently, the control unit 24 is also equipped to communicate with the (external) water-level detecting device 25, for example, in radio-based communication. For this purpose, the control unit 24 comprises a suitable reception device and the water-level detecting device 25 comprises a suitable transmission device. However, the or a corresponding water-level detecting device 25 may in principle also be integrated into the apparatus 1.

[0124] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 1. In contrast with the embodiment according to FIG. 9, a motorized drive device 22 is not provided here but instead of a magnetic drive device 32 is provided. The magnetic drive device 32 comprises an electromagnetic magnet element 33 arranged in an upper region of the receiving space 5 and a permanently-magnetic magnet element 34 arranged on the closing-body side. The permanently-magnetic magnet element 33 on the housing-part side exerts such a high magnetic attractive force on the permanently-magnetic magnet element 34 on the closing-body side that the closing body 15 is moved from the open position into the closed position. The operation of the permanently-magnetic magnet element 33, i.e., in particular the energizing thereof, is likewise controlled via the control unit 24. The statements made in this regard in conjunction with the control of the operation of the motorized drive device 22 also apply similarly.

[0125] As an alternative to the configuration of corresponding electromagnetic magnet elements and/or permanently-magnetic magnet elements shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, it is also possible to provide permanently-magnetic magnet elements 34 on the housing-part side and electromagnetic magnet element 33 on the closing-body side. It is also conceivable to provide electromagnetic or permanently-magnetic magnet elements 33, 34 on both the housing-part side and the closing-body side. The apparatus 1 shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10 also comprises a closed-position-detecting device 26 for detecting the closed position of the closing body 15. The closed-position-detecting device 26 is equipped to generate at least one item of acoustic and/or optical closed-position information on detection of the closed position of the closing body 15 and to output this information via output means 27, which are, for example, a loudspeaker and/or an LED, in particular in multiple colors. The closed-position-detecting device 26 comprises an optical sensor system 28 implemented via implementation of light barriers for detection of the closed position of the closing body 15.

[0126] The apparatus 1 shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10 additionally comprises a bite-detecting device 29 for detecting a bite on the bait. The bite-detecting device 29 is equipped to generate at least one item of acoustic and/or optical bite information on detection that the bait 2 has been bitten and to output this information via the output means 27. Consequently, the bite-detecting device 29 includes a sensor system 30 for detecting a bite on the bait. The sensor system 30 may detect, for example, the weight of the bait 2 arranged on the bait-holding device 12, wherein bite-induced changes in the weight of bait 2 allow conclusions about a bite on the bait. Likewise, the sensor system 30 may detect bite-related forces acting on the bait 2 and the bait-holding device 12, also allowing conclusions about a bite on the bait.

[0127] The bite-detecting device 29 can generate different acoustic and/or optical signals as a function of the bite information, for example, based on detection of the weight of the bait. With regard to the output of corresponding information in the form of optical signals, it is conceivable that the weight of a new bait 2 that has not been bitten can be a signal, for example, with optical signals of a green color and/or with constantly output optical signals; the weight of a partially bitten bait 2 can be signaled, for example, without optical signals of a yellow color and/or with optical signal output at a first blinking frequency; if the bait 2 has been completely eaten, this can be signaled, for example, by optical signals of a red color and/or optical signals output with a second blinking frequency, which is higher in comparison with the first blinking frequency. The same thing is of course also true of the output of acoustic signals, wherein the frequency and/or rhythm of a tone and/or a tone sequence in particular can be varied as a function of the weight of the bait 2 and/or of the forces acting on the bait 2 or the bait-holding device 12.

[0128] Contrary to the configuration of the output means 27 on the housing part 3 shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-10, i.e., on the top side of the cover element 6, it is also possible that the or an output means 27 is integrated into an external mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, for example. In this case, the closed-position-detecting device 26 and/or the bite-detecting device 29 is equipped to communicate with the external mobile terminal and to transmit the closed-position information and/or the bite information to the external mobile terminal for output to the output means there. The communication is radio-based in particular, i.e., implemented via Bluetooth, WLAN, etc., for example, which is why the closed-position-detecting detecting device 26 and/or the bite-detecting device 29 include(s) corresponding radio-based transmission equipment.

[0129] Both the closed-position-detecting device 26 and the bite-detecting device 29 are optional and/or not absolutely necessary for the basic principle of the invention as implemented by means of the device 1.

[0130] For all previously shown embodiments, it is the case that a receiving chamber 31 is arranged in the receiving space 5, electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus 1 being arranged therein, i.e., in particular the control unit 24 and corresponding detecting devices 26, 29 as well as optional devices for their electric power supply such as electric energy storage systems 84, for example. The receiving chamber 31 offers protection for these components with respect to external influences, i.e., in particular climatic and mechanical.

[0131] Schematic diagrams of an apparatus 1 according to an additional embodiment are shown in FIGS. 11-15. As can be seen, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus 1, FIG. 12 is a longitudinal section through the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the detail XIII shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a top view perspective of the apparatus 1 and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the detail XV shown in FIG. 12.

[0132] As revealed by the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-15, the housing part 3 belonging to the apparatus 1 may also be embodied in multiple parts. The housing part 3 here is embodied as an upper housing part segment 3a and a lower housing part segment 3b. The housing part segments 3a, 3b can be fastened to one another by means of holding clamps that are not identified further here. Other fastening principles are of course also possible for fastening the housing part segments 3a, 3b to one another.

[0133] On the outside circumference of the lower housing part segment 3b, a fastening device 35 on the housing-part side by means of which the housing part 3 is and/or can be fastened, in particular releasably, on a wall of the sewer system 4, is arranged in the region of the end facing away from the upper housing part segment 3a. The fastening device 35 here comprises an outer ring element 36 made of steel, for example. The ring element 36 can be fastened onto the wall of a manhole by means of a profile-type holder 37, shown in FIG. 11.

[0134] As revealed in FIG. 13, an annular disk-shaped holding web 38 develops out of the ring element 36 in the radial direction. The holding web 38 supports a securing element 39 fastened on the outside wall 10 of the housing part 3, i.e., the outside wall 10 of the lower housing part segment 3b. The securing element 39 which is also embodied here in an annular shape is fastened onto the housing part 3, i.e., the outside wall 10 on the housing-part side, by means of a catch mechanism. The catch mechanism is implemented by the interaction of the catch elements on the housing outside wall side in the form of catch protrusions not shown in greater detail and opposing catch elements on the securing-element side in the form of catch recesses 66, in which the catch element on the housing outside wall side can engage. An inverted configuration is of course also conceivable, i.e., catch elements in the form of catch recesses on the housing outside wall side and catch elements in the form of catch protrusions on the securing-element side.

[0135] A region of the ring element 36 formed beneath the holding web 38 serves, in the closed position of an optional closing body 15, as a contact surface for a sealing element (not identified further) arranged and/or formed on the outside circumference side of the closing body 15. The securing element 39 serves for undetachable disposition of a closing body 15 on the housing part 3. This is implemented by the fact that a protrusion 40, embodied here as an angle on the securing-element side engages in the guide sections 13 on the housing-part side formed between the outside wall 10 on the housing-part side and the inside walls 11, which are offset radially to the latter toward the inside; the closing body 15 is prevented from slipping out of the guide section 13 by a protrusion 41 protruding radially from the upper section of the guide elements 14 on the closing-body side.

[0136] It can be seen in FIG. 12 that the surfaces 42 developing out of the closing section 16 of the closing body 15 are embodied with a slight inclination, i.e., by 3° to 5° , for example, so that water on the closing body 15 can flow radially outward.

[0137] A receiving body 31, here a cylinder-type receiving body, is arranged in the region forming a top side and/or end face of the housing part 3, i.e., the upper housing part segment 3a. The receiving chamber 31 has a cylinder-type receiving-chamber-base body 44 delimiting a receiving chamber volume 43 for receiving electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus 1. As can be seen, the receiving-chamber-base body 44 protrudes into the receiving space 5 in some sections. A bait-holding device 12 for holding the bait 2 is arranged on a lower section of the receiving-chamber-base body 44 protruding into the receiving space 5.

[0138] In the embodiment shown, the receiving chamber 31 is releasably fastenable on the housing part 3, i.e., the upper housing part segment 3a here. The releasable fastening of the receiving chamber 31 on the housing part 3 is or can be formed by form-fitting interaction of fastening sections 45 on the housing-part side with fastening sections 46 on the receiving-chamber-base-body side. The receiving chamber 31 and the housing part 3 are thus each equipped with fastening sections 45, 46 by means of whose interaction a stable and/or undetachable, likewise releasable, fastening of the receiving chamber 31 on the housing part 3 can be implemented.

[0139] FIG. 15 shows that a form-fitting interaction of the respective fastening sections 45, 46 is understood to be an intermeshing or overlapping of corresponding fastening sections 45, 46 in at least some sections.

[0140] The receiving chamber 31 is arranged on the housing part 3, mounted to rotate between a fastened position and a release position. In the fastened position, the fastening sections 45 on the housing-part side and the fastening sections 46 on the receiving-chamber-base-body side interact in such a way that the receiving chamber 31 is releasably fastened on the housing part 3. In the release position, the fastening sections 45 on the housing-part side and the fastening sections 46 on the receiving-chamber-base-body side do not interact, so that the receiving chamber 31 is releasable from the housing part 3. The fastening of the receiving chamber 31 on the housing part 3 may thus be established and canceled by rotational movements of the receiving chamber 31 about an axis of rotation, which typically coincides with the axis of symmetry or central axis of the receiving chamber 31 relative to the housing part 3. The receiving chamber 31 can thus be converted from the fastened position into the release position and vice versa by rotational movements relative to the housing part 3.

[0141] As derived from FIG. 15, the fastening sections 45 on the housing-part side are designed as a ring-segment disk element 48 protruding radially inward from an axially-aligned cylinder-type section 47 of the housing part 3, having at least one shoulder-type fastening protrusion 49 protruding away from it axially. The fastening sections 46 on the receiving-chamber-base-body side are designed as a ring-segment disk element 51 protruding radially outward from a cylinder-type shoulder 50 of the receiving-chamber-base body 44, with an axially-protruding shoulder-type fastening protrusion 52, corresponding to the fastening protrusion 49 formed on the fastening section 45 on the housing-part side, i.e., designed and/or aligned to be opposite.

[0142] To implement corresponding rotational movements of the receiving chamber 31 relative to the housing part 3, the receiving chamber 31 has a tool working region 54 in the region of a cover section 53 exposed at the top, a T-shaped tool 55 here being able to engage therein with an engagement section 57 in a form-fitting manner (see particularly FIG. 14). Rotational movements can be transferred to the receiving chamber 31 by means of the tool 55 engaging in the tool working region 54 as shown in FIG. 14 in order to convert the receiving chamber 31 from the fastened position into the release position and vice versa. As can be seen, the tool working region 54 here is designed with tool receptacles 58 in the form of ring segments, into which the engagement section 57, which is designed to have a roundish cross section, can engage on the tool side, so that counterclockwise rotational movements of the tool 55 can lead to counterclockwise rotational movements of the receiving chamber 31. A stop section 59 is designed and arranged opposite the engagement section 57 on the circumference. A clearance space 60 extending around the periphery is formed between the engagement section 58 and the stop section 59, by means of which the tool 55 can be inserted into the tool working region 54 in order to interact with the former accordingly.

[0143] Due to the configuration and/or design of the tool working region 54 in the region of an upper exposed cover section 53 on the receiving chamber 31, the tool working region 54 is always accessible (from above). The geometric shape of the tool working region 54 is in all cases adapted to the shape of the tool 55. In the present case, the geometric shape of the tool working region 54 is such that a T-shaped tool 55 can act on it in a form-fitting manner, so that rotational movements can be transferred to the receiving chamber 31 via rotational movements of the tool 55, as indicated by the double arrow 56.

[0144] Accordingly, the tool working region 54 is readily accessible, i.e., in particular from above, in a condition of the apparatus 1 as inserted into a manhole. Through suitable shaping and dimensioning of a corresponding tool 55, it is not absolutely necessary for a user to descend into the manhole in order to convert the receiving chamber 31 from the fastened position into the release position or vice versa through corresponding rotational movements. The receiving chamber 31 may thus be released from the housing part 3 from outside of the manhole and particularly removed from the manhole. This may be practical for monitoring purposes, for example, to ascertain whether there has been a bite on the bait, so that controls can be greatly simplified and can be performed much more promptly.

[0145] Since the bait 2 is held via the bait-holding device 12 arranged on the receiving chamber 31, the receiving chamber 31 together with the bait-holding device 12 and the bait 2 held thereon can be removed from the manhole without entering the manhole, it is possible to detect whether there has been a bite on the bait and, if necessary, to replace the or one bait 2 and the receiving chamber 31 together with the bait-holding device 12 and the bait 2 held thereon can be reintroduced back into the manhole.

[0146] Schematic diagrams of an apparatus 1 according to an additional embodiment are shown in FIGS. 16-19. FIG. 16 shows a strict schematic diagram of the apparatus 1; FIG. 17 shows a perspective diagram of the apparatus 1; FIG. 18 shows a longitudinal section through the diagram shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of the detail XIX shown in FIG. 18.

[0147] The embodiment according to FIGS. 16-19 additionally comprises a water-surge-protection element 61 for protection against the penetration of water into the receiving space 5, which is delimited by the housing part 3, in particular into an upper region of the receiving space 5 situated above the passage opening 9 delimited by the lower or bottom bait platform 8 in the event of a sudden and/or surging rise in the one level in the manhole, into which the housing part 3 is to be and/or is inserted.

[0148] The water-surge-protection element 61 is arranged beneath the lower or bottom bait platform 8. The water-surge-protection element 61 has an annular and/or cylindrical base body 62, which delimits a water surge receding volume 63 for receiving a certain amount of water flowing in the or a manhole. A sudden surge-type rise in the water level in the manhole due to heavy rain, for example, thus results in the water first penetrating from underneath into the water-surge-receiving volume 63 and filling it up.

[0149] The closing body 15, which is, as mentioned, purely optional, and is designed here as a float, is mounted movably with the base body 62 of the water-surge-protection element 61, i.e., within the water-surge-receiving volume 63, in such a way that it is moved from the open position shown in FIGS. 16, 17 into the closed position indicated with a dotted line in FIG. 16 with a rise in the water level in the water-surge-receiving volume 63 associated with the admission of water into the water-surge-receiving volume 63. The movable mounting of the closing body 15 is implemented by a holder 64 on the housing-part side, here in the form of an angular gallows holder. A simple hanging holder, such as that shown in FIG. 16, would also be conceivably feasible or supported.

[0150] In the closed position, the closing body 15 having a closing section 16 is in sealing contact with contact sections 17 being formed by the edges of the lower or bottom bait platform 8 in some sections, which delimit the passage opening 9, which is in turn delimited by the lower or bottom bait platform 8. Penetration of water into the upper region of the receiving space 5 on the housing-part side is prevented by the sealing contact of the closing body 15 with corresponding contact sections 17 on the bait-platform side. There is no possibility for water to enter the upper region of the receiving space 5 and be contaminated there by the substances contained in the bait 2.

[0151] The base body 62 of the water-surge-protection element 61 is shown here as open, i.e., without a bottom surface. However, it is of course also possible for the base body 62 of the water-surge protection element 61 to comprise a bottom surface having at least one water surge inlet opening in the region of the side thereof facing away from the lower or bottom bait platform 8. A closing body 15 may then be arranged in the surge-water-inlet opening in at least some sections when in the open position. When there is a rise in the water level, the closing body 15, which is designed as a float, rises up from the water surge inlet opening, so that water can enter the water-surge-receiving volume 63 until the closing body 15 is finally moved away from the open position into the closed position, as already described.

[0152] The base body 62 of the water-surge-protection element 61 in the embodiment according to FIG. 16 comprises a number of feet 65, designed in the form of webs, for example, which serve to support the base body 62, optionally also the housing part 3 arranged thereon plus the components of the apparatus 1 fastened or arranged therein. The base body 62 may of course also be designed to be completely flat on the bottom and/or end side and thus the corresponding feet 65 may be omitted.

[0153] On the basis of FIG. 17, it is apparent that the apparatus 1 can be fastened on the wall of a manhole via a fastening device 35. The fastening device 35 therefore comprises an outer ring element 36 made of steel, for example. The ring element 36 can be fastened on the wall of a manhole via a profile-type holder 37. As can be seen, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the corresponding feet 65 are omitted on the part of the water-surge-protection element 61. To implement a stable mounting of the apparatus 1 on a substrate, the profile-type holder 37 is designed with an extension and comprises a mounting leg 67 protruding away from the latter at an angle, in particular at a plumb line, said mounting leg being identified as or considered to be a pedestal of the apparatus 1.

[0154] The water-surge-protection element 61 is fastened on the housing part 3 here by screw connections. Accordingly, both the water-surge-protection element 61 and the housing part 3, here provided with screw receptacles 68 on the outside circumference, through which screw-type connecting elements (not shown in detail here), in particular threaded screws can be passed. It is of course also conceivable to provide each of the corresponding screw receptacles 68 on the inside circumference side.

[0155] It is apparent from the sectional view shown in FIG. 18 that the ring element 36 is arranged between the water-surge-protection element 61 and the housing part 3. On the basis of the detail shown in FIG. 19, it is apparent that the water-surge-protection element 61 is therefore provided with ring-shaped holding webs 69, which protrude radially accordingly and form a lower mounting point for the ring element 36. The housing part 3 is provided with a radial enlargement 70 in the region of its free end facing the water-surge-protection element 61, the ring element 36 engaging at the region of the its end facing the housing part 3 in said enlargement. Between the housing part 3 and the ring element 36, a sealing element 71, here in the form of a sealing ring, may be arranged and/or designed between the housing part 3 and the ring element 36.

[0156] Schematic diagrams of an apparatus 1 according to additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 20-23. FIGS. 20 and 21 each relate to a perspective view of an additional embodiment of an apparatus 1; FIG. 22 shows a longitudinal section through the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 23 shows a cross section through the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 22.

[0157] FIG. 22 shows a mounting of a closing body 15, which is optional, as mentioned, and movable relative to the lower bait platform 8 by means of a clamp-type or bracket-type holding element 72, mounted in particular pivotably on the lower bait platform 8. On the one hand, the holding element 72, which is also to be identified as a holding clamp or a holding bracket, is fastened on the bait platform 8, in particular at one end, and, on the other hand, in particular on the other end, is fastened on the closing body 15. A certain path of movement, which the closing body 15 runs through in movement from the open position into the closed position and vice versa, is defined by the connection of the closing body 15 to the holding element 72, the connection of the holding element 72 to the lower bait platform 8 as well as the geometric dimensions, i.e., in particular the shape of the holding element 72.

[0158] The holding element 72 comprises two holding element sections 72a, 72b running at an angle to one another. On the basis of FIG. 22, it can be seen that the holding element sections 72a, 72b reach through the passage opening 9, which is delimited on the bait-platform side in the open position of the closing body 15. The holding element sections 72a, 72b are bent in an L shape. The holding 72 thus has an (essentially) L-shaped geometric shape.

[0159] Based on FIGS. 20-23, a particularly expedient fastening device 73 by means of which the housing part 3 can be fastened to a wall of a sewer system 4, in particular of a manhole, in particular releasably, is also shown. The fastening device 73 comprises a ring-shaped first fastening element 74, which extends around the housing part 3 on the exterior peripheral side and is fastened on the housing part 3 by means of fastening brackets 76 bolted onto the housing wall 3, and a second fastening element 75 for fastening the first fastening element 74 as well as the housing part 3 fastened thereon onto the wall of a sewer system 4 and/or of a manhole. By means of the fastening device 73, fastening of the housing part 3 on a wall of a sewer system 4 and/or of a manhole in a stable manner, in particular with respect to forces acting on the housing part 3 due to high water or a water surge. The fastening of the second fastening element 75 on the wall of a sewer system 4 and/or of a manhole is implemented, for example, by means of fastening bolts 78 and/or screws, which can be anchored in a stable form in the wall of a sewer system 4 and/or of a manhole, for example, by walls or screws, and which pass through horizontal and/or vertical boreholes 77, respectively, originating from the second fastening element 75, optionally provided with a thread.

[0160] As can be seen, the fastening device 73 is designed in multiple parts. To implement a buoyancy safety measure, the second fastening element 75 has a fastening-element section 75a, which extends in some sections beyond the housing part 3 on the top side, forming a buoyance safety measure in some sections. The housing part 3 is thus protected against buoyance forces due to high water and/or water surges and is fastened in its position, in particular vertically, in a fixed position on the sewer system 4.

[0161] All the components of the fastening device 73 are formed from one or more mechanically-stable and corrosion-resistant materials, for example, stainless steels and/or material structures or comprise such materials and/or material structures.

[0162] On the basis of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, it can be seen that a plurality of fastening-element sections 75a may be present. FIG. 21 shows two leg-type and/or strut-type fastening-element sections 75a running at an angle to one another, preferably in a V shape, and connected to one another via another leg-type and/or strut-type fastening-element sections 75a.

[0163] The fastening-element sections 75a shown in the embodiments according to FIGS. 20-23 are releasably fastened to the exposed top side of the housing part 3 in a form-fitting connection (without damage and/or destruction). The fastening is thus accomplished by means of a form fit, i.e., by way of the form-fitting interaction of form-fitting element 79 on the part of the fastening-element sections 75a with corresponding form-fitting elements 80 on the part of the housing part 3. Form-fitting elements 79 formed on the respective fastening-element sections 75a are designed as passages, form-fitting elements 80 formed on the housing part 3 are formed by protrusions, in particular vertical ones which grip into or through corresponding passages in the fastened state.

[0164] On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 21, it can be seen that the respective fastening-element sections 75a can be designed with reinforcing structures 81, in particular those with a reduced cross section, to increase the mechanical stability of the fastening-element sections 75a. The material thickness and thus the weight of the fastening device 73 may be reduced in this way without sacrificing the mechanical stability. In the embodiment according to FIG. 21, the corresponding reinforcing structures 81 are beads.

[0165] The respective fastening-element sections 75a are designed as separate components in the embodiments according to FIGS. 20-23 and are fastened releasably on a profile-type base body of the second fastening element 75 by means of screw bolts 82, i.e., a screw fastening (without damage and/or destruction). The fastening-element sections 75a could also be designed integrally with the second fastening element 75.

[0166] FIG. 22 shows an optional monitoring device 83 for monitoring at least one part of the receiving space 5 delimited by the housing part 3. The monitoring device 83 is arranged on the receiving chamber 31 in such a way that the most extensive possible monitoring of the receiving space 5 can be implemented. The monitoring device 83 comprises a suitable optical sensor system for monitoring the receiving space 5. The monitoring device 83 is designed as an infrared sensor system and/or camera in the embodiment according to FIG. 22.

[0167] It is possible by means of the monitoring device 83 to detect and evaluate all processes in the or a certain region and/or subregion of the receiving space 5. In particular rodent-related processes can be detected quantitatively and/or qualitatively and evaluated and/or assessed. Processes of particular interest to be monitored quantitatively and/or qualitatively include, for example, ingresses of rodents into the receiving space 5, egresses of rodents out of the receiving space 5, the behavior, i.e., in particular the biting and/or movement behavior of the respective rodents having ingress into the receiving space 5 in the receiving space 5, etc. In general, the frequenting of the receiving space 5 per unit of time can be detected and evaluated and/or assessed quantitatively and/or qualitatively. Since monitoring information and/or data detected by the monitoring device 83 can of course be transmitted via a communications link designed via a suitable communications device 91, in particular radio based, to an external terminal 92 on the user side, in particular a mobile terminal, a “monitoring” of all processes in the receiving space 5 can be implemented via a corresponding monitoring device 83 without the requirement of entry into the manhole equipped with the apparatus 1 and/or into the sewer system 4 equipped with the apparatus 1. The communication is expediently radio based, i.e., via Bluetooth, WLAN, etc., for example, which is why the monitoring device 83 comprises and/or is connected to a corresponding radio-based transmission equipment unit (not shown).

[0168] The monitoring device 83 is supplied with electric power via a rechargeable electric energy storage system 84 arranged in the receiving chamber 31. The energy storage system 84 is an electrochemical energy storage system in the form of a rechargeable battery. Use of an inductive energy storage system, i.e., one that is rechargeable by means of electromagnetic induction would also be conceivable.

[0169] On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 22, a surface structuring 85 of the cup-shaped and/or spherical-segment-shaped, optional closing body 15 can be detected in some sections. The surface structuring 85 facilitates access to the lower bait platform 8 for a rodent via the closing body 15. The surface structuring 85 is designed as a stepped and/or ribbed structure of the circular disk-shaped segment of the spherical-segment-shaped closing body 15 and offers a hold and/or sticking for a rodent entering the closing body 15. The surface structuring 85 correspondingly inhibits or prevents the rodent from slipping off the closing body 15 and thus serves in the sense of an “entry assistance” for access to the lower bait platform 8. A corresponding surface structuring 85 of course inversely also serves in the sense of an “exit assistance” for a rodent for leaving the lower bait platform 8. In addition, an annular section 86 which also serves in the sense of a corresponding “entry aid” and/or “exit aid” is also present on the side of the closing body 15.

[0170] FIG. 22 also shows a region 87 for a bait 2 delimited by a wall 88 protruding here at an angle from the lower bait platform 8, in particularly vertically.

[0171] The embodiment according to FIG. 22 shows a special mounting of a corresponding energy storage system 84. The energy storage system 84 is mounted on a bottom plate 94 fastened (releasably) on a bottom section 93 of the receiving chamber 31 protruding into the receiving space 5. The bottom plate 94 is fastened on the bottom section 93 by means of fastening screws, which are not identified in greater detail (cf. FIG. 23). As can be seen, a sealing element 96 in the form of a sealing ring is situated between the bottom plate 94 and the bottom section 93. Another sealing element, which is not identified further, is situated between the receiving chamber 31 and the housing part 3.

[0172] The bottom plate 94 is provided with walls 95 protruding at an angle, in particular vertically, delimiting a receiving region for the energy storage system 84. The energy storage system 84 can typically be arranged with an accurate fit in the receiving region. The bottom plate 94 together with the energy storage system 84 arranged thereon can be considered to this extent as a separate module that can be fastened to the receiving chamber 31 and can be released easily from the receiving chamber 31 and fastened on it again, for example, as part of an exchange or recharging operation for the energy storage system 84.

[0173] As can be seen, both the monitoring unit 83 and the communications unit 91 are arranged at the side of the energy storage system 84 on the bottom section 93. An opening 95 on the bottom section side is provided for the monitoring unit 83.

[0174] Another possibility of movable mounting of an optional closing body 15 by means of a flap-valve device 89 is recognizable on the basis of the embodiments according to FIGS. 24 and 25. In the embodiment according to FIG. 24, a corresponding flap-valve device 89 comprises a flap-valve element 90, which is movably mounted relative to a lower bait platform 8 here, in particular being mounted pivotably, and which is moved away from the lower bait platform 8 in an open position, such that the passage opening 9 delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed and is moved toward the bait platform 8 in a closed position, represented by dotted lines, such that the passage opening 9 delimited on the bait-platform side is closed. The closing body 15 here may be an integral component of the flap-valve device 89 in the form of a corresponding flap-valve element 90. It is also possible to fasten a separate closing body 15 on a corresponding flap-valve 90. The closing body 15 may be designed as a float or may at least comprise a float.

[0175] On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 25, it can be seen that a corresponding flap-valve device 89 may also comprise multiple flap-valve elements 90, which are moved away from a lower bait platform 8 here in a respective open position, such that the passage opening 9 delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed, and moved toward the bait platform 8 in a respective closed position, which is shown with a dotted line, such that the passage opening 9 delimited on the bait-platform side is closed jointly by the flap-valve elements 90. In the embodiment according to FIG. 25, respective closing bodies 15 are arranged on respective flap-valve elements 90.

[0176] On the basis of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, there is also the possibility of a movable guide, in particular linearly, of the housing part 3 inserted into a manhole 96 along and/or relative to a wall of the manhole 96. The housing part 3 here is thus not fastened via a corresponding fastening device 35, 73 but instead is guided movably along and/or relative to a wall of the manhole 96, in particular linearly, by means of a guide device 97. By means of a such a guide device 97, it is thus possible for the housing part 3, which is inserted into the manhole 96 plus components of the apparatus 1 arranged therein and/or thereon, to be guided movably, in particular linearly, to be moved inside the manhole 96. Movements of the housing part 3 take place along an axis of movement running vertically, indicated by the double arrow oriented vertically, i.e., for example, along an axis of symmetry or a central axis of the manhole 96. The housing part 3 is guided so it is movable and secured against tilting in the manhole 96 by means of the guide device 97. The guide device 97 thus prevents the housing part 3 from tilting in the manhole 96.

[0177] In the embodiment according to FIG. 26, a guide device 97 is shown, comprising multiple wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 arranged in distribution on and/or around the housing part 3; by means of these guide elements, the housing part 3 is guided movably along the wall of the manhole 96, so that it can roll along the wall of the manhole 96. Corresponding wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are in direct contact with the wall of the manhole 96, so that no special measures are necessary for implementing the movable guidance of the housing part 3 on the wall side. The wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are specifically wheels and/or rollers.

[0178] The wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are supported on a holding device 99 arranged on designed on the housing part 3. The wheel-type or roller-type guide elements 98 are braced by means of the holding device 99 against the wall of the manhole 96. A secure vertical positioning of the housing part 3 in the manhole 96 is possible due to such a holding and bracing. The tensioning force is selected so that uncontrolled sinking of the housing part 3 is prevented; vertical movements of the housing part 3, for example, caused by water surge-induced buoyance forces, in particular in the direction of a manhole cover 100 and/or in the direction of an upper manhole opening, are likewise possible.

[0179] The holding device 99 comprises holding arms 101, which are mounted foldably and/or pivotably on the housing part 3 and are foldable or pivotable against the wall of the manhole 96. The holding arms 101 are coupled to a tension element 102, in particular a spring element, for example, in the form of a compression spring. A tensioning force, in particular a spring force, bracing the guide elements 98 against the wall of the manhole 96 is exerted on the holding arms 101 by means of the tension elements 102 arranged between the housing part 3 and the respective holding arms 101. By means of a holding device 99 designed in such a way, the housing part 3 can be inserted into multiple manholes 96 having different diameters and braced (at an angle) against the manhole walls.

[0180] A holding device 99 shown with dotted lines comprises holding arms 101 that can be extended, in particular like a telescope, and can be lengthened radially (with respect to the axis of symmetry or the central axis of the housing part 3 and/or of the manhole 96) toward the walls of the manhole 96 (cf. the horizontal double arrow). These holding arms 101 can be coupled similarly to corresponding tension elements 102 in particular spring elements, for example, in the form of compression springs.

[0181] In the embodiment according to FIG. 27, a guide device 97 is shown, comprising a gearwheel-type linear guide element 103 on the housing-part side and a corresponding toothed rack-type linear guide element 104 that corresponds and/or interacts with it on the (manhole) wall side. By means of the guide device 97, the housing part 3 is guided so that it is linearly movable on the wall of the manhole 96. In this case, the guide device 97 thus also comprises guide elements in the form of corresponding linear guide elements 104 in the form of toothed racks on the wall side. The linear guide elements 103, 104 on the housing-part side and on the wall side are in mechanical engagement and/or a mechanical operative connection, i.e., they interact, forming a corresponding linear guide.

[0182] For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, it likewise holds that the respective guide devices 97 may comprise a drive device (not shown), in particular motorized, that is or can be coupled to at least one guide element 98 and/or linear guide element 103, 104 and is equipped to transfer a drive force, which induces a unidirectional or bidirectional drive movement in the guide elements 98 and/or linear guide elements 103, 104, to guide elements 98 and/or linear guide element 103, 104. Such a drive device may be designed or arranged on or in the housing part 3. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding drive device may also be designed or arranged in or on a corresponding guide element 98 and/or linear guide element 103, 104, i.e., for example, integrated into a wheel-type or roller-type guide element 98 or into a gearwheel. A corresponding drive device may be an electric motor whose power is supplied like the power supply of other electrical and/or electronic components of the apparatus 1.

[0183] On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 28, it can be seen that a guide device 97 may also comprise a profile-type or rod-type guide element 105 fastened in the manhole 96 and arranged on the housing part 3 and/or passing through the latter, in particular axially. The housing part 3 here is also guided so that it is movable linearly relative to the profile rod-type guide element 105. This also includes fastening of the housing part 3 on the profile-type or rod-type guide element 105, which is in turn fastened on the manhole side, i.e., being walled, bolted, etc., for example. As can be seen, the profile-type or rod-type guide element 105 in the embodiment is not in direct contact with a manhole wall but instead is arranged concentrically inside the manhole 96. Such a profile-type or rod-type guide element 105 may also be expedient in particular in the embodiment according to FIG. 26, which is why it is also represented there with a dotted line because it is optional.

[0184] On the basis of the embodiment according to FIG. 28, it can also be seen that for implementation or support of movements of the housing part 3 in the manhole 96, floats 106 may be present. The positioning of the floats 106 on the housing part 3 is above an optional closing body 15, which is shown with a dotted line, because it is within the housing part 3 so that water rising in the manhole 96 first reaches the floats 106 on the housing-part side (the closing body 15 is already in the closed position). As shown in FIG. 28, it is possible to arrange separate floats 106 on the housing part 3.

[0185] Alternatively or additionally, the housing part 3 may already be designed with integrated floats 106. This may be implemented structurally, for example, through a housing part wall, which defines or has at least one cavity. The cavity is filled with air, for example. It is also conceivable to manufacture a housing part wall of a low-density material which floats on a water surface and does not sink because of the difference in density. In all cases, an upward movement of the housing part 3 occurs due to a rise in the water level in the manhole 96, and the downward movement of the housing part 3 is induced by a drop in the water level in the manhole 96.

[0186] For all the embodiments, it is true that the housing part 3 may be provided with reinforcing structures to increase the mechanical stability of the housing part 3. Corresponding reinforcing structures may be designed, for example, in the form of rings or ribs. Corresponding reinforcing structures may be present as separate components, which are to be placed on and/or connected to the housing part 3 or are designed to be integral with the housing part 3.

[0187] All the embodiments of the apparatuses 1 shown in the figures and/or individual features or multiple features of the embodiments shown in the figures may be combined with one another in any desired way.