MANHOLE

Abstract

A manhole is provided with a base plate, manhole walls, and a cover plate for covering the manhole. The manhole walls include of a plurality of grid-like wall elements arranged in rows one above the other and selectable from a modular system. A part of the grid-like wall elements has at least one conduit insertion opening so that the position, number, and size of conduit insertions into the manhole walls are freely selectable by arranging the grid-like wall elements. Several circumferential connecting frames are provided, which are arranged at different heights, and the grid-like wall elements are each connected on their top sides and bottom sides to one of the connecting frames.

Claims

1. A manhole (1, 1, 1) comprises a base plate (2, 200, 201), manhole walls (3, 3, 3), and a cover plate (93, 93, 93) for covering the manhole (1, 1, 1), the manhole walls (3, 3, 3) including a plurality of grid-like wall elements (4, 5, 11; 401, 402, 403, 404) arranged in rows one above the other and selectable from a modular system, wherein a part of the grid-like wall elements (4, 5, 11; 401, 402, 403, 404) has at least one conduit insertion opening (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38; 431) so that the position, number, and size und of conduit insertions into the manhole walls (3) are freely selectable by arranging the grid-like wall elements (4, 5, 11; 401, 402, 403, 404), and wherein several circumferential connecting frames (20, 20, 20) are provided, which are arranged at different heights, and that the grid-like wall elements (4, 5, 11; 401, 402, 403, 404) are each connected on their top sides and bottom sides with one of the connecting frames (20, 20, 20).

2. The manhole according to claim 1, wherein the grid-like wall elements (4, 5, 11; 401, 402, 403, 404) are connected with the connecting frames via fit connections.

3. The manhole according to claim 2, wherein the grid-like wall elements (4, 5) each have fit connector (450, 451) on their top sides and bottom sides, which are fit into suitable fit receptacles (230, 231) of the connecting frames (20, 20, 20).

4. The manhole according to claim 3, wherein the fit connectors (450, 451) are formed triangularly corrugated.

5. The manhole according to claim 3, wherein the circumferential connecting frames (20, 20) comprise an H-cross-section with two flange walls (220, 221) and one web (222), wherein the flange walls (220, 221) form upper and lower fit receptacles (230, 231) separated by the web (222), wherein the fit connectors (450) of the grid-like wall element bottom side are fittable into the upper fit receptacle (230) and the fit connectors (451) of the grid-like wall element top side are fittable into the lower fit receptacle (231).

6. The manhole according to claim 5, wherein a stiffening element is provided on the external flange wall (220) of the connecting frame (20).

7. The manhole according to claim 6, wherein the stiffening element is formed by a stiffening wall (223) arranged parallel with the external flange wall (220), which wall is connected to the external flange wall via a stiffening web (224).

8. The manhole according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening web (224) is triangularly corrugated.

9. The manhole according to claim 1, wherein the connecting frames (20) are formed so that they can be assembled from several frame parts (202, 203, 204).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0022] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an embodiment of an inventive manhole;

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of a further embodiment of an inventive manhole;

[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B show an oblique view of components of an embodiment of a modular system for constructing the inventive manhole;

[0026] FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 show a back view, a side view, a top view, and an oblique view of a base plate half according to FIG. 3A;

[0027] FIGS. 8 to 10 show an oblique view, a top view, and a side view of a further base plate half according to FIG. 3A;

[0028] FIGS. 11 to 14 show an oblique view, a side view, a top view, and a frontal view of a connecting frame according to FIG. 3A;

[0029] FIGS. 15 to 17 show an oblique view, a frontal view, and a top view of a cover frame of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0030] FIGS. 18 to 20 show a side view, a top view, and a section AA of a conduit insertion cylinder with a staggered diameter;

[0031] FIGS. 21 and 22 each show an axonometry of a further embodiment of the inventive manhole;

[0032] FIG. 23 shows an axonometry of a base plate of a further embodiment;

[0033] FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 each show an axonometry of different angular partial frames of the modular system relating to FIGS. 21 and 22;

[0034] FIG. 27 shows a section BB through the axonometry shown in FIG. 28 of an embodiment of a connecting frame;

[0035] FIG. 28 shows an axonometry of an embodiment of a connecting frame;

[0036] FIG. 29 shows an axonometry of the base plate according to FIG. 23 with the connecting frame according to FIGS. 27 and 28 placed on top of it;

[0037] FIGS. 30, 31, 32, and 33 each show an axonometry of different embodiments of grid-like wall elements of the modular system relating to FIGS. 21 and 22;

[0038] FIG. 34 shows an axonometry of an embodiment of a grid-like wall element row from the modular system assembled into manholes according to FIGS. 21 and 22;

[0039] FIG. 35 shows an axonometry of a further embodiment of a grid-like wall element row assembled from the modular system relating to FIGS. 21 and 22;

[0040] FIG. 36 shows an axonometry of an embodiment of a cover plate;

[0041] FIG. 37, FIG. 38, and FIG. 40 each show an axonometry of further elements of the modular system relating to FIGS. 21 and 22; and

[0042] FIGS. 39, 41, and 42 each show an axonometry of grid-like wall elements of the modular system relating to FIGS. 21 and 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a manhole 1 with a base plate 2, manhole walls 3, and a cover plate 93 for covering the manhole 1, wherein a cover frame 19 carrying the cover plate 93 is placed on top of the manhole walls 3.

[0044] The manhole walls 3 are assembled of a plurality of grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, which are selected from a modular system, and four connecting frames 20.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a manhole that is assembled on the basis of the same modular system as in FIG. 1, but in a modified form. For higher stability, two or three connecting frames 20 are arranged directly on top of each other.

[0046] Components of the modular system of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, wherein one representation each is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B for every design, while every modular system has several parts per design in order to allow a complete assembly of the manhole walls 3 of the inventive manhole.

[0047] The grid-like wall element 4 is a wall element with a predeterminable grid width b and a uniform height h, which dimensions are adapted to the respective circumstances. Thus, the grid width b can, e.g., be selected to be one fifth or one sixth of the length of manhole 1.

[0048] The grid-like wall element 5, on the other hand, is a wall element with half the grid width b. The grid-like wall elements 6, 7, also having a width of b/2, have rectangular conduit insertion openings 77 and semicircular conduit insertion openings 33, 34 open at the edges, which, when arranged adjacently, result in a completely circular conduit insertion opening. The grid-like wall element 7 additionally has semicircular conduit insertion openings 36 that form a completely circular conduit insertion opening with semicircular conduit insertion openings 36 of the grid-like wall elements 8.

[0049] Divided conduit insertion openings are advantageous when existing cables or conduits are to be installed during construction of the manhole without separating them, so that such an existing cable can be surrounded with the grid-like wall elements 7, 8 by installing the conduit insertion openings 35 and 36 from two opposite sides.

[0050] The grid-like elements 9, 10 are also dimensioned with half a grid width and they each have a semicircular conduit insertion opening 37, 38, so that they result in a completely circular conduit insertion when arranged adjacently.

[0051] The grid-like wall element 11 is a corner grid-like wall element insertable into a corner area of manhole 1.

[0052] The manner how the different grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and the connecting frames 20 are combined in each case or the order in which they are installed is explained in FIGS. 1 and 2 merely as an example and is not limited thereto, but it can be adapted to the respective requirements based on the modular system.

[0053] As can be seen from FIG. 1, arranging connecting frames 20 and grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 alternately on top of each other results in a succession of grid-like wall element rows that can be constructed in a freely selectable way by means of the modular system in order to be able to vary the position, size and number of conduit insertions as desired.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 of the modular system are detachably attachable via a fit connection, and they can be fitted in a freely selectable arrangement.

[0055] Within the framework of the disclosure, other forms of connections, e.g., screwed or riveted connections or the like, may also be provided for fixing the grid-like wall elements of which the manholes are assembled.

[0056] In order to achieve secure fixing of the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 in the wall planes, the connecting frames 20 are provided parallel with the base plate 2 and at different heights, on which the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are attached via fit connection, wherein the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 have fit connectors and the connecting frames 20 suitable connecting receptacles for this purpose in order to allow the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 to be fitted in.

[0057] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, several connecting frames 20 can also be arranged directly on top of each other, if, as mentioned above, higher stability or a certain distance of the wall planes are to be adjusted.

[0058] The base element is the base plate 2, which in the shown exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 consists of two parts 2, 2 (FIGS. 3A, 7, and 8) that can together be attached to a ground in order to obtain the complete base plate 2, on which a triangular corrugated profile 25 projecting upwards is provided along the circumference, on top of which a first one of the connecting frames 20 is placed, the external circumference of which is congruent with the external circumference of the base plate 2. The internal circumference of the intermediate frame 20 corresponds to the inside diameter of the manhole 1.

[0059] The grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 have fit connectors 50 (FIG. 3B), the connecting frames 20 having suitable fit receptacles 21 (FIG. 13), so that the fit connectors 50 of the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are engageable with the fit receptacles 21 of the connecting frames 20.

[0060] The fit receptacle 21 of the connecting frame 20 is, according to FIG. 13, a rectangular ring-shaped recess into which the fit connectors 50 of the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 can be fit.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows that the grid-like wall elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 each have a wall segment 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, which together form the outsides of the manhole walls 3 when installed. The modular system comprises grid-like wall elements with conduit insertion openings of different sizes and numbers, which are, e.g., at least partly cut out in the wall segments 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, as well as others without conduit insertion openings. The conduit insertion openings shown in FIG. 3 or parts of the conduit insertion openings have a circular edge or a partly circular edge, e.g., a semicircular edge, can, however, also have a different geometry.

[0062] Some of the conduit insertion openings have destroyable, thin end walls, which can easily be pierced, if required, in order to pass through a conduit or cable.

[0063] The elements 36, 37, and 38 are split seals for the manhole cover 93 and are, when installed, positioned between the manhole cover 93 and the top side frame 19.

[0064] Element 39 serves for connecting two intermediate frames 20 in order to achieve a slight rise if the desired excavation depth is not achieved.

[0065] At the backside of each wall segment 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111 there is a fit connector 50 that is triangularly corrugated and projects on the top side and bottom side of the wall segments 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111. The triangularly corrugated design of the fit connectors 50 may, within the framework of the disclosure, also deviate from the above and is in no way limited thereto, but there could also be provided any other suitable fit element.

[0066] The fit connector 50 projecting on the bottom side of the grid-like wall element 4 is fit into the fit receptacle 21 of the connecting frame 20 arranged below during installation of the inventive manhole 1, followed by other selected grid-like wall elements 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, which are fit into the connecting frame 20 with their fit connectors 50 until an entire wall plane is assembled.

[0067] Then, another one of the connecting frames 20 is put on the fit connectors 50 projecting upwards, and subsequently the next-level wall plane can be assembled on the further connecting frame 20. As soon as the desired height of the manhole 1 is obtained, the top side frame 19 is put on the uppermost connecting frame 20 carrying the wall segment 9.

[0068] The insertions 210 (FIG. 3B) of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have insertion cylinders with staggered diameters, which are shown in detail in FIGS. 18, 19, and 20. Thanks to the staggered diameters, the desired opening diameter can be achieved by breaking out the smaller cylinder areas.

[0069] FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 each show a further embodiment of an inventive manhole 1and 1 with a base plate 200 or 201, respectively, and rows of grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 404 arranged thereon, which are selected from a respective modular system, wherein the number of rows and the layout of the manhole are freely selectable within the framework of this modular system.

[0070] According to the disclosure, several circumferential connecting frames 20or 20 are provided, which are arranged at different heights, wherein the grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 404 are each connected to one of the connecting frames 20or 20 on their top or bottom side, so that together they form the four walls 3or 3 of the manhole 1or 1, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 21, four connecting frames 20are provided in total, and for the rows according to FIG. 22 three connecting frames 20 in total.

[0071] Components of the respective modular system of the embodiment according to FIG. 21 as well as FIG. 22 are shown in FIGS. 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42, wherein each modular system has several pieces per design, as required, in order to be able to completely assemble the manhole walls 3, 3 of the inventive manhole 1or 1, respectively.

[0072] The grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 404 are detachably connected to the connecting frames 20 or 20 via fit connections. The type of connection can, as already mentioned with regard to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, also be implemented in a different way within the framework of the disclosure.

[0073] FIGS. 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, and 42 show the grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 403, 404 in detail, each of which has, on the top side and bottom side, fit connectors 450, 451 that are triangularly corrugated and placeable in suitable fit receptacles of the connecting frames 20, 20 so that they form a form-fit and friction-locked connection.

[0074] FIG. 32 and FIG. 41 show a corner grid-like wall element 403, which also has fit connectors 452 or 453 on its top side and bottom side, however, these are implemented by parallel ribs and also fit into the fit receptacles of the connecting frames 20, 20 in a form-fit and friction-locked manner. Furthermore, a removable cover plate 93, formed integrally, e.g., from cast iron DIN EN 124, is provided above the uppermost connecting frame 20. The design of the cover plate 93can be adapted to the requirements, e.g., be made of plastic, concrete or paved. The same is true for the cover plate 93.

[0075] The grid-like wall element 402 (FIGS. 31, 33) is a wall element with a predeterminable grid width b and a uniform height h, which dimensions are each adapted to the circumstances. The grid-like wall element 402 has a full-surface wall on the interior side facing the interior of the manhole, and a stiffening formed with grid-like fan shapes.

[0076] The grid-like wall element 401 (FIG. 30), on the other side, is a wall element with half the grid width b and serves for a finer subdivision of the modular system.

[0077] The grid-like wall element 401 as well as the grid-like wall element 402 have pierceable circular openings 520, which are usable as cable or wire passages.

[0078] As can be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, alternately arranging circumferential connecting frames 20or 20 and grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 404 on top of each other results in a sequence of grid-like wall element rows, the arrangement of which is freely selectable thanks to the modular system to vary the size and number of conduit insertions as desired.

[0079] Depending on the layout of the manhole 1or 1, the cover plate 93or 93 with correspondingly adapted dimensions is placed on a suitable cover frame 310or 310, e.g., made of hot-dip galvanized steel with an elastomer pad. In order to guarantee height adjustability for the purpose of adjusting the level, a head frame 311or 311, e.g., made of hot-dip galvanized steel, with stepless height adjustment options (not shown) is additionally arranged below the cover plate 93 or 93.

[0080] The cover frame 310with the cover plate 93placed on top of the head frame 311can be adjusted with regard to its vertical interval to the head frame 311in order to balance differences in levels, e.g., compared to the road surface.

[0081] In the embodiment of the inventive manhole 1 according to FIG. 22, a base plate 201, shown in detail in FIG. 23 and composed of two rectangular plate elements 201, 201, is provided at the lowermost position. The plate elements 201, 201 have openings for a water drainage 600 and connection fit openings 601, into which fit connection elements 480 are fittable, e.g., in order to connect the two plate elements 201, 201 with the base plate 201. In this way, the base plate 201 can, as required, be assembled from two or more plate elements 201, 201.

[0082] Further fit connection elements 408 (FIG. 38) can be placed in order to make a connection with the lowermost connecting frame 20, as is shown in FIG. 29.

[0083] FIG. 28 shows the lowermost connecting frame 20 composed of four angular partial frames 202 (FIG. 24). FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show further angular partial frames 203, 204 of the modular system allowing for a variable assembly of the connecting frames 20, 20. At the ends of each angular partial frame 202, 203, 204, connecting projections 240 with fit openings for insertion of connecting fit elements (not shown) are provided, which allow connecting the angular partial frames 202, 203, 204 with other angular partial frames within the framework of the disclosure, however, any other type of connection known to the person skilled in the art can also be used.

[0084] FIG. 27 shows a cross-section BB of the circumferential connecting frame 20 comprising an H-shaped cross-section with two flange walls 220, 221 and a web 222, wherein the flange walls 220, 221 form an upper and a lower fit receptacle 230, 231 separated from each other by the web 222.

[0085] On the exterior side of the cross-section of the partial frame, a parallel stiffening wall 223, which is connected to the exterior flange wall 220 of the connecting frame 20 via a triangular corrugation-shaped cross-connection web 224, is arranged for improving the resilience of the connecting frame 20.

[0086] The oblique view of FIG. 28 showsfor the assembled connecting frame 20upper circumferential fit receptacle 230 for fitting the fit connector 451 on the bottom side of the grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 403, 404 to construct a row of grid-like wall elements. Subsequently, the connecting frame to be arranged above is placed onto the fit connectors 452 at the top of the wall elements 401,402, 403, 404.

[0087] FIG. 29 shows the connecting frame 22 in a state in which it has already been placed on the base plate 201 and is connected thereto via the fit connection elements 480.

[0088] FIG. 34 shows an exemplary row of grid-like wall elements assembled from the grid-like wall elements 401, 402, 403.

[0089] FIG. 35 shows a further possible combination of grid-like wall elements 402, 403, 404, of which an exemplary wall element row for an inventive manhole has been assembled, which row is, in its completed state, fit into the receptacles of connecting frames on its bottom side and top side.

[0090] Here, the grid-like wall element 404 (FIG. 39) has a relatively large circular recess 431 for a conduit insertion opening provided with a pierceable wall that is pierced if required. This wall element 404 can be arranged at the respectively best position according to the spatial circumstances in order to pass through a cable or a conduit. Instead of this wall element 404, however, divided grid-like wall elements as in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 can also be provided for installing existing cables or conduits.

[0091] The modular system 407 offers the possibility of fitting it into the circular recess 431 of the wall element 404 in order to divide it into three smaller passage openings.

[0092] The modular element 409 has an elongated wall with triangularly corrugated fit connectors on opposite sides of the wall and can serve for connecting two frames arranged one above the other, e.g., for connecting an uppermost connecting frame 20 with a head frame 311. The number of different elements of the modular system is not limited in any way.

[0093] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the preferred present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.