EP2186753B1 - Automatic covering device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an automatically closing cover device for the cover of a pit according to claim 1.

Such covering devices are regularly used in pits for receiving containers. These so-called container pits accommodate, for example, containers or waste containers for paper, waste or glass in their interior, and are to be arranged underground by positioning within the pits with a large part of the waste or the glass receiving volume. In this way, although the containers thus placed can still be designed to be relatively spacious, they are only visible to the outside with a small part. They adapt to such z. B. less noticeable in a street scene.

Thus, when removing such containers, for example, for their emptying the usually receiving container pits does not remain open and represents a source of danger for passersby, these pits are provided with cover devices.

Such cover devices have at least one cover plate, which automatically closes the container pit after removal of a container. For this purpose, this cover plate is pivotally mounted on a frame construction of the cover.

Usually, when the container is inserted into the container pit, the cover plate extends almost parallel to the side walls of the container into the interior of the container pit. Now, if the container is removed, pivots the at least one cover plate automatically below the container drawn from the container pit in a closed position in which it covers the opening of the container pit.

The adjustment mechanisms used for this, over which the cover plates are moved into the closed position, may be relatively complex and therefore expensive. Partly worked with counterweights that are in operative connection with the cover plate and are raised by pivoting the cover plate against gravity. By lowering the counterweights, the cover flap is swung back automatically as soon as the force acting on the cover plate force drops below the weight that acts on the counterweight.

So that the cover plate then remains after the removal of the container in the closed position or in the closed state, the cover regularly further comprises a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism ensures the positioning of the cover plate in the closed state.

The EP 1 714 915 A1 discloses such a generic covering device for a pit with two opposing and each pivotally mounted cover flaps, which are automatically transferred to a closed position in which they cover the pit together and close. For automatically closing the two cover flaps engages a counterweight on each of the cover flaps on a deflected cable such that the counterweight is raised in the open, pivoted into the interior of the pit position of a cover flap. This open position is here occupied by the fact that a container is inserted into the pit. If the container is removed again from the pit provided with the covering device, the counterweight can lower again, thereby pulling the associated cover flap into the closed position.

One from the FR 2 857 948 A1 known, automatically closing cover device in turn also includes two pivotable cover flaps that close together in a closed state a pit for a removable container. The cover flaps are here by means of acting on the cover plates elastic return means which press the cover plates in a closed position, automatically transferred to the closed position when the container is removed from the pit.

The present invention is therefore based on the problem of providing an improved covering device.

This is achieved with an automatically closing cover device of claim 1.

In this case, an automatically closing cover device is provided for the cover of a pit, which comprises an edge of the pit fixed edge construction and at least one cover plate, which covers the pit in a closed state of the cover at least partially. The cover plate is arranged to open and close the cover pivotally on the edge structure and automatically pivoted by means of an adjustment after opening in the closed state. According to the invention, it is further provided here that the adjusting mechanism comprises at least one cable pull with two cable pull sections, of which at least one engages the cover plate and both are connected to one another via at least one return element such that the cable pull for opening and closing the cover device in its length is varied. Thus, the return element forms part of the cable.

Preferably, an automatically closing covering device is provided for covering a pit, which comprises the edge structure fixed to one edge of the pit and at least two opposing cover plates which at least partly cover the pit in a closed state of the covering device. The cover plates are arranged to open and close the cover pivotally on the edge structure and automatically pivoted by means of an adjustment after opening in the closed state. The adjusting mechanism in this case comprises at least one cable with two Seilzugabschnitten, each attacking a cover plate and are connected to each other via a return element such that the cable for opening and closing the cover is varied in its length.

Alternatively, both cable pull sections can each act on one of two or on a single pivotable cover plate, so that both ends of the cable are connected at different, spaced-apart locations with exactly one pivotable cover plate.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the cable pull sections are connected to each other via the return element, that the cable is extended when opening the cover and is automatically shortened via the return element to pivot the cover plate or the cover plates in the closed state. In other words, the cable is transferred over the return element in the length again, which was present in the closed state of the cover.

For the realization of a simple and inexpensive automatic variation of the cable length, the restoring element has a spring element.

Thus, then, the adjusting mechanism can be designed such that the spring element when opening the cover plate (s) is stretched over the Seilzugabschnitte and on the open (n) cover plate (s) on the Seilzugabschnitte exerts a restoring force to pivot it in the closed state ,

For this purpose, it would be conceivable, for example, that the return element is a rotatably mounted cable drum, which is connected to a coil spring. One end of a cable section is attached to the cable drum with its remaining end connected to one cover plate or one of the two cover plates or a cover plate supporting structure, e.g. a support frame, is connected. In the closed state of the cover, the two Seilzugabschnitte are at least partially wound on the cable drum and thus define a first length of the cable.

Now, if a cover plate on both attack on the return element interconnected cable pull sections, or now the two cover plates, each engages one of the cable pull sections, pivoted into the open position, the Seilzugabschnitte be unwound from the rotating cable drum and the Cable, which is connected via the cable drum with its two Seilzugabschnitten, lengthens. The cable thus has a second length which is greater than the first length in the closed state of the cover. Here, a length of the cable is the distance between the two cable ends or the distance between the two free, not connected to the return element ends of the cable sections understood, which is measured along the longitudinal extent of the entire cable. A portion of this distance in the region of the return element (as part of the cable) results in the length of an imaginary straight connecting line extending along the longitudinal extension direction of the cable between the two connected to the return element ends of the cable pull sections over the return element.

The acting on the cable drum coil spring is tensioned and exerts a counter to the unwinding of the cable drum acting restoring force on the cable drum. Once the force acting on the cover plate (s) to open the cover device falls under the restoring force of the spring, so for example, a container is removed from the pit or was, due to the restoring force, the cable drum opposite to the unwinding turn and the two Seilzugabschnitte rewind at the same time. The individual cover plate or the two cover plates (depending on the embodiment) are thus pivoted back.

In a less expensive alternative, the cable pull sections are connected to each other only via at least one spring element as a restoring element. In such an embodiment, one end of a cable pull section can thus be attached to one of two spring ends of a spring element in the form of a tension spring.

When opening the cover, the tension spring is tensioned, the cable lengthens. About the restoring force of the tension spring of the cable is shortened again to transfer the cover plate (s) in the closed position.

In order not to have to design a single return element according to powerful, several cables can be used with each connected via a return element cable pull sections.

For guiding the cable in or on the covering device, in one embodiment it has deflection elements, e.g. rotatably mounted pulleys or rigid deflectors on, over which the cable is deflected. The cable is preferably deflected by deflection, which are arranged on the fixed to an edge of the pit edge construction. In this way, a cover is in this embodiment (as well as in the variants shown above) preferably complete with an already functional locking mechanism having at least one locking element by means of which the cover plate is automatically locked in the closed state, and prefabricated already functioning adjustment mechanism mountable on a pit to be covered.

For example, an adjusting mechanism according to the invention for the covering device can be used in addition to a locking mechanism explained below.

Accordingly, the cover then has a locking mechanism with at least one locking element by means of which the cover plate is automatically locked in the closed state.

This locking mechanism secures the positioning of the cover plate in the closed state in which it has been automatically moved, for example via arranged below the cover plate springs. The locking mechanism may thus comprise, for example, a spring-mounted pawl, which automatically engages on reaching the closed position to a fixed to the frame structure of the cover bolt or generally to a counterpart.

Preferably, the locking mechanism further comprises at least one positioning means, on the closing of the cover plate a proper locking position of the cover plate is defined before the at least one locking element locks the cover plate.

In this case, preferably, the cover plate or a cover plate supporting construction of the cover on the locking element.

In this way, a separation of functions occurs when closing the cover plate or when transferring the cover plate in the closed state. By means of the positioning means it is thus ensured that the cover plate is in an intended locking position, in which the locking element then separated from it locks the cover plate in its closed position relative to the edge construction.

Thus, a more flexible embodiment of the locking mechanism with respect to the locking means is possible, since this is now only used exclusively for locking or temporary fixation of the cover plate in the closed state.

Of course, can be provided with such a covering basically every kind of pit, but it is particularly preferred if it is the pit is a container pit of the type described above.

In one embodiment variant, the positioning means is a stop arranged on the cover plate, which rests upon reaching the intended locking position of the cover plate on a counter-stop of the edge construction. It is thus ensured that the cover plate is not pivoted over the desired position for covering the pit. Only then does the locking of the cover plate via a separate locking element.

Such a locking element is preferably connected to a spring element. This spring element exerts a spring or restoring force on the locking element in order to transfer the locking element upon reaching the locking position in a locking position in which the locking element locks the cover plate. Such an automatic locking is given in a simple mechanical way.

In this case, the locking element may in particular comprise a spring-loaded pin or pin, which is positively connected in the locking position with the frame structure. Such a bolt or pin snaps so for example in a portion of the edge structure automatically due to a restoring force of a spring.

In an advantageous embodiment in this context, a locking element, in particular in the form of a bolt or pin, is coupled to a spring-mounted retaining plate. By adjusting the retaining plate, in particular by giving away and / or moving the retaining plate, in a direction different from the adjustment of the locking element spatial direction an adjustment of the locking element is triggered immediately. Such a holding plate is part of a release mechanism of the cover, via which a re-release of the cover plate can be done by the locking element is moved out of the locking position out. In a bolt or pin as a locking element this would consequently be released from the frame construction. For this purpose, the retaining plate against the restoring force of the spring acting on the retaining plate is displaceably mounted in a direction of displacement and / or pivotable about a pivot axis and coupled to the locking element, that the locking element during adjustment of the retaining plate perpendicular to the direction of displacement and / or parallel to the pivot axis the adjustment is adjusted out to release the locking of the cover plate on the locking element.

Alternatively, however, the movement of the bolt or pin can be controlled separately and selectively (electronically), as far as the achievement of the locking position in the cover plate is ensured by the positioning means.

Furthermore, a variant of the cover is characterized in that the locking element is also mounted pivotably. It has proven particularly advantageous that the locking element is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis which is parallel to a rotation axis to the the cover plate is pivotable. In this way, for example, the release of the lock on the pivoting of the locking element can be realized.

In one embodiment, a portion of the fixed rim construction is between the locking member and the positioning means when the cover plate is locked. This may be a peripheral edge of the edge structure.

Thus, this edge can serve as a counter-stop, which abuts the position element to define the locking position. On the opposite side of the positioning means of the edge of the edge construction then engages a locking means in the construction so that it extends at least partially on this side of the edge.

In a further development, it can then also be provided that the locking element on this side is positively connected to the edge in order to lock the cover plate in the closed state.

Notwithstanding the previously explained, it is of course also possible for a single section projecting on the edge construction to be designed instead of the peripheral edge for engagement with the positioning means.

Preferably, in this context, a variant of a covering device is characterized in that the edge construction of the covering device has at least one section against which both the positioning means and a locking element abut in a closed state of the cover plate. In this case, the cover device may be formed so that this portion of the edge construction is enclosed in a closed state of the cover plate of the positioning means and a locking element. The positioning means is thus on a (first) side of the portion of the edge construction, while the locking element rests on one of the first side opposite (second) side of the same portion of the edge construction. In this case, this (locking) portion of the edge construction is located on an imaginary straight connecting line which extends from the positioning means to the locking element. In other words, such a section enclosed between the locking element and the positioning means section of the edge construction is z. B. above the positioning means and at the same time below the locking element.

Such a single section of the edge construction can serve several functions and ensure both a clear positioning of the closing cover plate on the abutting position element as well as the interaction with the locking element, the fixing or locking of the cover plate in the closed state. Such a structure thus not only allows additional functions to be integrated into a smaller number of components, it also results in a spatial proximity of the position element, section of the edge construction and locking element in the closed state of the cover, can be optimized by the required tree space.

If the achievement of a proper locking position when closing the cover plate is ensured via a separate positioning means before the locking member locks the cover plate, also a locking element engaging in a locking opening of the edge construction locking element can be used in a simpler manner.

This is realized in one embodiment by a spring-loaded locking pin, which is arranged on the cover plate and automatically moves when reaching the intended locking position in a through hole of the edge construction and thus positively received in her. Without the definition of the locking position via a separate positioning means of the locking pin and the through hole should either be made correspondingly large or the locking pin would have to be particularly strong biased to ensure that when closing the cover plate of the locking pin securely engages in the locking hole. However, it is ensured in this case via the positioning means that the locking pin and the through hole facing each other in alignment before the locking pin engages in the through hole.

Regardless of the realized embodiment of a locking mechanism, it is possible that in one embodiment of a covering the at least one cover plate via a spring force, in particular exerted by a gas spring, which is provided in addition to the adjusting mechanism according to the invention with at least one cable, is automatically closed or is automatically closable.

On the basis of the cover devices already presented at the beginning, it is also preferred that the cover plate can be pivoted into the interior of the pit. So it can be used in a simple manner as a covering device for container pits.

In this context, it is further considered advantageous if the locking device is connected to a triggering mechanism of the cover device, which automatically triggers the opening of the cover plate when an object to be introduced into the pit, z. B. a container is positioned in the closed state on the cover plate as intended. In other words, the capping device automatically opens the interior of the pit when a specific object is properly disposed on the cover plate of the capping device and can operate the firing mechanism of the capping device by its own weight.

In this case, a plurality of separate triggering trigger mechanisms for a plurality of individual locking mechanisms for the cover plate can be arranged.

Advantageously, furthermore, at least two cover plates are arranged pivotably on the edge construction, so that it is not necessary to use a single large cover plate for covering the pit.

In such a development, it is then also preferred that coupled with the two cover plates release mechanisms are not together but separately triggered. This unwanted opening the cover is made more difficult, since the pit can only be fully opened when both cover plates are no longer locked and can pivot.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are also given by the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Seitenansicht ein nicht erfindungsgemäβes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Abdeckvorrichtung im geschlossenen Zustand,

Fig. 2

das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1 in übereinstimmender Ansicht in geöffnetem Zustand;

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Auslösemechanismus und eines Arretiermechanismus des Ausführungsbeispiels der Figuren 1 - 2;

Fig. 4

in perspektivischer Seitenansicht ein weiteres nicht erfindungsgemäβes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Abdeckvorrichtung in geschlossenem Zustand;

Fig. 5

das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 4 in geöffnetem Zustand;

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Auslösemechanismus und des Arretiermechanismus des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der Figuren 4 - 5;

Fig. 7

eine erste erfindungsgemäβe Ausführungsform einer geschlossenen Abdeckvorrichtung basierend auf dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

die Abdeckvorrichtung der Fig. 7 in geöffnetem Zustand;

Fig. 9

eine zweite erfindungsgemäβe Ausführungsform einer geschlossenen Abdeckvorrichtung basierend auf dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 7 und 8;

Fig.10

die Abdeckvorrichtung der Fig. 9 in geöffnetem Zustand.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the following description of figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a perspective side view of a non-inventive embodiment of a cover device in the closed state,

Fig. 2

the embodiment of Fig. 1 in matching view in open state;

Fig. 3

an enlarged view of a trigger mechanism and a locking mechanism of the embodiment of the Figures 1 - 2 ;

Fig. 4

in a perspective side view of another non-erfindungsgemäβes embodiment of a cover in the closed state;

Fig. 5

the second embodiment of Fig. 4 in open condition;

Fig. 6

an enlarged view of the trigger mechanism and the locking mechanism of the second embodiment of the FIGS. 4 to 5 ;

Fig. 7

a first erfindungsgemäβe embodiment of a closed covering device based on the embodiment of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 8

the cover of the Fig. 7 in open condition;

Fig. 9

a second erfindungsgemäβe embodiment of a closed covering device based on the embodiment of Fig. 7 and 8th ;

Figure 10

the cover of the Fig. 9 in open condition.

The FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment of a cover device not according to the invention, which has an edge construction in the form of a frame 10. This frame 10 is fixed at the edge of a pit G shown only schematically. The frame 10 is substantially rectangular in shape, but can of course also have any other basic shape and serves for the controlled introduction of substantially parallelepipedic containers in the pit G.

In an edge region of the frame 10, which is defined in each case by the side edges of the rectangle and remains visible when inserted into the pit G frame 10 to the outside, a circumferential gutter 1 is arranged. About this gutter 1 ensures that even with a container used in the pit G container, for example, a container (not shown here), accumulating rainwater does not flow in majority in the pit G, but can be selectively discharged.

To the gutter 1 directly adjacent to a circumferential inner wall 11 of the frame 10. This narrow inner wall 11 extends substantially perpendicular to the gutter 1 in the pit G, so that the inner wall 11 is substantially parallel to the side walls of the pit G, not shown here. About the inner wall 11 of the frame 10 is additionally stabilized within the pit G and the frame 10 can rest against the side walls of the pit G.

Within the opening defined by the frame 10 into the interior of the pit G, the covering device has two cover plates 6 lying parallel to one another. In each case a cover plate 6 covers half of the pit G and is supported on a pivotally mounted support frame 60.

The two support frames 60 are arranged on respective opposite areas of the inner wall 11 of the frame 10 about hinges pivotally mounted about a rotation axis D, so that they in the in FIG. 1 shown closed state aligned and cover the pit G.

Each support frame 60 is further to be automatically returned to the closed state via a gas spring 4, after the support frame 60 has been pivoted about the rotation axis D from the closed state into the interior of the pit G. For this purpose, the gas spring 4 is in each case connected to the support frame 60 and a support strip 7 extending into the interior of the pit G. The connection of the gas spring 4 with the support frame 60 takes place in each case on a mounting plate which projects centrally on a parallel to the axis of rotation D cross member of the support frame 60 perpendicular to the cross member and parallel to the cover plate 6. On the transverse to lateral supports or longitudinal struts of the support frame 60 extending cross member and the hinges are arranged, via which the support frame 60 and thus the cover plate 6 is pivotally mounted on the frame 10.

Upon pivoting of the support frame 60 with the cover plate 6, which is shown here transparent as in the following figures, the gas spring 4 is compressed according to a telescopic arm when an object is positioned with a sufficient weight on the cover plate 6. This would be the case in the case of the introduction of a container in the pit G of the case.

In this case, a container is introduced into the interior of the opening defined by the frame 10 or into the interior of the frame 10 and the pit G, which has almost matching with the opening dimensions. In this way, the container is in each case with its side surfaces parallel to the inner wall 11 and has only a small distance from it.

The inner wall 11 is further slightly inclined (see. Fig. 3 ) and points from the edge of the pit G in its interior, so that the inner wall 11 serves as an insertion aid for the container to be introduced. The container is thus positioned during insertion from above the pit G within the opening and can be safely lowered without tilting.

The gas springs 4 are each designed so that they yield to the weight of the container and allow pivoting of the support frame 60 with the cover plate 6 about the axis of rotation D so far that the cover plates 6 within the pit G are parallel to each other. In this way, a correspondingly sized container can be placed almost completely underground up to a predetermined depth of the pit G.

Instead of the illustrated gas springs 4 and the use of torsion springs or tension springs is conceivable. In principle, a correspondingly configured damping element could be used, which allows a continuous opening movement of the associated cover plate 6 and the support frame 60 and applies a restoring force for the automatic closure of the cover.

Thus, the pit G is safely covered when no container is placed within the pit G, the cover plate 6 with the support frame 60 is automatically when removing a container in the in FIG. 1 transferred position shown. Thus, the cover plates 6 do not pivot in this closed state in an undesirable manner about the axes of rotation D, D, these are provided with a locking mechanism, the cover plates 6 together with their support frame 60 in the closed position or in the closed state of FIG. 1 locked.

For this purpose, the support frame 60 at the perpendicular to the rotation axis D extending outer edges of the support frame 60 a parallel to the rotation axis D extendable locking pin 3. This locking pin 3 engages in the closed state FIG. 1 by a molded locking portion 62 of the frame 10th

The locking portion 62 is formed relatively narrow and extends on an outer side of the frame 10 below the inner wall 11 and parallel to the lateral supports of the support frame 60, each having a locking pin 3. In this way, the locking pin 3 can each engage positively in a locking opening of the locking portion 62 of the frame 10 to the cover plates 6 in the in the FIG. 1 lock shown closed state.

To ensure that the locking opening of the locking portion 62 and the corresponding locking pin 3 are aligned with each other, 60 stop bracket 8 are attached to the support frame as a position means, in particular integrally formed.

These stop bracket 8 consist of two mutually perpendicular sections. One of these two sections abuts against a frame section 12 extending above the locking section 62 and parallel to the axis of rotation D on the outside of the frame 10, when the support frame 60 or the cover plate 6 of the covering device is closed. The stop angle 8 thus acts as a arranged on the cover plate 6 stop which rests on reaching the intended locking position of the cover 6 to the frame portion 12 as a counter-stop before the locking pin 3 is positively connected as a locking element with the frame portion 62.

To open the locking device and thus from the in the FIG. 1 shown closed state in the in the FIG. 2 To show the open state shown, the lock on the locking pin 3 must be solved. For this purpose, the cover device in two recesses of a cover plate 6 accessible release plates 2. These two release plates 2 of a cover plate 6 are parallel to the respective cover plate 6 in the region of the corners of the rectangle defined by the frame 10.

As in the synopsis of Figures 2 and 3 it can be seen, these release plates 2 are pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation D parallel to the axis of rotation S. For this purpose, a trigger plate 2 is connected to a shaft 22 which is disposed within the support frame 60 and pivotally mounted about the pivot axis S. By pivoting the release plate 2 about the pivot axis S in a pivoting direction S1, the release plate 2 acts on a compression spring 5 via a region of the release plate 2 which is at a distance from the shaft 20.

This compression spring 5 in the form of a helical spring is disposed between the release plate 2 and a retaining plate 9 also fixed to the support frame 60. The compression spring 5 is connected via the holding plate 9 in direct operative connection to the locking pin 3 and is mechanically coupled thereto. When the compression spring 5 is compressed by the pivoted release plate 2, the locking pin 3 is moved along a locking direction V (or unlocking direction) parallel to the rotation axis D or parallel to the pivot axis S in the direction of the interior of the frame 10. In this way, the locking pin 3 from the in the FIG. 1 shown locked position transferred to a position in which it is no longer positively connected to the locking portion 62.

The locking element in the form of the locking pin 3 is thus here coupled to the spring-mounted retaining plate 9, which in turn is connected to the pivotally mounted release plate 2. The holding plate 9 is biased by the restoring force of the compression spring 5 in the direction of the release plate 2, so that the holding plate 9 is pressed by means of the compression spring 5 against an underside of longitudinal struts of the support frame 60. The holding plate 9 thus lies flat with at least one section on one of the longitudinal struts, when the locking pin 3 is in its locking position.

If the holding plate 9 is connected via the compression spring 5 only with the release plate 2, the holding plate 9 is located at two mutually parallel longitudinal struts of the support frame 60 and (actuated) pivoted upon actuation of the release plate 2, that the holding plate 9 both Long struts no longer contacted. In this case, a return spring (not shown) is provided on the release plate 2, which causes an automatic return of the release plate 2 and thus pivoting back the release plate 2 in the pivoting direction -S1 when the release plate 2 is not further loaded. The return spring thus causes a provision of the release plate 2, while the compression spring 5 as a connection between the release plate 2 and retaining plate. 9 each Mitverschwenken the holding plate 9 with the release plate 2 conditionally. The compression spring 5 is thus designed so that it biases the holding plate 9 and release plate 2 toward each other.

Alternatively, the holding plate 9 can be articulated on one (inner or outer) of the two longitudinal struts, so that the holding plate 9 is pivoted about a pivot axis parallel to the corresponding longitudinal strut and perpendicular to the pivot axis S, when the trigger plate 2 pivots about the pivot axis S.

The coupling of the holding plate 9 with the locking pin 3, so that it is moved along the adjustment direction V when adjusting the holding plate 9 (directly) is ensured in a conventional manner via suitable mechanical coupling means in this context, in particular the withdrawal of the locking pin. 3 cause an associated locking opening of the frame 10 when the holding plate 9 from the in the FIG. 3 shown position is adjusted. The locking pin 3 as a locking element is thus here also coupled via the at least one spatial direction adjustable retaining plate 9 with the compression spring 5, so that due to the spring or restoring force of the compression spring 5 automatically adjusting the retaining plate 9 and thus an adjustment of the locking pin 3 along its adjustment direction V is effected when the release plate 2 is not further loaded. The locking pin 3 is automatically transferred to its locking position when the release plate 2 is not pressed further in the pivoting direction S1 and the locking pin 3 of the associated locking opening is opposite.

By adjusting the holding plate 9, in particular by (co-) giving away in the pivoting direction S1 and / or moving the holding plate 9 perpendicular to the pivot axis S, (immediately or with delay due to the intermediate compression spring 5) an adjustment of the locking pin 9 along the adjustment V triggered. The holding plate 9 is thus part of a triggering mechanism of the cover, via which a (re) release of the cover 6 can be done by the locking element in the form of the locking pin 3 from the locking position in which the locking pin 3 engages positively in the frame 10 out is adjusted.

Due to the arrangement of four such release plates 2 with corresponding four locking pins 3 on the support frame 60, the cover can only fully open by pivoting the two support frame 60, when all four Release plates 2 are actuated. This is done in the present case by positioning a container on the cover plates 6, which occupies almost completely the interior of the frame 10 and actuates all four release plates 2 simultaneously.

Only then pivot the two support frame 60 with the respective cover plates 6 in the direction of rotation D1 about the axis of rotation D, so that the container can be introduced into the interior of the pit G and on both sides of the now within the pit G extending support frame 60 and their Cover plates 6 is bounded (see. Fig. 2 ).

Upon removal of the container from the pit G then the two support frame 60 and the cover plates arranged thereon 6 are automatically closed again via the restoring forces of the gas springs 4. In this case, the support frames 60 pivot opposite to the directions of rotation D1 until the two abutment angles 8 of each support frame 60 strike the frame section 12. In the (locking) position defined in this way, the locking then takes place via the locking pins 3, which are each prestressed by the compression spring 5 without loading the release plate 2.

In this case, the load of the four release plates 2 eliminated by the container to be removed due to their placement in the corners of the frame 10 completely only when it has no contact with the cover plates 6, 6.

Since the stop angle 8 already prevent further pivoting of the corresponding support frame 60 and the support frame 60 is already in a predefined position within the frame 10, it is ensured that the locking pin 3 without major bias by the compression spring 5 in the locking opening of the locking portion 62 snaps into place.

In the Figures 4-6 a further embodiment of a cover device not according to the invention is shown. This differs mainly by the formation of the locking mechanism and the associated trigger mechanism on the release plates 2, so that matching and provided with the same reference numerals details will not be explained again. Instead of only one acting on a support frame 60 gas spring 4 here each of the two support frame 60 is provided with two identically designed gas springs 4 here.

In contrast to the first embodiment of the Figures 1-3 the frame 10 is in the Fig. 4-6 further no locking portion 62 more. This locking portion 62 was essentially provided for receiving the locking pin 3 for locking the respective cover plate 6 and its support frame 60. For this purpose, the frame 10 has a peripheral edge interrupted only by individual gaps, in which frame section 12 is defined by the gaps.

Furthermore, the second embodiment of the Figures 4-6 a locking mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted locking pawl 3 *.

In the in the FIG. 4 illustrated closed state of the cover, the pawl 3 * surrounds the frame portion 12 by extending on the outside of the frame 10 through a recess or gap of the frame portion 12 therethrough.

Especially from the FIG. 6 is clearly visible, it extends a locking pin 31 of a base body 30 of the locking pawl 3 * parallel to the frame portion 12 and is above the frame portion 12 on this. By loading the locking pawl 3 * with the weight of the support frame 60, a positive connection of the pawl 3 * is realized with the frame portion 12, which locks the support frame 60 and its cover plate 6 in the closed position relative to the frame 10.

Again, when closing the cover device by pivoting the respective support frame 60 to achieve the achievement of a proper locking position regardless of engagement of the locking pawl 3 *, the support frame 60 on both perpendicular to the rotation axis D extending lateral supports a projecting stop collar 8 * on ,

This stop piece 8 * abuts on the underside of the frame portion 12 when the intended locking position is reached, in which the locking pawl 3 * comes with its locking pin 31 on the top of the frame portion 12 to the plant.

Consequently, the frame portion 12, which acts as a counter-stop for the stopper stub 8 *, is located between the arresting pawl 3 * or its locking pin 31 and the stopper stub 8 *. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a cover device is to be formed so that the frame portion 12 of the frame 10 and the edge construction of the cover in a closed state the cover plate 6 is bordered by the positioning means in the form of the stop neck 8 * and a locking element in the form of the locking pawl 3 *.

Thus, the single frame portion 12 serves both a clear positioning of the closing cover plate 6 on the abutting stopper 8 * as well as the interaction with the locking pawl 3 * the fixation or locking of the cover 6 in the closed state. By means of such a construction, it is thus not only possible to integrate additional functions into a smaller number of components, but it also results in a spatial proximity of said components in the closed state of the cover plate 6, by means of which a required tree space is optimized.

In order to solve the introduction of a container in the pit G, the lock on the locking pawl 3 *, also here the locking pawl is connected as a locking mechanism with the trigger plate 2 as part of the trigger mechanism. The trigger plate 2 is also pivotable about a shaft 20 about a pivot axis S stored here.

Compared to the previous embodiment, the trigger plate 2 now pivots about a pivoting direction S1 *, which is opposite to the pivoting direction S1.

The locking pawl 3 * is directly connected to the shaft 20, so that it is also mitverschwenkt about the pivot axis S in the direction of S1 * when the trigger plate 2 is actuated and pivoted by the weight of a container placed thereon. In this case, the locking pawl 3 * is then pivoted so that its locking pin 31 no longer rests on the frame portion 12, which is formed as a peripheral edge on the outside of the frame 10.

So that the locking pawl 3 * returns to the desired locking position without the load on the release plate 2 with the dead weight of a container when the cover device is closed, the locking pawl 3 * is connected to a tension spring 5 *. This tension spring 5 * is fixed with one end to the base body 30 of the locking pawl 3 * and with its other end to a protruding fixing pin 61 of the support frame 60.

As in the previous embodiment of the Figures 1-3 is also provided here that on the stopper stub 8 * as a position means first a intended locking position when closing the cover for the cover plate 6 and the support frame 60 is defined before the lock can be done via the locking pawl 3 *.

Of course, it would also be possible to combine the stopper 8 * with the locking pin 3 and the associated trigger mechanism.

It would also be possible in this case, the locking portion 62 of the frame 10 according to the Figures 1-3 to save and lock the locking pin 3 in a located above the frame portion 12 locking opening. Thus, the frame section 12 would also be located between the stopper stub 8 * and the locking pin 3 connected in a form-fitting manner to the frame 10.

In a further development of the two embodiments, it would be conceivable to control the engagement of the locking pin 3 and the locking pin 31 of the locking pawl 3 * electronically due to the separation of functions by the position means on the one hand and the locking means on the other hand, and thus to further optimize the targeted locking in the closed state. This could prove to be particularly advantageous where correspondingly large and large locking means must be used, which can not or only insufficiently biased by springs.

In the FIGS. 7 and 8th a cover device according to the invention is shown, which instead of the gas spring (s) 4 an alternative, inventive adjustment mechanism for automatically pivoting the cover plates 6 in the closed state.

Herein, the adjustment mechanism of two cables 40, two return elements in the form of two tension springs 42 and a plurality of deflection elements 43 A, 43 B, 44 is formed.

The two cables 40 and their associated components are formed coincident and symmetrical about a central axis of the cover, which is perpendicular to the axes of rotation D, D. It is therefore only one of the two cables 40 described in detail here in detail.

The complete cable 40 extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation D and consists of two mutually symmetrical Seilzugabschnitten 41.1 and 41.2, which are interconnected within the pit G via the tension spring 42.

The end of the respective cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2, which is not connected to the tension spring 42, acts on an attachment point 45 of a lateral support of the support frame 60. In this case, the attachment point 45 is located in the region of a front edge of the support frame 60, which is spaced from the cross member with the hinges for pivoting the support frame 60 and which is pivoted into the pit G when the cover device is opened.

Consequently, a cable pull section 41.1 engages a support frame 60 (in FIGS FIGS. 7 and 8th the left), while the other Seilzugabschnitt 41.2 on the other support frame 60 attacks (in the FIGS. 7 and 8th the right one). The two pivotable support frame 60 of the cover are thus coupled directly to each other via two cables 40.

Via three deflecting elements 44, 43A and 43B, a cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2 of the cable pull 40 is guided on the covering device by the tension spring 42 to the fastening point 45, so that the cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2 is deflected three times around a deflection axis parallel to the axis of rotation D. , The deflection elements 44, 43 A and 43 B, in the FIGS. 7 and 8th are shown only schematically, for example, each a rotatably mounted pulley or a rigid deflection.

Via the (lower) deflecting element 44, the cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2 is initially deflected substantially perpendicularly out of the interior of the pit G and away from the tension spring 42 in the direction of the frame 10. The deflecting element 44 is mounted here on a boom, not shown, fixed to the frame 10, which protrudes from the frame 10 along the side walls of the pit G into the pit G.

The (first upper) deflecting element 43A is fastened to the frame 10 above the opening of the pit G and is located in the region of a trailing edge of the cover plate 6, so that here the deflection axis for cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2 is almost congruent with the axis of rotation D.

The cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2 extends from the deflection element 43A perpendicular to the rotation axis D and substantially parallel to the inner wall 11 to the (second upper) deflection element 43B. In the FIGS. 7 and 8th the two are lost Cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 symmetrical to one another, ie, the cable pull 40 formed by the two cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 and the tension spring is arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry running parallel to the axis of rotation D.

Via the deflecting element 43B, which is in the in FIG. 7 shown closed state of the covering is directly above the attachment point 45, the cable pull section 41.1 and 41.2 is deflected a third time substantially vertically. After this deflection, the cable pull section 41.1 or 41.2 thus runs a short section up to the fastening point 45 in the direction of the pit interior of the pit G.

Now, if the cover is opened and pivot the support frame 60 with its respective cover plate 6 about the axis of rotation D in the interior of the pit G, the ends of the cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2, which are fixed to the pivoted front edge of the support frame 60, pulled along.

Due to the elasticity of the tension spring 42, the cable 40 can lengthen. He allows starting from the in FIG. 7 shown state the opening of the cover with sufficient force on the cover plates 6 and the support frame 60, when this force is greater than a restoring force or spring force of the tension spring 42nd

Consequently, the ends of the cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 connected to the tension spring 42 move away from one another during the opening movement of the two cover plates 6.

Thus, consequently, the distance between the two cable ends or the distance between the two free, not connected to the restoring element in the form of tension spring 42 ends of the cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 (ie the ends, each at an attachment point 45 at a length of the cable 40 engage a support frame 60) understood, which is measured along the longitudinal extent of the entire cable 40. A portion of this distance in the region of the tension spring 42 (as part of the cable 40) results in the length L1 (in the relaxed state of the tension spring 42 according to FIG. 7 ) or L2 (in the tensioned state of the tension spring 42 according to the FIG. 8 ) an imaginary straight connecting line extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable 40 between the two connected to the tension spring 42 ends of the cable pull sections 41.1, 41.2 on the tension spring 42 away.

As soon as the force on the cover plates 6 or on the support frame 60 drops below the restoring force of the tension spring 42, it draws the ends of the cable pull section 41.1 and 41.2 connected to it back toward one another and thus shortens the cable pull 40 again. About the deflection of the cable sections 41.1 and 41.2 while the mitverschwenkte other end of the cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 is pulled in the direction of the frame 10. The cover plates 6 and their support frame 60 are analogously again in the closed position corresponding to FIG. 7 transferred and the cover device automatically closed.

In the closed state can then, for example, a lock according to the Figures 1-3 or 4-6.

The two tension springs 42 of the two cables 40 are designed so that they on the one hand apply the required restoring force to safely return the cover plates 6 in the closed state can. On the other hand, the restoring force is just so great that when positioning a container on the cover plates 6 and after releasing the locking mechanism, the support frame 60 can be pivoted by elongation of the two cables 40 due to the additional weight of the container.

As already explained at the outset, a tension spring 42 can also be replaced by an alternative, spring-mounted mechanism as a restoring element. As an example, at this point again a cable drum mentioned in the closed state of the FIG. 7 , The cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 are wound in sections and can be handled while opening the cover against a force acting on the cable drum restoring force or spring force. Also, a plurality of return elements may be provided within the cable.

In accordance with the with the FIGS. 7 and 8th illustrated embodiment, it can also be provided that a respectively repeatedly deflected cable 40 * only for an adjustment of a single cover plate 6 or only for one of the two cover plates 6 ^ covering device, as shown in the Figures 9 and 10 is shown used. Both cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2, which are elastically connected to one another via at least one restoring element, such as the tension spring 42, engage on a cover plate 6. Starting from a connected to the cover plate 6 end of a cable section 41.1 of the cable 40 * repeatedly deflected over a return element in the form of the tension spring 42 to a likewise connected to the cover plate 6 end of the other Seilzugabschnittes 41.2. In this case, the cable 40 * is arranged in such a way and (via the deflecting elements 43A, 43B, 44) deflected, that the two cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 each engage at opposite areas on the cover plate 6 and its support frame 60. Furthermore, the cable pull 40 * formed by the two cable pull sections 41.1 and 41.2 and the tension spring extends as in FIGS Figures 9 and 10 shown, preferably symmetrically to a plane transverse to the axis of rotation D symmetry plane to ensure the most uniform adjustment of the cover plate 6.

When pivoting the cover plate 6 in the interior of the pit G from a closed state (see FIG. 9 ) in a fully open state (see FIG. 10 ), the cable 40 * is varied in length here as well. A part of the Cable length in the region of acting as a return element tension spring 42 therefore also here has different lengths L1 * (in the relaxed state of the tension spring 42 according to FIG. 9 ) or L2 * (in the tensioned state of the tension spring 42 according to the FIG. 10 ) on. Here, these lengths again arise as lengths of an imaginary straight connecting line extending along the longitudinal direction of the cable 40 * between the two connected to the tension spring 42 ends of the cable pull sections 41.1, 41.2 on the tension spring 42 away.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

downspout

10

frame

11

inner wall

12

frame section

2

release plate

20

wave

3

locking pin

3 *

locking pawl

30

base body

31

locking pin

4

Gas spring

5

compression spring

5 *

tension spring

6

cover

60

support frame

61

fastening pin

62

locking section

7

supporting strip

8th

Squares

8th*

stop socket

9

Retaining plate

D

axis of rotation

D1

direction of rotation

G

pit

L1, L1 *, L2, L2 *

length

S

swivel axis

S1, S1 *

pan direction

V

locking direction

40, 40 *

cable

41.1

cable section

41.2

cable section

42

mainspring

43A, 43B

(upper) deflecting element

44

(lower) deflecting element

45

fastening point

Claims (15)

1. Covering device for covering a pit (G), with an edge construction (10) fixed to an edge of the pit (G) and with at least one covering plate (6) which at least partially covers the pit (G) in a closed state of the covering device, wherein, to open and close the covering device, the covering plate (6) is arranged pivotably on the edge construction (10) and the covering plate (6) can be pivoted automatically into the closed state after opening by means of an adjusting mechanism, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism comprises at least one control cable (40, 40*) with two control cable portions (41.1, 41.2), of which at least one acts on the covering plate (6) and which both are connected to one another via at least one return element (42) in such a way that the control cable (40, 40*) is varied in its length to open and close the covering device.
2. Covering device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control cable portions (41.1, 41.2) are connected to one another via the return element (42) in such a way that the control cable (40, 40*) is lengthened when opening the covering device and is automatically shortened via the return element (42) in order to pivot the covering plate (6) into the closed state.
3. Covering device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism is designed in such a way that the return element has a spring element (42), the spring element (42) is tensioned via the control cable portions (41.1, 41.2) when opening the covering plate (6) and exerts a return force is exerted on the opened covering plate (6) via the control cable portions (41.1, 41.2) in order to pivot said covering plate into the closed state.
4. Covering device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the return element is a rotatably mounted cable drum which is connected to a spiral spring.
5. Covering device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control cable portions (41.1, 41.2) are connected to one another only via at least one spring element (42) as return element.
6. Covering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for guiding the control cable (40, 40*), the covering device has deflection elements (43A, 43B, 44) via which the control cable (40, 40*) is deflected.
7. Covering device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the control cable is deflected via deflection elements (43A, 43B) which are arranged on the edge construction (10).
8. Covering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of control cables (40, 40*) with in each case control cable portions (41.1, 41.2) connected to one another via a return element (42) are used.
9. Covering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device comprises at least two mutually opposite covering plates (6) which at least partially cover the pit (G) in a closed state of the covering device, the covering plates (6) are arranged pivotably on the edge construction (10) for opening and closing the covering device and can be automatically pivoted into the closed state after opening by means of the adjusting mechanism, wherein the two control cable portions (41.1, 41.2) of the control cable (40) in each case act on a covering plate.
10. Covering device according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two control cable portions (41.2, 41.2) in each case act on one of two covering plates (6) which at least partially cover the pit (G) in a closed state of the covering device and are pivotably arranged on the edge construction (10) for opening and closing the covering device, or act on a single pivotable covering plate (6), so that both ends of the control cable (40*) are connected at different, spaced-apart points to exactly one pivotable covering plate (6).
11. Covering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device has a retaining mechanism with at least one retaining element (3, 3*) by means of which the covering plate (6) can be automatically retained in the closed state.
12. Covering device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the retaining element (3, 3*) is coupled to a spring element (5, 5*) which exerts a spring force on the retaining element (3, 3*) in order, on reaching a retaining position, to transfer the retaining element (3, 3*) into a locking position in which the retaining element (3, 3*) retains the covering plate (6).
13. Covering device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the retaining element (3, 3*) has a spring-mounted bolt (3) or pin (31) which is connected in a form-fitting manner to the edge construction (10) in the locking position.
14. Covering device according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the retaining element (3) is coupled to the spring element (5) via a holding plate (9) which can be adjusted along at least one spatial direction, in particular via a pivotably and/or displaceably mounted holding plate (9), so that, on reaching a retaining position, the retaining element (3) is automatically transferred along an adjusting direction (V) into a locking position by adjusting the holding plate (9), wherein the adjusting direction (V) of the retaining element (3) and the spatial direction along which the holding plate (9) is adjustable are different.
15. Covering device according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the retaining mechanism is connected to a release mechanism (2) of the covering device which automatically triggers the opening of the covering plate (6) when an object to be introduced into the pit (G) is positioned as intended on the covering plate (6) in the closed state.

Images