DE20103088U1 - Fastening device for a gutter cover - Google Patents

Description

Attorney file: 20004475

Applicant: Hauraton Betonwarenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG

Werkstrasse 13 + 14

D-76437 Rastatt ■

Fastening device for a gutter cover

10 15 20 25 30

The invention relates to a fastening device for a gutter cover, preferably a grate, to be accommodated in a gutter frame of a drainage gutter for screwless connection of the gutter cover to the drainage gutter.

Such a fastening device is already known from DE 195 23 97 0 C2. In this known solution, the attachable gutter cover is secured with a crossbar which is connected to the gutter cover and can be rotated when the gutter cover is attached so that it is in a secured position transverse to the longitudinal extension of the drainage channel. The crossbar engages in corresponding recesses in the side walls of the drainage channel. This is a securing of the gutter cover against unauthorized removal of the cover. In order to provide additional axial securing of the cover, i.e. against displacement of the cover in the longitudinal direction of the drainage channel when vehicles drive over it, particularly in the case of drainage channels that are used in road traffic, a crossbar on the drainage channel has a crossbar which is connected to the gutter cover and which can be rotated when the gutter cover is attached.

. .laid-up: Rri;nrrej\zQrge ;or at least· one ···· »·· ····

20004475/20.02.2001/ed.'

The side wall of the drainage channel has at least one pin, tenon and/or cam which protrudes in the direction of the cover and which positively engages in a corresponding recess in the channel cover.

In this context, a device for locking grates in the frames of drainage channels is also known from EP-908568 A1. The frame of the drainage channel is provided with a protruding spring tongue that forms a force-locking connection with a locking lug on the mounted grate as soon as the grate is inserted into the frame. This is intended to prevent the grate from shifting or twisting relative to the frame. In particular, this is intended to create a secure locking of the grate that can withstand high loads.

Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of creating an improved screwless connection between the gutter cover and the drainage channel or the gutter frame connected to the drainage channel.

The object underlying the invention is achieved in conjunction with a generic drainage channel and channel cover according to the features of the main claim.

According to the features of the fastening device according to the invention, a simple force-locking connection is described which can be made and released again on site without any additional tools or aids.

I ft 'ft

• ft ft

ft ft ft

• ft ft

ft ft

• ft

' ft ft

fts ·

2000447 5/20. 02

· 3 -

Snapping the gutter cover or the bast nose of the gutter cover into the recess creates a robust and easy-to-check connection.

Because the locking recesses in the side walls and/or gutter frames are open upwards and towards the inside of the gutter, the locking recesses in question can be cleaned by simply spraying them out without the need for any special tools if they become dirty. This is a significant advantage during assembly, as such recesses often become clogged quickly. Because the gutter cover also has a corresponding recess, which is at least partially aligned with the openings in the gutter frame or side walls when properly assembled, this advantage remains even when the gutter is assembled or partially assembled.

Ideally, the side wall of the drainage channel is made of plastic and is therefore suitable for forming the aforementioned snap connection.

It is advantageous if the aforementioned locking recesses on the drainage channel are arranged opposite one another when viewed in cross-section. This provides a uniform and resilient snap connection between the drainage channel and the channel cover.

The frictional connection between the gutter cover and the drainage channel explained above can be converted into a positive-locking connection by inserting a simple securing element into the openings mentioned in such a way that the securing web is overlapped in a form-fitting and friction-fitting manner.

20004475/02/20/2001/ed.·.·- * : J,

-A-

The gutter cover can then only be removed after the securing element has been loosened. Depending on the quality of the frictional connection achieved, the drainage channel can even be lifted up by the gutter cover for transport purposes. Finally, the securing elements mentioned can also compensate for manufacturing tolerances. Once snapped in, the cover remains dimensionally stable and permanently connected to the respective gutter. This is another important advantage of the fastening device according to the invention, because the use of the same gutter cover with different frames and in particular the durability of the connection produced represents a quality feature and reduces manufacturing costs by increasing the number of units.

The securing element can preferably be designed as a U-shaped retaining bracket, the side legs of which are inserted through the aforementioned openings in the gutter frame and cover, thereby creating a positive locking connection with the frame and gutter cover. The securing element thus creates a positive snap and locking connection between the gutter cover and the respective side wall or gutter frame, which can be arranged without any additional tools on the construction site or during pre-assembly. The connection can be easily closed and also released again without any additional tools.

Because the gutter cover is additionally provided with locking pins on the underside that protrude in the direction of the gutter frame or the respective side wall, the gutter cover is also effectively secured against longitudinal displacement in the longitudinal direction of the gutter.

20004475/20.02.2001/ed.* ^#

As an alternative or additional design, a raised area protruding in the direction of the gutter cover can also be formed on the corresponding side wall or gutter frame. When installed correctly, the raised area engages with a corresponding recess in the gutter cover to prevent the gutter cover from moving longitudinally. This is particularly relevant for drainage channels that are used in the street area and are subject to shear loads.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frame of the drainage channel is provided with a spring tongue which has a holding recess for receiving a spreading arm of a corresponding securing element. The channel cover is inserted into the frame by overcoming the spring force of the spring tongue, whereby, if installed correctly, the spring springs back after installation is complete and provides a force-locking securing of the channel cover. The fact that the spreading arm of the securing element is pushed into the aforementioned holding recess of the spring tongue during installation prevents the spring tongue from slipping again, so that the force-locking of the detachable connection between the frame and the channel cover is increased accordingly.

In an advantageous further development, the spring tongue is provided with a locking lip which is supported against the mounted gutter cover.
30

It has been shown that in this design the gutter cover is advantageously mounted at the same time as the securing element.

5/20.02.2001/edg _>: '_##:;_# * : _## &iacgr;

In order to enable the simultaneous installation of the gutter cover and the securing element, the securing element has an expansion dowel for a force-locking connection with the gutter cover. The securing element is therefore first attached to the gutter cover using the expansion dowel and is thus pre-assembled on the gutter cover in the desired position.

The gutter cover fitted with the securing element in this way can then be inserted into the gutter frame. When the gutter cover is being installed, the spring tongue initially moves back and then snaps back into place, with the expansion arm of the securing element gripping behind the spring tongue as it snaps back in such a way that the spring tongue can only move back out again when the securing element is removed. The expansion anchor is therefore essentially an assembly aid.

The above design requires a high degree of precision fit of all parts and precise assembly. A greater manufacturing tolerance and even easier assembly is achieved if the locking element is made in two parts such that the expanding arm is provided with an insertion slot for an expanding mandrel. Without the expanding mandrel inserted, the expanding mandrel is initially quite flexible and can easily be pushed through the retaining recess behind the spring tongue. Only after assembly is completed is the expanding arm stiffened by inserting the expanding mandrel, thereby creating a positive connection between the spring tongue and the adjacent locking lip.

20004475/02/20/2001/hg _# .* _## .'_# * \.&iacgr;

The securing effect of the spring tongue can be increased by providing the spreading arm with a locking bead at its end which engages under the spring tongue, which, when installed as intended, engages behind the locking lip of the spring tongue in a form-fitting manner.

The invention is explained in more detail below using several embodiments. -

Show it:

Fig. 1 a drainage channel with attached channel cover in a plan view,

Fig. 2 a cross section of this drainage channel

along the section line II - II,

Fig. 3 a cross section of this drainage channel

along the section line III - III,
20

Fig. 4 shows a locking element of another design inserted into a frame in a detailed view;

Fig. 5 another embodiment of the safety element

ments in a detail and individual part view,

Fig. 6 the assembled securing element according to Fig. 5 in a detailed view,

20004475/20. 02. 2001/ed .·

Fig. 8 a cross-section of another drainage channel along the section line II - II and

Fig. 9 shows a cross section of this other drainage channel along the section line III III.

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a gutter cover 2 inserted into a gutter frame 1. The gutter cover 2 is a cast cover with water outlets 3 and crossbars 4, which is inserted into the gutter frame 1. By inserting the gutter cover 2 into the gutter frame 1, the gutter cover 2 is guided longitudinally. In addition, the gutter cover 2 has vertical locking pins 5 protruding from the underside to form a positive connection with the gutter frame 1.

This positive connection provides protection against any longitudinal displacement of the gutter cover 2 in the gutter frame 1, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the drainage channel 12. Such protection is particularly important in higher load classes and for gutter covers 2 that are also subject to shear loads from road traffic.

In addition, the gutter cover 2 is secured to the gutter frame 1 by a securing element 6 for transport purposes. The securing element 6 is inserted into an opening 10 in the gutter cover 2, which, when assembled, is aligned with an opening 11 in the gutter frame 1. The opening 10 is in engagement with a raised portion 9 on the gutter side.

20004475/20. 02. 2001/hg^, .·*, * &iacgr;,.&idigr;

The latter positive connection also serves to secure the gutter cover 2 against possible longitudinal displacement.

The opening 11 of the gutter frame 1 is limited by a securing web 7, which is overlapped by the U-shaped securing element 6.

The openings 10 and 11 of the gutter cover 2 and the gutter frame 1 are arranged opposite one another on the cross-section of the drainage channel 12. The area of the gutter cover 2 covering the gutter frame 1 is referred to below as the support area 8.

According to Figure 2, the gutter frame 1 of a drainage gutter 12 is provided with a locking recess 13, 13' extending in sections or over the entire gutter frame 1. The locking recesses 13 and 13' are designed as recesses in the side walls 14, 14', the upper edge of which is each designed as a gutter frame 1. In Figure 2, the positive connection of the gutter cover 2 to the drainage gutter 12 via the locking pin 5, 5' received in a corresponding hole in the gutter frame 1 is also clearly visible. The locking pins 5, 5' are also arranged on both sides, opposite one another in cross section, in the support area 8.

According to Fig. 3, the locking recess 13, 13' is open upwards to accommodate a leg of the securing element 6, wherein the opening 11 of the gutter frame 1 is limited on one side by the securing web 7.

20004475/20. 02. 2001/ed.·*,

- 10 -

The gutter cover 2 has locking lugs 15 which protrude at least in sections in the direction of the side walls 14, 14' and which, when installed as intended, engage in the locking recess 13, 13' in such a way that the locking lugs 15, 15' each engage under the corresponding securing web 7, 7'. According to Fig. 3, the locking lugs 15, 15' are each formed on both sides so that the gutter cover 2 is inserted into the gutter frame 1 by overcoming a spring force inherent in the side walls 14, 14' in such a way that the locking recesses 13, 13' engage in the locking recess 13 in the sense of a snap connection. The detachable and force-locking snap connection created in this way is additionally secured by the securing element 6 in such a way that this securing element is pushed into the openings 10 and 11 and the side legs of the U-shaped securing element 6 lock in such a way that a further force-locking connection is provided. The correspondingly snapped-in gutter cover 2 also represents a dimensionally accurate securing of the drainage gutter 12.

The securing element 6 can be dimensioned and designed in such a way that the entire drainage channel 12 can be lifted up on the channel cover 2 without the weight of the rest of the channel being able to loosen this connection. The drainage channel 12 secured in this way can therefore be easily lifted up on the channel cover 2 and transported safely.

By means of the inserted safety element 6, which is visible on the upper side as shown in Fig. 1, it is also immediately apparent whether such a safety device is present or not.

20004 47 5/20. 02. 2001/hg

The connection provided by the securing element 6 also provides an improved connection between the gutter frame 1 and the gutter cover 2, which can, for example, compensate for corresponding manufacturing tolerances. The securing element 6 also protects the locking recess 13 underneath from dirt and deposits.

In an alternative embodiment, according to Fig. 4, the securing element 6 ^y can also be designed with a spreading arm 16, which is inserted behind the spring tongue 17 with a spring tongue 17 facing the gutter cover 2 in order to block the spring travel. The spring tongue 17 is provided for this purpose with a holding recess 20, which is delimited on the side facing the gutter cover 2 by a locking lip 21.

In addition, the securing element ^6λ shown in Fig. 4 has an expansion dowel 22 in order to be able to connect the securing element ^6λ to the gutter cover 2 for assembly purposes.

When installing a gutter cover 2 in a gutter frame 1, as shown in Fig. 2 ^{, the securing element 6λ} is first connected to the gutter cover 2 via the expansion dowel 22. During installation, the gutter cover 2 is then inserted into the frame 1. The spring tongue 17 is initially pressed against the frame 1 by overcoming the spring force and can then, due to the spring force inherent in the spring tongue 17, spring out again above the installed gutter cover 2 in such a way that the locking lip 21 blocks the gutter cover 2 in a form-fitting manner.

HF VMi

&Ugr; ^:

&igr;&Ugr;;

20004475/02/20/2001/ed _e .] _#e .'_e'I ^

At the same time, when the gutter cover 2 is inserted and the spring tongue 17 snaps back, the spreading arm 16 of the securing ^element 6λ is brought into engagement with the spring tongue 17 through the holding recess 20 in such a way that the spring tongue 17 is prevented from slipping again because the spring travel of the spring tongue 17 is blocked by the spreading arm 16 engaging behind the spring tongue 17 when installed as intended.

Here too, the securing element 6λ provides additional security for the force-locking connection between the frame 1 and the gutter ^cover 2. This connection is also designed so that the entire drainage channel 12 can be transported on the gutter cover 2 and the aforementioned connection is reinforced overall in terms of force-locking. In order to be able to remove the gutter cover 2, for example for cleaning or repair purposes, the securing element ^6λ should first be removed. In other words, the securing element ^6λ can be used for transport purposes if required in order to reinforce the connection between the frame 1 and the gutter cover 2 accordingly.

A further embodiment is shown in Figs. 5 and ^6. A further securing element 6 is shown which is provided with an expansion arm 16 and an expansion ^{dowel 22.} In contrast to the previously mentioned embodiment ^, the expansion arm 16 is additionally provided with a locking bead 23 and an insertion slot 24 for receiving an expansion mandrel 25.

The assembly of the version according to Fig. 5 and 6 initially proceeds analogously to the version according to Fig. 4.

20004475/20.02.2001/ed.· .· ' : :

- 13 -

However, assembly is made easier by the fact that the rigidity of the spreading arm 16 ^λλ required to secure the connection between the gutter cover 2 and the frame 1 is only achieved when the spreading mandrel 25 is pushed into the insertion slot 24 after assembly has already taken place, and the spreading arm 16 ^νλ is thereby stiffened in such a way that the locking bead 23 of the securing element 6 ^λλ engages under the locking lip 21 of the spring tongue 17 in a positive and non-positive manner. The advantage of the design according to Figs. 5 and 6 is therefore that when the gutter cover 2 is assembled in the frame 1, the pre-assembled securing element 6 ^λλ the spreading arm 16 ^x>, due to its flexible design, initially facilitates the assembly and in particular the insertion into the holding recess 20 and is only secured with the spreading mandrel 25 to finally secure the connection between the gutter cover 2 and the frame 1. The assembled spreading mandrel 25 is completely accommodated in the securing element 6 ^>�Lgr;.

An alternative design of the drainage channel is shown in Figures 8 and 9. According to Figure 8, a raised portion 9 on the channel side engages with a corresponding recess in the channel cover 2 in the sense of a longitudinal securing means. This can be an additional or alternative securing means to the locking bolts 5, 5', which were explained above.

According to Figure 9, a securing pin 26 is inserted into the openings 10 and 11 of the gutter frame 1 and the gutter cover 2, which are aligned as shown in Figure 8, in the sense of the securing elements 6, 6', 6" of the above statements, the expanding lugs 30 and 31 of which engage under the securing web 7 and the gutter-side elevation 9.

20004475/20.02.2001/hg ,·

- 14 -

This alternative snap lock in turn achieves a positive connection between the gutter cover 2 and the gutter frame 1.

As is clear from the above embodiments, an improved screwless connection of the gutter cover with the drainage channel2 is described above.

First, a force-locking connection is created by snapping the gutter cover into a corresponding recess without any tools in a simple manner during pre-assembly or on site. The advantage of this connection is the increased tolerance compared to known connections and the easier handling on site.

By locking it with an additional safety element, the connection can be converted into a positive connection. As an additional practical side effect, this safety device can also be used for transport purposes.

• ···· φ t f. f ·

Geitz & Truckenmüller

Patent Attorneys Kriegsstraße 234 · D-76135 Karlsruhe

10

Attorney file: 20004475 Applicant: Hauraton Betonwarenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG

Werkstrasse 13 + 14 D-76437 Rastatt

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

15 20 25

35 40

1
2 5' Gutter frame
Gutter cover 3 ^6X , 6* Water passages 4 Crossbars 5, Locking pin 6, 9' ^&lgr; securing element 7 Safety bridge 8th Support area 9, gutter-side elevation 10 13' Opening the gutter cover 11 14' Opening the gutter frame 12 15' Drainage channel 13, 16" Recess 14, Side wall 15, locking lug 16, Spreader arm 17 22 ^&lgr; Spring tongue 20 Retaining recess 21 Locking lip 22, Expansion anchor 23 Locking bead 24 31 Insertion slot 25 Expanding mandrel 26 Locking pin 30, Splay nose

45

Claims (13)

1. Fastening device for a gutter cover ( 2 ), preferably a grate, to be accommodated in a gutter frame ( 1 ) or on correspondingly designed side walls ( 14 ) of a drainage gutter ( 12 ), for screwless connection of this gutter cover to the drainage gutter ( 12 ), characterized in that the side walls ( 14 ) and/or the gutter frame ( 1 ) of the drainage gutter ( 12 ) are provided on the side facing the interior of the drainage gutter ( 12 ) with at least one locking recess ( 13 ), which is each open at least in the direction of the respective opposite side wall ( 14 ') in such a way that a locking lug ( 15 ) of the gutter cover ( 2 ) protruding on the underside when installed as intended engages in this locking recess ( 13 ) to form a force-fitting connection. 2. Fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gutter frame ( 1 ) or at least one side wall ( 14 , 14 ') of the drainage gutter ( 12 ) are each provided with an upwardly facing opening ( 10 , 11 ) in the region of this locking recess ( 13 ) or the locking lug ( 15 ), which are at least partially aligned with one another when the locking lug ( 15 ) is snapped into the locking recess ( 13 ) with the interposition of a securing web ( 7 ) of the gutter frame ( 1 ). 3. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the side wall ( 14 , 14 ') having the respective locking recess ( 13 ) is designed to be resilient in such a way that the locking lug ( 15 ) snaps into the locking recess ( 13 ) by overcoming the spring force of this side wall ( 14 , 14 ') when the gutter cover ( 2 ) is mounted as intended. 4. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls ( 14 , 14 ') of the drainage channel ( 12 ) in the frame area are each provided with locking recesses ( 13 ) opposite one another for receiving the corresponding locking lugs ( 15 ) of the channel cover ( 2 ). 5. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a securing element ( 6 , 26 ) at least partially overlapping this securing web ( 7 ) can be inserted into both openings ( 10 , 11 ) in a locking manner to form a snap connection in such a way that a positive connection of the gutter cover ( 2 ) to the drainage gutter ( 12 ) is thereby formed. 6. Fastening device according to claim 5, characterized in that the securing element ( 6 ) is designed essentially as a U-shaped retaining bracket, the legs of which form a positive locking connection with the respective openings ( 10 , 11 ) of the gutter frame ( 1 ) or the corresponding side wall ( 14 , 14 ') and the gutter cover ( 2 ) when the gutter cover ( 2 ) is installed as intended. 7. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gutter cover ( 2 ) is provided with at least one locking pin ( 5 ) projecting from the underside in the direction of the drainage gutter ( 12 ) in a support area ( 8 ) which, when properly installed, overlaps the gutter frame ( 1 ) or the correspondingly designed side wall ( 14 , 14 '), which in each case comes into a positive connection with a corresponding bore in the respective side wall (14, 14') and/or the gutter frame ( 1 ). 8. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gutter frame ( 1 ) or at least one of the side walls (14, 14') is provided with at least one gutter-side elevation ( 9 ) which engages with the gutter cover ( 2 ) when properly installed. 9. Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gutter frame ( 1 ) of the drainage gutter ( 12 ) is provided with a spring tongue ( 17 ) which, when properly installed, faces the respective opposite side wall ( 14 or 14 '), said spring tongue ( 17 ) being provided with a holding recess ( 20 ) for receiving a projecting spreading arm ( 16 ) of a securing element ( 6 ) and a locking lip ( 21 ) for frictional engagement with the gutter cover ( 2 ). 10. Fastening device according to claim 9, characterized in that when the gutter cover ( 2 ) and the securing element ( 6 ) are mounted as intended, the spreading arm ( 16 ) of the securing element ( 6 ) engages behind the spring tongue ( 17 ) in such a way that the locking lip ( 21 ) of the spring tongue ( 17 ) is effectively prevented from moving away from the mounted gutter cover ( 2 ). 11. Fastening device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the securing element ( 6 ) has an expansion dowel ( 22 ) for the force-fitting connection to the gutter cover ( 2 ), preferably to a web of a grate. 12. Fastening device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the spreading arms ( 16 ) of the securing element ( 6 ') are designed to be resilient and have a preferably continuously tapering insertion slot ( 24 ) for receiving an expanding mandrel ( 25 ) which widens the cross section of the spreading arm ( 16 ). 13. Fastening device according to claim 12, characterized in that the spreading arms ( 16 ) engaging behind the spring tongue ( 17 ) are provided with a locking bead ( 23 ) which, when properly assembled, engages under the locking lip ( 21 ) of the spring tongue ( 17 ) and which can be brought into contact with the locking lip ( 21 ) of the spring tongue ( 17 ) in particular by the inserted spreading mandrel ( 25 ).