EP2921594B1 - Drain closure plug - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a closure plug for a drain opening of a drainage channel of a basin or a tub according to the preambles of claims 1 and 4.

A sealing plug with the features of the preambles of claims 1 and 4 is made JP 2005 048355 A known. This document is considered to be the closest prior art.

JP H11200447 A discloses a closure plug for a drainage aperture of a drainage channel of a basin or trough having a rotationally adjustable stop for a closing and opening arm of the drainage channel and no container for a gradually consumed substance or agent in the water.

DE 10 2004 057 537 A1 discloses a sealing plug with a container without through-openings for a gradually consumed in the water substance or means, namely with a bellows as part of a hydraulic Wegübertragers containing a arranged under a vanity further bellows, with which the container is in fluid communication. The container is infinitely variable in length along its longitudinal axis and not so as to be adaptable to a base height of a closing and opening arm in the drainage channel.

WO 2004/100742 A1 discloses a plug for drainage of a drainage channel of a basin, tub or the like along a longitudinal axis from top to bottom comprising: an upper part visible from above in the drainage opening; a container open to upper and lower ends, the upper end of which is connected to the upper part, the container having, at the upper end, an outwardly projecting outer closing edge adapted to fit the discharge opening to perform a closing function; and the side has a wall; and a bottom which is the lowest part of the sealing plug along the longitudinal axis.

Sealing plug for a drain opening of a drainage channel of a basin, a tub or the like are each also off DE 20 2009 015538 U1 . US 2004/255378 A1 and US 2008/168596 A1 known.

Sealing plugs for the drainage opening of the basin or the tub of interest here have a fitting on the edge of the drain opening of the basin or the tub closure part with a closure edge in order to seal with the drain opening in a closed position can. In an open position the stands Close the plug slightly out of the drain opening so that the closing edge is not seated on the drain opening in order to allow water to flow in between. In this case, preferably in the closed as well as in the open position, the closure plug projects through the drainage opening into the drainage channel in order to obtain a guide through the tubular design of the drainage channel. Such plugs are found for example in water or sink, sinks, bathtubs, shower trays or other basins or tubs, referred to briefly as the basin or tub.

EP 1 580 337 A1 discloses a sealing plug with a container for a gradually consuming substance or agent in the water. In this case, a lower part of the container below the bottom in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plug on a screw with which the length of the sealing plug can be adjusted so as to be adaptable to different outlets or drainage channels with differently high arranged closure and opening arms.

FR 2 837 224 discloses another sealing plug with a sealing surface having and at the edge of the drain opening immediately adjacent closure part, on the downstream side a water-flowed, partially open carrier is provided, the carrier can absorb the gradually consumed in the water substance. In the region of the drain opening, a grid structure with a multiplicity of passage openings is provided for exchanging the water and the substance that gradually consumes water.

US 3,112,499 discloses a further sealing plug with the sealing surface having and at the edge of the drain opening directly engageable closure part, on the downstream side a water-flowed, partially open carrier is provided, wherein the carrier absorbs the gradually consumed in the water substance and in the region of the drain opening between a number of wall ribs having a plurality of passage openings.

DE 102 20 996 discloses another closure plug having a plug-like and a sieve-like end, wherein the plug-like end has a seal member fixedly connected to the screen-like end for circumferentially securing in the drainage tube and a lid member or closure member detachably connected to the seal member. In a main body of the sieve-like end is an inlet opening for the water provided, wherein the water runs through the sieve-like end. The sieve-like end is not suitable for absorbing a substance which gradually consumes water, but serves only to catch hair.

The located below the drain opening parts of the basin or drain pipe or the sealing plug itself are difficult to access and therefore can hardly be cleaned. It forms deposits there, which often have unpleasant odors result. Therefore, the stopper should be able to absorb the gradually consumed substance in the water or the agent. In this case, the substance or the agent contains, for example, a deodorant, an antibacterial and / or fungicidal substances. The stopper should also be able to absorb as much of the substance or agent as possible, in order to refill only at the largest possible intervals. Also, the substance or the agent should be easy to fill. Different heights of the occlusion and orifice arm in the drainage channel are sometimes problematic because the sealing plugs are often not adaptable because they are either too short or too long.

The invention is therefore based on the object to eliminate disadvantages of the prior art, to provide a sealing plug that is as easy to adapt to different heights of a closing and Öffnungsarms in the drainage channel, which can accommodate as much of a gradually consumed in the water substance , and as easy as possible to refill.

The above object is achieved by sealing plugs having the features of independent claims 1 and 4. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• ein oberes Verschlussteil, das von oben in der Ablauföffnung sichtbar ist;
• einen Behälter, der zu einem oberen und unteren Ende hin offen ist, dessen oberes Ende mit dem Verschlussteil verbunden und davon abgeschlossen ist, wobei der Behälter am oberen Ende einen nach außen überstehenden äußeren Verschlussrand aufweist, der passend zur Ablauföffnung ausgebildet ist, um eine Verschließfunktion auszuüben, und der seitlich eine Wand mit mindestens einer Durchtrittsöffnung aufweist, die ausgebildet sind,
• eine sich im Wasser allmählich verbrauchende Substanz oder ein Mittel aufzunehmen und über die Durchtrittsöffnung Wasser und Duftstoffe mit dem Ablaufkanal auszutauschen;
• einen Boden, der das untere Ende des Behälters verschließt.

A closure plug for a drainage opening of a drainage channel of a basin, a tub or the like comprises, viewed along its longitudinal axis from top to bottom, the following:

• an upper closure member visible from above in the drainage aperture;
• a container which is open to an upper and lower end, the upper end of which is connected to the closure part and is closed off, wherein the container at the upper end has an outwardly projecting outer closure edge, which is formed to match the drain opening to a closing function exercise, and the side has a wall with at least one passage opening, which are formed
• to absorb a gradually consumed in the water substance or a means and exchange through the passage opening water and fragrances with the drainage channel;
• a bottom which closes the lower end of the container.

In this case, the bottom, which along the longitudinal axis is the lowermost part of the sealing plug, according to the invention is designed as a stop for a closing and opening arm of the drainage channel, wherein the container along its longitudinal axis in its length is adjustable, thereby a base height of the closure and opening arm to be adaptable in the drainage channel.

As a result, the length of the closure stopper can be adapted to the base height of the closing and opening arm of the drainage channel, while at the same time having the maximum fill quantity, since the entire space for the substance or agent can be used along the longitudinal axis and no space is given away. This automatically results in maximum filling capacity and good adaptability to the base height of the closing and opening arm in the discharge channel.

The specified in claim 1 embodiment of the invention comprises the container with an upper and a separate lower container part, which can be moved into one another detent, so as to be able to adapt a length of Verschlußstopfens to the base height. By adapting the length to the base height, an optimal filling capacity for the corresponding outflow channel automatically sets in as well. Locking lugs simply engage in corresponding locking holes of the respective other container part, so that an adjustment of the length can be made easily without further aids by untrained persons. In this case, the container can preferably be filled from above by a simple removal of the upper end part with the substance or the agent and then simply closed again. Alternatively preferably, the container can also be opened at the lower end by a removable or unscrewable bottom part with the bottom, filled with the substance or the agent and then simply closed again.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention specified in claim 4, the container has an accordion-like part, by the adjustment of which the length of the closure plug can be adapted to the base height. In this case, the accordion-like part is preferably designed so that when adjusting a holding force must be overcome and the accordion-like part then remains with a holding force in its respective position. By adjusting the length to the base height arises here as well automatically an optimal filling capacity for the corresponding drainage channel. A pulling apart and pushing together the accordion-like part are easily vornehmbar without further aids and by untrained persons. In this case, the container can preferably be filled from above by a simple removal of the upper end part with the substance or the agent and then simply closed again. Alternatively preferably, the container can also be opened at the lower end by a removable or unscrewable bottom part with the bottom, filled with the substance or the agent and then simply closed again.

By unscrewing the bottom part at the lower end of the sealing plug in order to fill the closure plug with the substance or the agent, the space in the upper closure part, which is formed convex upwards, can also be filled so that a maximum filling volume or volume is created Filling capacity results.

A preferred embodiment according to the present invention is illustrated in the following drawings and detailed description, but is not intended to limit the present invention thereto.

Fig. 1

als Schnittbild von der Seite eine erste Ausführungsform eines Verschlussstopfens für eine Ablauföffnung eines Ablaufkanals eines Beckens oder einer Wanne, umfassend ein oberes Abschlußteil, einen Behälter mit einem oberen und einem unteren Behälterteil und einen Boden, wobei sich der obere und der untere Behälterteil rastend ineinander verschieben lassen, um so die Länge des Verschlussstopfens zu ändern;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht der ersten Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

als Schnittbild von der Seite einer zweite Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens, umfassend das obere Abschlußteil, den Behälter und einen Boden, wobei der Behälter einen Ziehharmonika-artigen Teil ausweist, der sich in der Länge durch Zusammendrücken oder Auseinanderziehen verstellen lässt, um so die Länge des Verschlussstopfens zu ändern;

Fig. 4

eine Schnittansicht von der Seite einer Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens gemäß Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform bzw. der Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens gemäß Fig. 3 oder 4 in einem zusammengedrückten Zustand;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform bzw. der Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens gemäß Fig. 3 oder 4 in einem auseinandergezogenen Zustand;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform bzw. der Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens gemäß Fig. 3 bis 6 in einem auseinandergezogenen Zustand.

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer wiederum weiteren Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform bzw. der Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform des Verschlussstopfens gemäß Fig. 3 bis 6 in einem auseinandergezogenen Zustand.

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Fig. 1

a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a drain plug for a drain opening of a drainage channel of a basin or a tub, comprising an upper closure part, a container with an upper and a lower container part and a bottom, wherein the upper and lower container part shift into one another detent so as to change the length of the sealing plug;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the first embodiment of the sealing plug according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

as a sectional view from the side of a second embodiment of the sealing plug, comprising the upper end part, the container and a bottom, wherein the Container identifies an accordion-like part, which can be adjusted in length by compression or pulling apart, so as to change the length of the sealing plug;

Fig. 4

a sectional view from the side of a variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the second embodiment and the variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to 3 or 4 in a compressed state;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the second embodiment and the variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to 3 or 4 in an exploded state;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of another variant of the second embodiment or the variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to Fig. 3 to 6 in an exploded state.

Fig. 8

a perspective view of yet another variant of the second embodiment or the variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to Fig. 3 to 6 in an exploded state.

Detailed description of an embodiment

In Fig. 1 For example, a first embodiment of a drain plug for a drain port of a drain passage, such as a basin, a tub, or the like, is shown. The plug is in shape and size adapted to a tub, a sink, a sink or other basin, a bathtub, a shower tray or other tub, for which hereinafter "basin or tub" stands.

The stopper comprises substantially along its longitudinal axis from top to bottom, an upper closure part 1, which is visible from above in the drain opening, a container 2a, 2b for a gradually consumed in water substance or a means, and a bottom 4. Das upper end of the container 2a, 2b is open at the top and is closed by the closure part 1 upwards. Preferably, the closure part 1 is removable from the container 2a, 2b and closed again. The bottom 4 closes the lower part of the container 2a, 2b. Preferably, the bottom 4 as part of a bottom part 4b of a lower part of the container 2a, 2b can be removed or unscrewed and also formed on the lower part of the container 2a, 2b re-applied or screwed.

In this case, the container along the longitudinal axis of an upper container part 2a and a lower container part 2b, which are displaceable along the longitudinal axis and slidably displaceable, so as to set a length of the container and a height of the sealing plug defined (the locking points). In this case, the upper container part 2a and the lower container part 2b are plugged into each other and designed to be displaceable relative to one another such that falling out of the substance or agent from the container 2a, 2b is prevented. The upper 2a and the lower container portion 2b are formed to have a latching mechanism communicating with each other to generate a higher holding force against each other when displaced along the longitudinal axis at predetermined heights than to lock at predetermined heights or in other words at the predetermined heights, respectively , If the holding force is overcome, the latching displacement of the lower container part 2 b sets in relation to the upper container part 2 a. In this case, an upper container wall 3a of the upper container part 2a with holes or recesses and a lower housing wall 3b of the lower container part 2b are preferably provided with elastic tongues and tabs, so that the tongue tabs can engage in the holes or recesses. Of course, the arrangement of the holes, recesses and tongues and tabs may also be arranged in reverse. The upper container part 2a preferably protrudes beyond the lower container part 2b. Preferably, the length is adjustable by up to 3 cm.

Preferably, the upper closure member 1 is detachable from the container 2a, 2b to thereby fill and replenish the substance or agent. Likewise, it is conceivable to open, refill and close the sealing plug by means of the preferably removable bottom part 4b. In this case, the upper container part 2a and / or the lower container part 2b at least one passage opening 6, 8, which is preferably designed as at least one hole or a slot. In this case, the at least one passage opening 6 is formed in the upper container wall 3a and / or in the lower container wall 3b. Preferably, the at least one passage opening 8 in the bottom 4 is introduced. In this case, the container and accordingly the upper 2a, the lower container part 2b and the passage openings 6, 8 are formed so that in the container, the gradually consumed in water substance or the means can be stored, and just as much water through the openings. 6 8 occurs to dissolve some of the substance or agent in the water, and / or to release perfume, or to exchange it with the drainage channel and ambient air. This involves gradually in the water consumable substance or the agent preferably a fungicidal or a bactericidal substance or a mixture of such and other substances, such as fragrances.

Preferably, the container 2a, 2b has a round, tubular shape. Other shapes such as a rectangular cross-sectional shape are also conceivable. Laterally on the outside, the container 2a, 2b preferably has at least one spacer rib 7 in order to guide the sealing plug in the outflow channel and to effect a predefined minimum spacing to an inner wall of the outflow channel. The guide is also useful to be able to be moved in the longitudinal direction by the closing and opening arm in an open and a closed position. Preferably, the spacer ribs 7 are arranged longitudinally in the longitudinal direction on the outside of the container 2a, 2b. The spacer ribs By moving the capping and opening arm up or down in the drainage channel, the sealing plug is also moved up to the open position or down to the closed position.

At the upper end, the container 2a, 2b has an outwardly projecting outer closing edge 5, which is formed to match the discharge opening, in order to close the discharge opening when the closing plug is in the closed position. Alternatively, however, the closure edge 5 can also be arranged on a middle or lower part of the closure stopper. Preferably, the closure edge 5 additionally comprises at least one sealing ring or a rubber coating in order to close the drain opening as watertight as possible.

According to the invention, the outer part of the bottom 4 is at the same time a lowermost end of the sealing plug and therefore forms a stop for the closing and opening arm, by which the sealing plug is brought into the open or in the closed position in the basin or the tub. By the length of the container 2a, 2b is adjustable by fixed-height by the mutual displacement of the upper container part 2a and the lower container part 2b, the sealing plug can be adapted to a base height of the closing and opening arm in the drainage channel. Thus, the bottom, which is along the longitudinal axis of the lowermost part of the sealing plug, according to the invention designed as a stop for a closing and opening arm of a drainage channel, wherein the container along the longitudinal axis in its length at fixed heights adjustable and lockable to thereby a base height of the closing and opening arm in the flow channel to be adaptable

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the sealing plug. In this case, in comparison with the first embodiment described above according to Fig. 1 the upper 2a and the lower container part 2b to the effect solved differently by the upper 2a and the lower container part 2b are non-detachably connected to each other and the lower container part 2b is accordion-like design. At this time, the upper tank wall 3a of the upper tank part 2a is fixedly connected to the lower tank wall 3b of the lower tank part 2b. By now the lower container wall 3b along the longitudinal axis accordion-like design, the lower container part 2b along the longitudinal axis in the length adjustable. Preferably, the length is adjustable by up to 3 cm. The lower container wall 3b is formed so that when a change in length in each accordion segment a certain detent position is generated, which can be overcome only by overcoming a holding force. By specifying certain detent positions, a similar locking at predetermined heights as in the first embodiment is made possible, so as to allow adaptation to the length of an outflow. Thus, the bottom, which is along the longitudinal axis of the lowermost part of the sealing plug, according to the invention designed as a stop for a closing and opening arm of a drainage channel, wherein the container along the longitudinal axis in its length at fixed heights adjustable and lockable to thereby a base height of the closing and opening arm in the flow channel to be adaptable.

Otherwise, the preferred features for the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment of the sealing plug.

Here, the second embodiment is according to Fig. 3 firmly closed with the closure part 1, whereas an alternative of the second embodiment according to Fig. 4 a removable closure part 1 has. Preferably, the removable closure part 1 and the container 2a, 2b are formed by a snap, clamp or plug connection to connect to each other and to be detachable from each other; the same applies to the preferred first embodiment. Apart from the removable or fixed closure part, the second embodiment and the alternative of the second embodiment are identical.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the second embodiment and the alternative of the second embodiment once in Fig. 5 in a compressed state and in Fig. 6 in an exploded state.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of another variant of the second embodiment or the variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to Fig. 3 to 6 in an exploded state. This further alternative differs from the earlier embodiments of the second embodiment by the shorter slot lengths.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another variant of the second embodiment or the variant of the second embodiment of the sealing plug according to Fig. 3 to 6 in an exploded state. This further alternative differs from the earlier embodiments of the second embodiment in that the upper closure part 1 is designed with a smaller diameter.

Preferably, the upper closure part 1 of the first embodiment is also designed with the smaller diameter. Preferably, the closure part 1 is adapted to the basin or the tub.

In all the embodiments described above, the following applies:
Preferably, the closure part 1 and the container 2a, 2b are formed to be pivotally connected to each other in the connected state.

Preferably, the closure part 1 is made transparent, in order to arrange a display below and read through the closure part 1 can.

Preferably, a light source and / or a Temperauranzeige is arranged in the closure part 1.

Preferably, a hollow chamber for a liquid substance is arranged in the container 2a, 2b.

Preferably, the upper closure part 1 is designed as an advertising medium for an advertising message. In this case, the advertising message is preferably oriented towards a user of the basin or the tub when he looks into the basin or into the tub from above onto the closure part 1. Preferably, the advertising message is at least one image, at least one lettering, an embossing, thermoforming embossing or a combination thereof. Preferably, the closure part 1 is formed so that the advertising message can be inserted from below into the closure part 1 by a person easily and without additional special aids. Preferably, the closure part 1 is formed so that the advertising message can be incorporated watertight in the closure part 1. Preferably, the closure member 1 is transparent at the top, in order to see the underlying advertising message through it.

Further possible embodiments are described in the following claims. In particular, the various features of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other, as far as they are not technically exclusive.

The reference numerals mentioned in the claims are for better understanding, but do not limit the claims to the shapes shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

upper closure part

2a

upper container part

2 B

lower container part

3a

upper tank wall

3b

lower tank wall

4

ground

4b

Bottom seal section

5

closure edge

6, 8

Through opening

7

Distance rib

Claims (9)

1. Closure plug for a drain opening of a drain channel of a sink, a tub or the like, comprising, along a longitudinal axis from top to bottom,
   an upper closure part (1) which is visible from the top in the drain opening;
   a container (2a, 2b) open towards an upper and a lower end, the upper end of which is connected to the closure part (1) and sealed against it, the container having, at its upper end, an outer closure rim (5) protruding towards the outside, which is formed so as to fit the drain opening in order to perform a closure function and which has a lateral wall (3a, 3b) with at least one through opening (6), which are adapted to absorb a substance or agent which is slowly consumed in water and to exchange water and fragrances with the drain channel via the through opening (6);
   a bottom (4) closing the lower end of the container (2a, 2b), the bottom (4) being the lowest part of the closure plug along the longitudinal axis and being formed on the outside as an abutment for a closure and opening arm of the drain channel;
   characterized in that
   the container (2a, 2b) is adjustable in length along its longitudinal axis so as to be adaptable, in the operational state, to a basic height of the closure and opening arm in the drain channel; the container (2a, 2b) having, along its longitudinal axis, an upper container part (2a) and a lower container part (2b) adapted such that an upper container wall (3a) of the upper container part (2a) and a lower container wall (3b) of the lower container part (2b) are insertable and slidable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis such that the substance or agent is prevented from falling out of the container (2a, 2b), and have a mutually communicating lock-in mechanism so as to generate, when sliding along the longitudinal axis, a greater retention force with respect to each other at predefined heights than at other heights, so as to lock at the predefined heights.
2. Closure plug according to Claim 1, wherein the upper container part (2a) contains the closure rim (5) and the upper container wall (3a) and the lower container part (2b) contains the bottom (4).
3. Closure plug according to Claim 1 or 2, the at least one through opening (6) being formed in the upper container wall (3a) and/or in the lower container wall (3b), the through opening (6) being preferably formed as a slot.
4. Closure plug for a drain opening of a drain channel of a sink, a tub or the like, along a longitudinal axis from top to bottom, comprising
   an upper closure part (1) which is visible from the top in the drain opening;
   a container (2a, 2b) open towards an upper and a lower end, the upper end of which is connected to the closure part (1) and sealed against it, the container having, at its upper end, an outer closure rim (5) protruding towards the outside, which is formed so as to fit the drain opening in order to perform a closure function and which has a lateral wall (3a, 3b) with at least one through opening (6), which are adapted to absorb a substance or agent which is slowly consumed in water and to exchange water and fragrances with the drain channel via the through opening (6);
   a bottom (4) closing the lower end of the container (2a, 2b), the bottom (4) being the lowest part of the closure plug along the longitudinal axis and being formed on the outside as an abutment for a closure and opening arm of the drain channel;
   characterized in that
   the container (2a, 2b) is adjustable in length along its longitudinal axis so as to be adaptable, in the operational state, to a basic height of the closure and opening arm in the drain channel; the container (2a, 2b) having, along its longitudinal axis, an upper container part (2a) and a lower container part (2b),
   an upper container wall (3a) of the upper container part (2a) being connected to a lower container wall (3b) of the lower container part (2b) and
   the lower container wall (3b) being formed telescope-like along the longitudinal axis so as to be adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis, the lower container wall (3b) being additionally formed such that with a change in length, a locking position is created for each telescope segment which can only be overcome by overcoming a retention force;
   the upper container part (2a) containing the closure rim (5) and the container wall (3a) with the at least one through opening (6) and the lower container part (2b) containing the bottom (4).
5. Closure plug according to one of the above Claims, the closure part (1) being adapted to be pluggable onto the container (2a, 2b) and removable from the container (2a, 2b) .
6. Closure plug according to one or more of the above Claims, the bottom (4) being adapted to be screwed off the container (2a, 2b).
7. Closure plug according to one or more of the above Claims, the container (2a, 2b) having at least one spacer rib (7) laterally on the outside.
8. Closure plug according to one or more of the above Claims, the closure part (1) and the container (2a, 2b) being adapted to be slewable with respect to each other in the connected state.
9. Closure plug according to one or more of the above Claims, where the tub is a lavabo, a washing sink or different type of sink, a bathtub, a shower tub or a different type of tub.

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