EP3553238B1 - Drain device for fluids with non-return valve working as odour trap - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a drainage device for liquids, which has a base body; an attachment element with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, which is connected to the base body; an insert member having a housing and a movable closure member; and a cover element which is arranged on the attachment element and is partially permeable to liquid; wherein the closing element in a first position seals an area of a liquid inlet against an area of a liquid drain and the closing element can be moved from the first position in a first direction to at least one further position that allows liquid to run off from the area of the liquid inlet to the area of the Liquid drainage permitted.

State of the art

In the EP 2 743 414 A1 a drain device for liquids is disclosed, which is designed as an odor trap with a backflow stop. There, a closure element is formed by means of a spring supported by a cavity as a buoyancy body which, in the event of a back pressure, still presses against a sealing seat at the top. The problem can arise here that the odor trap that is used becomes detached from the top section and is pushed vertically upwards, so that the backflow stop is overcome.

In the U.S. 1,137,516 a similar odor trap with a backflow barrier is disclosed, this being screwed to the surrounding housing. Although this ensures a secure fit against being lifted out, it is disadvantageous in practice that the odor trap can hardly be loosened due to dirt, for example from hair or other residues, and is therefore practically impossible to clean or maintain .

In another construction according to US 2007/0215212 A1 On the other hand, there is the problem that although simple removal for maintenance is possible, the backflow stop can be pushed out upwards in the event of excessive backwater.

the WO 2007/110595 A2 describes a drain device according to the preamble of claim 1.

the GB 1 229 918 A discloses a drain device without the two sealing rings according to claim 1.

Description of the invention

In view of the disadvantages of the drainage devices with odor trap and backflow stop according to the prior art, it is the object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate these disadvantages.

This object is achieved by the drain device according to the invention according to claim 1. Further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

The spacer elements prevent the insert element from being pressed out of the attachment element in the event of a backlog of liquid and liquid flowing in the opposite direction to the intended drainage direction, namely the first direction.

The present invention is described and explained in more detail below on the basis of an example and an embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

shows an exemplary drain device not according to the invention. In Figure 1A an exploded view shown in Figure 1B a sectional view with the closing element closed and in Figure 1C a sectional view with the closing element open.

Fig. 2

shows an embodiment of the drain device according to the invention. In Figure 2A an exploded view shown in Figure 2B a sectional view with the closing element closed and in Figure 2C a sectional view with the closing element open.

Description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary drain device not according to the invention for liquids, the device shown being provided as a water drain, for example in the sanitary area for a shower or the like. It shows Figure 1A an exploded view with the individual components of the drainage device, and the Figures 1B and 1C show sectional views.

The drain device shown is intended for a predetermined installation position, so that a first direction relates to the direction of gravity (downward direction) and accordingly a second direction relates to the direction opposite to gravity (upward direction). In the intended installation position of the drainage device, an axis of symmetry of the components designed with a circular cross section extends vertically, ie in the direction of gravity.

The drainage device comprises a base body 10, an attachment element 20 which is connected to the base body 10; an insert member having a housing 30 and a movable closure member 40; and a cover element 50, which is arranged on the attachment element 20, the cover element 50 being partially permeable to liquid via slots 53 provided therein.

The embodiment shown thus has a liquid inlet at the top (slots 52 of the cover element 50) through which water flows. The drainage device also has a liquid drain (openings 11 of the base body 10), via which the water is drained via a further drainage system, for example to a sewer connection. In a first, upper position, the closing element 40 seals off an area of a liquid inlet from an area of a liquid outlet. The closing element 40 is from the first in Figure 1C position shown in the first direction (downwards) in at least one further in Figure 1B Movable position shown, which allows a drainage of liquid from the area of the liquid inlet to the area of the liquid outlet.

Between the housing 30 of the insert element and the cover element 50, two spacer elements 31, 32 are arranged, which prevent the housing 30 from moving in the second direction (upward). The cover element 50 has a fastening nose 51 and a closure device 52, the fastening nose 51 expanding or hooking into the attachment element 20. The closing device 52 is rotatably arranged on the attachment element 20 for closing the cover element 50.

The base body 10 is essentially rotationally symmetrical about a vertical axis. This also applies to the lower part of the attachment element 20, the housing 30 of the insert element and the closing element 40.

The individual components of the drainage device are sealed against the passage of liquid by means of seals. The base body 10 has a sealing ring 61 which seals the connection with the attachment element 20. The housing 30 of the insert element has a sealing ring 62 on the upper edge, which seals the connection between the housing 30 and the attachment element 20. The housing 30 further comprises a sealing ring 63 at the lower edge, which the edge-side connection with the closing element 40 in the first, upper position seals.

The movable closing element 40 is arranged concentrically to the attachment element 20 and the housing 30. This movable closing element 40 has a shaft portion 41 which extends along the vertical axis. The shaft section 41 of the closing element 40 extends in the second direction (upwards in the installed state of the drainage device) into a holding device 35. The end section of the shaft section 41 is cylindrical and is supported in a cylindrical holding guide. In the embodiment shown, the end section of the shaft section 41 is surrounded by a (not shown) helical spring (or comparable resilient element) which presses the closing element 40 upwards along the vertical axis in the direction of the first position in which the drainage device is closed. There is thus a corresponding bias of the helical spring. In alternative embodiments, such a spring element is designed as an elastic tension spring rod, plate spring or gas pressure spring.

The helical spring serves as a spring element in order to apply a holding force to the closing element 40 in the second direction. The closing element 40 can be moved along the vertical axis from the first position against the spring force of the spring element, and can thus assume at least one further position in which the drain device is open, as will be explained in detail below.

In the example shown, the movable closing element 40 is designed with its respective sections as a one-piece injection-molded component made of plastic. As an alternative to this, the closing element 40 can be produced at least partially from a metallic material, which can be advantageous, for example, when used for chemically aggressive liquids.

As in Figure 1 As shown, the holding device 35 is held in the housing 30 via webs 36. In the example shown, three webs are provided as an example.

The radially inner side surface of the housing 30 and the upper surface of the closing element 40 form a liquid receiving chamber. This liquid receiving chamber is open in the second direction (upward in the installed state) and is sealed in the first direction (downward in the installed state) by means of the seal 63 between the closing element 40 and the lower end portion of the housing 30.

When using or designing the drain device in the sanitary area, in particular for a shower or tub drain, the drain device is used essentially flush with the lowest point of the tub or shower area. Depending on the specific use of the drainage device in the sanitary area, a further closure device is provided in certain embodiments, which basically prevents water from draining off in the closed state.

The operation or the function of the drainage device is described below in particular with reference to the Figures 1B and 1C explained.

When the drain device is used as intended, a liquid, for example shower water, flows in via the slits 53 as a liquid inlet and collects in the liquid receiving chamber, which is closed at the bottom by the closing element 40, as in FIG Figure 1C shown. Even with small amounts, the liquid collects directly on the seal 63. This liquid level supports the odor trap function of the drainage device and forms a correspondingly annular seal.

As further liquid flows in, the liquid level in the liquid holding chamber rises until a predetermined liquid level is reached in the liquid holding chamber. At this liquid level, the weight of the intended liquid (e.g. water) corresponds to the holding force of the spring element. The weight of the liquid in the liquid receiving chamber acts in the first direction (downward) and thus against the spring force which acts in the second direction (upward).

With a further increase in the amount of liquid in the liquid receiving chamber, the movable closing element 40 is moved in the first direction and opens the area at the seal 63 between the movable closing element 40 and the housing 30, so that liquid can drain into a liquid drainage chamber of the base body 10. The liquid in the liquid drainage chamber then flows off via the liquid drain 11 into the channel connection or the like provided for this purpose. As the liquid drains out of the liquid holding chamber, the liquid level in the liquid holding chamber falls, so that due to the changed weight of the liquid on the upper surface of the movable closing element 40, the movable closing element 40 is moved in the second direction due to the spring force and possibly the first position, i.e. the Locking position. If there is an essentially constant influx of water, there will be an equilibrium between the force exerted by the water column in the Set the liquid receiving chamber and the spring force, connected to an essentially constant second position of the closing element 40. The inflow amount of liquid then essentially corresponds to the outflow amount of liquid. Fluctuations in the inflow amount of liquid via the liquid inlet are compensated for by a corresponding movement of the movable closing element 40.

If the draining liquid backs up into the liquid drainage chamber of the base body 10, the closing element 40 moves in the second direction, that is, in the direction of the closed position, or it is already in this position. An overflow of backflow liquid from the liquid drainage chamber into the liquid receiving chamber is prevented, so that a backflow closure function is guaranteed.

The back pressure exerts a force on the closing element 40 from below and thus also on the housing 30 of the insert element. Although this would in principle result in the risk that the insert element with the seal 62 would be pressed out of the attachment element 20, this is not possible due to the spacer elements 31, 32. These spacer elements 31, 32 are designed in such a way that they are in contact with the cover element 50 from below and thus prevent it from being pushed out of the sealed position. This function is supported by the fact that the cover element 50 is fastened to the attachment element 20 via the fastening lug 51 and the locking device 52 and cannot therefore be pushed upwards by a force. As an alternative to this, the cover element 50 can be made sufficiently heavy to prevent it from being lifted off by the backwater.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the drainage device according to the invention for liquids. It shows Figure 2A an exploded view with the individual components of the drainage device, and the Figures 2B and 2C show sectional views. The compared for example according to Fig. 1 Components that are likewise contained are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The only difference is that instead of the spacer elements 31, 32 of the housing 30 of the first embodiment, spacer elements 51a, 52a are now provided on the cover element 50.

The cover element 50 has a substantially square shape, and the two spacer elements 51a, 52a are arranged on the cover element 50 at two corner regions that are diagonal to one another.

As in the example, the cover element 50 includes a fastening nose 51 and a closure device 52, the fastening nose 51 spreading the attachment element 20. In order to close the cover element 50 on the attachment element 20, the closure device 52 can be rotated up to a stop 52a provided on the cover element 50. A first of the spacer elements 51a is formed on the cover element 50 as an extension of the fastening lug 51 and a second of the spacer elements 52a is formed on the cover element 50 as an extension of the stop 52a. These spacers are in contact with the edge area of the housing 30.

The function of this embodiment of the discharge device according to the invention for liquids corresponds to that of the example as described above. In the event of a backlog of liquid, the spacer elements 51a, 52a act in a manner analogous to the spacer elements 31, 32 of the first embodiment. A pushing out of the insert element from the attachment element 20 is prevented, and thus also an undesired flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet.

The embodiment according to Fig. 2 also shows a liquid drainage device comprising: a base 10; an attachment element 20 which is connected to the base body 10; an insert member 30, 40 having a housing 30 and a movable closure member 40; wherein the closing element 40 in a first position seals an area of a liquid inlet against an area of a liquid drain and the closing element 40 can be moved from the first position in a first direction to at least one further position that allows liquid to run off from the area of the liquid inlet to the Area of liquid drainage allowed; and a cover element 50 which is arranged on the attachment element 20 and is partially permeable to liquid. The drainage device according to the invention for liquids is characterized in that at least one spacer element 51a, 52a is arranged between the housing 30 of the insert element 30, 40 and the cover element 50, the at least one spacer element 51a, 52a moving the housing 30 in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction is prevented. The at least one spacer element 51a, 52a is arranged on the cover element 50. In particular, two spacer elements 51a, 52a are arranged on the cover element 50. The cover element 50 has an essentially rectangular shape, in particular an essentially square shape, and the two spacer elements 51a, 52a are arranged on the cover element 50 at two corner regions that are diagonal to one another. As an alternative to this, the cover element 50 can essentially have a circular shape and the two spacer elements 51a, 52a can be arranged on the cover element 50 at two edge regions lying opposite one another on one diameter.

The cover element 50 has a fastening nose 51 and a closure device 52, the fastening nose 51 spreading into the attachment element 20, the closure device 52 for closing the cover element 50 on the attachment element 20 being rotatable up to a stop 52a provided on the cover element 50, and According to the invention, in the second embodiment, a first of the spacer elements 51a is formed on the cover element 50 as an extension of the fastening lug 51, and a second of the spacer elements 52a is formed on the cover element 50 as an extension of the stop 52a.

Claims (3)

1. Drainage device for liquids, comprising:

   a base body (10);

   a top element (20) connected to the base body (10), the base body (10) having a first sealing ring (61) which seals the connection to the top element (20);

   an insert element (30, 40) comprising a housing (30) and a movable closure element (40) as an odor seal and backwater stop;

   the closure element (40) in a first position sealing a portion of a liquid inlet from a portion of a liquid outlet, and the closure element (40) being movable from the first position in a first direction to at least one further position allowing liquid to flow from the portion of the liquid inlet to the portion of the liquid outlet; and

   a cover element (50) which is arranged on the top element (20) and is partially permeable to liquid;

   characterized in that

   the housing (30) of the insert element (30, 40) has a second sealing ring (62) which seals the connection of the housing (30) to the top element (20); and

   two spacer elements (51a, 52a) are arranged between the housing (30) of the insert element (30, 40) and the cover element (50), the two spacer elements (51a, 52a) being arranged on the cover element (50) and preventing movement of the housing (30) in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction;

   wherein the cover element (50) has a fixing lug (51) and a closure device (52), the fixing lug (51) hooks into the top element (20), the closure device (52) for closing the cover element (50) is rotatable on the top element (20) up to a stop (52a) provided on the cover element (50), and a first of the spacer elements (51a) on the cover element (50) is formed as an extension of the fixing lug (51) and a second of the spacer elements (52a) on the cover element (50) is formed as an extension of the stop (52a).
2. Drainage device according to claim 1, wherein the cover element (50) has an essentially rectangular shape, in particular an essentially square shape, and the two spacer elements (51a, 52a) are arranged on the cover element (50) at two mutually diagonal corner portions.
3. Drainage device according to claim 1, wherein the cover element (50) has essentially a circular shape and the two spacer elements (51a, 52a) are arranged on the cover element (50) at two edge portions lying opposite one another on one diameter.

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