ES2522415B1 - DRAINAGE ASSEMBLY, AND SANITARY THAT INCLUDES SUCH DRAINAGE ASSEMBLY - Google Patents

Abstract

The drain assembly (10) comprises a drain element (11) and a container body (30) adapted to accommodate inside a light source (27) that is directly fed from the mains electricity. The container body (30) is associable with the drain element (11) so that the light source (27) is integrated therein and is not in direct contact with the fluid passing through the drain element (11). It also includes a cover (60) to cover the upper part of the container body (30) which allows the projected light to pass through at least partially the light source (27).

Description

DESCRIPTION Drain and sanitary assembly that incorporates said drain set.

Technical field

The present invention belongs to the technical field of sanitary equipment and the like, 5 including bathtubs, showers, shower trays, sinks, toilets, urinals, sinks, pikes, etc. and the like, but not limited to these, and in general to devices intended to receive liquids and / or solids in which a drain can be mounted to evacuate said liquids and / or solids.

 10

Prior art

Sanitary appliances and the like, such as bathtubs, showers, shower trays, sinks, toilets, urinals, sinks, pikes, etc. and the like etc. They have evolved over time, both in form and configuration, as well as in the materials used to manufacture them, etc. fifteen

For example, recently they have been including light sources associated with these devices, especially with decorative functions. They are known, for example, bathtubs that incorporate light into their walls or faucets that carry a source of colored light that is activated when the water passes. Shower trays that incorporate a light source 20 are also known. Thus, document DE102009028759 describes a shower tray that includes a light source formed by light emitting diodes (LEDs) powered by batteries. In the shower tray described in this document, the diodes are mounted just above the drain and are simply covered by a lid. Document ES1076070U also describes a shower tray with a strip of LEDs that is arranged below the plate to project ambient light outwards. In yet another specific example, document ES1077475U describes a shower tray incorporating a strip of LEDs that is mounted inside an L-shaped slot formed by the periphery of the plate.

A major drawback that occurs in most cases in the arrangements 30 known in the art where a light source is incorporated in the sanitary apparatus resides in the fact that the light source is mounted so that it is in direct contact. with the water that passes through the drain. In practice it has been found that placing the light source in direct contact with the water passing through the drain poses a risk

for the light source, the occurrence of faults and faults in the light source and associated electrical equipment being frequent, frequent maintenance, repair or replacement operations of one or more electrical elements of the light source being required. In addition, since the light source is usually very close or in direct contact with the water passing through the drain, in the prior art, battery-based power supply 5 is usually used to activate the light source for safety reasons. This has the disadvantage that they need to be charged or replaced from time to time for the operation of the light source. All this makes the assembly undesirably complex and consequently entails a high cost of construction and maintenance.

 10

The invention proposes a drain assembly that has a configuration of low mechanical complexity and has a very efficient operation as will be described hereafter. The present drain set is adaptable to any conventional and similar standard sanitary, including bathtubs, showers, shower trays, sinks, toilets, urinals or sinks of conventional type. With the drain assembly of the present invention it has been found that at least the drawbacks derived from the prior art are mitigated or reduced.

Description of the invention

 twenty

The invention proposes a standard type drain assembly, which in general does not require particular modifications for use in accordance with the intended purpose, which is capable of providing light, for example for decorative purposes, avoiding or at least reducing the problems that They have been mentioned in relation to the prior art.

 25

As used herein, the term "drain set" is intended to designate a mechanism intended to conduct fluids and / or solids, especially liquids such as water to an outlet conduit for evacuation.

In general, the drain assembly according to the present invention 30 comprises a drain element, a container body and a lighting device comprising at least one light source. The container body is configured as a receptacle, for example a circular perimeter, made for example of a suitable plastic material. The container body is conveniently configured to

to house inside the light source, or light sources, of the lighting device. This container body of the present drain assembly is also adapted to be connected to a conventional case if necessary. The container body can be defined by a lower base, a side wall and in the inner part a recessed area can be included to accommodate an upper cover, as will be described later.

According to an important feature of the drain assembly object of the present invention, the container body is associable to said drain element so that the light source is not in direct contact with the fluid as it passes from the drain element towards the outlet duct.

That the container body is associable with the drain element means that, once the drain assembly is assembled, the container body is integrated into the drain element forming a set. Thanks to this feature and the particular arrangement of the container body, associable with the drain element as indicated, in combination with the capacity of the container body to house the light source inside it, the light source is perfectly forming part of the drain assembly itself and without direct contact with the fluid (water, etc.) that passes into the outlet duct. twenty

With this simple configuration you get a set that has the following advantages:

- It is extremely compact since the whole set is integrated in the same body; 25

- it is very reliable since the light source and the various electrical elements that may be associated with it are arranged, in operational position, without direct contact with liquids; this may allow the present drain assembly, in addition, to pass the current homologation tests for this type of devices; 30

- It is economical due to the extremely simple configuration of the assembly; Y

- It is adaptable to any conventional or similar sanitary, such as a shower tray, without requiring modifications to incorporate the present drain assembly.

Preferably, the light source of the present drain assembly may comprise at least one light emitting diode (LED) and more preferably a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs). It is evident that within this general configuration, the light source of the drain assembly can be formed by a plurality of strips (for example two or 5 more LED strips) connected mechanically and / or electrically together, or several independent strips mechanically and / or electrically connected directly to the assembly, not to each other. However, within the scope of the present invention the use of other light sources other than those mentioned, such as light sources, for example incandescent, fluorescent lamps or even optical fiber, is not ruled out. In any case, the light source, which may be in the form of a strip, may also be of the same color or of different colors, etc. In addition, it is expected that in some cases the color of the font may be variable in defined cycles or at the user's discretion. Likewise, it is also foreseen that in certain cases the intensity of the light emitted by the light source may be variable in defined cycles or at the user's discretion as well. Therefore, the particular configuration of the present drain assembly 15 with the light source isolated from direct contact with fluids allows a wide variety of options.

The main advantage of this drain assembly is that the light source can be powered by electric current from the network itself. This is due to the effective tightness of the assembly derived from the main characteristic of the present drain assembly which is the integration of at least one light source isolated from fluids in the drain assembly itself. Only if necessary, a 12V transformer can be included, which is also isolated from the passage of fluids through the drain assembly. When the light source is integrated in the same drain assembly without direct contact with the fluid that passes through it in normal use, the power supply of the network is totally safe and reliable, and does not require maintenance.

In a particular embodiment of the present drain assembly, the container body may be properly configured to present at least one perimeter cavity 30 therein. This perimeter cavity is adapted to house the light source inside. This perimeter cavity can be configured as a single continuous perimeter cavity. However, embodiments in which the perimeter cavity is configured as a plurality of perimeter cavities, that is, defining a series, are not ruled out.

of segments of perimeter cavities. In the latter case, the segments of perimeter cavities can be arranged aligned with each other, concentrically or in a combination of both configurations, as necessary according to the needs and of the light source to be housed. In any case, it is preferred that the perimeter cavity be formed inside the container body such that the light source is disposed therein at least partially surrounding the drain element in an operative situation. Within the concept of the invention, it will be understood that said perimeter cavity can be defined by grooves, channels, cavities, etc. and in general areas adapted to receive the light source.

 10

The dimensions of the perimeter cavity or (segments of) perimeter cavities of the container body may be appropriate so that the light source, such as a strip of LEDs, fiber optics, etc., is properly retained under pressure inside, or housed with a certain clearance, as desired or as required by the configuration of the assembly or the type of light source used. In this regard, the use of appropriate fixing means to retain the light source in the container body in case it is necessary is not ruled out. This could be useful if the light source comprises a plurality of light elements that need to be retained in a simple way to facilitate installation, replacement and maintenance operations.

 twenty

In some embodiments of the invention, it may be preferable that the perimeter cavity intended to house the light source (for example the LED strip, optical fiber, etc.) inside is configured so that said light source is in a position such that the light emitted by the light source is projected radially towards a central part of the container body. In one example, in the case of using a LED strip as a light source, the perimeter cavity may be adapted to accommodate the LED strip therein so that it is substantially perpendicular to a lower base of the container body. This causes the light projected radially towards the central part of the container body to go outside in a diffuse manner, advantageously producing a pleasant environment for the user. 30

In addition to the perimeter cavity to accommodate the light source, the container body may include at least a first opening. This first opening is adapted, that is,

properly configured and sized, to receive the drain element through which the fluid passes into the outlet duct formed in the case.

The container body may additionally include at least a second opening. This second opening is conveniently adapted for the passage of power supply wiring from the light source. Embodiments in which the second opening is formed alternately in the case are not ruled out.

The drain assembly of the invention may further comprise an upper lid, as indicated above. This lid is properly adapted to cover the upper part of the container body. In a possible configuration of the lid, it is configured as a circular ring whose outer diameter substantially coincides with the diameter of said recessed area of the container body to fit within it being substantially at the same level, and whose inner diameter substantially coincides with the outer diameter of the drain element. Thus, the water 15 that comes from the bathtub, shower, shower, washbasin, toilet, urinal, sink, sink, etc. passes through the drain element but does not enter the container body, that is, the container body is never flooded with water (or other fluid) so that the lighting device is advantageously perfectly insulated. One or more suitable gaskets can be arranged associated with the lid, the container body and the drain element.

The top cover can be made of a suitable material such as methacrylate or glass, which allows the light projected by the light source to pass out at least partially. In some cases, the cover can be of a material of at least substantially opaque and incorporate one or several areas properly shaped for the passage of light that is projected by the light source, forming decorative motifs according to a pattern defined by those areas. This pattern defined by the aforementioned zones can define text, symbols, graphics, etc. or combinations thereof for decorative, advertising, etc. The passage of light through these areas can provide a pleasant environment for the user who is using a toilet, bathtub, shower, shower tray, sink, toilet, urinal, sink, sink, etc. provided with this drain assembly.

The invention also relates to a sanitary, bath, shower, shower, washbasin, toilet, urinal, sink, sink, etc., which comprises a body adapted to receive a liquid and / or solid and to discharge it, and which incorporates into the same drain assembly according to any of the embodiments described above.

 5

Other objects, advantages and features of embodiments of the invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, or may be derived when the invention is practiced.

Brief description of the drawings 10

A particular embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawing, which shows an exploded general view of an example of a shower tray, partially and schematically represented, incorporating a particular embodiment of the drain assembly of the present invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

The attached figure shows a possible, non-limiting, particular example of a shower tray 100 of the conventional type. In the figure only the surface of the shower tray 100 has been partially and schematically represented for reasons of clarity. The shower tray 100 incorporates an embodiment of a drain assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention. It should be understood, however, that this drain assembly 10 can be applied in many other sanitary appliances such as 25 bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, urinals, sinks, pikes, etc., whether in domestic use (personal dwellings) , as industrial (hotels, offices, offices, etc.), in toilets, kitchens, etc. and in general where a drain is necessary to evacuate liquids (water, etc.) and / or solids.

 30

The drain assembly 10 described below with reference to the figure and by way of non-limiting example comprises a drain element 11 of standard type, for example stainless steel, essentially cylindrical in shape. The drain element 11 is adapted to engage the surface of the conventional shower tray 100 in a

orifice of said plate 100 to give out water (or other fluids) that falls into shower tray 100 in normal use thereof.

The drain assembly 10 shown includes a conventional lower casing 15. It is a body, for example of plastic, intended to be arranged below 5 level of the shower tray 100, hidden from the user in normal use, as well as the drain assembly 10. The drain assembly 10 also includes a water outlet duct 20 connected to the case 15. This water outlet duct 20 carries the water (or other fluids) that enters the drain element 11 towards the case 15, for evacuation.

 10

The drain assembly 10 shown also includes a lighting device generally designated by 25. The lighting device 25 comprises a light source 27. In this particular example, the light source is a strip of light emitting diodes ( LEDs) 27 although it is understood that additionally or alternatively other light sources such as incandescent, fluorescent lamps, optical fiber, or a combination 15 of these can be used.

In this example, the strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 27 used is itself waterproof. At the ends of the LED strip 27 there are two silicone sealed plugs that guarantee the fluid tightness in case of rupture. This sealing 20 of the LED strip 27 itself provides a second level of safety to the drain assembly 10 in the unlikely event of rupture.

If necessary, a 12V transformer can be provided for the supply of LED strip 27. The transformer would be mounted above the level of the shower tray 100, for example on the roof of the cabin where it is mounted.

The drain assembly 10 further comprises a container body 30 that is associable with the drain element 11. In particular, as illustrated in the example shown in the figure, the container body 30 is a circular perimeter receptacle, manufactured by 30 example in a plastic material, such as nylon. The container body 30 is defined by a lower base 31 and a side wall 33. In its interior, the container body 30 has a recessed peripheral upper area 37. Inside the container body 30 there is also a perimeter cavity 35. This perimeter cavity 35 is adapted

to accommodate inside the strip of LEDs 27 of the lighting device 25. In operation, the LED strip 27 is housed in this perimeter cavity 35 of the container body 30, in an arrangement inside the container body 30 surrounding the element of drain 11 when it is mounted inside the first circular central opening 32 of the container body 30. The case is contemplated that the strip of LEDs 27 5 is in an arrangement inside the container body 30 partially surrounding the drain element eleven.

On the other hand, the container body 30 has a first circular central opening 32 intended to house the drain element 11 and a second opening 36 for the passage of power wiring 50 of the light source. To ensure the tightness between the side wall 33 of the container body 30 and the wiring 50, a gland 55 is provided in the second opening 36.

It is important to note that the interior of the container body 30 is not floodable, that is, 15 in the perimeter cavity 35 of the container body 30, water (or any other liquid and / or solid element) cannot enter. Therefore, the LED strip 27 housed in the perimeter cavity 35 is never exposed in direct contact with the water (or any other liquid and / or solid) that passes from the drain element 11 to the outlet conduit 20.

 twenty

With this simple configuration, the lighting device 25 is integrated in the drain assembly 10 itself, without direct contact with the water when the shower tray 100 is used, that is, when water passes through the assembly. To ensure the tightness of the assembly, an O-ring seal 40 is provided which isolates the LED strip 27 from the outside of the container body 30. This avoids or reduces the risk of breakdowns and failures in the operation of the lighting device 25, reducing consequently repair, replacement and maintenance costs.

The above particularity due to the tightness of the assembly and the isolation of the lighting device 25 from the water allows the lighting device 25 to be powered by electric current from the network, using a transformer, if necessary (not shown).

In the particular embodiment shown by way of example in the figure, the LED strip 27 is mounted on a support 28. In the example shown, the support 28 is an aluminum ring provided with projections 29 projecting perpendicularly to the support 28. This configuration of the support 28 with the projections 29 allows the LED strip 27 to be disposed inside the container body 30 substantially perpendicular to the lower base 5 thereof. In this way, the light emitted by the strip of LEDs 27 is projected radially towards the center of the container body 30, that is, towards the first central opening 32, causing the light to leave the container body 30 so as to create a pleasant environment for the user.

 10

The drain assembly 10 also incorporates an upper cover 60. The upper cover 60 is adapted to cover the upper part of the container body 30. In the mounting position, the upper cover 60 is fitted inside the container body 30 being level with the same. More specifically, the cover 60 is configured as a circular ring. The outer diameter of the lid 60 substantially coincides with the diameter of the recessed peripheral upper area 15 of the interior of the container body 30. The thickness of the lid 60 also substantially coincides with the height of said recessed peripheral upper area 37 of the interior of the body. container 30 so as to remain level with the upper edge 38 of the container body 30. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the circular ring shape of the lid 60 substantially coincides with the outer diameter of the drain element 11, such as 20 can be seen in the attached figure. In general, the upper cover 60 may have any appropriate shape, adapted to the configuration of the assembly and the function to which it is intended.

The cover 60 is preferably formed of a material that allows at least partially 25 the light projected by the lighting device 25, such as methacrylate or glass. However, the cover 60 can be made of any other material. Embodiments in which the top cover 60 is formed even by one or more sheets of a waterproof nature are not ruled out. In general, it is preferred that the cover 60 is made of a substantially transparent or translucent material that allows at least partially the light projected by the strip of LEDs 27 outside the drain assembly 10. In other cases, the cover 60 may be formed of a substantially opaque material with some substantially transparent or translucent areas in the form of text, symbols, graphics, etc. for decorative, advertising, functional purposes,

etc. In this particular example, a stainless steel crown 65 is provided that incorporates a series of grooves as symbols 66 through which the light projected through the LED strip 27 passes creating a pleasant visual effect.

For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention will derive from the present description and also when practicing the invention. For example, the container body 30 can be applied to drains of both the siphon type and the direct passage type. The container body 30 may have any appropriate shape in addition to the illustrated circular profile, and could have an oval, polygonal profile, or a combination thereof. In addition, the activation of the light source 27 could be manually 10 at the user's discretion, through sensors that detect the presence of the user or the passage of water through the shower tray 100, etc. The activation of the light source 27 could be either in situ or remotely through an appropriate control or even through an electronic device such as a mobile phone, Tablet, etc. Also, the activation of the light source 27 of the assembly could be carried out through conventional means of switches and / or mechanical switches or through means of tactile switches and / or switches. Timing means could also be provided to program the activation and deactivation of the light source. Means could be provided for regulating the intensity of the light emitted by the light source 27, means for varying the color of the light emitted by the light source 27 and in general electronic mechanisms for controlling the 20 characteristics of the light projected by the light source 27. Inside the perimeter cavity 35 decorative motifs as well as objects, such as decorative stones and / or sand can be included to increase the aesthetic effect provided to the user.

Therefore, the example given above in combination with the drawing is given by way of illustration only and is not intended to limit the present invention. The reference signs relating to the drawings and in parentheses in a claim are only to attempt to increase the understanding of the claim and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claim. The present invention thus covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein. 30

Claims (1)

1- Drain assembly (10) comprising a drain element (11) intended to receive at least one fluid and a lighting device (25) comprising at least one light source (27), characterized by the fact comprising, in addition, a container body (30) adapted to accommodate inside the light source (27), said container body (30) being associable with said drain element (11) so that the light source (27) is not in direct contact with the fluid when said fluid passes through the drain element (11).  10 2- Drain assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source comprises one or more of: light emitting diodes (LEDs) (27), incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, fiber optics, or A combination of these. 3- Drain assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light source is in the form of a strip. 4- Drain assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (27) is powered by the mains. twenty 5- Drain assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container body (30) has at least one perimeter cavity (35) adapted to accommodate the light source (27).  25 6- Drain assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container body (30) has at least one first opening (32) adapted to receive the drain element (11). 7- Drain assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container body (30) has at least one second opening (36) adapted for the wiring passage (50). 8- Drain assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container body (30) is adapted to accommodate the light source (27) surrounding the drain element (11). 9- Drain assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the container body (30) is adapted to accommodate said strip in its interior in a position where said strip is substantially perpendicular to a lower base (31) of the container body (30), so that the emitted light is projected radially towards a central part of the container body (30).  10 10- Drain assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a lid (60) adapted to cover the upper part of the container body (30) and at least partially allow the light projected by the lighting device (25).  fifteen 11- Drain assembly (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover (60) incorporates at least one area formed for the passage of the light projected by the lighting device (25) forming decorative motifs . 12- Drain assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, 20 characterized in that it further comprises a cassette (15), the container body (30) being adapted to engage said cassette (15). 13- Sanitary (100), which comprises a body adapted to receive a fluid and discharge it, characterized in that it includes a drain assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. 14- Sanitary (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that said sanitary (100) is one or more of the following devices: bathtubs, showers, shower trays, sinks, toilets, urinals, sinks, pikes, and the like 30