WO2010067909A1

WO2010067909A1 - Roof drain device for protection against the reek of sewage and backwater

Info

Publication number: WO2010067909A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/007338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong Sun Kim
Original assignee: Jong Sun Kim
Priority date: 2008-12-11
Filing date: 2008-12-11
Publication date: 2010-06-17

Abstract

A floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage is disclosed. The device includes a drain unit, a support shaft, a control unit and a vertical drive unit. The drain unit is detachably assembled with a device holding unit. The support shaft is fastened to the shaft holding boss of the drain unit. The control unit includes an elevation pipe slidably contacting the support shaft and having racks, an elevation-pipe watertight sealing means making the upper end of the elevation pipe form watertight contact with the outer surface of the support shaft, a hemispherical upper control part extending from the upper end of the elevation pipe, and a hemispherical lower control part water-tightly coupled to the lower end of the upper control part. The vertical drive unit includes a pinion support pipe, left and right pinions engaging with the racks, and an elevation actuating pipe.

Description

ROOF DRAIN DEVICE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE REEK OF SEWAGE AND BACKWATER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage and, more particularly, to a floor drain device which is installed in a floor drain of a house, building or industrial facility which drains water or liquid, or in a drain or collector well on the earth's or a road's surface, thus smoothly draining sewage (including foul water, rainwater, and waste water) through a drain pipe or sewer, and preventing the entrance of harmful gases and reek through the drain pipe, in addition to preventing the backflow of sewage. Background Art

[2] Generally, dirt or oil adhering to the inner wall of a drain pipe for draining various kinds of sewage decomposes, so that sewage gases with a smell are generated and many harmful insects propagate.

[3] If the sewage gases and harmful insects enter a room through a drain, it is very insanitary and seriously detracts from a living environment. Thus, in order to solve the problem, drain traps are installed in most drains or drain pipes.

[4] The drain trap comprises a water sealing device which collects some water in the middle portion of the drain pipe to block the flow of air. The drain trap may be a pipe trap, a drum trap, a bell trap, an assembly trap, a fixture trap, a trap fitting or others.

[5] Among drain traps, the bell trap is universally applied to indoor or outdoor floor drains. One application example is a bell-trap floor drain device.

[6] The bell-trap floor drain device is constructed so that a movable or fixed bell is installed on the lower end of a plate-shaped filter which is provided on the same level with a floor, a trap ring having a cup-shaped cross-section is installed in the lower end of the bell in such a way as to be spaced apart from the outer circumference of the bell by a predetermined interval, water is collected in the trap ring during floor draining, and the circumference of the lower end of the bell is sunk into the collected water to a predetermined depth, thus forming a water sealing part, therefore blocking the flow of air between a drain pipe and a room.

[7] The bell-trap floor drain device having such a construction has a simpler construction, a smaller volume and a lower installation height than other kinds of traps, so that this device may be installed even in a low floor, and the construction is convenient and inexpensive, and thus this device has been widely used for various indoor and outdoor floor drain devices. [8] However, the bell-trap floor drain device is disadvantageous in that, when the height or volume of water in the water sealing part is low or small, sewage gases and harmful insects generated in the drain pipe pass through the water and enter a room.

[9] Further, after the bell-trap floor drain device has been used for a lengthy period of time, dirt accumulates on the bell and the trap ring forming the water sealing part, so that a drainage function deteriorates and reek is generated, thus the trapping function is lost. A drainage channel has an "S"-shaped cross-section, so that the drain device cannot smoothly drain impurities having a large volume, and thus never prevents the backflow of sewage.

[10] As conventional floor drain devices which were invented to overcome the problems of the bell-trap floor drain device, Korean U.M. Registration No. 244694 which is entitled "Device for preventing reek and backflow of sewage" (hereinafter, referred to as prior invention 1), Korean U.M. Registration No. 284851 which is entitled "Drain device" (hereinafter, referred to as prior invention 2), and Korean Patent No. 643345 which is entitled "Drain device capable of maintaining air-tightness" (hereinafter, referred to as prior invention 3).

[11] According to the common characteristics of these conventional floor drain devices, a water-sealing bell trap is not used as a blocking means between a drain and a drain pipe however a control means corresponding to the discharge pressure of sewage is provided.

[12] The control means is an automatic drainage channel control device, in which a control valve is automatically moved downwards by discharge pressure when sewage dumped into a floor flows to the upper portion of the drain device, so that a drainage channel opens and thus water drains through the drain pipe, and the control valve moves automatically upwards when drainage has been completed, thus blocking the drainage channel.

[13] When comparing the conventional drain devices having the automatic drainage channel control device with the conventional water-sealing bell trap, at normal times, the control valve water-tightly seals a gap between the drain and the drain pipe, thus completely preventing sewage gases and harmful insects from entering a room. Further, the drain devices having the automatic drainage channel control device prevent dirt from accumulating on the water sealing part, thus preventing the draining function from deteriorating and completely preventing reek from being generated.

[14] Further, in the drainage state, the drainage channel is almost vertically formed in each drain device, and the cross-sectional area is large, so that impurities having large volume are smoothly discharged. Especially, the drain device prevents sewage from flowing backwards through the drain pipe.

[15] However, the drain devices according to the prior inventions 1 and 2 are problematic in that the automatic drainage channel control device includes complicated operating parts which are manufactured by mechanically coupling several components to each other, so that it is difficult to manufacture the parts and the number of assembling processes is large, and thus productivity is low, and there are many wide sliding contact parts, so that they resist vertical movement, and a drain conduit is narrow, so that it is difficult to apply to a small device, and discharged sewage flows into and accumulates on the control device, so that operational trouble frequently occurs, and perfect sewage backflow prevention is not ensured. Thus, the intended effects of the drain devices are not substantially achieved. Further, many problems are expected in the prior inventions in terms of manufacturability, constructability and economic efficiency.

[16] Especially in the prior invention 3, a valve seat serving as the drainage channel control means comprises a plate-shaped rubber packing and moves up and down only by the tensile force of a tension spring. Thus, in the case where the discharge amount of the discharged sewage is small, the valve seat is partially opened while a small gap is formed between the drain and the valve seat, so that only the sewage is discharged. Hence, when solid impurities, hair or sand are present in the sewage, they are not smoothly discharged and are caught in a control contact part, so that airtightness is lost.

[17] Further, when the drain device has been used for a lengthy period of time, the elastic force of the tension spring is reduced and relaxed, so that the valve seat does not water- tightly close the drain. Therefore, the drain device does not prevent the reek and backflow. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[18] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage, which is provided with an automatic drainage channel control means for blocking the inflow of sewage gases, and forms a drainage channel having a wide cross-sectional area, thus allowing various kinds of sewage to be smoothly discharged.

[19] Another object of the present invention is to provide a floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage, which most efficiently prevents impurities or dirt from adhering to or getting depositing on a drainage channel or a control means, thus efficiently ensuring the operability of the drainage channel control means and preventing the inflow of sewage gases and the backflow of sewage, even if the device has been used for a lengthy period of time.

[20] A further object of the present invention is to provide a floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage, which is capable of completely preventing the entrance of harmful insects as well as sewage gases from a sewer.

[21] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage, which is universally utilizable in large and small household floor drain pipes. Technical Solution

[22] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage, including a drain unit including a basin housing including a cylindrical housing body having on an outer portion thereof assembly means which is detachably secured to an interior of a device holding unit in a floor drain communicating with a drain pipe, and a seat support ring protruding from an inner end of the housing body to a center thereof, thus forming a housing opening, a drain seat including an annular seat body seated on the seat support ring, and an annular packing extending from the seat body and protruding through the housing opening to a lower portion of the seat support ring, a drain basin including a support flange seated on an upper end of the basin housing, and a hemispherical basin body extending downwards from the support flange in such a way as to be in close contact with the seat body, with a drain formed in a lower end of the basin body, and a shaft support including a support ring seated on the support flange, a plurality of support ribs extending inwards from the support ring to a center thereof, and a shaft holding boss connected to the plurality of support ribs, located in the center of the support ring and having a threaded hole.

[23] A straight-line-shaped support shaft is fastened to the threaded hole of the shaft holding boss in such a way as to be supported downwards.

[24] A control unit includes an elevation pipe having an inner hole such that the elevation pipe is fitted over the support shaft and slides up and down along the support shaft, with left and right racks provided longitudinally along left and right sides of an outer surface of the elevation pipe in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to each other, a packing support pipe bent outwards from an upper end of the elevation pipe and extending upwards from the upper end thereof, thus forming an accommodation space between the packing support pipe and an outer surface of the support shaft, an elevation-pipe watertight sealing means surrounding the outer surface of the support shaft so as to prevent the sewage from flowing into the elevation pipe, and installed in the accommodation space defined between the outer surface of the support shaft and an inner surface of the packing support pipe, a hemispherical upper control part integrated with an upper end of the packing support pipe, a central portion of the upper control part being in watertight contact with an inner circumference of the annular packing for the drain, and a hemispherical lower control part water-tightly fastened to a lower end of the upper control part in a threaded manner.

[25] A vertical drive unit includes a pinion support pipe removably coupled at a bottom plate thereof to a lower end of the support shaft and concentrically fitted over the support shaft to be spaced apart from the elevation pipe, left and right pinions passing perpendicularly through a side of the pinion support pipe so that gear teeth protrude inwards and outwards from the side by a predetermined width, and mounted to the pinion support pipe in such a way as to freely rotate, the inwardly protruding gear teeth engaging with the racks of the elevation pipe, and an elevation actuating pipe concentrically fitted over the pinion support pipe in such a way as to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined interval, and having on an inner wall thereof left and right racks that engage with the outwardly protruding gear teeth of the left and right pinions, with a cylindrical weight integrally attached to an outer surface of the elevation actuating pipe, so that the elevation actuating pipe moves downwards after the sewage fed into the drain basin is discharged and the control unit moves upwards, thus making the upper control part be in close contact with the inner circumference of the annular packing.

[26] The elevation-pipe watertight sealing means comprises one retainer type packing, or a plurality of retainer type packings which are layered in a vertical direction.

[27] According to the present invention, the upper and lower control parts may be manufactured using synthetic resin injection-molded products in consideration of the manu- facturability of the elevation pipe, the racks, a screw and other components. However, in order to enhance surface strength, each of the upper and lower control parts may further include a cover which is made of a stainless steel sheet.

[28] According to the present invention, the control unit may further include an air valve which circulates internal air depending on a variation of internal volume in the drainage-channel opening and closing operations of the control unit, prevents backward-flowing sewage from entering the device, and naturally drains sewage or condensing water collected in the lower control part, thus preventing the weight of the control unit from increasing due to the use of the control unit.

Advantageous Effects

[29] According to the present invention, a floor drain device is installed via an assembly means in the device holding unit of a floor drain which communicates with a drain pipe and has on an upper end thereof a filter, and has the operational effects listed below.

[30] In the state where the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to the present invention is installed in the device holding unit of the floor drain, when the sewage is not discharged, a control unit moves upwards to a maximally ascendant position, thus maintaining a drainage channel in a closed state which water-tightly seals the drain of a drain unit.

[31] An elevation actuating pipe fitted over the outer surface of a pinion support pipe in the control unit is supported with descending thrust which is capable of ascending the control unit to the maximally ascendant position because of a weight attached to the outer surface of the elevation actuation pipe, in the state where the upper ends of left and right racks provided on the left and right sides of the inner wall of the elevation actuating pipe engage with the left and right pinions of the pinion support pipe.

[32] Thus, in order to correspond to the descending thrust of the elevation actuating pipe, the left and right pinions of the pinion support pipe provide an ascending thrust which moves upwards the left and right racks of an elevation pipe, the lower ends of which engage with the inner gear teeth of left and right pinions in the pinion support pipe. Thus, the elevation pipe, which is integrally provided with left and right racks and is in sliding contact with the outer surface of a support shaft with a slight gap formed between the elevation pipe and the support shaft, is moved upwards to the maximally ascendant position and supported at this position.

[33] When an elevation pipe is supported at the maximally ascendant position on the support shaft through the operation of the gear trains, the control unit integrated with the elevation pipe is also supported at the maximally ascendant position.

[34] If the control unit is supported at the maximally ascendant position, an upper control part which corresponds to the upper part of the control unit is supported at the maximally ascendant position, and the central portion of the spherical outer circumference of the upper control part is in watertight contact with the inner spherical surface of an annular packing which is provided on the central portion of the lower end of the drain basin of the drain unit, so that a closed state of the drainage channel is realized.

[35] As such, in the closed state of the drainage channel, the control unit water-tightly seals the drain of the drain unit. In this state, when discharge sewage flows into the drain unit, the control unit is operated to open the drainage channel.

[36] If sewage is dumped into a floor, the sewage passes through the filter into the drain basin and a predetermined sewage discharge pressure resulting from adding dropping pressure to the weight of the sewage acts on the upper end of the upper control part.

[37] When such sewage discharge pressure is applied to the upper end of the upper control part, the control unit moves downwards, so that the upper surface of the upper control part which is in watertight contact with the annular packing moves downwards, and thus the drain of the drain basin is opened. Thereby, the sewage is discharged to the drain pipe. [38] In the sewage discharging state where sewage dumped to the floor flows into the drain basin and sewage discharge pressure continuously acts on the upper control part, the control unit is operated in an ascending stroke by a vertical drive unit installed in the control unit.

[39] The ascending stroke of the vertical drive unit of the control unit is performed in proportion to the sewage discharge pressure acting on the upper end of the upper control part which is the upper part of the control unit.

[40] If the sewage discharge pressure acts on the upper end of the upper control part, the upper control part moves downwards, and the elevation pipe integrally provided in the central portion of the upper control part moves downwards along the outer surface of the support shaft.

[41] When the elevation pipe moves downwards, the left and right racks provided vertically on the left and right sides of the outer surface of the elevation pipe move downwards, thus inwardly rotating the left and right pinions of the pinion support pipe which engage with the left and right racks of the elevation pipe.

[42] When the left and right pinions rotate inwards, the left and right racks engaging with protruding gear teeth of the left and right pinions on the outer surface of the pinion support pipe move upwards. Thereby, the ascending stroke for moving the elevation actuating pipe to the upper portion of the pinion support pipe is performed.

[43] The elevating stroke of the elevation actuating pipe is performed with reference to a pressure level at which sewage discharge pressure moves the upper control part downwards to a maximally descendant position. When pressure higher than the reference pressure acts, the elevation actuating pipe is maintained at the maximally ascendant position. Meanwhile, when pressure lower than the reference pressure is in effect, the elevation actuating pipe is controlled in a stroke which changes the vertical position of the elevation actuating pipe in proportion to the magnitude of the pressure.

[44] The elevating stroke of the elevation actuating pipe finally controls the vertical position of the upper control part, thus controlling the opening area of the sewage drain formed between the annular packing and the upper end of the upper control part under the drain, in proportion to the sewage discharge amount.

[45] In the sewage discharge state, when the discharge of the sewage has been completed, the vertical drive unit in the control unit is operated in a descending stroke, so that the control unit returns to the state of closing the drainage channel.

[46] In the above-mentioned sewage discharge state, when the discharge amount of the sewage fed into the drain basin gradually reduces, the sewage discharge pressure acting on the upper control part gradually reduces below the reference pressure. Thereby, the elevation actuating pipe which is controlled in the ascending stroke in proportion to the sewage discharge pressure is operated in the descending stroke which is gradually moved downwards from the maximally ascendant position by the descending thrust of the weight.

[47] Subsequently, when the discharge of the sewage fed into the drain basin ceases and is completed, the sewage discharge pressure acting on the upper control part disappears completely, and the elevation actuating pipe which is gradually moving downwards in the descending stroke returns to its original position as soon as the sewage discharge pressure disappears.

[48] As such, when the elevation actuating pipe completely moves downwards to its original position in the descending stroke, as described above, the upper control part is controlled to move to the maximally ascendant position and compressed against the annular packing, so that the control unit is operated in the drainage channel closing state which water-tightly closes the inner drain.

[49] When comparing the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to the present invention operated as described above with the conventional floor drain devices for preventing reek and backflow having the automatic drainage channel control device, the present invention has the following effects.

[50] First, when comparing the control unit and the vertical drive unit that are important components of the internal drain control means according to the present invention with the corresponding components of the prior inventions 1 and 2, the prior inventions require a great number of parts, dimensional accuracy and complicated construction, whereas the present invention requires a small number of parts, has simple construction and affords ease of manufacturing.

[51] Second, in the floor drain device according to the present invention, the support means for supporting the control unit to the drain unit is constructed of a shaft-holding boss having a threaded hole provided on the central portion on the upper end of the drain basin of the drain unit to hold the support shaft in a threaded manner. Meanwhile, as for the prior inventions 1 and 2, it is difficult to machine the corresponding parts, the volume of the parts is large, the assembly of the parts is difficult, and it is difficult to hold the parts on a surface of the filter precisely and firmly in a vertical direction. However, according to the invention, it is easy to machine the shaft holding boss and the support shaft, and the support shaft can be mounted precisely, easily and firmly to the central portion of the drain unit in the vertical direction, thus allowing the control unit to stably move up and down, and precisely maintaining watertight contact between the control unit and the annular packing.

[52] Third, according to the present invention, a sliding contact part between the control unit and the support shaft is constructed so that the elevation pipe simply slides a vertically long contact part with a fine clearance defined between the elevation pipe and the outer surface of the support shaft having a small diameter and a circular cross- section.

[53] In prior inventions 1 and 2, the corresponding construction is complicated and requires a precise structure and assembly, so that manufacturing costs and material costs are high because of precision machining. However, according to this invention, the support shaft, the upper control part and the elevation pipe having simple structure and convenient assemblability can be manufactured as synthetic resin injection-molded products which are light, have superior manufacturability and are inexpensive.

[54] Fourth, in the construction of the control unit according to the present invention, the sliding contact part of the vertical drive unit is constructed so that the elevation pipe is in slidable contact with only one location on the outer surface of the support shaft. However, the corresponding construction of the prior inventions 1 and 2 is complicated, the area of the sliding contact part is large, and the size and area of a watertight part are large. According to the present invention, a frictional force of the vertical moving stroke of the control unit is small, thus securing smooth and soft vertical movement, and it is possible to use a retainer packing which is conveniently installed in the control unit, is inexpensive, and has a high watertight sealing effect and is of a small diameter.

[55] Fifth, the present invention dramatically reduces the number of assembling processes in the manufacture of the device and affords ease of assembling through the above- mentioned characteristics, thus considerably increasing productivity.

[56] Sixth, the drain according to the prior inventions 1 and 2 is constructed so that its volume and plan sectional area are small, thus sewage discharging ability is poor, sewage sediment is caught by the drain, and miniaturization for home use is difficult. In contrast, according to the present invention, only the support shaft having a small diameter is placed in the drain basin of the drain unit, so that the drain has a relatively large volume and plan sectional area. Thus, sewage discharge pressure increases, so that sewage can be rapidly, smoothly and completely discharged even if viscous impurities, hair, soil, sand and other bulky impurities are added to the sewage, and the deposition of the sediment of discharged sewage on the outer surface of the upper control part is effectively prevented, and the drain makes a perfect watertight seal when in the drainage channel closed state, so that drain closing efficiency can be continuously maintained. Further, the volume and plan sectional area of the drainage channel are maximized with respect to the diameter of the drain pipe, so that the volume and plan sectional area of the drainage channel can be sufficiently ensured even if the entire drain device is miniaturized. Thus, it is possible to apply the device to a small floor drain pipe for home use which has a diameter of 65mm or less. Moreover, it is possible to apply the device to even a large drain device such as the floor drain of a road collector well or various industrial facilities without any additional structural change. [57] Seventh, in the control unit and the vertical drive unit which are the drain control means of the present invention, a sufficient space is ensured outside the elevation actuating pipe, so that the widthwise extension of the weight is easy.

[58] Eighth, in the prior inventions 1 and 2, the watertight construction of a vertical drive unit of a control unit has large size and area, so that the size of a packing is large and thus it is difficult to mount the packing. Further, when the control unit moves vertically to open or close the drain, variation in internal volume of an elevation pipe moving along with the control unit is large, so that the pumping operation of sucking discharged sewage when the sewage is discharged occurs, thus the actuating part of the vertical drive unit is contaminated and operational trouble occurs. Further, when the conventional device has been used for a lengthy period of time, the device may be filled with water due to the above pumping operation, so that the actual weight of the elevation pipe increases. Thereby, even in the state where the sewage is not discharged, the control unit does not seal the drain.

[59] However, the watertight construction of the control unit according to the present invention comprises an elevation-pipe watertight sealing means which surrounds the outer surface of the support shaft so as to make a watertight seal to close a gap between the control unit and the support shaft and which slides along the support shaft. Thus, high watertight sealing performance can be continuously obtained using a retainer packing which is cheap, easily installed, and of a small diameter.

[60] The opening and closing operation of the control unit is implemented by a very small change in internal volume of about 1/30 or less, so that the pumping operation does not occur, thus preventing the vertical drive unit provided in the control unit from being contaminated by the discharged sewage and from malfunctioning.

[61] Further, the actual weight of the control unit does not change but is maintained during use, so that the operability of the vertical drive unit and the watertight drain controlling operation can be reliably ensured even if the device has been used for a lengthy period of time.

[62] Ninth, in the prior inventions 1 and 2, the sewage backflow preventing function is realized by making the hermetical surface of the control unit make a watertight seal with a drain packing, thus blocking the internal drainage channel.

[63] The actuating force for maintaining the watertight contact between the control unit and the packing is formed to have an elevation balance for moving downwards the control unit even in response to a small sewage discharge pressure, so that the actuating force comprises relatively small pressure.

[64] Thus, if sewage flows back from the drain pipe, water level drastically changes to become heavy and a large ascending pressure is applied to the control unit and the lower surface of the lower cap, compared to the general case where the level of backward-flowing sewage slowly increases. If the volume of the spherical control unit is small, buoyancy is small, so that the control unit may be slightly shaken or may descend because of the heavily shaking backward- flowing sewage, and thereby a gap may be formed between the control unit and the packing. When a small gap is formed between the control unit and the packing, the backward-flowing sewage having high pressure and ascension force is pushed up through the gap, and the closed state of the drainage channel is destroyed.

[65] In contrast, the present invention is constructed so that the control unit comprises a float-shaped sphere having a large diameter which is equal to about 1/2 of the diameter of the drain pipe. Thus, when sewage flows back to the drain pipe, the control unit generates large buoyancy in proportion to the backward-flowing sewage, and the watertight contact between the control unit and the annular packing is more firmly maintained by a strong ascension force, thus perfectly preventing the sewage from flowing backwards.

[66] As such, when comparing the prior inventions with the present invention, the present invention is much superior in productivity and operation, rapidly and smoothly drains sewage from the floor through the drain to the drain pipe, and continuously prevents harmful sewage gas, reek and harmful insects from entering through the drain pipe.

[67] The floor drain device for preventing the backflow of sewage ensures a reliable and perfect sewage backflow preventing function for a lengthy period of time, so that it is installable in low land or areas adjacent to a river which suffer big damage from the backing up of sewage occurring in unexpectedly heavy rain or in the rainy season, thus providing good sanitation and preventing the loss of property. Brief Description of Drawings

[68] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the assembled state of a floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[69] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[70] FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view illustrating a control unit and a vertical drive unit included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[71] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating part of a drain unit included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[72] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a holding unit for the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[73] FIG. 6 is a half sectional view illustrating a closed state of the drain of the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[74] FIG. 7 is a half sectional view illustrating an open state of the drain of the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[75] FIG. 8 is an exploded sectional view illustrating covers applied to another embodiment of a control unit included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[76] FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a control unit included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[77] FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating the assembled state illustrating another embodiment of the control unit included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[78] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 10;

[79] FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view illustrating covers applied to another embodiment of a control unit included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[80] FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating the assembled state of another embodiment of a control unit having an air valve of the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[81] FIG. 14 is an enlarged exploded view illustrating the air valve included in the construction of FIG. 13;

[82] FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the descending state of the air valve of the control unit according to another embodiment included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[83] FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the ascending state of the air valve of the control unit according to another embodiment included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[84] FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view illustrating a further embodiment of a control unit having an air valve included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[85] FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a valve body included in the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[86] (Description of reference characters of important parts)

[87] 40: floor 42: drain pipe 43: floor layer

[88] 44: cement mortar

[89] 50: device holding unit 51 : filter support ring

[90] 52: coupling pipe 53: drain unit support ring

[91] 54: drain unit support pipe 55: rotary support hole

[92] 56: annular support packing 57: stainless steel cover

[93] 60: filter 61: filter hole

[94] 100: floor drain device for preventing reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention

[95] 101 : drain unit 110: basin housing 111: housing body

[96] 112: seat support ring 113: opening of housing

[97] 114: support flange of housing

[98] 115: rotary support protrusion 120: drain basin

[99] 121: hemispherical basin body

[100] 122: lower flange of drain basin 123: drain of drain basin

[101] 124: support flange of drain basin

[102] 130: drain seat 131: seat body 132: seat ring

[103] 140: shaft support 141: support ring 142: support step

[104] 143: support rib 144: shaft holding boss

[105] 145: threaded hole for supporting shaft

[106] 146: shaft fastening groove 150: cover

[107] 151: cover ring

[108] 152: outer cover flange 153: inner cover flange

[109] 154: locking piece 155: support piece

[110] 156: central support piece 160: support shaft

[111] 161: fastening part 162: threaded part 163: screw hole

[112] 170: pinion support pipe 171: pipe body 172: bottom plate

[113] 173: locking hole 175: left and right pinions

[114] 176: pinion shaft 180: elevation actuating pipe

[115] 181: rack of actuating pipe 182: annular weight

[116] 190: control unit 191: upper control part

[117] 192: stepped external threaded ring

[118] 192a: external threaded part 193: lower control part

[119] 194: internal threaded ring

[120] 195: packing support pipe 197: support shaft packing [121] 198: elevation pipe

[122] 199: left and right racks of elevation pipe

[123] 290: control unit of another embodiment

[124] 291, 293: upper and lower control parts of another embodiment

[125] 291a: upper control part 294, 295: assembling grooves

[126] 290a: control unit of further embodiment

[127] 311, 314: upper and lower covers

[128] 312, 315: assembly piece 313: packing support hole

[129] 314a: stainless steel lower control part

[130] 316: threaded part 317 : packing

[131] 320: air valve 321 : valve body

[ 132] 322: middle part 323 : hanging part

[133] 324: opening-and-closing part

[134] 330: air valve of another embodiment

[135] 331: air discharge hole 332: outlet

[136] 333: lower control seat

[137] 341: tube-type valve body of another embodiment

[138] 343, 344: upper and lower parts

[139] 345: middle part 346: space

[140] 390: control unit of further embodiment

[141] 393 : hemispherical lower control part

[142] 395: discharge hole 396: drain

[143] 397, 398: upper and lower control seats Mode for the Invention

[144] FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate the construction and operation of a floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention which is to be removably installed to a holding unit 50 of a floor drain.

[145] Reference numeral 40 denotes a floor, reference numeral 42 denotes a drain pipe which is vertically embedded into the floor layer 43 of the floor 40 and connected to a sewer pipe.

[146] Reference numeral 50 denotes a drain device holding unit. The device holding unit is secured using cement mortar 44 such that the upper edge of the device holding unit is on the same level with the surface of the floor 40. The middle portion of the device holding unit has a coupling pipe 52 which is coupled to the upper end of the drain pipe 42. The device holding unit removably holds therein the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[147] A filter support ring 51 is provided inside the upper edge of the device holding unit 50 while the filter support ring and the upper edge of the device holding unit differ in height. A filter 60 having a plurality of filter holes 61 is placed on the filter support ring. The cylindrical coupling pipe 52 is provided in the lower portion of the device holding unit and assembled with the drain pipe 42 in such a way as to be in close contact with the inner wall of the drain pipe.

[148] The lower end of the coupling pipe 52 is horizontally bent inwards, thus forming a drain unit support ring 53. A drain unit support pipe 54 is provided in the lower end of the drain unit support ring. A plurality of general rotary support holes 55 is provided in the circumference of the upper end of the inner wall of the support pipe 54.

[149] A stainless steel cover 57 having the same cross-section is secured to be in close contact with the upper end and outer surface of the device holding unit 50 and the outer surface of the filter support ring 51.

[150] An annular support packing 56 is provided on the upper surface of the support ring 53 in the device holding unit 50 constructed as described above. In this state, the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention is removably mounted to the device holding unit.

[151] The floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drain unit 101, a control unit 190 and a vertical drive unit. The drain unit is removably secured to the support pipe 54, thus defining a drain. The control unit is removably coupled to the drain unit 101, thus opening or closing the drain depending on the sewage discharge state.

[152] The drain unit 101 includes a basin housing 110, a drain basin 120 removably coupled to the basin housing 110, a drain seat 130, a shaft support 140 and a support cover 150.

[153] The basin housing 110 includes a cylindrical housing body 111 which is made of a synthetic resin or stainless steel material and mounted to the inner wall of the support pipe 54 with assembling tolerance.

[154] A seat support ring 112 is bent inwards from the lower end of the housing body 111, thus forming a circular opening 113 in the central portion of the seat support ring.

[155] A support flange 114 is bent outwards from the upper end of the housing body 111.

[156] Rotary support protrusions 115 are provided at regular intervals in such a way as to protrude out from the outer circumference of the housing body 111, and are removably inserted into the rotary support holes 55 of the device holding unit 50.

[157] The drain basin 120 includes a hemispherical basin body 121 which is made of a synthetic resin or stainless steel material. The size of the upper end of the basin body is determined such that the drain basin is in close contact with the upper end of the inner wall of the housing body 111.

[158] A lower basin flange 122 is provided on the lower end of the hemispherical basin body 121, has in a central portion thereof a circular drain 123 and is placed above the inner end of the seat support ring 112 to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined interval.

[159] A support flange 124 is provided on the upper end of the hemispherical basin body 121 in such a way as to be bent outwards.

[160] The drain seat 130 includes an annular seat body 131 which comprises a packing made of soft rubber or synthetic resin to have high elasticity and high corrosion resistance, and is in close contact between the housing body 111 and the basin body 121.

[161] A drain seat ring 132 partially protrudes from a connection space between the seat support ring 112 of the basin housing and the lower basin flange 122 to the drain 123 of the drain basin, and is in close contact with the outer surface of the upper control part of the control unit 190 which will be described in detail later.

[162] The shaft support 140 includes a support ring 141 which is made of a synthetic resin material and has on a lower end thereof a support step 142 so that the support ring concentrically seats on the support flange 124.

[163] A shaft holding boss 144 is provided on the central portion of the support ring 141 and supported on the inner end of the support ring 141 via a plurality of support ribs 143.

[164] A threaded hole 145 passes axially through the center of the shaft holding boss 144 and has on its inner wall a threaded part.

[165] A shaft fastening groove 146 is concentrically formed in the upper end of the threaded hole 145.

[166] The support cover 150 includes a cover ring 151 which is made of a stainless steel material and comprises a plate having the same size as the upper surface of the support ring 141 of the shaft support 140.

[167] An outer cover flange 152 is bent downwards from the outer circumference of the cover ring 151 to surround the outer ends of the support flange 124, the support ring 141 and the support flange 114.

[168] Inner cover flanges 153 are provided along the inner circumference of the cover ring 151, are bent downwards to be fitted between the support ribs 143, and have a height sufficient to surround the inner end of the support ring 141 of the shaft support.

[169] Four locking pieces 154 are installed at the lower end of the outer cover flange 152 in such a way as to be positioned, respectively, in four circumferential parts which are formed by dividing the circumference of the outer cover flange into four equal parts, and are bent towards the lower end surface of the support flange 114 while each locking piece has a predetermined width. [170] Four support pieces 155 extend from the inner end of the cover ring 151 to the center thereof in such a way as to cover the upper surfaces of the support ribs 143. Each support piece is bent downwards to surround both sides of the corresponding support rib 143.

[171] A central support piece 156 extends from the support pieces 155 and is shaped to cover part of the upper end of the shaft holding boss 144.

[172] The vertical drive unit includes a support shaft 160 which is removably fastened to the shaft holding boss 144 of the drain unit 101, a pinion support pipe 170 which is removably coupled to the support shaft 160 and an elevation actuating pipe 180.

[173] The support shaft 160 is a shaft which has a circular cross-section and a predetermined length corresponding to the operating stroke of the control unit 190 which will be described later. A fastening part 161 is provided on the upper end of the support shaft and seated in the shaft fastening groove 146 of the shaft holding boss 144 which is the central part of the shaft support 140. A threaded part 162 is provided under the fastening part and fastened to the threaded hole 145 in a threaded manner. A screw hole 163 is provided in the lower end of the support shaft to fasten the elevation actuating pipe.

[174] The pinion support pipe 170 includes a cylindrical pipe body 171 which is concentrically fastened to the circumference of the lower end of the support shaft 160 to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined interval, a bottom plate 172 which closes the lower end of the pipe body 171, and a locking hole 173 which is bored through the central portion of the bottom plate 172.

[175] Two left and right pinions 175 are provided at predetermined positions on the upper end of the pipe body 171 in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to each other, pass through the pipe body in such a way as to protrude inwards and outwards from the wall of the pipe body and are mounted via pinion shafts 176 in such a way as to be freely rotated.

[176] The pinion support pipe 170 constructed as described above is fastened to the screw hole 163 formed in the lower end of the support shaft via a locking screw 174 outside the locking hole 173 of the bottom plate, so that the pinion support pipe is locked to the support shaft 160.

[177] The elevation actuating pipe comprises a cylindrical pipe which coaxially circumscribes the pinion support pipe 170. Racks 181 are provided longitudinally along the inner wall of the elevation actuating pipe in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to each other, and engage with the two left and right pinions 175 of the pinion support pipe 170.

[178] A metallic annular weight 182 having a predetermined weight is secured to the outer surface of the elevation actuating pipe. [179] When sewage fed into the drain basin 120 is discharged through the drain 123 of the drain basin 120, the weight 182 makes the elevation actuating pipe 180 move downwards while moving upwards the control unit 190, thus closing the drain 123. Meanwhile, when water pressure is applied by sewage fed into the drain basin 120, the weight 182 makes the control unit 190 move downwards while moving upwards the elevation actuating pipe 180, thus opening the drain 123 of the drain basin 120.

[180] The control unit 190 includes an upper control part 191 which has a hemispherical shape. The size of the outer surface of the upper end of the hemispherical upper control part is determined such that the outer surface is in close contact with the inner surface of the seat ring 132. A stepped external threaded ring 192 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the upper control part.

[181] A hemispherical lower control part 193 has on its upper end an internal threaded ring 194 which engages with the external threaded ring 192 provided on the lower end of the upper control part 191 in a threaded manner.

[182] A packing support pipe 195 extends downwards from the central portion of the upper end of the upper control part 191, and has a diameter larger than that of the support shaft 160. The packing support pipe is concentrically provided outside the support shaft 160.

[183] Annular shaft packings 196 are inserted into the packing support pipe 195 in multiple layers in such a way as to be in close contact with each other. The inner circumferential surface of each shaft packing is in elastic close contact with the outer surface of the support shaft 160.

[184] A packing support 197 is secured to the upper end of the packing support pipe 195 to prevent the removal of the shaft packings 196.

[185] An elevation pipe 198 comprises a cylindrical pipe which extends downwards from the lower end of the packing support pipe 195 and circumscribes the support shaft 160 in such a way as to slide up and down. Left and right racks 199 are provided longitudinally along the outer circumferential surface of the elevation pipe in such a way as to be symmetric with respect to each other, and engage with the two left and right pinions 175 of the pinion support pipe 170.

[186] The floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above construction is assembled as follows.

[187] Respective parts of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention are separately manufactured. First, the parts are assembled into the drain unit 101 through first and second assembly processes. Subsequently, the assembly of the control unit 190 and the vertical drive unit is completed through first to third assembly processes. [188] The first assembly process for the drain unit 101 is performed as follows. The support shaft 160 is fitted into the upper portion of the shaft holding boss 144 of the shaft support 140, so that the fastening part 161 of the support shaft is seated in the shaft fastening groove 146 provided in the upper end of the shaft holding boss. To this end, the threaded part 162 of the support shaft is fastened to the threaded hole 145 in a threaded manner.

[189] Next, the upper flange 124 of the drain basin is fitted to the support step 142 which is provided on the lower edge of the shaft support 140, thus seating the drain basin 120, and the drain seat 130 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the basin body 121. Thereafter, the outer surface of the seat body 131 is covered with the basin housing 110, and the support flange 114 is in close contact with the lower surface of the upper basin flange 124. In this way, the first assembly process of the drain unit is completed.

[190] The second assembly process for the drain unit is performed as follows. After the upper surface of the shaft support 140 is covered with the support cover 150 with the locking pieces 154 vertically unfold, the locking pieces 154 of the support cover are bent inwards, so that the support ring 141 of the shaft support, the upper flange 124 of the drain basin, and the support flange 114 of the basin housing are compressed against the inner surface of the edge of the cover ring 151 of the support cover.

[191] According to the second assembly process for the drain unit 101, the upper end surface and side end of the shaft support 140 and the side ends of the support ribs 143 are in close contact with the support cover 150 which is made of a stainless steel material.

[192] Further, the drain basin 120, the drain seat 130 and the basin housing 110 are sequentially layered on the lower end of the shaft support 140, thus providing an integrated structure.

[193] Further, the drain seat 130 is supported between the outer surface of the basin body 121 and the inner surface of the basin housing 110 in such a way as to be in close contact therewith, and the seat ring 132 is installed in such a way as to protrude through the drain 123 of the drain basin.

[194] Moreover, the straight-line-shaped support shaft 160 is supported downwards by the shaft holding boss 144 of the shaft support 140.

[195] When such an assembly process of the drain unit 101 has been completed, the control unit 190 and the vertical drive unit are assembled with the support shaft 160 through the first to fourth assembly processes.

[196] Through the first assembly process of the control unit 190, the elevation pipe 198 is assembled with the support shaft 160 in such a way as to slide up and down while maintaining watertightness between the elevation pipe and the support shaft. [197] After the packing support 197, the three support shaft packings 196, and the upper control part 191 are sequentially fitted over the support shaft 160 in a direction from a lower position to an upper position, the three support shaft packings 196 are sequentially layered in the packing support pipe 195, and the edge of the uppermost support shaft packing 196 is supported by the packing support 197.

[198] The second assembly process of the control unit 190 is performed as follows. The upper control part 191 fitted over the support shaft 160 through the first assembly process is positioned and secured at the maximally ascendant position of a drainage channel closing stroke. In this state, the pinion support pipe 170 is fitted over the lower end of the support shaft 160 and then moved up, so that the left and right pinions 175 engage with the racks 199 of the two left and right racks 199 provided on the outer circumference of the elevation pipe 198 by one to two pitches. Subsequently, the elevation actuating pipe is fitted over the pinion support pipe 170 in a direction from a lower position to an upper position, so that the left and right racks 181 engage with the left and right pinions 175 of the pinion support pipe 170 by one to two pitches. Next, the locking screw 174 is fitted into the locking hole 173 formed in the bottom plate 172 of the pinion support pipe 170, so that the locking screw is fastened to the screw hole 163 of the support shaft.

[199] The third assembly process of the control unit 190 is performed subsequent to the second assembly process, so that the lower control part 193 is coupled to the lower end of the upper control part 191 having the external threaded ring 192 via the internal threaded ring 194 in a threaded manner.

[200] According to the first to third assembly processes of the control unit 190, the elevation actuating pipe 180 is supported on the outer surface of the lower end of the pinion support pipe 170 while the upper ends of the two left and right racks 181 engage with the two left and right pinions 175. In the state where the upper and lower control parts 191 and 193 are assembled with each other to have a spherical external appearance, and the lower ends of the two left and right racks 199 provided on the elevation pipe 198 engage with the two left and right pinions 175, the elevation pipe is supported on the upper portion of the pinion support pipe 170.

[201] The floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment which is assembled through the above assembly processes performs the floor drain function and the reek and backflow preventing function, as shown in the FIGS. 6 and 7 which illustrate the use of the device installed in a floor drain.

[202] The detachable filter 60 is provided on the floor 40 in which the drain pipe 42 is arranged, and positioned inside the upper edge of the device holding unit closed by the stainless steel cover 57. The device holding unit 50 having the support pipe 54 inserted into the drain pipe 42 is secured under the filter 60 using the cement mortar 44. [203] The floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention is rotatably mounted to the support pipe 54, after the filter 60 is removed from the device holding unit 50 mounted to the floor 40.

[204] The method of assembling the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment with the support pipe 54 is performed as follows. First, after the support packing 56 is placed on the support ring 53, the control unit 190 of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment passes through the support pipe 54 to be inserted into the drain pipe 42. Next, the rotary support protrusions 115 provided around the side of the support flange 114 of the basin housing 110 are aligned with and fitted into the rotary support holes 55 formed in the inner wall of the support pipe 54, and the drain unit 101 is turned to be locked. At this time, the lower surface of the support flange 114 of the drain unit 101 presses the support packing 55 while being water- tightly compressed against the upper surface of the support ring 53.

[205] Subsequently, the upper portion of the drain unit 101 held at a predetermined position is covered with the filter 60 again. In this way, the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment has been installed to the floor drain (see FIG. 6).

[206] As such, when the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment has been installed to the device holding unit 50 of the floor drain, the control unit 190 keeps the drainage channel in the drain unit 101 completely closed by using the vertical drive units installed in the control unit.

[207] The drainage channel closing state of the control unit 190 will now be described in detail.

[208] The upper ends of the racks 181 provided on the inner wall of the elevation actuating pipe 180 which is provided in the control unit 190 and fitted over the pinion support pipe 170 engage with the left and right pinions 175 of the pinion support pipe 170. In this state, the elevation actuating pipe is supported with descending thrust which is capable of moving the control unit 190 to the maximally ascendant position by the weight 182 secured to the outer circumference of the elevation actuating pipe.

[209] Thus, the left and right pinions 175 of the pinion support pipe 170 exert ascending thrust which corresponds to the descending thrust of the elevation actuating pipe and moves upwards the left and right racks 199 of the elevation pipe, the lower ends of which engage with the inside portions of the left and right pinions 175 in the pinion support pipe 170. Thereby, the elevation pipe 198 which is integrated with the left and right racks 199 and fitted over the support shaft 160 in such a way as to slide up and down with respect to the support shaft 160 is supported at the maximally ascendant position. [210] If the elevation pipe 198 is supported at the maximally ascendant position with respect to the support shaft 160 through the above processes, the entire control unit 190 integrated with the elevation pipe 198 is supported at the maximally ascendant position.

[211] When the control unit 190 is supported at the maximally ascendant position, the upper part of the control unit, that is, the upper control part 191 is supported at the maximally ascendant position, the central portion of the spherical outer circumference of the upper control part 191 compresses the inner spherical surface of the seat ring 132 exposed to the drainage channel of the drain unit 101 in a direction from a lower position to an upper position, thus water-tightly closing the drainage channel.

[212] When the upper control part 191 is in watertight contact with the seat ring 132, so that the drainage channel is closed, the drain 123 which forms the drainage channel in the drain unit 101 and is provided in the central portion of the drain basin is completely isolated from the drain pipe 42 provided at a lower position.

[213] In the state where the control unit 190 of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment is supported while closing the drainage channel, when sewage dumped to the floor 40 flows into the drain unit 101, that is, the sewage is discharged, the control unit 190 is operated to open the drainage channel through the following operating processes.

[214] When sewage is dumped into the floor 40, the sewage flows through the filter 60 into the drain basin 120, and a predetermined sewage discharge pressure produced by adding dropping pressure to the weight of the sewage acts on the upper end of the upper control part 191 which is supported to keep the drainage channel closed.

[215] When the discharge pressure of the sewage is applied to the upper end of the upper control part 191, the control unit 190 moves downwards because of the downward moving force corresponding to the discharge pressure of the sewage.

[216] When the control unit 190 moves downwards, the upper surface of the upper control part 191 which is in watertight contact with the inner spherical surface of the seat ring 132 moves downwards, so that the drain 123 of the drain basin is opened.

[217] When the drain 123 is opened, the sewage fed into the basin body 121 is discharged to the drain pipe 42 which is provided at a lower position.

[218] As such, in the sewage discharging state wherein the sewage dumped to the floor flows into the basin body 121 and the discharge pressure of the sewage is continuously applied to the upper control part 191, the vertical drive unit in the control unit 190 is operated in an ascending stroke.

[219] The ascending stroke of the vertical drive unit in the control unit 190 is conducted in proportion to the sewage discharge pressure acting on the upper control part 191 which is the upper part of the control unit 190. [220] When the sewage discharge pressure acts on the upper end of the upper control part 191, the upper control part 191 moves downwards, so that the elevation pipe 198 integrated in the upper control part moves downwards along the outer surface of the support shaft 160.

[221] When the elevation pipe 198 moves downwards, the left and right racks 199 provided vertically on the left and right sides of the outer surface of the elevation pipe also move downwards, so that the left and right pinions 175 of the pinion support pipe 170 engaging with the left and right racks 199 rotate inwards.

[222] As the left and right pinions 175 rotate inwards, the left and right racks 181 engaging with the outwardly protruding gear teeth of the left and right pinions 175 at the outer surface of the pinion support pipe 170 move upwards. Hence, the elevation actuating pipe 180 moves to the upper portion of the pinion support pipe 170.

[223] Such an elevating stroke of the elevation actuating pipe 180 is performed with reference to a pressure value at which the upper control part 191 is moved downwards to the maximally descendant position by the sewage discharge pressure. If pressure higher than the reference pressure acts, the elevation actuating pipe 180 is maintained at the maximally ascendant position. If pressure lower than the reference pressure acts, the vertical position of the elevation actuating pipe 180 is varied in proportion to the magnitude of the pressure.

[224] The elevating stroke of the elevation actuating pipe 180 finally controls the vertical position of the upper control part 191, thus controlling the opening area of the sewage drainage channel formed between the inner spherical surface of the seat ring 132 and the upper end of the upper control part 191 under the drain 123, in proportion to the sewage discharge amount.

[225] In the sewage discharge state, when the discharge of the sewage has been completed, the vertical drive unit in the control unit 190 of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment is operated in a descending stroke, so that the control unit returns to the state of closing the drainage channel.

[226] In the above-mentioned sewage discharge state, when the discharge amount of the sewage fed from the floor 40 into the drain basin 120 gradually reduces, the sewage discharge pressure acting on the upper control part 191 gradually reduces below the reference pressure. Thereby, the elevation actuating pipe which is controlled in the ascending stroke in proportion to the sewage discharge pressure is operated in the descending stroke which is gradually moved downwards from the maximally ascendant position by the descending thrust of the weight 182.

[227] Subsequently, when the discharge of the sewage fed from the floor 40 into the drain basin 120 ceases and is completed, the sewage discharge pressure acting on the upper control part 191 disappears completely, and the elevation actuating pipe 180 which is gradually moving downwards in the descending stroke returns to its original position as soon as the sewage discharge pressure disappears.

[228] As such, when the elevation actuating pipe completely moves downwards to its original position in the descending stroke, as described above, the upper control part 191 is controlled to move to the maximally ascendant position and compressed against the inner spherical surface of the seat ring 132, so that the control unit 190 is operated in the drainage channel closing state which water-tightly closes the inner drainage channel.

[229] The state of closing the drainage channel by the control unit 190 is continuously maintained until the sewage flows from the floor into the drain basin 120 again.

[230] The drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following operational effects, in comparison with the floor drain devices for preventing reek and backflow according to prior inventions 1 and 2 having the conventional automatic drainage channel control device.

[231] First, the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed so that the control unit 190 and the vertical drive unit which are the important parts of the inner drainage channel control means comprise the support shaft 160, the pinion support pipe 170, the elevation actuating pipe 180 and the control unit 190. Unlike the prior inventions requiring a great number of parts, dimensional accuracy and complicated construction, the invention has a small number of parts, simple construction and affords ease of manufacture.

[232] Second, in the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention, the means for supporting the control unit 190 to the drain unit 101 is constructed as follows. That is, the shaft holding boss 144 having the threaded hole 145 is provided on the central portion of the shaft support 120, and the threaded part 162 is provided on the upper portion of the support shaft 160, so that the shaft holding boss and the support shaft are coupled to each other in a threaded manner.

[233] However, in prior inventions 1 and 2, 'a guide is locked to the lower surface of a filter using three locking screws, and the upper end of a drive pipe having four guide pieces is fastened to the interior of the guide through a threaded manner' , so that it is difficult to machine parts, the volume of the parts is large, the assembly of the parts is difficult, and it is difficult to precisely and firmly lock the parts to the surface of the filter in a vertical direction. The invention solves these problems.

[234] Therefore, it is easy to manufacture the shaft holding boss 144 and the support shaft 160, and the support shaft 160 can be mounted precisely, easily and firmly to the central portion of the shaft support 140 in the vertical direction.

[235] Thereby, the control unit 190 can stably move up and down, and watertight contact between the control unit 190 and the seat ring 132 can be precisely maintained.

[236] Further, the support shaft 160 and the shaft holding boss 140 have sufficient strength owing to their own shapes, so that they can be manufactured using synthetic resin injection-molded products which are light, have superior manufacturability and are inexpensive.

[237] Third, in the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 190 and a vertical sliding structure are simple. That is, the elevation pipe 198 of the upper control part 191 slides along a contact part which is long in a vertical direction with a fine clearance defined between the elevation pipe and the outer surface of the support shaft 160 which has a small diameter and circular cross-section.

[238] In prior inventions 1 and 2, 'the four guide pieces are provided on the upper end of the drive pipe, and a frame having the four through holes through which the four guide pieces pass is provided on a trap attached to the interior of the guide pipe of a control unit in such a way as to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined interval', and 'the guide pipe of the control unit having on its upper end a packing is slidably fitted over the guide fastened to the lower surface of the central portion of the filter using the locking screws', so that a complicated and precise structure and precise assembly are required, and thereby manufacturing costs and material costs are high because of precision machining. However, this invention solves the problems, thus manufacturing the support shaft 160, the upper control part 191 and the elevation pipe 198 having simple structure and convenient assemblability, using synthetic resin molded products which are light, have superior manufacturability and are inexpensive.

[239] Fourth, in the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention, the watertight structure of the vertical drive unit for the control unit 190 is constructed so that the elevation pipe 198 is in slidable contact with only one location on the outer surface of the support shaft 160. However, in the corresponding construction of the prior inventions, 'the four guide pieces provided on the upper end of the drive pipe contact the four through holes of the trap of the control unit' , and 'the guide pipe of the control unit having on its upper end the packing is slidably fitted over the guide fastened to the lower surface of the central portion of the filter using the locking screws', so that the construction is complicated, the area of a sliding contact part is large, and the size and area of the watertight part are large. Unlike the prior inventions, according to the present invention, the vertical sliding structure of the elevation pipe 198 having a small frictional area secures smooth and soft vertical movement, and high watertight sealing ability is ensured using a retainer type packing which allows the vertical drive unit to be conveniently installed in the control unit 190, is inexpensive and has a small diameter.

[240] Further, the control unit 190 moves flexibly in a vertical direction, so that the outer surface of the upper control part 191 is opened while maintaining a constant interval of separation from the entire circumference of the seat ring 132. In the construction according to the prior invention wherein 'the drainage channel is opened or closed by moving vertically a disc-shaped control valve using a tension spring', when a sewage discharge amount is small, only one side of the disc-shaped control valve is partially opened, so that sewage is discharged. Thus, the sewage sediment is apt to be caught by the control unit, and blocking performance is undesirably lost.

[241] Fifth, the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention reduces the number of assembling processes in the manufacture of the device and affords ease of assembly through the above-mentioned characteristics, thus considerably increasing productivity.

[242] Sixth, unlike the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention, the drain according to the prior inventions 1 and 2 is constructed so that 'the guide' and 'the guide pipe provided on the upper end of the control unit' each having a large diameter which is equal to about 1/2 of the diameter of the drainage channel are provided on the central portion while having large sectional areas, so that the volume of the drainage channel is relatively reduced and the plan sectional area of the whole drain is reduced, and thereby sewage discharge ability is poor. Hence, sewage sediment is caught by the drain, and miniaturization for home use is difficult.

[243] In contrast, according to the present invention, only the support shaft 160 having a small diameter is placed in the drainage channel defined in the basin body 121 of the drain unit 101, so that the drain has a relatively large volume and plan sectional area. Thus, sewage discharge pressure increases, so that sewage can be rapidly, smoothly and completely discharged even if viscous impurities, hair, soil, sand and other bulky impurities are added to the sewage, and the deposition of the sediments of discharged sewage on the inner wall of the basin body 121 or the outer surface of the upper control part 191 is effectively prevented, and the drain forms a perfect watertight seal in the drainage-channel closed state, so that drainage-channel closing efficiency can be continuously maintained.

[244] Further, the volume and plan sectional area of the drainage channel are maximized with respect to the diameter of the drain pipe, so that the volume and plan sectional area of the drainage channel can be sufficiently ensured even if the entire drain device is miniaturized. Thus, it is possible to apply the device to a small household drain pipe which has a diameter of 65mm or less.

[245] Seventh, the control unit 190 and the vertical drive unit which are the drain control means of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention have simple construction unlike the corresponding construction of the prior inventions 1 and 2 and have sufficient space therein, so that it is easy to install the weight 182 which controls the elevation actuating pipe 180 in either the drainage-channel open or closed state while having a weight balance corresponding to sewage discharge pressure.

[246] In the drain control unit and the vertical drive unit according to the prior inventions 1 and 2, a drive column having on its left and right ends racks is provided on the central portion, five pipes, namely, a drive pipe, a weight-body rack pipe, a trap, the guide and the guide pipe sequentially circumscribe the drive column while having a predetermined thickness and gap. Thus, a diameter of each of the guide pipe provided on the upper end of the control unit and a lower cap which are the outermost parts must be limited to about 1/2 or less of the diameter of the drain, and the weight-body rack pipe must be installed in such a way as to be able to freely move in a vertical direction without interfering with the inner surfaces of the lower cap and the trap. Therefore, a small space is inevitably formed between the outer surface of the weight-body rack pipe and the inner surface of the trap, so that the weight body having weight balance required in the vertical drive unit must be provided in the small space. Hence, the widthwise extension of the weight body is restrictive, so that it is very difficult to install a proper weight.

[247] The floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention is equal to the prior inventions in that the vertical drive unit uses two left and right pinions and components engaging with the inside and outside portions of the pinions. However, according to the present invention, the number of actuating pipes for mounting the pinions and the components engaging with the pinions is reduced, and simple shape and coupling structure are achieved, and the control unit 190 is shaped to accommodate the entire vertical drive unit therein and comprise a single sphere formed by the upper and lower control parts 191 and 193 which are fastened to each other in a threaded manner. Thus, a sufficient space is ensured outside the elevation actuating pipe 180 in the control unit 190, so that the weight 182 which controls the elevation actuating pipe 180 in either the drainage- channel open or closed state while having a weight balance corresponding to sewage discharge pressure is easily set as a proper weight body while extending in a widthwise direction in a desired shape.

[248] Eighth, in the watertight sealing construction of the vertical drive unit of the control unit according to the prior inventions 1 and 2, 'the guide pipe of the control unit having on its upper end the packing is slidably fitted over the guide fastened to the lower surface of the central portion of the filter using the locking screws', so that the watertight part of the guide pipe has a large size and area, thereby the watertight packing becomes large and the difficulty of mounting and malfunctioning may occur. Further, when the control unit moves vertically a predetermined distance to open or close the drain, the internal volume of the control unit is greatly changed by at least 1/4 of the volume in proportion to the vertical moving height of the elevation pipe having the guide pipe and the lower cap with respect to the guide. The interior of the guide pipe is closed by the lower cap, and the packing is loosely mounted to permit the smooth vertical movement of the control unit.

[249] When the control unit moves downwards in the discharge of sewage, internal volume increases and air is sucked through a gap between the guide pipe and the guide, so that an undesirable pumping operation sucking even the discharge sewage occurs. While the sucked sewage contacts the sliding contact part of the guide pipe, the contact part between the drive pipe guide and the through hole and the engaging parts between the pinions and racks, the fine sediment included in the sewage forms deposits on the associated parts, so that the sliding contact part and the engaging parts of the pinions and the racks may have operational trouble. Thereby, the vertical drive unit or the entire control unit unfortunately malfunctions.

[250] Further, when the device has been used for a lengthy period of time, the discharge sewage sucked between the guide pipe and the guide by the pumping operation drops to the lower portion of a lower cap, thus gradually collecting on the floor. In proportion to the collected amount, the actual weight of the control unit increases. As the actual weight of the control unit increases, elevation balance between the control unit and a weight pipe comprising a weight body suitable for the weight of the control unit itself is destroyed. Thereby, even in the state where the sewage is not discharged, a control hemisphere is positioned under the drain packing, so that it is impossible to close the drain.

[251] In contrast, the watertight construction of the vertical drive unit of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention has on the upper end of the elevation pipe 198 the extension-type packing support pipe 195, so that several support shaft packings 196 which are a kind of small retainer are mounted to the outer surface of the support shaft 160 in layers in such a way as to elastically surround the support shaft. Thus, it is easy to manufacture and install the packings, and the watertight construction has on one place a circular watertight construction having a small diameter, so that watertight performance is increased and maintained for a lengthy period of time. [252] Meanwhile, in the elevating stroke, the control unit 190 is operated while its internal volume has a very small variation of about 1/30 or less, so that pumping operation is not performed, thus almost perfectly preventing the discharge sewage from flowing into the control unit 190 during the discharge of sewage, therefore preventing sewage from collecting in the control unit 190, preventing dirt from being deposited on the actuating part of the vertical drive unit, and reliably securing the operation of the vertical drive unit even if it has been used for a lengthy period of time.

[253] Ninth, in the sewage backflow preventing function of prior inventions 1 and 2, the drain closing force for causing the hemispherical surface of the control unit to water- tightly contact the packing has elevation balance for vertically moving the control unit even by a small sewage discharge pressure, so that the closing force is relatively small.

[254] Thus, if sewage flows back from the drain pipe, water level drastically changes to become heavy and a large ascending pressure is applied to the control unit and the lower surface of the lower cap, compared to the general case where the level of backward-flowing sewage slowly increases. If the volume of the spherical control unit is small, buoyancy is small, so that the control unit may be slightly shaken or may descend because of the heavily shaking backward- flowing sewage, and thereby a gap may be formed between the control unit and the packing. When a small gap is formed between the control unit and the packing, the backward-flowing sewage having high pressure and ascension force is pushed up through the gap, and the closed state of the drainage channel is destroyed.

[255] In contrast, the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed so that the control unit 190 comprises a float- shaped sphere having a large diameter which is equal to about 1/2 of the diameter of the drain pipe 42. Thus, when sewage flows back to the drain pipe 42, the control unit 190 generates large buoyancy in proportion to the backward-flowing sewage, and the watertight contact between the control unit and the seat ring 132 is more firmly maintained by a strong ascension force, thus perfectly preventing the sewage from flowing backwards.

[256] As such, when comparing the prior inventions with the present invention, the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention is much superior in productivity and operation, and considerably improves the reliability of the floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage which is an object of the present invention, thus perfectly preventing the reek and backflow of sewage.

[257] FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate a control unit 290 of a floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to another embodiment of the present invention. The control unit has a means for effectively maintaining the functioning of the upper control part 191 and the lower control part 193 which define the external appearance of the control unit 190 and are exposed to the sewage discharge part.

[258] The control unit 290 according to another embodiment has the same components as those of the control unit 190 according to an embodiment, except that upper and lower control part covers 311 and 314, each of which has a hemispherical shape and is made of a stainless steel sheet, are in close contact with the outer surfaces of the upper and lower control parts 291 and 293.

[259] Further, an upper control part 291 according to another embodiment omits the packing support 197 which presses the upper end of each support shaft packing 196 in the upper control part 191 according to an embodiment. Instead of the packing support, a packing support hole 313 is formed in the central portion of the upper end of the upper control part cover 311 to press the upper end of the support shaft packing 196.

[260] The upper and lower control part covers 311 and 314 are in close contact with the outer surfaces of the upper and lower control parts 291 and 293 through the following construction. That is, coupled ends of the upper and lower control parts 291 and 293 are divided into four equal parts, and assembling grooves 294 and 295 are formed in the four places. Further, the hemispherical upper and lower control part covers 311 and 314 have at coupled ends thereof assembly pieces 312 and 315 which are bent and inserted into the four assembling grooves 294 and 295 (see FIG. 11).

[261] Each of the upper and lower control parts 191 and 193 are formed as a synthetic resin injection-molded product, so that the precision of a spherical surface and surface strength are low. Thus, when the control unit has been used for a lengthy period of time, watertight contact between the control unit and the seat ring 132 deteriorates. However, the control unit 290 according to another embodiment effectively overcomes this problem.

[262] When the upper and lower control parts 191 and 193 according to an embodiment having low surface strength have been used for a lengthy period of time while being exposed to the sewage discharge part, the surface of the upper control part 191 is scratched by solid matter contained in discharge sewage, so that the surface becomes gradually rough. Further, a contact part between the control unit and the seat ring 132 is worn out due to repeated compression.

[263] As such, when the surface of the upper control part 191 according to an embodiment becomes rough and the contact part is partially worn out, consequently, fine sediment of discharged sewage is apt to deposit or hair may be caught by the upper control part. Further, watertight sealing efficiency between the upper control part and the seat ring 132 may be lowered, and a sealing function may unfortunately be lost completely.

[264] However, in the control unit 290 according to another embodiment, the hemispherical upper and lower control part covers 311 and 314 each comprising a stainless steel sheet are in close contact with the upper and lower control parts 291 and 293. Such a construction increases surface strength, thus preventing a surface from becoming scratched by the discharged sewage even if the control unit has been used for a lengthy period of time, preventing fine sediment of the discharged sewage from being easily deposited or preventing hair from being caught by the control unit, and preventing the contact part from becoming worn out, therefore always maintaining a smooth and precise spherical surface. Thereby, in the state where the drainage channel is closed, the watertight sealing operation between the control unit and the seat ring 132 is always normally conducted, thus lengthening the life span of the drain device, and in addition, providing high corrosion resistance against the discharged sewage.

[265] FIG. 12 illustrates a control unit 290a according to a further embodiment, in which the lower control part 293 is removed from the control unit 290 according to another embodiment, thus simplifying a structure.

[266] The control unit 290a according to a further embodiment is constructed so that the lower control part 293 is removed from the components of the control unit 290 according to another embodiment, and a lower control part 314a which is made of a stainless steel sheet and has a threaded part 316, in place of the assembly pieces 315 provided on the upper end of the lower control part cover 314, is provided. Further, an external threaded part 192a is provided on the lower end of the upper control part 291a to engage with the threaded part 316 provided on the upper end of the lower control part 314a, such that the outer circumference of the upper end of the lower control part corresponds to that of the lower end of the upper control part 291a. Thereby, the lower control part 314a made of the stainless steel sheet is directly fastened to the upper control part 291a in a threaded manner, with a packing 317 interposed between the lower end of the upper control part and the upper end of the lower control part.

[267] The control unit 290a according to a further embodiment constructed as described above has the same operational effect as that of the control unit 290, and the lower control part 293 which has a large volume and is made of synthetic resin material is omitted, so that the number of parts is reduced, weight is reduced and material costs and the number of assembling processes are reduced.

[268] FIGS. 13 to 16 illustrate a control unit 390 according to another embodiment having an air valve 320 as the means for more smoothly moving the control unit 190 included in the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[269] The air valve 320 according to this embodiment is constructed so that a discharge hole 395 is formed in the central portion of the lower end of a hemispherical lower control part 393, and an air valve body 321 is installed in the discharge hole 395.

[270] When viewing the cross-section of the discharge hole 395, the discharge hole has the shape of a sandglass. That is, a drain 396 having a smaller diameter is provided on the middle portion of the discharge hole, and upper and lower control seats 397 and 398 each having a conical shape are provided on the upper and lower portions of the discharge hole.

[271] The air valve body 321 comprises a packing which is made of an elastic material such as a soft rubber material or a synthetic resin material such as soft urethane. The valve body includes a middle part 322, a hanging part 323 having an inverted conical shape, and a conical opening-and-closing part 324. The middle part has a diameter smaller than that of the drain 396, has a vertical length longer than that of the drain 396 and is inserted into the drain 396. The hanging part is provided on the upper end of the middle part 322. The opening-and-closing part is provided on the lower end of the middle part 322 and is in watertight contact with the inner surface of the lower control seat 398.

[272] In this construction, the air valve body 321 is manufactured through an additional forming process, and is forcibly fitted into the drain 396 by making the hanging part 323 smaller than the drain.

[273] In the control unit 390 according to another embodiment having the above air valve 320, normally, the valve body 321 moves downwards, so that the drain 396 is open. Thus, as soon as water fills the control unit 390, the water is immediately discharged downwards (see FIG. 15).

[274] When sewage flows back from the drain pipe 42, the pressure of the backwater is applied to the lower surface of the opening-and-closing part 324 which is the lower part of the valve body 321, the entire air valve body 321 moves upwards and the opening-and-closing part 324 is in watertight contact with the lower control seat 398 (see FIG. 16), thus preventing the backward-flowing sewage from flowing into the control unit 390. Thus, the control unit 390 serves as a float which has superior backwater preventing effect.

[275] Further, the control unit 390 having the air valve 320 allows air to smoothly circulate through the air valve 320 even if an internal volume varies during the vertical movement of the control unit 390. Thus, this control unit solves the problem of a structure which may generate resistance by some change in volume which is slight as in the prior invention having a hermetic structure or the control unit 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and completely prevents a pumping operation which draws the discharge sewage inwards through the support shaft packings 196 which are the vertical slide contact part.

[276] Further, even if sewage flows into the control unit 390 due to the leakage of the support shaft packings 196 or condensation water is generated in the control unit due to a temperature difference between the discharge sewage and the control unit, it is im- mediately discharged out through the discharge hole 395, thus overcoming the problems of the prior inventions, that is, preventing water from collecting in the control unit and preventing the weight of the control unit itself from increasing, therefore preventing a sealing function from being lost. Further, a predetermined weight is always maintained according to elevation balance, so that the function of sealing the drainage channel is continuously and smoothly conducted.

[277] FIG. 17 illustrates an air valve 330 according to another embodiment having the air valve body 321 included in the control unit 290a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[278] The air valve 330 according to another embodiment is constructed so that an air discharge hole 331 is formed in the central portion of the lower end of the lower control part 314a which is made of a stainless steel sheet, and the air valve body 321 according to the above embodiment is installed in the air discharge hole 331.

[279] When viewing the cross-section of the air discharge hole 331, the air discharge hole is enlarged downwards from an outlet 332 having a smaller diameter, so that a conical lower control seat 333 is in watertight contact with the inclined surface of the opening- and-closing part 324 of the air valve body.

[280] In the air valve 330 according to another embodiment, normally, the middle part 322 of the air valve body 321 is fitted into the outlet 332 of the air discharge hole 331 with a gap formed between the middle part and the outlet. Thus, as soon as water fills the lower control part 314a of the control unit 290a, the water is immediately discharged downwards.

[281] When the sewage flows back from the drain pipe 42, the pressure of the backwater is applied to the lower end of the valve body 321, so that the entire air valve body 321 moves upwards and the lower control part 324 is in watertight contact with the lower control seat 333, thus preventing the backwater from flowing into the control unit 290a, therefore having the same operational effect as that of the air valve 320 according to an embodiment.

[282] FIG. 18 illustrates a tube-type valve body 341 according to another embodiment which more smoothly performs the vertical movement of the valve body 321, when compared to the air valves 320 and 330 according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[283] The tube-type valve body 341 according to another embodiment is constructed so that its external appearance is equal to that of the valve body 321 according to an embodiment, and the entire valve body includes thin upper and lower parts 343 and 344 and middle part 345 and has a hermetic space 346 therein.

[284] The tube-type valve body 341 according to another embodiment comprises a float which is subjected to buoyancy when sewage flows backwards from the drain pipe 42, because the pressure of the backwater is applied to the lower end of the tube-type valve body 341, and more firmly water-tightly seals the discharge holes 331 and 395 of the lower control seats 314a and 398 with compressive force having considerably increased ascension force, and forms the control unit 290a or 390 in the form of a reliable float.

[285] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[286] For example, the assembled structure of the floor drain device 100 for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage according to an embodiment with the device holding unit is formed to be suitable for the existing drain device holding unit 50 for a house which is installed a floor drain. However, the assembled structure may be changed to be suitable for another shape of device holding unit or a manhole for a road.

[287] Further, the control unit of the present invention may have a shape other than a spherical shape, and the air valve provided in the control unit may have constructions other than the above construction so as to perform the same operation.

[288]

[289]

Claims

[1] A floor drain device for preventing the reek and backflow of sewage, comprising: a drain unit, comprising: a basin housing including a cylindrical housing body having on an outer portion thereof assembly means which is detachably secured to an interior of a device holding unit in a floor drain communicating with a drain pipe, and a seat support ring protruding from an inner end of the housing body to a center thereof, thus forming a housing opening; a drain seat including an annular seat body seated on the seat support ring, and an annular packing extending from the seat body and protruding through the housing opening to a lower portion of the seat support ring; a drain basin including a support flange seated on an upper end of the basin housing, and a hemispherical basin body extending downwards from the support flange in such a way as to be in close contact with the seat body, with a drain formed in a lower end of the basin body; and a shaft support including a support ring seated on the support flange, a plurality of support ribs extending inwards from the support ring to a center thereof, and a shaft holding boss connected to the plurality of support ribs, located in the center of the support ring and having a threaded hole; a straight-line-shaped support shaft fastened to the threaded hole of the shaft holding boss in such a way as to be supported downwards; a control unit, comprising: an elevation pipe having an inner hole such that the elevation pipe is fitted over the support shaft and slides up and down along the support shaft, with left and right racks provided longitudinally along left and right sides of an outer surface of the elevation pipe in such a way as to be symmetrical with respect to each other; a packing support pipe bent outwards from an upper end of the elevation pipe and extending upwards from the upper end thereof, thus forming an accommodation space between the packing support pipe and an outer surface of the support shaft; elevation-pipe watertight sealing means surrounding the outer surface of the support shaft so as to prevent the sewage from flowing into the elevation pipe, and installed in the accommodation space defined between the outer surface of the support shaft and an inner surface of the packing support pipe; a hemispherical upper control part integrated with an upper end of the packing support pipe, a central portion of the upper control part being in watertight contact with an inner circumference of the annular packing for the drain; and a hemispherical lower control part water-tightly fastened to a lower end of the upper control part in a threaded manner; and a vertical drive unit, comprising: a pinion support pipe removably coupled at a bottom plate thereof to a lower end of the support shaft, and concentrically fitted over the support shaft to be spaced apart from the elevation pipe; left and right pinions passing perpendicularly through a side of the pinion support pipe so that gear teeth protrude inwards and outwards from the side by a predetermined width, and mounted to the pinion support pipe in such a way as to freely rotate, the inwardly protruding gear teeth engaging with the racks of the elevation pipe; and an elevation actuating pipe concentrically fitted over the pinion support pipe in such a way as to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined interval, and having on an inner wall thereof left and right racks that engage with the outwardly protruding gear teeth of the left and right pinions, with a cylindrical weight integrally attached to an outer surface of the elevation actuating pipe, so that the elevation actuating pipe moves downwards after the sewage fed into the drain basin is discharged and the control unit moves upwards, thus making the upper control part be in close contact with the inner circumference of the annular packing.

[2] The floor drain device according to claim 1, wherein the elevation-pipe watertight sealing means comprises one retainer type packing, or a plurality of retainer type packings which are layered in a vertical direction.

[3] The floor drain device according to claim 1, wherein a cover comprising a stainless steel sheet is attached to a surface of each of the upper and lower control parts in such a way as to be in close contact therewith.

[4] The floor drain device according to claim 1, wherein the upper control part comprises a cover which is made of a stainless steel sheet and is in close contact with a surface of the upper control part made of a synthetic resin material, and the lower control part comprises a lower control part which is made of a stainless steel sheet and is fastened in a threaded manner to a lower end of the upper control part made of the synthetic resin material with a packing interposed between the upper and lower control parts.

[5] The floor drain device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises an air valve on a central portion of a lower end of the lower control part, the air valve drawing and exhausting air depending on a variation in internal volume in a drainage channel open-and-close stroke of the control unit, preventing backwater from entering the control unit, and naturally draining water collected in the lower control part.

[6] The floor drain device according to claim 5, wherein the air valve of the control unit (290a) comprises: an air discharge hole (331), comprising: an outlet (332) formed in a central portion of a lower end of a lower control part (314a) comprising a stainless steel sheet; and a lower control seat (333) enlarged downwards from the outlet (332) into a conical shape; a valve body (321) comprising a packing which is mounted to the air discharge hole (331) and made of an elastic material such as soft rubber or a synthetic resin material such as soft urethane, and including: a middle part (322) having a diameter smaller than that of the outlet (332) and a vertical length longer than that of the outlet (332), and inserted into the outlet (332); an inverted conical hanging part (323) provided on an upper end of the middle part (322); and a conical opening-and-closing part (324) provided on a lower end of the middle part (322) and water-tightly contacting an inner surface of the lower control seat (333).