ES3043634T3 - Sanitary ware assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitary article device (1) comprises a sanitary article (2) with a receiving chamber (3) and a drainage chamber (24) adjacent to the receiving chamber (3) with a drainage tube (4), a pipe element (5) connecting to the drainage tube (4) at a first end (6), and an actuating element (7) connected to the pipe element (5) by means of which the pipe element (5) can be moved from a siphon position to a drainage position, wherein the pipe element (5) is in the siphon position such that a second end (8) of the pipe element (5) is at a higher height than the drainage tube (4), so that a siphon area (9) can be provided with the drainage chamber (24), the drainage tube (4), and the pipe element (5), so that a water seal can be provided in the siphon area (9), and wherein the siphon area (9) is emptied. The pipe element (5) moves to the drain position, so during the movement from the siphon position to the drain position, the pipe element (5) moves with its second end (8) outwards towards the pipe element (5) in the direction of its first end (6). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Disposal of sanitary articles

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an arrangement of sanitary articles according to claim 1, as well as to a method for operating an arrangement of sanitary articles according to claim 15.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] EP 3643844 discloses a toilet having a flexible siphon. In this case, the siphon has a flexible bellows-shaped section that can be moved from a closed position to a draining position. When moving from the closed position to the draining position, a section of the siphon rotates 90° along with the bellows, so that the contents of the toilet bowl and the siphon section can be drained.

[0007] The disadvantage of document EP 3643 844 is that the rotation from the closed to the empty position takes up a lot of space. In other words, the toilet cavity in which the trap is located must be relatively large, making the overall size of the toilet bowl quite bulky.

[0008] Another disadvantage is the use of the bellows shown, which has grooves inside the flexible element. The grooves prevent the complete emptying of the siphon's contents. During each emptying process, the water in the siphon that is in the grooves remains inside.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] Building upon the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a sanitary fixture arrangement that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide a sanitary fixture arrangement that, with a compact structure, allows for water-saving siphon emptying. The object of claim 1 accomplishes this task. Accordingly, a sanitary fixture arrangement comprises a sanitary fixture with a receiving chamber and a draining chamber connected to the receiving chamber by a drain pipe, a tubular element connected at one end to the drain pipe, and an actuating element connected to the tubular element, by which the tubular element can be moved from a siphon position to a draining position. In the siphon position, the tubular element is positioned so that one end is higher than the drain pipe. This creates a siphon zone, where the water in the siphon area acts as an odor trap. To empty the siphon zone, the tubular element is moved to the drain position. When moving from the siphon to the drain position, the second end of the tubular element moves outward, toward its first end.

[0011] By moving the second end over the outside of the first end of the tubular element, the tubular element becomes more compact during movement. This means that the space required for movement from the siphon position to the empty position is not increased. In other words, during movement from the siphon position to the empty position, the tubular element inverts or rolls outward. The tubular element may also be called a roll-up bellows. Since the tubular element is made of a flexible material, it may also be called a flexible tubular element.

[0012] Preferably, the tubular element is moved in such a way that the siphon zone can be completely emptied by the movement of the tubular element.

[0013] In the siphon position, the tubular element is shaped like an elbow that connects to the drain pipe and extends upwards in the mounting position.

[0014] Preferably, the sanitary fixture is a toilet bowl or urinal. In this case, the tubular element is placed in the emptying position during each flushing process.

[0015] However, it is also possible that the sanitary fixture is a sink or a shower element, such as a shower tray or bathtub. In this case, the tubular element can be placed in the drain position during a cleaning process, allowing the residue from the trap to be easily removed into the drain pipe.

[0016] Preferably, the tubular element is positioned so that, when it deforms, the movement occurs along the neutral fiber, which is advantageous for the material load, as fewer transverse forces are produced.

[0017] Preferably, the drain pipe extends downwards from the housing space and then runs in the mounting position essentially horizontally.

[0018] The tubular element is firmly connected to the drain pipe at its first end. When the tubular element moves from the siphon position to the drain position, the first end remains in its fixed position. Once the drain position is reached, the tubular element can move back from the drain position to the siphon position.

[0019] Preferably, when moving to the emptying position, the tubular element moves with its second end towards the outside of the first end, passing over it and, when reaching the emptying position, starting from the siphon position, it is left behind the first end.

[0020] This ensures that the siphon area can be completely emptied in the drain position.

[0021] In other words, the tubular element slides over the drain pipe.

[0022] Preferably, when moving from the siphon position to the emptying position, the tubular element is continuously overlapped with its second end.

[0023] Preferably, the second end defines a free end of the pipe and, in the siphon position, its front surface is preferably horizontal. That is, in a plane perpendicular to the plumb line. The front surface of the second end is located in the siphon position at a height greater than that of the drain pipe.

[0024] Preferably, the inner diameter of the tubular element increases from the first end to the second end. Increasing the inner diameter has the advantage that the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position, particularly the inverting process of the tubular element, is possible with minimal effort. Furthermore, a deformation of the tubular element can be achieved that protects the material. Regarding this protective deformation, it can be said that the greater the difference in diameter between the first and second ends, the more the material of the tubular element is protected.

[0025] Preferably, the tubular element surrounds the drain pipe on the outside and is in impermeable contact with the drain pipe on the outside.

[0026] Preferably, the tubular element extends from the outside of the drain pipe into the inside through the front surface of the drain pipe. This ensures a good connection between the tubular element and the drain pipe.

[0027] Preferably, the front face of the drain pipe is in a cut plane that forms an inclined angle with respect to the centerline of the drain pipe. The angle may be between 45° and 135°.

[0028] Preferably, the tubular element has an inner diameter at the connection point with the drain pipe that is larger than the inner diameter of the drain pipe. This helps prevent blockages or inadequate drainage.

[0029] Preferably, the tubular element is made of a plastic, in particular an elastomer such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber). Alternatively, other elastomers or other materials, such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomers, may also be used.

[0030] Preferably, the tubular element has a Shore hardness in the range of 50 to 70, particularly 55 to 65. Preferably, the wall thickness of the tubular element is between 0.25 and 2.5 millimeters, particularly between 1 and 2 millimeters.

[0031] Preferably, a lower Shore hardness is chosen for thicker wall thicknesses than for thinner wall thicknesses.

[0032] Preferably, the interior of the tubular element is designed as a smooth surface. This ensures that the siphon area drains completely.

[0033] Preferably, the drive element can rotate around a rotation axis, the rotation axis being transverse and separate from the central axis of the drain pipe.

[0034] Preferably, the drive element is driven by an electric or fluidic drive.

[0035] Preferably, the drive element has a clamping ring to which the second end is attached, the clamping ring preferably extending completely around the second end.

[0036] Preferably, the axis of rotation extends transversely to the central axis of the clamping ring and is separated from the central axis of the clamping ring.

[0037] The clamping ring may be located on the outside of the tubular element. In this case, the outside of the tubular element is in contact with an annular surface of the clamping ring. In another variant, the tubular element may also at least partially surround the clamping ring. From the first perspective, the tubular element is inserted through the clamping ring and then returns to the outside of the clamping ring. In this case, the second end is provided by the portion of the tubular element that lies on a front surface of the clamping ring. The inner diameter of the clamping ring is larger than the outer diameter of the drain pipe.

[0038] When moving from the siphon position to the drain position, the retaining ring is guided over the end of the drain pipe and, in the drain position, is located behind the end of the drain pipe or behind the point where the tubular element is attached to the drain pipe. In other words, the second end of the pipe and the retaining ring are positioned over the drain pipe.

[0039] Preferably, in the draining position, the inner side of the tubular element forms a drain rim, so that, in the draining position, the lowest point of the drain rim is at the same height as, or below, the lowest point of the drain pipe.

[0040] In other words, the lowest point of the drain rim in the emptying position is below or at the same height as the base of the siphon.

[0041] Preferably, the drain pipe is connected to a housing that is in contact with the drain pipe in an odor-tight manner on the outside, the tubular element and the drive element being arranged inside the housing and the housing having a drain opening.

[0042] A drain pipe can be connected to the drain opening,

[0043] Preferably, the drain rim is in the emptying position above the inside width of the drain opening in the housing, so that the contents of the siphon zone to be discharged can flow into the drain opening. However, the drain rim may also be offset from the drain opening, in which case the discharge water to be evacuated is directed to the drain opening through the inner wall of the housing.

[0044] A procedure for operating a set of sanitary articles as described above is characterized in that, when starting a draining process, the tubular element moves from the siphon position to the draining position and, once the draining is completed, the tubular element moves from the draining position to the siphon position, whereby the siphon area, which is once again available, is filled with water.

[0045] It is especially preferable that, before and/or during the movement of the tubular element from the siphon position to the emptying position, discharge water is introduced into the collection chamber, so that the emptying of the siphon area can be aided by the entry of discharge water.

[0046] It is especially preferable that, throughout the movement from the siphon position to the drain position and then from the drain position back to the siphon position, rinse water is continuously introduced into the drain tube.

[0047] Other embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0048] Brief description of the drawings

[0049] The preferred embodiments of the invention are described below from the drawings, which are for explanatory purposes only and should not be interpreted restrictively. In the drawings:

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional representation of an arrangement of sanitary articles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of Figure 1, where a tubular element is in the siphon position;

[0052] Fig. 3 shows the detailed view of Figure 2, where the tubular element is in the siphon position and in a draining position; and

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of Figure 2, where the tubular element is in the emptying position. Description of preferred embodiments

[0054] Figures 1 to 3 show a schematic cross-sectional view of an arrangement 1 of sanitary articles according to a preferred embodiment.

[0055] Sanitary Article 1 comprises a sanitary article 2 with a receiving space 3 and a drain space 24 with a drain pipe 4. The drain space 24 connects to the receiving space 3, and the drain pipe 4 connects to the drain space 24. The drain pipe 4 is preferably an integral part of the sanitary article 2. In the assembled position, the drain space 24 is located below the receiving space 3. The transition between the drain space 24 and the receiving space 3 is preferably defined by the siphon line S described below.

[0057] Furthermore, sanitary fixture arrangement 1 comprises a tubular element 5 connected at a first end 6 to the drain pipe 4. Sanitary fixture arrangement 1 further comprises an actuating element 7 connected to the tubular element 5, by which the tubular element 5 can be moved from a siphon position to a drain position, and vice versa. The tubular element 5 is made of a soft material and is therefore easily deformed when moved from the siphon position to the drain position, and vice versa.

[0059] Figure 1 shows the tubular element 5 in the siphon position. Figure 2 shows the tubular element 5 in an intermediate position between the siphon and drain positions. Figure 3 shows the tubular element 5 in the drain position.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, sanitary item 2 is shown as a toilet bowl. However, sanitary item 2 can also have another configuration. For example, sanitary item 2 can also be configured as a urinal, a washbasin, a shower drain, etc.

[0063] In the siphon position, the tubular element 5 is positioned so that a second end 8 of the tubular element 5 is located at a higher height than the drain pipe 4. This means that the second end 8 is positioned above the drain pipe. The second end 8 is positioned so that, with the drain pipe 4 and the tubular element 5, a siphon zone 9 can be created, thus providing an odor trap through the water in the drain pipe 4 and the tubular element 5.

[0065] In Figure 1, the siphon line S is depicted. In the siphon position, zone 9 of the siphon is filled at least up to this line, so that an odor trap can be provided.

[0067] For emptying, the tubular element 5 is moved with the drive element 7 to the emptying position. When moving from the siphon position to the emptying position, the tubular element 5 moves with its second end 8 outwards from the tubular element 5 in the direction of its first end 6. This causes a rolling motion of the tubular element 5 towards the second end 8.

[0069] Starting from the siphon position as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the actuating element is rotated around arrow P about a rotation axis D. As it does so, the tubular element 5 moves backward along its axis toward the drain pipe 4. Figure 3 shows the tubular element 5 in a position intermediate between the siphon position and the drain position. As the movement continues, the tubular element 5 reaches the drain position as shown in Figure 4. In the drain position, the siphon area can be completely emptied. After the draining process, the tubular element 5 moves back from the drain position to the siphon position.

[0071] The emptying process can be enhanced by introducing rinse water into the receiving space 3. For example, rinse water can be introduced into the receiving space 3 through a rinse water inlet opening 21 in the sanitary ware.

[0073] The siphon emptying process is preferably synchronized so that it does not last more than a few seconds. Ideally, the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position and back to the siphon position does not last more than 5 seconds. In addition, after the emptying process, zone 9 of the siphon is refilled with water, thus resetting the odor trap.

[0075] During the movement from the siphon position to the drain position, the tubular element 5 moves with its second end 8 outward from the tubular element 5, passing over the tubular element 5. As it does so, the second end moves toward and beyond the first end 6. Upon reaching the drain position from the siphon position, the second end 8 lies behind the first end 6, as can be clearly seen in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the tubular element 5 continuously overlaps with its second end 8 as it moves from the siphon position to the drain position.

[0077] In the emptying position according to Figure 4, the inner side 16 of the tubular element 5 forms a drain rim 17. The lowest point of the drain rim 17 is at the same height as or below the lowest point of the drain tube 4.

[0079] The second end 8 of the tubular element 5 is designed as a free end and meets a front surface 10 in the siphon position, preferably horizontal. The second end 8 forms an overflow edge from the siphon zone. If, viewed from the receiving space 3, water flows into the siphon zone 9, the water exits the siphon zone 9 through the second end 8. Starting from this horizontal position, the second end 8 is then rotated towards the first end 6. In the embodiment shown, the angle of the rotational movement from the horizontal position is greater than 90°. The angle is in the range of 90° to 110°.

[0080] The axis of rotation around which the turning motion is performed is located transversely and separate from a central axis M4 extending through the drain pipe 4. The axis of rotation D is located here a short distance from a plane extending through the second end 8 of the pipe element 5 in the siphon position. Preferably, the distance between the central axis M4 and the axis of rotation D is equal to or essentially equal to the distance between the central axis M15 and the axis of rotation D. Preferably, the axis of rotation D is collinear with a line of intersection between a first plane, extending through the front surface of the second end 8, and a second plane, extending through the front surface of the end of the drain pipe 4.

[0081] The drive element is preferably driven by an electric or hydraulic motor, which is not shown in the Figures.

[0082] In Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the inner diameter of the tubular element 5 increases from the first end 6 to the second end 8. This increase in diameter has the advantage that the deformation of the tubular element, which occurs when moving from the siphon position to the emptying position, can be carried out more smoothly for the material.

[0083] The tubular element 5 surrounds the drain pipe 4 externally with its first end 6. The tubular element 5 is located on the outer side 12 of the drain pipe 4, forming a watertight seal with the outer side 12. Furthermore, viewed from the outer side 12, the tubular element 5 projects above a front surface 13 of the drain pipe 4 in the direction of its central axis M4. The minimum inside diameter of the tubular element is located in the area of the front surface 13. Preferably, the inside diameter of the tubular element 5 is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the drain pipe 4 in the area of the point of contact with the tubular element 5.

[0084] In the embodiment shown, the inner side 14 of the tubular element 5 is designed as a smooth surface without any other structural elevations.

[0085] In the embodiment shown, the drive element 7 has a retaining ring 15. The retaining ring 15 extends around a central shaft M15, which runs at a right angle to and separate from the rotation axis D. The second end 8 of the tubular element 5 is fixed to the retaining ring 15. In the embodiment shown, the tubular element 5 extends through the retaining ring 15 and is guided around the retaining ring 15 on its front and outer side. On the outer side, the tubular element 5 fits with a raised section 22 into a groove 23 of the retaining ring 15. The second end 8 is provided by the portion of the tubular element 5 located on the front of the retaining ring 15.

[0086] Next, the drain pipe 4 is connected to a housing 18. The housing 18 is located here at the attachment point between the drain pipe 4 and the tubular element 5. The housing 18 is connected to the drain pipe 4 in an odor-tight manner. The tubular element 5 and the actuating element 7 are located in the interior space 19 of the housing 18. The housing also has a drain opening 20. During the emptying process, the siphon area 9 empties into the drain opening 20. Another pipe can be connected to the drain opening 20. Preferably, the drain edge 17 is located in the drained position above the inner width of the drain opening 20 of the housing 18, so that the contents of the siphon zone are directed to the drain opening 20. The housing 18 is designed so that, in the drained position, space is created to accommodate the drive element 7 and the tubular element 5, both of which are located above the drain tube 4.

[0087] List of reference signs

[0088] 1 Disposal of sanitary articles

[0089] 2 Sanitary Article

[0090] 3 Reception area

[0091] 4 Drain pipe

[0092] 5 Tubular element

[0093] 6 First end

[0094] 7 Actuating element

[0095] 8 Second end

[0096] 9 Siphon Zone

[0097] 10 Front surface

[0098] 11 Outer side of the tubular element

[0099] 12 Outside of drain pipe

[0100] 13 Front surface

[0101] 14 Inside side

[0102] 15 Retaining ring

[0103] 16 Inside side

[0104] 17 Drainage edge

[0105] 18 Housing

[0106] 19 Interior space

[0107] 20 Drain opening

[0108] 21 Discharge water inlet opening

[0109] 22 Elevation

[0110] 23 Slot

[0111] 24 Drainage space

[0112] M4 Central axis of drain pipe 4

[0113] D Rotation axis

[0114] M1 Center axis of the clamping ring

[0115] S Siphon line

[0116] P Arrow

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS 1. Disposition (1) of sanitary articles comprising a sanitary article (2) with a receiving space (3) and a draining space (24) connected to the receiving space (3) with a draining pipe (4), a tubular element (5) that connects with a first end (6) to the drain pipe (4), and an actuating element (7) connected to the tubular element (5), by which the tubular element (5) can be moved from a siphon position to a draining position, wherein the tubular element (5) is in the siphon position such that a second end (8) of the tubular element (5) is located at a height higher than that of the drain pipe (4), so that, with the drain space (24), the drain pipe (4) and the tubular element (5), a siphon zone (9) can be provided, such that an odor trap can be provided by means of water in the siphon zone (9), characterized in that, to empty the siphon zone (9), the tubular element (5) is moved to the emptying position, so that, when moving from the siphon position to the emptying position, the tubular element (5) moves with its second end (8) towards the outside of the tubular element (5) in the direction of its first end (6). 2. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, when moving to the emptying position, the tubular element (5) moves with its second end (8) to the outside of the first end (6), passing over the first end (6), and upon reaching the emptying position, starting from the siphon position, it is located behind the first end (6). 3. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular element (5), when moving from the siphon position to the emptying position, continuously overlaps with its second end (8). 4. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end (8) defines a free end of the tube and, in the siphon position, is preferably horizontal with its front surface (10). 5. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner diameter of the tubular element (5) increases from the first end (6) towards the second end (8). 6. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (5) surrounds the drain pipe (4) on the outside and is watertightly attached to the tubular element (5) on the outside (12) of the drain pipe (4). 7. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (5) extends from the outer side (12) of the drain tube (4) through the front surface (13) of the drain tube (4) inwards, viewed from the outer side (12) of the drain tube (4). 8. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (5) has, in the connection area with the drain pipe (4), an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the drain pipe (4). 9. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (5) is made of plastic, in particular elastomer or silicone or thermoplastic elastomer; and/or the tubular element (5) has a Shore hardness in the range of 50 to 70, in particular 55 to 65; and/or the inner side (14) of the tubular element (5) is designed as a smooth surface. 10. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element (7) can rotate about a rotation axis (D), wherein the rotation axis (D) is transverse and separated from the central axis (M4) of the drain pipe (4); and/or in that the drive element (7) is driven by an electric or fluidic drive. 11. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (7) has a retaining ring (15) to which the second end (8) is fixed, the retaining ring (15) preferably extending completely around the second end (8). 12. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the emptying position, the inner side (16) of the tubular element (5) forms a draining rim (17), wherein the lowest point of the draining rim (17) is in the emptying position at the same height as or below the lowest point of the draining tube (4). 13. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (18) is attached to the drain tube (4) and is connected to the drain tube (4) in an odor-tight manner on the outside, wherein the tubular element (5) and the actuating element (7) are arranged in the interior space (19) of the housing (18) and wherein the housing (18) has a drain opening (20). 14. Sanitary article arrangement (1) according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the drain rim (17) is, in the emptying position, above the inside width of the drain opening (20) of the housing (18), such that the contents of the siphon zone (9) to be evacuated can flow into the drain opening (20). 15. Method for the operation of a sanitary article arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when starting a draining process, the tubular element (5) moves from the siphon position to the draining position and in that, once the draining is completed, the tubular element (5) moves from the draining position to the siphon position, whereby the siphon area, which is available again, is filled with water.