PIPE STOPPER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe interrupter according to claim 1, an arrangement with the pipe interrupter according to claim 14 and a use of the pipe interrupter according to claim 16. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Pipe separators or pipe interrupters are well-known from the state of the art. Pipe separators or pipe interrupters are used as a separating element between a fresh water section and a wastewater section in a sanitary fitting or a pipe network, so that in the event of a pressure surge in the wastewater section, no water can flow back into the fresh water section. A pipe separator or pipe interrupter typically includes a free outlet through which the water flows as a free stream, i.e., without any lateral restriction. Backflowing wastewater could flow out here.

[0003] Documents DE2650655A1 and US2295986A disclose a pipe interrupter for sanitary fittings. Document EP3674491 B1 discloses a pipe separator (cf. Fig.2 , "vacuum breaker" 2): this is not integrated in the device shown in Fig.7 (see Fig.7 "flow water input connector 91"; see also Fig.2 , "the jet flow water output pipe 10"). Documents US2056357A and EP3690152A1 disclose other, general, types of pipe interrupters.

[0004] When warm water flows through the backflow preventer or pipe interrupter, for example, during a hygiene flush, steam is created, which escapes from the backflow preventer or pipe interrupter. This steam escape is detrimental. On the one hand, the steam can contribute to corrosion, mold growth, etc. in poorly ventilated areas. On the other hand, the steam can lead to condensation, which can then cause unwanted water leakage.

[0005] The aforementioned disadvantages occur, for example, when the backflow preventer or pipe interrupter is located in a partially enclosed area or a partially enclosed box. For example, in connection with a hygienic flushing system.

[0006] DE2650655A1 is considered the closest prior art. This document discloses (see the figures present in this document) that the flushing water flows through the head 13 of the valve body 9 into the annular gap 16 and is then directed into the flushing pipe 18. Since the flow cross-section initially decreases in the area of ​​the head 13 of the valve body 9 into the annular space 16 and then expands again below in the area of ​​the base 14 of the valve body 9, a negative pressure is created in the area of ​​the air openings 5, which draws in air and, if necessary, vapors or steam that may occur during hot water flushing. The drawn-in air is intimately mixed with the flushing water in the annular gap 16 and improves the flushing flow to the downstream flushing nozzles. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of providing a pipe interrupter that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pipe interrupter that offers an alternative for preventing steam from escaping during the flow of hot water.

[0008] These and other objects are achieved by the pipe interrupter according to claim 1. Accordingly, a pipe interrupter comprises a first pipe section with a first connection piece, a second pipe section with a second connection piece, a free flow path adjoining the first pipe section and the second pipe section, and a drainage section adjoining the free flow path. The first pipe section has at least one first outlet opening and the second pipe section has at least one second outlet opening. Said outlet openings are oriented towards the free flow path. The at least one first outlet opening extends around the at least one second outlet opening in such a way that a water curtain can be provided by water emerging from the at least one first outlet opening and that the water emerging from the at least one second outlet opening flows within the water curtain.

[0009] The water curtain from the first pipe section or the first outlet prevents water vapor and / or water splashes from the second pipe section from expanding freely in the area of ​​the free flow path. The water curtain thus forms a lateral barrier for water from the second pipe section.

[0010] A free flow section is defined as a free outlet as defined by the DN EN 1717 standard. This is a separation area between the first or second pipe section and the discharge section. The free flow section is designed in such a way that water cannot flow from the discharge section into the first or second pipe section. In particular, the free flow section is designed to be open at the sides, allowing backflowing water to escape.

[0011] The pipe sockets mentioned preferably have an external thread or an internal thread or another connection contour for connection to a water pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the cross-section of the second pipe section decreases toward the second outlet opening. This means that as the distance to the second pipe section decreases, the cross-section of the second pipe section also decreases. This section with a decreasing cross-section is preferably conical. Preferably, the section with a decreasing cross-section is adjoined by a cylindrical section, which leads to the outlet opening.

[0013] Preferably, the first pipe section is designed as a pipe gap, in particular as an annular gap. The pipe gap or annular gap extends around the second pipe section. Particularly preferably, the central axis of the pipe gap or annular gap runs collinearly with the central axis of the first pipe section.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the second tube section is formed on an insert that can be inserted into a channel opening in a housing. The first tube section is then formed by the outer side of the insert and the inner side of the housing.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the at least one first outlet opening extends completely around the at least one second outlet opening. This means that the first outlet opening has no interruption, so that the water curtain leaves the outlet opening already as a fully constructed and circumferentially closed water curtain.

[0016] In a second embodiment, a plurality of first outlet openings are arranged next to one another, distributed around the at least one second outlet opening. In this embodiment, the water curtain does not form directly at the outlet, but rather at a short distance from the at least one first outlet opening. In this regard, it is advantageous to arrange the second outlet opening at a distance from the first outlet opening in the flow direction of the water curtain.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one first outlet opening lies in a first plane, and the at least one second outlet surface lies in a second plane. In a first variant, the first plane is spaced apart from the second plane. In a second variant, the first plane and the second plane form a common plane. This means that the at least one first outlet opening lies in the same plane as the at least one second outlet surface.

[0018] The planes preferably run at right angles to the central axis of the first or second pipe section.

[0019] Preferably, the first exit surface is annular and / or the second exit opening is circular.

[0020] Other shapes for the first outlet opening are also conceivable. For example, the first outlet opening could be oval, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. Other shapes for the second outlet opening are also conceivable.

[0021] Preferably, exactly one single first outlet opening is arranged and / or exactly one single second outlet surface is arranged.

[0022] Preferably, the first pipe section and the second pipe section run parallel to each other at least in sections. In particular, the two pipe sections run parallel to each other immediately before reaching the respective outlet opening.

[0023] Preferably, the first pipe section immediately upstream of the at least one first outlet opening runs in a straight line, a conical line, or a curved line. The shape of the water curtain can be defined by the shape of the first pipe section upstream of the at least one first outlet opening.

[0024] Preferably, the outflow section comprises a third pipe section and a fourth pipe section. The first pipe section is oriented toward the third pipe section such that water from the first pipe section can be fed into the third pipe section. The second pipe section is oriented toward the fourth pipe section such that water from the second pipe section can be fed into the fourth pipe section.

[0025] Preferably, the third pipe section and the fourth pipe section open into a common outflow section. The common outflow section preferably has a pipe socket or a siphon connected to the outflow section.

[0026] The third pipe section preferably has a section that tapers in terms of its cross-section. The tapered section is arranged such that the water curtain flowing out of the at least one first outlet opening impinges on the incoming section. The tapered design of the third pipe section redirects the water from the outside of the third pipe section to the inside of the third pipe section, creating a closure. This ensures that the water curtain not only extends over the entire length of the free flow path, but that it is also closed at the bottom. The tapered section is preferably aligned such that it is directed towards the fourth pipe section.

[0027] Preferably, the cross-section of the third pipe section is larger than the cross-section of the first pipe section. Preferably, the cross-section of the fourth pipe section is larger than the cross-section of the second pipe section.

[0028] In another embodiment, the outflow section has only one pipe section, with the first pipe section and the second pipe section then opening into the one pipe section. This pipe section preferably has a section which is tapered in terms of its cross-section and which is designed to taper in the direction of the central axis of the pipe section. The tapered section is arranged such that the water curtain flowing out of the at least one first outlet opening impinges on the tapered section and is deflected in the direction of the central axis of the pipe section. This tapered section has the effect already described above of closing off the water curtain at the bottom.

[0029] Preferably, the first pipe section and the second pipe section are connected to the discharge section or to the third pipe section and the fourth pipe section via webs extending along the free flow path.

[0030] Preferably, there are three or four ridges. The ridges are narrow so that backflowing water can escape through the gaps between the ridges.

[0031] Preferably, the free flow path is at least 20 millimeters long.

[0032] Preferably, the pipe interrupter further comprises at least one ventilation channel, which ends with at least one ventilation opening, wherein the first outlet opening extends around the at least one ventilation opening. The ventilation opening is preferably located between the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening, such that air can be introduced between the water curtain from the at least one first outlet opening and the water jet from the at least one second outlet opening. The introduction of air at this point prevents or reduces constriction of the water curtain due to fluidic effects between the water jet and the water curtain.

[0033] An arrangement comprises a pipe interrupter as described above, a cold water pipe, and a hot water pipe. The first pipe section is connected to the cold water pipe, and the second pipe section is connected to the hot water pipe, such that the water curtain can be provided with the water flowing in the cold water pipe, and the water flowing in the hot water pipe is surrounded by the water curtain.

[0034] Preferably, the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe comprise a valve that can be controlled by a hygiene flush control.

[0035] A use of a pipe interrupter according to the above description is characterized in that the first pipe section is connected to a cold water pipe and that the second pipe section is connected to a hot water pipe, such that the water curtain can be provided with the water flowing in the cold water pipe and that the water flowing in the hot water pipe is surrounded by the water curtain.

[0036] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe interrupter according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 is a further perspective view of the pipe interrupter according to Figure 1; Fig. 3 a perspective sectional view of the pipe interrupter according to Figures 1 and 2 ; and Fig. 4 a further sectional view of the pipe interrupter according to Figures 1 to 3 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The figures show a pipe interrupter 1 according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in various views.

[0039] The pipe interrupter 1 comprises a first pipe section 2 with a first connecting piece 3, a second pipe section 4 with a second connecting piece 5, a free flow section 6 adjoining the first pipe section 2 and the second pipe section 4, and a discharge section 7 adjoining the free flow section 6.

[0040] The free flow section 6 forms a separation between the first pipe section 2 or the second pipe section 4 and the outflow section 7. In the first and second pipe sections 2, 4 the water is guided laterally. The outflow section 7 is tubular and guides the water laterally. The water flows from the first pipe section 2 or the second pipe section 4 via the free flow section 6 into the outflow section 7. The free flow section 6 is largely open at the sides so that water flowing back from the outflow section 7, for example in the event of a pressure surge in the wastewater network, exits at the free flow section 6 and does not flow back to the first pipe section 2 or the second pipe section 4 or in the event of a negative pressure in the fresh water network.

[0041] The connecting pieces 3 and 5 here have an external thread to which a water pipe can be connected. Other types of connection points are also conceivable.

[0042] The first pipe section 2 has at least one first outlet opening 8. In the embodiment shown, exactly one first outlet opening 8 is arranged. The second pipe section 4 has at least one second outlet opening 9. In the embodiment shown, exactly one second outlet opening 9 is arranged.

[0043] From the figures it can be seen that the at least one first outlet opening 8 extends around the at least one second outlet opening 9. The first outlet opening 8 thus surrounds the second outlet opening 9. The first outlet opening 8 is arranged with respect to the second outlet opening 9 in such a way that a water curtain W is provided by the water exiting from the first outlet opening 8 and that the water exiting from the second outlet opening 9 as a water jet S flows within the water curtain W. In other words, the water curtain W flowing out of the first outlet opening 8 surrounds the water jet S flowing out of the second outlet opening 9. The water curtain W is in the Figure 4 represented by arrows. Inside this water curtain W, i.e., between the two arrows, flows the water jet S, which is also represented by an arrow.

[0044] In the preferred use of the pipe interrupter 1, a cold water pipe is connected to the first pipe section 2 and a hot water pipe is connected to the second pipe section 4. A cold water pipe is a pipe whose water is at ambient temperature. A hot water pipe is a pipe whose water is at a higher temperature than ambient temperature. For example, 50°C to 65°C. As the cold water and the hot water flow out, the water curtain W is provided by the cold water flowing in the cold water pipe, and the warm water flowing in the hot water pipe is enveloped by the water curtain W. This envelope prevents any water vapor that forms as the hot water flows out from the free flow section 6.

[0045] Of the Figure 1It can be seen that the at least one first outlet opening 8 extends completely around the at least one second outlet opening 9. The two outlet openings 8, 9 are arranged concentrically to one another here. The first outlet opening 8 has the shape of a ring or an annular gap. The second outlet opening 9 is circular. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the first outlet opening 8 is larger than the cross-section of the second outlet opening 9. Particularly preferably, the cross-section of the first outlet opening 8 is at least a factor of 2 or at least a factor of 3 larger than the cross-section of the second outlet opening 9.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the two outlet openings 8, 9 are located in a common plane. In other embodiments not shown, it is also conceivable for the two outlet openings 8, 9 to be located in different planes, with the planes being at different distances from each other.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, exactly one single first outlet opening 8 and exactly one single second outlet opening 9 are arranged.

[0048] Of the Figures 1 and 2 It can be seen that the drain section 7 has a third pipe section 10 and a fourth pipe section 11. The third pipe section 10 runs concentrically to the fourth pipe section 11. Figures 3 and 4It can be seen that the first pipe section 2 is oriented in the direction of the third pipe section 10. Thus, water flowing from the first pipe section 2 in the form of the water curtain W via the free flow path 6 to the terminal section 7 can be fed into the third pipe section 10. Furthermore, the second pipe section 9 is oriented in the direction of the fourth pipe section 11. Here, the water flowing from the second pipe section 4 via the free flow path 6 to the terminal section 7 can be fed into the fourth pipe section 11.

[0049] Here, the third pipe section 10 has a section 13 with a tapered cross-section. The tapered section 13 is oriented in such a way that it points toward the fourth pipe section 11. This orientation seals off the water curtain W at the bottom, so that the water jet from the second outlet opening 10 remains enclosed by the water curtain W from the second outlet opening 10 until it enters the fourth pipe section 11.

[0050] The fourth pipe section 11 has the advantage of keeping the cold water and hot water separate for as long as possible. Mixing therefore only occurs after the third pipe section 10 and the fourth pipe section 11 join.

[0051] In the outflow section 7, the third pipe section 10 and the fourth pipe section 11 open into a common outflow section 15. In the outflow section 15, the water, in particular the cold water, from the third pipe section 10 mixes with the water, in particular the hot water, from the fourth pipe section 11. In the embodiment shown, the common outflow section 15 further comprises a pipe socket 12. In the embodiment shown, the pipe socket 12 is designed as a hollow cylinder.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the first pipe section 2 and the second pipe section 4 are connected to the third pipe section 10 and the fourth pipe section 11 via webs 14 that extend along the free flow path 6. Gap areas 16 are arranged between the webs 14, through which any river water can escape laterally from the outflow section 15. In other embodiments, it is also conceivable for the first pipe section 2 and the second pipe section 4 to be attached to a housing with the outflow section 4, so that the free flow path 6 is always present.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the first tube section 2 extends from the side into a housing 17 and is deflected by 90° within the housing 17. The tube section 2 is defined in the region of the deflection by the wall of a housing opening 18 and by the outer surface of an insert 19. The insert 19 here has the second tube section 4, which runs essentially along a straight central axis M. The insert 19 is screwed into the housing opening 18. However, the basic technical teaching can also be achieved with other structural designs.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the pipe interrupter 1 further comprises at least one ventilation channel 20. The ventilation channel 20 ends with at least one ventilation opening 21. The first outlet opening 8 extends around the at least one ventilation opening 21. The ventilation opening 21 thus opens into the interior of the water curtain W. The ventilation channel further comprises at least one inlet opening 22 through which ambient air can enter the ventilation channel 2.

[0055] The pipe interrupter is preferably made of plastic or metal.

[0056] In a preferred use or arrangement, the pipe interrupter 1 is connected to a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe. The first pipe section 2 is connected to the cold water pipe, and the second pipe section 4 is connected to the hot water pipe, such that the water curtain W can be provided with the water flowing in the cold water pipe, and the water flowing in the hot water pipe is surrounded by the water curtain W.

[0057] Particularly preferably, the hot water line and the cold water line each have a valve that can be controlled by a hygiene flush control. Preferably, the two valves are opened simultaneously during a hygiene flush, so that the water curtain W can form immediately at the beginning of the hygiene flush. A staggered opening would also be conceivable, in which case the valve in the cold water line is opened first, followed by the valve in the hot water line at a later time. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0058] 1 Pipe interrupter 2 First pipe section 3 First connection piece 4 Second pipe section 5 Second connection piece 6 Free flow section 7 Outflow section 8 First outlet opening 9 Second outlet opening 10 Third pipe section 11 Fourth pipe section 12 Pipe socket 13 Inlet section 14 Web 15 Outlet section 16 Gap area 17 Housing 18 Housing opening 19 Insert 20 Ventilation channel 21 Ventilation opening M Central axis W Water curtain S Water jet

Claims

1. Pipe interrupter (1) comprising a first pipe section (2) with a first connecting piece (3), a second pipe section (4) with a second connection piece (5), a free flow section (6) adjoining the first pipe section (2) and the second pipe section (4), and a discharge section (7) adjoining the free flow section (6), wherein the first pipe section (2) has at least one first outlet opening (8) and wherein the second pipe section (4) has at least one second outlet opening (9), wherein the at least one first outlet opening (8) extends around the at least one second outlet opening (9) in such a way that a water curtain (W) can be provided by water emerging from the at least one first outlet opening (8) and in that the water emerging from the at least one second outlet opening (9) flows within the water curtain (W).

2. Pipe interrupter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first outlet opening (8) extends completely around the at least one second outlet opening (9); or in that a plurality of first outlet openings (8) are arranged side by side distributed around the at least one second outlet opening (9).

3. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first outlet opening (8) lies in a first plane and in that the at least one second outlet surface (9) lies in a second plane, wherein the first plane lies at a distance from the second plane or wherein the first plane and the second plane form a common plane.

4. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outlet surface (8) is annular or oval or rectangular or triangular or polygonal in shape and / or in that the second outlet opening is circular (9) in shape.

5. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one single first outlet opening (8) is arranged and that exactly one single second outlet surface (9) is arranged.

6. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pipe section (2) and the second pipe section (3) run parallel to one another at least in sections.

7. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pipe section (2) extends in a straight line or conically or curved immediately upstream of the at least one first outlet opening (8).

8. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge section (7) has a third pipe section (10) and a fourth pipe section (11), the first pipe section (2) being oriented in the direction of the third pipe section (10), such that water from the first pipe section (3) can be fed into the third pipe section (10), and the second pipe section (9) being oriented in the direction of the fourth pipe section (11), that water from the first pipe section (3) can be fed into the third pipe section (10), and wherein the second pipe section (9) is oriented in the direction of the fourth pipe section (11) in such a way that water from the second pipe section (4) can be fed into the fourth pipe section (10).

9. Pipe interrupter (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the third pipe section (10) and the fourth pipe section (11) open into a common outlet section (15), the common outlet section (15) preferably having a pipe socket (12) or a siphon.

10. Pipe interrupter (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the third pipe section (10) has a section (13) which tapers with respect to its cross-section, which tapering section (13) is preferably aligned in such a way that it is directed in the direction of the fourth pipe section (11).

11. Pipe interrupter according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the discharge section (7) is provided by a pipe section, the pipe section having a section which tapers with respect to its cross section, which tapering section is arranged in such a way that the water curtain flowing out of the at least one first outlet opening (8) impinges on the tapering section and is deflected in the direction of the central axis of the pipe section.

12. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pipe section (2) and the second pipe section (4) are connected to the discharge section (7) via webs (14) which extend along the free flow path; or in that the first pipe section (2) and the second pipe section (4) are connected to the discharge section (7) by housing parts in such a way that the free flow path is ensured.

13. Pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe interrupter (1) furthermore has at least one ventilation channel (20) which ends with at least one ventilation opening (21), the first outlet opening (8) extending around the at least one ventilation opening (21).

14. Arrangement comprising a pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe, wherein the first pipe section (2) is connected to the cold water pipe and wherein the second pipe section is connected to the hot water pipe in such a way that the water curtain (W) can be provided with the water flowing in the cold water pipe and that the water flowing in the hot water pipe is surrounded by the water curtain (W).

15. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe have a valve which can be actuated by a hygiene flush control.

16. Use of a pipe interrupter (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first pipe section is connected to a cold water pipe and that the second pipe section is connected to a hot water pipe in such a way that the water curtain (W) can be provided with the water flowing in the cold water pipe and that the water flowing in the hot water pipe is surrounded by the water curtain (W).

17. Use according to claim 16, characterized in that the hot water line and the cold water line have a valve which can be activated by a hygiene flush control.