Sanitary ware assembly

Abstract

A sanitary article arrangement (1) comprises a sanitary article (2) with a receiving chamber (3) and a drain chamber (24) adjoining the receiving chamber (3) with a drain pipe (4), a pipe element (5) which connects to the drain pipe (4) at a first end (6), and an actuating element (7) connected to the pipe element (5) by which the pipe element (5) can be moved from a siphon position to a drain 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 height higher than the drain pipe (4), so that a siphon area (9) can be provided with the drain chamber (24), the drain pipe (4) and the pipe element (5), such that a water seal can be provided by water in the siphon area (9), and wherein the pipe element is used to empty the siphon area (9). (5) is moved into the emptying position,wherein, during the movement from the siphon position to the draining position, the pipe element (5) is moved with its second end (8) on the outside towards the pipe element (5) in the direction of its first end (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary article arrangement according to claim 1 and a method for operating a sanitary article arrangement according to claim 15. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] EP 3 643 844 discloses a toilet featuring a flexible siphon. The siphon has a flexible section in the form of a bellows, which can be moved from a closed position to a draining position. During the movement from the closed position to the draining position, a siphon area is pivoted together with the bellows by 90°, allowing the contents of the toilet bowl and the siphon area to be flushed.

[0003] A disadvantage of EP 3 643 844 is that pivoting from the closed position to the emptying position takes up a considerable amount of space. In other words, the cavity of the toilet, in which the siphon is located, is comparatively large, which increases the overall size of the toilet bowl considerably.

[0004] A further disadvantage is the use of the bellows shown, which has grooves in the interior of the flexible element. These grooves prevent the entire siphon contents from flowing out completely. The siphon water trapped in the grooves remains in the siphon during each emptying process. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a sanitary ware assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a sanitary ware assembly is to be provided that, while maintaining a compact structure, enables water-saving emptying of the siphon.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a sanitary article arrangement comprises a sanitary article with a receiving space and a drainage space adjoining the receiving space, said drainage space having a drainage pipe, a pipe element having a first end adjoining the drainage pipe, and an actuating element connected to the pipe element, with which the pipe element can be moved from a siphon position to a drainage position. In the siphon position, the pipe element is positioned such that a second end of the pipe element is at a height higher than the drainage pipe, so that a siphon region can be provided with the drainage space, the drainage pipe, and the pipe element, such that an odor trap can be provided by water in the siphon region.To empty the siphon area, the pipe element is moved into the emptying position, whereby during the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position, the pipe element is moved with its second end on the outside, i.e. on the outside, towards the pipe element in the direction of its first end.

[0007] By moving the second end over the outside of the pipe element toward the first end, the pipe element becomes more compact in size during the movement. This means that the space required for the movement from the siphon position to the drain position does not need to be increased.

[0008] In other words, when moving from the siphon position to the drain position, the pipe element is folded over itself or rolled over itself on the outside. The pipe element can also be referred to as a rolling bellows. The pipe element is made of a flexible material and can therefore also be referred to as a flexible pipe element.

[0009] Preferably, the pipe element is moved in such a way that the siphon area can be completely emptied by the movement of the pipe element.

[0010] In the siphon position, the pipe element has the shape of a pipe bend that connects to the drain pipe and extends upwards in the installed position.

[0011] Preferably, the sanitary item is a toilet bowl or urinal. In this case, the pipe element is moved into the emptying position during each flush.

[0012] It's also conceivable that the sanitary fixture is a sink or a shower element, such as a shower tray or bathtub. In this case, the pipe element can be moved into the drain position during cleaning, allowing residues in the siphon to be easily flushed into the drain line.

[0013] Preferably, the tubular element is positioned in such a way that when it is deformed, the movement occurs along the neutral fiber, which is an advantage for the material load because fewer transverse forces occur.

[0014] Preferably, the drain pipe extends downwards from the receiving space and then runs essentially horizontally in the installed position.

[0015] The pipe element is firmly connected to the drainpipe at its first end. When the pipe element moves from the siphon position to the drain position, the first end remains in its fixed position.

[0016] After reaching the emptying position, the pipe element can be moved back from the emptying position to the siphon position.

[0017] Preferably, the pipe element is moved with its second end on the outside towards the first end over the first end when moving into the emptying position and comes to lie behind the first end when the emptying position is reached, starting from the siphon position.

[0018] This ensures that the siphon area can be completely emptied in the emptying position.

[0019] In other words, the pipe element is pulled over the drain pipe.

[0020] Preferably, the pipe element continuously covers itself with its second end when moving from the siphon position to the emptying position.

[0021] Preferably, the second end defines a free pipe end and is located in the siphon position with its end face preferably horizontal. That is, in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0022] The front surface of the second end is located in the siphon position at a height that is higher than that of the drain pipe.

[0023] Preferably, the inner diameter of the tubular element increases from the first end to the second end.

[0024] Increasing the inner diameter offers the advantage that movement from the siphon position to the emptying position, particularly the process of inverting the pipe element, is possible with minimal force. Furthermore, a material-friendly deformation of the pipe element can be achieved. In connection with material-friendly deformation, it can be said that the greater the diameter change between the first end and the second end, the more material-friendly it is for the pipe element.

[0025] Preferably, the pipe element surrounds the drain pipe on the outside and is in a watertight connection with the pipe element on the outside of the drain pipe.

[0026] Preferably, the pipe element extends from the outside of the drainpipe over the end face of the drainpipe inward. This ensures a good connection between the pipe element and the drainpipe.

[0027] Preferably, the end face of the drainpipe lies in a cutting plane that is inclined at an angle to the central axis of the drainpipe. The angle can be between 45° and 135°.

[0028] Preferably, the pipe element has an inner diameter in the connection area to the drain pipe that is larger than the inner diameter of the drain pipe. This prevents clogging or inadequate drainage.

[0029] The pipe element is preferably 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, can also be used.

[0030] Preferably, the tubular element has a Shore hardness in the range of 50 to 70, in particular 55 to 65.

[0031] Preferably, the wall thickness of the tubular element is between 0.25 and 2.5 millimeters, in particular between 1 and 2 millimeters.

[0032] Preferably, a lower Shore hardness is selected for thicker wall thicknesses than for thinner wall thicknesses.

[0033] Preferably, the inside of the pipe element is designed as a smooth surface. This ensures that the siphon area empties completely.

[0034] Preferably, the actuating element is pivotable about a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis is transverse and spaced from the central axis of the drain pipe.

[0035] Preferably, the actuating element is actuated by an electric or fluid drive.

[0036] Preferably, the actuating element comprises a retaining ring to which the second end is attached, wherein the retaining ring preferably extends completely around the second end.

[0037] Preferably, the axis of rotation extends transversely to the central axis of the retaining ring and is spaced from the central axis of the retaining ring.

[0038] The retaining ring can be located on the outside of the tubular element. The outside of the tubular element is in contact with an annular surface of the retaining ring. In another variant, the tubular element can also at least partially surround the retaining ring. From the first end, the tubular element is guided through the retaining ring and then guided back along the outside of the retaining ring. In this case, the second end is provided by the part of the tubular element that lies on an end surface of the retaining ring.

[0039] The inner diameter of the retaining ring is larger than the outer diameter of the drain pipe.

[0040] When moving from the siphon position to the drain position, the retaining ring is guided over the end of the drainpipe and, in the drain position, comes to rest behind the end of the drainpipe or behind the point where the pipe element is attached to the drainpipe. In other words, the second pipe end and the retaining ring are slipped over the drainpipe.

[0041] Preferably, in the emptying position, the inside of the pipe element forms a drainage edge, wherein in the emptying position the lowest point of the drainage edge is at the same height as or below the lowest point of the drain pipe.

[0042] In other words, the lowest point of the drain edge in the emptying position is below or at the level of the siphon base.

[0043] Preferably, the drain pipe is followed by a housing which is connected to the drain pipe on the outside in an odor-tight manner, wherein the pipe element and the actuating element are arranged in the interior of the housing and wherein the housing has a drain opening.

[0044] A drain pipe can be connected to the drain opening. The drain edge is preferably positioned above the clear width of the housing's drain opening in the emptying position, allowing the contents of the siphon area to be flushed away to flow into the drain opening. However, the drain edge can also be offset from the drain opening, in which case the flushing water is then directed to the drain opening via the inner wall of the housing.

[0045] A method for operating a sanitary article arrangement according to the above description is characterized in that when an emptying process is initiated, the pipe element is moved from the siphon position to the emptying position and that after emptying has taken place, the pipe element is moved from the emptying position to the siphon position, wherein the siphon area which is again provided is filled with water.

[0046] Particularly preferably, flushing water is introduced into the receiving space before and / or during the movement of the pipe element from the siphon position to the emptying position, so that the emptying of the siphon area can be supported by penetrating flushing water.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that flushing water be continuously fed into the drain pipe during the entire movement from the siphon position to the emptying position and then from the emptying position back to the siphon position.

[0048] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] 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 sectional view of a sanitary article arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the Figure 1 , with a pipe element in the siphon position; Fig. 3 the detailed view of the Figure 2 , wherein the pipe element is located in the siphon position and a drain position; and Fig. 4 the detailed view of the Figure 2 , with the pipe element in the emptying position. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] In the Figures 1 to 3a schematic sectional view of a sanitary article arrangement 1 according to a preferred embodiment is shown.

[0051] The sanitary article arrangement 1 comprises a sanitary article 2 with a receiving space 3 and a drainage space 24 with a drainage pipe 4. The drainage space 24 adjoins the receiving space 3 and the drainage pipe 4 adjoins the drainage space 24. The drainage pipe 4 is preferably an integral part of the sanitary article 2. Viewed in the installed position, the drainage space 24 lies below the receiving space 3. The transition between the drainage space 24 and the receiving space 3 is preferably defined by the siphon line S described below.

[0052] The sanitary article assembly 1 further comprises a pipe element 5, which connects to the drain pipe 4 with a first end 6. Furthermore, the sanitary article assembly 1 comprises an actuating element 7 connected to the pipe element 5, with which the pipe element 5 can be moved from a siphon position to a drain position and from the drain position to the siphon position. The pipe element 5 is made of a soft material and is therefore easily deformable during movement from the siphon position to the drain position and back again.

[0053] In the Figure 1 The pipe element 5 is shown in the siphon position. In the Figure 2 The pipe element 5 is shown in an intermediate position between the siphon position and the drain position. Figure 3 the pipe element 5 is shown in the emptying position.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitary article 2 is shown as a toilet bowl. However, the sanitary article 2 can also have a different design. For example, the sanitary article 2 can also be designed as a urinal, a washbasin, a shower drain, etc.

[0055] In the siphon position, the pipe element 5 is positioned such that a second end 8 of the pipe element 5 is at a height higher than the drain pipe 4. This means that the second end 8 is above the drain pipe. The second end 8 is positioned such that a siphon area 9 can be provided with the drain pipe 4 and the pipe element 5, such that water in the drain pipe 4 and the pipe element 5 creates an odor trap.

[0056] In the Figure 1 the siphon line S is shown. In the siphon position, the siphon area 9 is filled at least up to this line so that an odor trap can be provided.

[0057] For emptying, the pipe element 5 is moved into the emptying position by means of the actuating element 7. During the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position, the pipe element 5 is moved with its second end 8 on the outside of the pipe element 5 in the direction of its first end 6. This results in a rolling movement of the pipe element 5 toward the second end 8.

[0058] Based on the siphon position according to Figures 1 and 2 the actuating element is pivoted around the arrow P about a rotation axis D. The pipe element 5 is moved backwards over itself in the direction of the drain pipe 4. In the Figure 3 The pipe element 5 is shown in an intermediate position between the siphon position and the emptying position. With further movement, the pipe element 5 then reaches the emptying position according to the Figure 4In the emptying position, the siphon area 9 can be completely emptied. After the emptying process, the pipe element 5 is moved from the emptying position back to the siphon position.

[0059] The emptying process can be further assisted by introducing flushing water into the receiving chamber 3. For example, flushing water can be introduced into the receiving chamber 3 via a flushing water inlet opening 21 in the sanitary article.

[0060] The siphon's emptying process is preferably timed so that it takes no more than a few seconds. The movement from the siphon position to the emptying position and back to the siphon position preferably takes no more than 5 seconds. Furthermore, after the emptying process, the siphon area 9 is refilled with water, thus restoring the odor trap.

[0061] During the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position, the pipe element 5 is moved with its second end 8 on the outside of the pipe element 5 over the pipe element 5. In the process, the second end is moved towards the first end 6 and further over the first end 6. Upon reaching the emptying position starting from the siphon position, the second end 8 comes to lie behind the first end 6, which is determined by the Figure 4 is clearly visible. As reported by the Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the pipe element 5 continuously folds over its second end 8 during the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position.

[0062] In the emptying position according to the Figure 4 The inner side 16 of the pipe element 5 forms a drainage edge 17. The lowest point of the drainage edge 17 is at the same height as or below the lowest point of the drain pipe 4.

[0063] The second end 8 of the tubular element 5 is designed as a free end and, with an end face 10 in the siphon position, preferably lies horizontally. The second end 8 forms an overflow edge from the siphon area. If water flows into the siphon area 9 from the receiving space 3, water flows out of the siphon area 9 via the second end 8. Starting from this horizontal position, the second end 8 is then pivoted toward the first end 6. In the embodiment shown, the angle of the pivoting movement from the horizontal is greater than 90°. The angle lies in a range from 90° to 110°.

[0064] The axis of rotation around which the pivoting movement is carried out is transverse to and spaced from a central axis M4 which extends through the drain pipe 4. The axis of rotation D is here at a short distance from a plane spanned by 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 substantially 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 spanned by the end face of the second end 8 and a second plane spanned by the end face of the end of the drain pipe 4.

[0065] The actuating element is preferably driven by an electric or fluidic drive, which is not shown in the figures.

[0066] Of the Figures 1 and 2It can be seen that the inner diameter of the pipe 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 pipe element, which occurs during movement from the siphon position to the emptying position, can be provided in a more material-friendly manner.

[0067] The pipe element 5 surrounds the drain pipe 4 on the outside with its first end 6. The pipe element 5 is connected to the outside 12 of the drain pipe 4 in a watertight manner. Furthermore, the pipe element 5, viewed from the outside 12, protrudes beyond an end face 13 of the drain pipe 4 in the direction of its central axis M4. The minimum inner diameter of the pipe element 5 lies in the region of the end face 13. Preferably, the inner diameter of the pipe element 5 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the drain pipe 4 in the region of the contact point with the pipe element 5.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the inner side 14 of the tubular element 5 is designed as a smooth surface without further structural elevations.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 7 has a retaining ring 15. The retaining ring 15 extends around a central axis M15, which runs at a right angle to and at a distance from the axis of rotation D. The second end 8 of the tubular element 5 is fastened to the retaining ring 15. In the embodiment shown, the tubular element 5 extends through the retaining ring 15 and is guided around the front and outside of the retaining ring 15. On the outside, the tubular element 5 engages with a raised portion 22 in a groove 23 on the retaining ring 15. The second end 8 is provided by the region of the tubular element 5 located on the front side of the retaining ring 15.

[0070] Furthermore, a housing 18 is connected to the drain pipe 4. The housing 18 is arranged here in the area of the attachment point between the drain pipe 4 and the pipe element 5 on the pipe element 5. The housing 18 is connected to the drain pipe 4 in an odor-tight manner. The pipe element 5 and the actuating element 7 are placed in the interior 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. A further pipe can be connected to the drain opening 20. In the emptying position, the drain edge 17 preferably lies above the clear width of the drain opening 20 of the housing 18 such that the contents of the siphon area are guided into the drain opening 20. The housing 18 is designed such that in the emptying position space is created for receiving the actuating element 7 and the pipe element 5, which both lie above the drain pipe 4. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0071] 1Sanitary article arrangement 2Sanitary article 3Accommodation space 4Drain pipe 5Pipe element 6First end 7Actuating element 8Second end 9Siphon area 10End face 11Outside of pipe element 12Outside of drain pipe 13End face 14Inside 15Retaining ring 16Inside 17Drain edge 18Housing 19Interior 20Drain opening 21Flush water inlet opening 22Elevation 23Groove 24Drain space M4Central axis of drain pipe 4 DRotation axis M15Central axis of retaining ring SSyphon line PPfile

Claims

1. Sanitary article assembly (1) comprising a sanitary article (2) with a receiving space (3) and a drainage chamber (24) with a drain pipe (4) said drainage chamber (24) adjoining the receiving space (3), a pipe element (5) with a first end (6) adjoining the drain pipe (4), and an actuating element (7) connected to the pipe element (5), with which the pipe element (5) can be moved from a siphon position to an emptying position, wherein the pipe element (5) lies in the siphon position in such a way that a second end (8) of the pipe element (5) comes to lie at a height which is higher than the drain pipe (4), so that a siphon area (9) can be provided with the drainage chamber (24), the drain pipe (4) and the pipe element (5) in such a way that an odor trap can be provided by water in the siphon area (9), characterized in that in that the pipe element (5) is moved into the emptying position in order to empty the siphon area (9), the pipe element (5) being moved with its second end (8) on the outside of the pipe element (5) in the direction of its first end (6) during the movement from the siphon area into the emptying position.

2. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe element (5) is moved with its second end (8) on the outside of the first end (6) beyond the first end (6) during the movement into the emptying position and comes to rest behind the first end (6) when the emptying position is reached, starting from the siphon position.

3. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipe element (5) continuously overlaps itself with its second end (8) during the movement from the siphon position to the emptying position.

4. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end (8) defines a free pipe end and, in the siphon position, lies with its end face (10) preferably in the horizontal.

5. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner diameter of the pipe element (5) increases from the first end (6) towards the second end (8).

6. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe element (5) surrounds the drain pipe (4) on the outside and is in watertight connection with the pipe element (5) on the outer side (12) of the drain pipe (4).

7. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe element (5) extends inwards from the outer side (12) of the drain pipe (4) over the end face (13) of the drain pipe (4) as seen from the outer side (12) of the drain pipe (4).

8. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipe element (5) has an inner diameter in the connection region to the drain pipe (4) which is larger than the inner diameter of the drain pipe (4).

9. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, that the pipe element (5) is made of a plastic, in particular of an elastomer or silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer; and / or that the pipe element (5) has a Shore hardness in the range from 50 to 70, in particular from 55 to 65; and / or that the inner side (14) of the pipe element (5) is designed as a smooth surface.

10. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (7) is pivotable about an axis of rotation (D), the axis of rotation (D) being transverse to and at a distance from the central axis (M4) of the drain pipe (4); and / or in that the actuating element (7) is actuated by an electric or fluidic drive.

11. Sanitary article assembly (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 attached, the retaining ring (15) preferably extending completely around the second end (8).

12. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the emptying position, the inner side (16) of the pipe element (5) forms a drain edge (17), wherein, in the emptying position, the lowest point of the drain edge (17) is at the same level as or below the lowest point of the drain pipe (4).

13. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drain pipe (4) is adjoined by a housing (18) which is connected to the drain pipe (4) on the outside in an odour-tight manner, the pipe element (5) and the actuating element (7) being arranged in the interior (19) of the housing (18), and the housing (18) having a drain opening (20).

14. Sanitary article assembly (1) according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that the drain edge (17) in the emptying position lies above the clear width of the drain opening (20) of the housing (18) in such a way that the contents of the siphon area (9) to be flushed away can flow into the drain opening (20).

15. Method for operating a sanitary article assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an emptying process is initiated, the pipe element (5) is moved from the siphon position into the emptying position and in that, after emptying has taken place, the pipe element (5) is moved from the emptying position into the siphon position, the siphon area which has been made available again being filled with water.

Images