Siphon drain device

Abstract

2.1. The invention relates to a siphon drain device which comprises a siphon housing (1), a dip tube (5), and a bypass channel (6). The siphon housing comprises an upper housing part (1a) having a siphon inlet structure (2), and a lower housing part (1b) comprising a sump (3). The sump has an upright sidewall (3a) terminating at its top end with an overflow edge (3b). The lower housing part further comprises a siphon outlet (4) in fluid communication with the sump via the overflow edge. The dip tube is removably connected to the siphon housing, forms a tube inlet (5a) on an upper part in fluid communication with the siphon inlet structure, and extends with a tube wall (5b) downwards into the sump to terminate with a bottom end (5c) in the sump. The bypass channel leads out of the sump to the siphon outlet via a closable bypass opening in the sidewall of the sump. 2.2. According to the invention the dip tube is configured to close the bypass opening by a closure portion (8) of its tube wall, and / or the dip tube comprises a fixing region (9) at or adjacent its bottom end, and the sump comprises a tube fixing structure (10) at a level below the bypass opening, said tube fixing structure being configured to fix the dip tube at its fixing region in radial direction of the dip tube on the sump. 2.3. Use, e.g., for drain systems in bathrooms and shower rooms.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a siphon drain device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The siphon drain device thus comprises a siphon housing, a dip tube, and a bypass channel. The siphon housing includes an upper housing part having a siphon inlet structure, and a lower housing part comprising a sump. The sump has an upright sidewall terminating at its top end with an overflow edge. The lower housing part further comprises a siphon outlet in fluid communication with the sump via the overflow edge. The dip tube is removably connected to the siphon housing, forms a tube inlet on an upper part in fluid communication with the siphon inlet structure, and extends with a tube wall downwards into the sump to terminate with a bottom end in the sump. The bypass channel leads out of the sump to the siphon outlet via a closable bypass opening in the sidewall of the sump.

[0003] Siphon drain devices of this type and of similar types are typically used to discharge water or some other fluid while providing a stench trap, i.e. odour seal, which blocks air and other gases to pass the siphon drain device, in particular in reverse direction, i.e. opposite the fluid discharge flow direction. More specifically, such siphon drain devices are often used in sanitary appliances to discharge water from bathtubs and sinks and from ground floors of shower rooms and bathrooms and the like, in particular from shower trays and shower drains. The fluid to be discharged enters the siphon drain device through the siphon inlet structure, is guided through the tube inlet into the dip tube, flows from the dip tube through a tube outlet structure into the sump, remains in the sump up to the level of the overflow edge, and leaves the sump over the overflow edge to reach the siphon outlet. The dip tube may also be called dip pipe or immersion tube or immersion pipe.

[0004] To provide the odour seal function of the device, the tube outlet structure of the dip tube is covered by the fluid remaining in the sump. To this end the bypass opening is kept closed in this normal use of the device, and the tube outlet structure is located at a level below the overflow edge. The tube outlet structure is usually established by forming the bottom end of the dip tube as an open end, i.e. as an axial tube end outlet opening, but alternatively or in addition the tube outlet structure may also include one or more radial outlet openings in the dip tube wall in a corresponding portion of the dip tube below the level of the overflow edge of the sump.

[0005] The bypass channel provided in this type of siphon drain device facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the device and of any downstream discharge structure following the siphon drain device and connected to the siphon outlet. Namely, for such maintenance and / or cleaning purposes the normally closed bypass opening in the sidewall of the sump is opened to allow access to the siphon outlet and any following discharge structure via the bypass channel, for example to extract dirt and / or to insert a maintenance or cleaning tool, such as a plumbing or drain snake.

[0006] A siphon drain device of the type mentioned in the outset is disclosed in laid-open publication EP 2 561 151 A1. In this prior art device, the bypass opening in the sidewall of the sump is closed by a removable sealing plug. The plug abuts against the tube wall of the dip tube and in this manner is secured in its closing position by the dip tube.

[0007] Patent publication EP 2 206 841 B1 also discloses a siphon drain device using a bypass opening in an upright sidewall of a siphon sump, where the bypass opening is closed by a sealing plug which can be removed to allow maintenance and cleaning access for inserting a plumbing snake.

[0008] Laid-open publication EP 1 775 395 A1 discloses a siphon drain device where an upright sidewall of a sump has a radial recess with a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section to define at its overflow edge a widened through-passage to a successive downstream drainage connection structure including a siphon outlet. The widened through-passage is intended to facilitate access to the drainage connection. The dip tube has a conformal recess for being guided on the sidewall of the sump and has in an upper region a shoulder by which it rests on an overflow edge of the sump in the recessed region. The dip tube covers the through-passage by a grid-like structure which allows fluid to pass over the overflow edge to the downstream drainage connection. After removal of the dip tube the through-passage is free of the grid structure to have full access to the drainage connection for maintenance and cleaning purposes.

[0009] It is the technical problem underlying the invention to provide a siphon drain device of the type mentioned at the outset which offers advantages over the prior art devices mentioned above as regards, in particular, low installation effort, easy maintenance handling, and / or high functional reliability.

[0010] The invention solves this problem by providing a siphon drain device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the wording of which is hereby made part of the description by reference. This in particular includes all embodiments of the invention that result from the combinations of features which are covered by the dependencies of the dependent claims.

[0011] In one, first aspect of the invention the dip tube of the siphon drain device is configured to close the bypass opening by a closure portion of its tube wall. Advantageously, in this configuration according to the invention the bypass opening is closed simply by the tube wall of the removable dip tube. So, in normal operation of the siphon drain device, the dip tube is in its position connected to the siphon housing and keeps the bypass opening closed by its closure portion of the tube wall. Of course, the closure portion of the dip tube wall is configured to close the bypass opening in a fluid-tight manner. No other closure means are thus needed to keep the bypass opening closed, in particular no plug means are needed. To open the bypass opening it is sufficient to disconnect and remove the dip tube from the siphon housing. The bypass opening is then no more covered by the closure portion of the dip tube wall so that access to the siphon outlet and any following downstream fluid discharge structure is gained through the bypass opening, for example to insert a drain snake or other maintenance or cleaning tool.

[0012] In another, second aspect of the invention, which can be provided in corresponding embodiments of the invention together with or without the first aspect, the dip tube comprises a fixing region at or adjacent its bottom end, and the sump comprises a tube fixing structure configured to fix the dip tube at its fixing region in radial direction of the dip tube on the sump. This configuration according to the invention allows the dip tube to be positioned and hold in the siphon housing in a very stable manner in that it is fixed with or adjacent its bottom end on the sump so as to be secured against radial movement. This can favourably add to the usual fixation of the dip tube at its upper portion on the siphon housing. In other words, the dip tube can be stably hold on its upper portion as well as its lower portion. Here, the axial direction of the dip tube, i.e. the length direction of the tube, may preferably extend at least substantially parallel to a vertical direction or plane of the siphon drain device when installed at its intended place of use, and the radial direction is, as usual, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and may thus preferably extend substantially in a horizontal direction or plane of the siphon drain device when installed at its intended place of use.

[0013] In a development of the invention the tube wall of the dip tube is formed by a tube body which is provided with a sealing element in the closure portion. This configuration of the closure portion of the dip tube is easy to manufacture, for example by fabricating the sealing element together with the tube wall as a two-component article or by adhering the separately fabricated sealing element on the tube body or forming the sealing element on the tube body through a sealing layer deposition process. Due to being made by a corresponding sealing material, the sealing element provides for sufficient sealing, i.e., fluid-tightness, of the bypass opening. In alternative embodiments, the tube body may itself be formed by a sealing material, such as a rubber sealing material, at least in its closure portion. In other alternative embodiments, a sealing element may be arranged on the outer edge of the bypass opening in addition to or instead of the sealing element of the tube body.

[0014] In a development of the invention the bypass opening and the closure portion of the dip tube wall have a coinciding concave shape in axial direction of the dip tube. Due to this concave shape the bypass opening and the closure portion of the dip tube wall extend with a decreasing radially inward directional component when seen in fluid flow direction, that means in axially downward direction. This configuration of the bypass opening and the closure portion of the dip tube wall facilitates the fluid-tight sealing of the bypass opening in that the closure portion can be axially and radially pressed against the bypass opening edge when, in a usual manner, the dip tube is axially inserted in place into the siphon housing. The concave shape is also advantageous in that it can reduce or minimize friction effects when taking out the dip tube caused by skin-grease and dirt that may be present in the siphon drain device, as compared to using a siphon drain device with an axially straight-like shape of the bypass opening and the closure portion of the dip tube wall, in particular in combination with using a usual O-ring sealing. In alternative embodiments, the bypass opening and the closure portion of the dip tube wall may extend, e.g., parallel to the axial direction, if this satisfies the needs in corresponding appliances.

[0015] In a development of the invention the tube fixing structure is formed on the sidewall of the sump at a level below the bypass opening, preferably between the bypass opening and a bottom of the sump. This configuration is advantageous in that the additional fixation of the dip tube on the sump at or adjacent its bottom end is located below the bypass opening. This provides for enhanced stability and reliability of the fluid-tight closure of the bypass opening by the dip tube. Namely, by this fixation at its lower portion the dip tube is actively secured against radial displacement of its free lower tube end and thus against radial displacement of its tube wall from the bypass opening. As another benefit this feature favours that the dip tube can be installed in a very user-friendly manner and an incorrect installation can be avoided by means of a forced guidance provided by this realization of the tube fixing structure. In preferred embodiments, the tube fixing structure of the sump is located between the bypass opening and the bottom of the sump, so that the dip tube is fixed at or near its bottom end just below the closure portion of its tube wall which is favourable to achieve the intended fluid-tight sealing of the bypass opening. In alternative embodiments, the tube fixing structure of the sump is formed on its sidewall at a level above the bypass opening, if this is sufficient or favourable in corresponding appliances. In other alternative embodiments, the tube fixing structure can be formed to extend upwards from the sump bottom like a pedestal without being integrated in the sidewall.

[0016] In a development of the invention the fixing region of the dip tube is formed by a corresponding fixing portion of the bottom end of the dip tube, and the tube fixing structure of the sump comprises an axial groove configured to receive said fixing portion of the bottom end of the dip tube. This configuration is advantageous in terms of easy manufacture and installation as well as stability and reliability of the fixation of the dip tube at or near its bottom edge. Namely, by this construction the fixation of the dip tube with its bottom end on the sump can be achieved simply by the axial insertion of the dip tube into the siphon housing. By doing so, the bottom end of the dip tube enters the axial groove formed on the sump and is received therein. Similarly, the fixation is easily released by simply moving the dip tube axially out of the siphon housing which moves the bottom end of the dip tube out of the axial groove of the sump. In alternative embodiments, the fixation is realized in some other, conventional manner, for example using a conventional releasable locking or snap fixation. In any case an additional locking or snap fixation may be provided for the dip tube to have it fixed at or near its top side on an upper part of the siphon housing.

[0017] In a refinement of the invention the axial groove comprises a slanted guide surface which is slanted in axial insertion direction radially towards the bypass opening. This provides enhanced stability and reliability for the fluid-tight closure of the bypass opening in embodiments where the bypass opening is provided. Through movement of the dip tube wall along the slanted guide surface, the dip tube wall is radially urged in its corresponding lower portion towards the bypass opening thus providing additional sealing pressure on the dip tube wall to be pressed with its closure portion against the bypass opening edge. The slanted guide surface can further be useful to reduce the contact area between the dip tube und the axial groove walls and thus to reduce friction effects when inserting and removing the dip tube. This facilitates easy insertion and removal of the dip tube with low handling forces needed for the user. In alternative embodiments, no such slanted guide surface is provided, if this turns out to be sufficient or favourable in corresponding appliances.

[0018] In a development of the invention the lower housing part comprises an annular outlet chamber which surrounds the overflow edge of the sump, wherein an inner sidewall of the annular outlet chamber is formed by the sidewall of the sump and wherein the siphon outlet is formed in an outer sidewall of the annular outlet chamber. Surrounding here means that the annular outlet chamber adjoins the overflow edge radially outwards at least along a part of a full 360° circumference. Thus, the annular outlet chamber as well as the overflow edge can but need not have a full 360° peripheral extension, but only a part thereof. In this configuration, the water or other fluid flows from the sump over the overflow edge to the annular outlet chamber and is then discharged via the siphon outlet formed in the outer sidewall of the annular outlet chamber, while the sidewall of the sump defines the inner sidewall of the annular outlet chamber. This siphon housing construction is advantageous in terms of low manufacturing effort and reliable siphon function. In alternative embodiments, some other, conventional siphon housing construction is used, if this provides advantages in corresponding appliances.

[0019] In a development of the invention the bypass channel extends straight from the bypass opening of the sump to the siphon outlet. The straight extension of the bypass channel generally facilitates maintenance and cleaning work done through the bypass channel when the bypass opening is opened. In alternative embodiments, the bypass channel extends in a curved or kinked manner, if desired for corresponding appliances.

[0020] In a development of the invention the bypass channel has a tunnel shape with a substantially circular cross-section. This shape of the bypass channel turns out to be favourable for many appliances. Such tunnel shape of the bypass channel allows easy and convenient access to the siphon outlet and any downstream structure, e.g., for inserting a drain snake or similar maintenance or cleaning tool. In alternative embodiments, the bypass channel has a different shape, such as an open, not circumferentially closed shape or a shape with a polygonal or other non-circular cross-section.

[0021] In a development of the invention the upper housing part of the siphon housing is connected to the sump, preferably removably, i.e. via a releasable connection. The dip tube is removably connected to the upper housing part of the siphon housing. The siphon inlet structure includes a first siphon inlet channel leading from a first siphon inlet mainly in axial direction of the dip tube to the dip tube inlet and / or a second siphon inlet channel leading from a second siphon inlet mainly perpendicular to the axial direction of the dip tube to the dip tube inlet. This realizes a favourable construction of the siphon housing for appliances where the siphon drain device has a plurality of siphon inlets. In alternative embodiments, only one siphon inlet is provided, or the plurality of siphon inlets and corresponding siphon inlet channels are realized in a different, conventional manner.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings. This and further embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below. In the drawings: Fig. 1is a perspective top view of a siphon drain device with an upper siphon housing part, a lower siphon housing part, and a dip tube, Fig. 2is a sectional view along a line II-II of Fig. 3, Fig. 3is a longitudinal sectional view of a siphon drain device, Fig. 4is a perspective top view of the lower siphon housing part with the upper siphon housing part and the dip tube removed, Fig. 5is the view of Fig. 4 with the dip tube inserted, Fig.6is a perspective top view of the dip tube, and Fig. 7is a side view of the dip tube.

[0023] As illustrated in the figures, showing an exemplary embodiment, the siphon drain device according to the invention comprises a siphon housing 1, a dip tube 5, and a bypass channel 6. The siphon housing 1 comprises an upper housing part 1a having a siphon inlet structure 2, and a lower housing part 1b comprising a sump 3. The sump 3 has an upright sidewall 3a, i.e. the sidewall 3a extends from a bottom 3c of the sump 3 with a vertically upwards directed component, be it substantially in vertical direction or in an oblique direction inclined to the vertical direction. The sidewall 3a terminates at its top end with an overflow edge 3b. The lower housing part 1b further comprises a siphon outlet 4, i.e. an outlet structure through which the fluid to be discharged leaves the siphon drain device, in fluid communication with the sump 3 via the overflow edge 3b. The bypass channel 6 leads out of the sump 3 to the siphon outlet 4 via a closable bypass opening 7 in the sidewall 3a of the sump 3. The upper housing part 1a may be releasably connected to the lower housing part 1b, e.g., in a rotatable manner such as by a bayonet-like or thread-like connection.

[0024] The dip tube 5 is removably connected to the siphon housing 1 and forms a tube inlet 5a on an upper part in fluid connection with the siphon inlet structure 2. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the tube inlet 5a is formed by an axial open upper end of the dip tube 5. In alternative embodiments, the tube inlet may be formed by one or more radial, i.e. peripheral, openings in an upper part of the dip tube 5. The dip tube 5 extends with a tube wall 5b downwards into the sump 3 to terminate with a bottom end 5c in the sump 3. The dip tube 5 comprises a tube outlet structure which in the embodiment shown is established by forming the bottom end 5c of the dip tube 5 as an open end, i.e. as an axial tube end outlet opening. In alternative embodiments the tube outlet structure may include one or more radial outlet openings in the dip tube wall 5b in a corresponding portion of the dip tube 5 below the level of the overflow edge 3b of the sump 3 in addition to or instead of forming the bottom end 5c as an at least partially open axial end. In the embodiment shown, the dip tube 5 with its bottom end 5c does not contact the bottom 3c of the sump 3.

[0025] In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the dip tube 5 is configured, as in the embodiment shown, to close the bypass opening 7 by a closure portion 8 of its tube wall 5b. So, according to this aspect of the invention, the bypass opening 7 can be closed simply by putting the dip tube 5 in position within the siphon housing 1, in particular by axially inserting the dip tube 5 into the siphon housing 1 and removably connecting it thereto. Similarly, the bypass opening 7 can be opened simply by axially removing the dip tube 5 from the siphon housing 1 to allow maintenance and cleaning work through the bypass channel 6 for the siphon outlet 4 and any downstream discharge structure connected thereto. In the embodiment shown, the downstream discharge structure comprises a discharge tube 18 connected to the siphon outlet 4 through a threaded connection using a union nut 19, see Figs. 1 and 3 to 5.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the dip tube 5 is hold at its upper portion by a surrounding tube holding structure 15, such as a corresponding tube connection stub, formed on the upper housing part 1a, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3. An optional sealing ring between the outer periphery of the dip tube 5 and the inner periphery of the tube holding structure 15 provides for a fluid-tight connection of the dip tube 5 to the upper housing part 1a. An optional bow-shaped handle 16 facilitates handling of the dip tube 5 by the user.

[0027] In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the dip tube 5 comprises, as in the embodiment shown, a fixing region 9 at or adjacent its bottom end 5c, and the sump 3 comprises a tube fixing structure 10 configured to fix the dip tube 5 at its fixing region 9 in radial direction of the dip tube 5 on the sump 3. This inventive measure contributes to having the dip tube 5 arranged in the siphon housing 1 in a very stable manner. Preferably, in this case, the dip tube 5 is connected at its upper part to the upper housing part 1a of the siphon housing 1 and in addition with its lower part to the lower housing part 1b of the siphon housing 1, more specifically to the sump 3 formed by the lower housing part 1b. The fixation of the dip tube 5 on the sump 3 by the cooperating fixing action of the fixing region 9 and the tube fixing structure 10 preferably comprises corresponding sealing means to make this fixation fluid-tight and avoid any leakage of fluid collected in the sump 3 out of the sump 3 through this fixation.

[0028] In favourable embodiments, the dip tube wall 5b is formed, as in the embodiment shown, by a tube body which is provided with a sealing element 11 in the closure portion 8. In this case, the tube body need not be made by a sealing material, and the sealing element 11 accomplishes the desired fluid-tight sealing of the bypass opening 7 in the closure portion 8 of the dip tube wall 5b. In the embodiment shown, the sealing element 11 is formed as a sealing ring on the tube body, which tube body provides the dip tube wall 5b. The dip tube wall 5b fluid-tightly abuts with the sealing element 11, i.e. the sealing ring, against the edge, i.e. boundary, of the bypass opening 7.

[0029] It may be mentioned here that in general at and near the point of fixation the pressing force on the sealing material of the sealing element 11, such as a rubber material, may be comparatively higher than further away from this point where, due to tolerances and slight bending of the related parts, the pressure on the sealing material may be lower. It may thus be favourable to use an O-ring like shape for the sealing element 11 in the region where the sealing pressure force is comparatively high, and slowly or gradually transforming the O-shape of the sealing element 11 to a lip-shape in the region where the pressure force becomes lower.

[0030] In advantageous embodiments, as in the embodiment shown, the bypass opening 7 and the closure portion 8 of the dip tube wall 5b have a coinciding concave shape in axial direction of the dip tube 5. This concave shape is best seen in Figs. 3 and 7. More specifically, the concave shape is such that the dip tube wall 5b and its sealing element 11 extend radially inwardly curved from the upper end to the lower end of the closure portion 8. In this way, the sealing element 11, such as the sealing ring in the example shown, can be tightly pressed against the edge of the bypass opening 7 when the dip tube 5 is axially inserted into the siphon housing 1. To this end the sealing element 11 is made, known as such, from a resilient sealing material, e.g. a rubber sealant material. To further adapt the shape of the closing portion 8 of the dip tube 5 to the shape of the boundary of the bypass opening 7 the dip tube wall 5b, while having a generally cylindrical shape, is flattened in the closing portion 8 as best seen in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0031] In other words, the sealing element 11 is intended to receive a pressure load in the radial direction, with a slight axial component due to the concave curvature, at which the sealing element can be compressed. The compression can also take place geometrically and not only through compression of the material itself, as with a simple sealing ring. Also, a harmonica-type sealing element is conceivable in corresponding embodiments.

[0032] As a further consequence of this concave shape of the bypass opening 7 an upper part of the edge of the bypass opening 7 and a lower part of the edge of the bypass opening 7 are offset from one another relative to a vertical plane in that the upper edge part is radially more outward than the lower edge part when seen from the dip tube 5 or the interior of the sump 3. This facilitates the access to the bypass channel 6 from the outside of the siphon drain device, for example to introduce a cleaning device, such as a drain snake, into the bypass channel 6, in particular through a top side opening of the siphon housing 1, such as the opening defined by the overflow edge 3b of the sump 3 when the upper housing part 1a is detached from the lower housing part 1b.

[0033] Preferably, when seen in a top view of the dip tube 5, the sealing element 11 is arranged within a geometrical outer boundary of the dip tube 5, i.e. it does not radially protrude beyond it, as seen in Fig. 7. This facilitates the axial insertion of the dip tube 5 through a corresponding opening of the siphon housing 1.

[0034] In favourable realizations, the tube fixing structure 10 is formed, as in the embodiment shown, on the sidewall 3a of the sump 3 at a level below the bypass opening 7. Preferably, like in the example shown, the tube fixing structure 10 of the sump 3 is located between the bypass opening 7 and the bottom 3a of the sump 3, as best seen in Fig. 3, i.e. directly axially below the bypass opening 7 in the same peripheral region. This location of the tube fixing structure 10 can further contribute to a stable arrangement of the dip tube 5 in the siphon housing 1, in particular with respect to its function to keep the bypass opening 7 closed by its closure portion 8.

[0035] In corresponding embodiments, the fixing region 9 of the dip tube 5 is formed, as in the embodiment shown, by a corresponding fixing portion of the bottom end 5c of the dip tube 5, and the tube fixing structure 10 of the sump 3 comprises an axial groove 12 configured to receive said fixing portion of the bottom end 5c of the dip tube 5. This makes the fixation of the dip tube 5 with its bottom end 5c on the sump 3 very easy by simply axially inserting the dip tube 5 with its bottom end 5c into the axial groove 12 of the sump 3 when axially inserting the dip tube 5 into the siphon housing 1. By the axial groove 12, the sump 3 secures the dip tube 5 at its bottom end 5c against radial movement or deformation, in particular against movement or deformation radially inwardly, i.e. to the left in Fig.3, and thus away from its desired position abutting against the border, i.e. edge, of the bypass opening 7. In other words, the sump 3 and thus the lower housing part 1b of the siphon housing 1 holds the dip tube 5 at its lower part in a simple construction by the annual groove 12 such that the dip tube 5 is prevented from radially moving away with its tube wall 5b from the bypass opening 7 in the closure portion 8. Additionally, the underside of the dip tube 5, i.e. its bottom end 5c, is therefore arranged with a defined offset to the bottom 3a of the sump 3, as seen, e.g., in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0036] In favourable realizations, the axial groove 12 of the sump 3 comprises, as in the embodiment shown, a slanted guide surface 13 which is slanted in axial insertion direction radially towards the bypass opening 7, as seen in Fig. 3. This additionally helps to securely press the dip tube 5 with its tube wall 5b fluid-tightly against the edge of the bypass opening 7 in the closure portion 8.

[0037] In corresponding embodiments, like in the example shown, the lower housing part 1b of the siphon housing 1 comprises an annular outlet chamber 14 which surrounds the overflow edge 3b of the sump 3. An inner sidewall of the annular outlet chamber 14 is formed by the sidewall 3a of the sump 3, and the siphon outlet structure, i.e. the siphon outlet 4, is formed on an outer sidewall 14a of the annular outlet chamber 14, see in particular Figs. 2 to 5. In this case, the bypass channel 6 leads out of the sump 3 directly to the annular chamber 14 at the chamber portion forming the siphon outlet 4 so as to bypass the fluid flow channel structure which leads out of the sump 3 over the overflow edge 3b to the annular chamber 14.

[0038] In corresponding embodiments, the bypass channel 6, as in the embodiment shown, extends straight from the bypass opening 7 of the sump 3 to the siphon outlet 4, as best seen in Fig. 3. This can facilitate maintenance and cleaning work through the bypass channel 6.

[0039] In corresponding embodiments, the bypass channel 6, as in the embodiment shown, has a tunnel shape with a substantially circular cross-section, see Figs. 3 to 5. This also can facilitate maintenance and cleaning work through the bypass channel 6. That means the bypass channel 6 forms a kind of tunnel inside the sidewall 3a, by which tunnel the bypass opening 7 is laterally, i.e. in radial direction of the dip tube 5, spaced from a portion of the sidewall 3a surrounding the tunnel, as best seen in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0040] In corresponding embodiments, like the embodiment shown, the upper housing part 1a of the siphon housing 1 is removably connected to the sump 3, the dip tube 5 is removably connected to the upper housing part 1a of the siphon housing 1, e.g. using the tube connection structure 15 of the upper housing part 1a mentioned above, and the siphon inlet structure 2 includes a first siphon inlet channel 2a leading from a first siphon inlet 2b mainly in axial direction of the dip tube 5 to the dip tube inlet 5a and / or a second siphon inlet channel 2c leading from a second siphon inlet 2d mainly perpendicular to the axial direction of the dip tube 5 to the dip tube inlet 5a.

[0041] More specifically, in corresponding embodiments, like the embodiment shown, the siphon inlet structure 2 includes the first as well as the second siphon inlet channel 2a, 2c providing a plurality of siphon inlets 2b, 2d for the siphon drain device. In particular, like in the embodiment shown, the first siphon inlet channel 2a may extend in the axial direction of the dip tube 5 to enter into the dip tube inlet 5a provided by the open upper end of the dip tube wall 5b, while the second siphon inlet channel 2c may extend perpendicular to the axial direction of the dip tube 5 to perpendicularly enter into the first siphon inlet channel 2a right before the first siphon inlet channel 2a enters into the dip tube inlet 5a, as best seen in Fig. 3.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the first siphon inlet 2b comprises an inner thread 20, see Figs. 1 to 3, in which a corresponding fluid outlet tube, e.g., a fluid outlet tube of a shower drain or the like, can be threaded. Further, in the embodiment shown, the second siphon inlet 2d is configured to have a corresponding fluid outlet tube 21, such as a flexible hose, of a related upstream fluid collection structure connected thereto. In a specific embodiment, the first siphon inlet 2b may be configured to be connected with a drainage outlet of a bathtub and the second siphon inlet 2d may be configured to be connected with an emergency overflow outlet of the bathtub.

[0043] In corresponding realizations, the upper housing part 1a of the siphon housing 1 is removably connected to the lower housing part 1b and thus the sump 3 by a releasable locking or snap connection. In the embodiment shown, a releasable, rotatable locking connection 17, such as a bayonet connection, is used, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3. Alternatively, a releasable snap connection may be used. As needed, this releasable connection of the upper housing part 1 a and the lower housing part 1b may include proper sealing against leakage of discharge fluid out of the siphon housing 1 through this connection by a conventional sealing means, such as a sealing O-ring.

[0044] As apparent from the embodiment shown and the other embodiments explained above, the invention provides an advantageous siphon drain device which has improvements over the prior art in particular concerning low installation effort, easy maintenance ans cleaning handling, and high functional reliability. Specifically, the siphon drain device allows for easy and comfortable maintenance and cleaning of the siphon drain device and any successive downstream fluid discharge structures through the bypass opening in the sidewall of the sump and for easy and comfortable closing of the bypass opening by the dip tube without needing additional closing means such as a plug or the like. The siphon drain device of the invention can in particular be advantageously used for bathtubs, sinks, shower trays and shower drains.

Claims

1. Siphon drain device comprising - a siphon housing (1) which comprises an upper housing part (1a) having a siphon inlet structure (2), and a lower housing part (1b) comprising a sump (3) having an upright sidewall (3a) terminating at its top end with an overflow edge (3b), the lower housing part (1b) further comprising a siphon outlet (4) in fluid communication with the sump (3) via the overflow edge (3b), - a dip tube (5) removably connected to the siphon housing (1), said dip tube (5) forming a tube inlet (5a) on an upper part in fluid communication with the siphon inlet structure (2) and extending with a tube wall (5b) downwards into the sump (3) to terminate with a bottom end (5c) in the sump (3), and - a bypass channel (6) leading out of the sump (3) to the siphon outlet (4) via a closable bypass opening (7) in the sidewall (3a) of the sump (3), characterized in that - the dip tube (5) is configured to close the bypass opening (7) by a closure portion (8) of its tube wall (5b) and / or - the dip tube (5) comprises a fixing region (9) at or adjacent its bottom end (5c), and the sump (3) comprises a tube fixing structure (10) configured to fix the dip tube (5) at its fixing region (9) in radial direction of the dip tube (5) on the sump (3).

2. Siphon drain device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dip tube wall (5b) is formed by a tube body which is provided with a sealing element (11) in the closure portion (8).

3. Siphon drain device according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the bypass opening (7) and the closure portion (8) of the dip tube wall (5b) have a coinciding concave shape in axial direction of the dip tube (5).

4. Siphon drain device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that the tube fixing structure (10) is formed on the sidewall (3a) of the sump (3) at a level below the bypass opening (7), preferably between the bypass opening (7) and a bottom (3c) of the sump (3).

5. Siphon drain device according to any of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in that the fixing region (9) of the dip tube (5) is formed by a corresponding fixing portion of the bottom end (5c) of the dip tube (5), and the tube fixing structure (10) of the sump (3) comprises an axial groove (12) configured to receive said fixing portion of the bottom end (5c) of the dip tube (5).

6. Siphon drain device according to claim 5, further characterized in that the axial groove (12) comprises a slanted guide surface (13) which is slanted in axial insertion direction radially towards the bypass opening (7).

7. Siphon drain device according to any of claims 1 to 6, further characterized in that the lower housing part (1b) comprises an annular outlet chamber (14) which surrounds the overflow edge (3b) of the sump (3), wherein an inner sidewall of the annular outlet chamber (14) is formed by the sidewall (3a) of the sump (3) and wherein the siphon outlet (4) is formed on an outer sidewall (14a) of the annular outlet chamber (14).

8. Siphon drain device according to any of claims 1 to 7, further characterized in that the bypass channel (6) extends straight from the bypass opening (7) of the sump (3) to the siphon outlet (4).

9. Siphon drain device according to any of claims 1 to 8, further characterized in that the bypass channel (6) has a tunnel shape with a substantially circular cross-section.

10. Siphon drain device according to any of claims 1 to 9, further characterized in that the upper housing part (1a) of the siphon housing (1) is connected to the sump (3), the dip tube (5) is removably connected to the upper housing part (1a) of the siphon housing (1), and the siphon inlet structure (2) includes a first siphon inlet channel (2a) leading from a first siphon inlet (2b) mainly in axial direction of the dip tube (5) to the dip tube inlet (5a) and / or a second siphon inlet channel (2c) leading from a second siphon inlet (2d) mainly perpendicular to the axial direction of the dip tube (5) to the dip tube inlet (5a).

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