Siphon seal

Abstract

Siphon seal for sealing a siphon (10) whose assembly (29) is installed in a mounting opening (4) of a shower tray (1) and comprises at least an inlet area, a main body (17) and a drain area with a drain pipe (30) mounted thereon, with a flexible seal made of an elastomer which seals the assembly of the siphon at least in the area of ​​the mounting opening (4), wherein the seal is a rubber sleeve (20) which is designed as a hose encompassing the assembly (29) and which is able to contain the leakage water escaping from the assembly (29) in a sealed manner.

Description

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

[0002] Siphons are crucial in shower trays because they ensure the drainage of wastewater, prevent backflow, and act as a trap to prevent odors.

[0003] A siphon of this type is shown, for example, in CH 703 597 A1, where a siphon assembly is installed in a mounting opening of a shower or bathtub and has an inlet area, a main body, and a drain area for the wastewater. A connecting piece is mounted on the main body of the siphon to discharge the wastewater. The siphon assembly is sealed in the area of ​​the mounting opening with a flexible elastomer seal.

[0004] However, such conventional siphon sealing methods often rely on gaskets and sealants that can become porous or brittle over time, leading to water leaks and potential damage to the shower tray and surrounding structures. Much of the siphon is located beneath the shower tray, including the area most susceptible to leaks. Once a shower tray or bathtub is installed, there is no way to check for leaks in the siphon underneath. This can result in water or moisture escaping and spreading unnoticed over an extended period.

[0005] A leaking siphon in the shower tray can have various negative consequences. The escaping water can cause water damage to the floor, walls, and building structure, leading to expensive renovation costs.

[0006] In particular, moisture from a leaking siphon can lead to mold growth in the joints of the tiled floor and on the walls.

[0007] Furthermore, mold can be harmful to health and cause allergic reactions.

[0008] Even if the siphon or connecting piece is not installed correctly, it can leak. Furthermore, the siphon, connecting piece, or the adjoining drain pipe can leak due to mechanical damage, e.g., from an impact.

[0009] It is therefore important to restore the tightness of a siphon as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the objective of further developing a seal for a siphon of the type mentioned above in such a way that, taking into account a possible leakage, e.g. due to mechanical stress and subsequent leakage of the pipe penetration or a possible failure of the siphon seal caused by leakage, a simplified and safe sealing and adaptation to different structural conditions is possible.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0012] An advantageous feature is that the seal is a rubber sleeve that is adapted to enclose the siphon assembly and the connection area to the drain pipe in a liquid-tight manner.

[0013] The siphon is therefore sealed, at least in its lower section including its connecting pipes, by a permanently elastic rubber sleeve capable of collecting any leakage water that forms around the siphon, for example, if the siphon is mechanically damaged. The leakage water is collected in a pressure-tight manner in the space between the inside of the rubber sleeve and the outer surface of the siphon from which the leakage water is escaping. In this space, the increasing pressure of the leakage water creates an overpressure that counteracts the water escaping from the siphon, thus ensuring the siphon remains sealed despite the leak.

[0014] Preferably, the rubber sleeve comprises a sealing collar with an upper sealing lip that rests on the top of the shower tray or the support surface of a step in the mounting opening.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing collar also includes a lower sealing lip that rests against the underside of the shower tray or the underside of the step. The terms shower tray and bathtub are used synonymously hereafter, as they always refer to a container installed on the bathroom floor to create a level surface and ensure proper drainage. It is typically made of acrylic, enamel, steel, cast mineral, or plastic and is available in various sizes and shapes.

[0016] The upper and / or lower sealing lip extends approximately horizontally from the annular connecting element between the sealing lips. In a further embodiment, the upper and / or lower sealing lip can also be arranged at an oblique angle.

[0017] The connecting part can be cylindrical or funnel-shaped.

[0018] The sealing rings have a flat contact surface or, in a further embodiment, a contact surface with grooves to achieve an increased sealing effect.

[0019] Preferably, a so-called main section, which encloses the main body of the siphon, is attached to the sealing collar in one piece with the same material.

[0020] Preferably, an extension section is integrally attached to the main section, enclosing at least the connection area between the main body and the drain pipe connected to it.

[0021] The extension section forms a narrowing of the rubber sleeve in the direction of wastewater flow.

[0022] Due to the elasticity of the extension section, it is adaptable and can be used for drain pipes with a diameter of, for example, 30, 40 or 50 mm.

[0023] Preferably, a contact area is integrally formed with the extension section, resting on the outer circumference of the drain pipe.

[0024] The inside of the attachment area can be coated with a lubricant to facilitate assembly and the insertion of the drain pipe.

[0025] Depending on the application and the dimensions of the drain pipe, the hose-like fitting section can be shortened lengthwise. For example, the rubber sleeve initially has a length of 300 mm and can be shortened by a technician using a knife, as needed. The dimensions of the extension section can be adjusted to fit snugly around the drain area of ​​the siphon assembly, ensuring a tight seal against potential leaks.

[0026] Preferably, the rubber cuff is made of a durable and waterproof elastomer material such as EPDM or silicone rubber.

[0027] Preferably, the material used is EPDM with sufficient elongation and a specific Shore hardness.

[0028] The invention thus discloses a novel siphon seal for shower and bathtub trays, which uses a rubber sleeve to effectively prevent water leakage and to ensure long-term watertightness. This system comprises a flexible rubber sleeve that encloses the entire siphon assembly and provides a tight seal against potential water leaks.

[0029] The elasticity of the rubber sleeve allows for easy installation and adaptation to various siphon designs.

[0030] The rubber sleeve is designed to completely enclose the entire siphon assembly, including the siphon body, overflow connection, and the beginning of the drain pipe. The sleeve's elastic nature allows it to conform to the shape of the siphon, ensuring a secure seal around all connections and joints.

[0031] The installation process is straightforward and requires no special tools. After correctly positioning the siphon with the drain pipe and the shower or bathtub to be installed, disconnect the siphon and drain pipe. Slide the rubber sleeve back over the drain pipe. Then reconnect the siphon to the drain pipe and slide the rubber sleeve over the siphon. Finally, clamp the rubber sleeve onto the mounting opening of the shower or bathtub and secure it to the shower or bathtub along with the siphon.

[0032] The flexible rubber sleeve allows for easy installation and removal.

[0033] The elastic design of the rubber sleeve allows it to adapt to different siphon designs and sizes, thus ensuring broad compatibility with different shower tray configurations.

[0034] The mounting opening can, for example, have a diameter of 50-90mm, and be round or square, e.g., rectangular.

[0035] When the siphon is screwed into the shower tray, the retaining collar is clamped in place, similar to the function of a conventional collar seal. The material in the area of ​​the retaining collar can have a greater wall thickness.

[0036] Additionally, the inside of the rubber sleeve can have at least one moisture sensor that detects a leak in the siphon. In a further development of the invention, at least one sensor is also provided on the outside, which measures the humidity of the area surrounding the rubber sleeve. The measured values ​​can then be compared with reference values ​​to determine whether a leak has occurred.

[0037] The rubber sleeve according to the invention is suitable for a variety of siphons. For example, for siphons that have a connecting piece which is fixed to the siphon. Or for siphons where the connecting piece is attached to the siphon by means of a screw cap or a socket. Leaks can occur in these cases because the screw cap is not tightened sufficiently or the seal is forgotten. There are also siphons with a type of ball joint, which also have a high potential for leaks in this area. According to the invention, all potentially leaking points can be enclosed by the rubber sleeve so that no moisture can escape into the surrounding area.

[0038] The subject matter of the present invention is not only derived from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from the combination of the individual patent claims with one another.

[0039] All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, and in particular the spatial configuration shown in the drawings, could be claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. The use of the terms "essential," "according to the invention," or "essential to the invention" is subjective and does not imply that the features so designated must necessarily be part of one or more patent claims.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings illustrating only one embodiment. Further essential features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and their description.

[0041] They show: Figure 1: A schematic view of a built-in rubber cuff illustrating aspects of the present invention. Figure 2: A schematic view of a rubber cuff. Figure 3: A detailed view of Figure 3. Figure 2 Figure 4: another schematic view of the rubber cuff

[0042] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a shower tray 1 with a top surface 2, which can be entered by a person. The shower tray 1 also has a bottom surface 3, which is set back from a surface 6. Between the bottom surface 3 and the surface 6 is the area 7, into which moisture 8 can penetrate if the siphon 10 leaks.

[0043] To prevent such ingress of moisture 8, the siphon 10 is enclosed with a rubber sleeve 20 according to the invention.

[0044] In the example shown, the siphon 10 is depicted as a conventional siphon consisting of a cover 11, which is visibly arranged on the top 2 of the shower tray 1. The siphon 10 is located in a mounting opening 4 of the shower tray 1 and rests with a mounting flange 12 on a circular shoulder 5 between the top 2 and bottom 3 within the through-hole 4. The shoulder 5 thus reduces the diameter of the through-hole 4.

[0045] Additionally, the mounting flange 12 can have a foam rubber washer 13 and rest on the support surface 9 of the shoulder 5 by means of this.

[0046] Below the step 5, the siphon has another rubber seal 14, which rests against the underside 3 of the shower tray 1 and surrounds the through-hole 4 in a ring shape. The rubber seal 14 rests on a support edge 15 of the main body 17 and is pressed by it against the underside 3.

[0047] The sealing distance between seals 13 and 14 is 16.

[0048] Below the rubber seal 14, the siphon 10 has the main body 17, which is designed as a cylindrical pot. A socket 18 is located on the side of the main body 17, through which a connecting piece 19 is mounted. A drain pipe 30 is pushed onto this connecting piece up to the collar 31. Wastewater entering the siphon in the area of ​​the cover 11 can thus flow away via the drain pipe 30.

[0049] To prevent unwanted leakage of water into the surrounding area 7, the rubber sleeve 20 according to the invention is installed. This is mounted in the area of ​​the shoulder 5 by means of a sealing collar 22.

[0050] The sealing collar 22 is U-shaped, with the U opening radially, and has an upper sealing lip 21 and a lower sealing lip 23. The sealing lips 21 and 23 extend radially, with sealing lip 21 bearing against the support surface 9 of the shoulder 5 and sealing lip 23 against the underside 3 in the area of ​​the through-hole. Thus, sealing lip 21 is located below the washer 13 and sealing lip 23 above the rubber seal 14, as described previously for a siphon without a built-in rubber sleeve.

[0051] Between the sealing lips 21, 23 there is now also the sealing gap 16, which corresponds approximately to the height of the step 5.

[0052] The sealing collar 22 transitions into the main section 25, which loosely surrounds the main body 17 of the siphon. This means that while the main body 17 is encased, the main section 25 does not rest fully on the surface of the siphon.

[0053] Laterally, in the area of ​​the socket 18, the main section 25 transitions into an extension section 26, which terminates in an end section 28. The end section 28 has a hose-like contact area 27, where the rubber sleeve elastically conforms to the surface of the drain pipe 30 and largely follows the contour of the drain pipe 30's surface. This contact is aided by the elastic properties of the rubber sleeve, resulting in a particularly good seal in the contact area 27.

[0054] This prevents wastewater from escaping into the surrounding area at this point.

[0055] Even if water escapes from the siphon or the area of ​​the shower tray around the through-hole, the rubber sleeve catches this water and keeps it in the main section 25 or extension section 26, preventing this moisture 8 from escaping from the end section 28.

[0056] The rubber sleeve 20 thus provides a tight seal against potential water leaks. The dimensions of the rubber sleeve are designed to fit snugly around the siphon assembly 29 and ensure a secure seal around all connections and joints.

[0057] In the event of a leak within the rubber sleeve, it will fill up and remain sealed because it is airtight at the connection to the shower tray 1 and also at the connection to the drain pipe 30, thus forming a kind of reservoir. Therefore, the water coming from the shower tray will continue to flow freely through the drain pipe 30, as it cannot escape through the filled rubber sleeve, which cannot absorb any more water and forms a barrier at the leaking point of the siphon assembly 29.

[0058] Figure 2Figure 20 shows the rubber sleeve 20, which has the shape of a tapered, angled hose. For sealing at the shower tray, the rubber sleeve 20 has a sealing collar 22 that wraps around the shoulder 5 of the shower tray 1 and is secured there by the mounting flange 12 and the rubber seal 14. Below the sealing collar 22, the rubber sleeve transitions into a main section 25, which houses the main body 17 of the siphon. A horizontal extension section 26 extends from the main section 25, terminating in an end section 28.

[0059] In the example shown, the extension section 26 branches off perpendicularly from the main section 25. In another embodiment, the rubber sleeve 20 can also transition into an extension section below the main section. The rubber sleeve 20 is fundamentally elastic enough to enclose all branch angles and connections between the main body 17 and the drain pipe 30.

[0060] Between the extension section 26 and the end section 28 is the contact area 27, whereby the rubber sleeve 20 lies in this area with its inside surface sealing against the outer surface of the drain pipe 30.

[0061] Figure 3 The detailed view III shows the Figure 2The sealing collar 22 is cut in a simple manner so that the horizontal sealing lips are visible. This is an upper sealing lip 21 that rests on the top surface of the shower tray 1 or on the support surface 9 of the step 5 in the mounting opening 4. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing lip can also rest on the top surface 2 of the shower tray 1.

[0062] Additionally, the sealing collar 22 has a lower sealing lip 23 which rests against the underside 3 of the shower tray 1 or the underside of the step 5.

[0063] The sealing lips 21, 23 are connected to each other via a connecting part 24 and have a sealing distance 16.

[0064] Figure 4Figure 1 schematically shows again the rubber sleeve 20, which is designed as a hose encompassing the assembly 29 and which is able to seal and receive the leakage water escaping from the assembly 29, represented as moisture 8.

[0065] In the example shown, the drain pipe 30, against which the rubber sleeve forms a sealing connection, is connected to the main body 17 via a connecting piece 19. The end section 28 of the rubber sleeve 20 rests against the outer surface of the drain pipe 30, thus sealing the siphon / drain pipe transition. Such a seal is preventative, as leaks often occur here because, for example, the seal was omitted from the drain pipe or the drain pipe was not pushed far enough onto the siphon connecting piece, etc.

[0066] Because it is an open system, a leak only results in low internal pressure within the rubber sleeve. The wastewater is collected in the receiving chamber and remains reliably sealed by the sealing lips 21, 23 and the contact area 27. Drawing legend

[0067] 1. Shower tray 2. Top 3. Bottom 4. Mounting opening 5. Recess 6. Substrate 7. Environment 8. Moisture 9. Support surface (of 5) 10. Siphon 11. Cover 12. Mounting flange 13. Washer (foam rubber) 14. Rubber seal 15. Support edge (of 10) 16. Sealing gap 17. Main body 18. Socket 19. Connection spigot 20. Rubber sleeve 21. Sealing lip (top) 22. Sealing collar 23. Sealing lip (bottom) 24. Connecting piece 25. Main section 26. Extension section 27. Contact area 28. End section 29. Siphon assembly 30. Drain pipe 31. Collar

Claims

1. Siphon seal for sealing a siphon (10) whose assembly (29) is installed in a mounting opening (4) of a shower tray (1) and comprises at least an inlet area, a main body (17) and a drain area with a drain pipe (30) mounted thereon, with a flexible seal made of an elastomer which seals the assembly of the siphon at least in the area of ​​the mounting opening (4), characterized by the fact that the seal is a rubber sleeve (20) which is designed as a hose encompassing the assembly (29) and which is able to contain the leakage water escaping from the assembly (29) in a sealed manner.

2. Siphon seal according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the rubber sleeve (20) has a sealing collar (22) with an upper sealing lip (21) which rests on the top of the shower tray (1) or the support surface (9) of a step (5) in the mounting opening (4).

3. Siphon seal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the sealing collar (22) has a lower sealing lip (23) which rests against the underside (3) of the shower tray (1) or the underside of the step (5).

4. Siphon seal according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that a main section (25) is attached to the sealing collar (22) in one piece with the same material, which encloses the main body (17) of the siphon (10).

5. Siphon seal according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that an extension section (26) is attached to the main section (25) in one piece of material, which encloses at least the connection area (18) between the main body (17) and the drain pipe (30) connected to it.

6. Siphon seal according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that A contact area (27) is attached in one piece to the extension section (26), which rests on the outer circumference of the drain pipe (30).

7. Siphon seal according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe inside of the contact area (27) is coated with a lubricant, or the lubricant is already incorporated into the rubber sleeve 8. Siphon seal according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that the tube-like attachment area (27) can be shortened in its longitudinal extension.

9. Siphon seal according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the rubber sleeve (20) is made of a durable and waterproof elastomer material such as EPDM or silicone rubber.

10. Siphon seal according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the elastomer material is stretchable.

11. Siphon seal according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the elastomer material has a specific Shore hardness.

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