Floor inlet with supported sealing plate

Abstract

Floor drain for installation in a floor comprising: • a housing with an inlet opening for a liquid to be drained, an outlet opening for the liquid and a passage connecting the inlet opening and outlet opening, • a support element, and • a sealing plate which is movable from a release position, in which it opens the passage for the liquid, to a closing position, in which it closes the passage for the liquid and rests on the support element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor drain.

[0002] Floor drains come in various designs. They are typically designed and constructed to be installed in a floor or an opening provided in the floor. Their purpose is to drain liquids from the floor. Floor drains are typically equipped with an outlet opening to which a drain pipe can be connected.

[0003] There are floor drains equipped with a fire-resistant compound that seals the drain in the event of a fire. This prevents the unwanted spread of smoke and heat. A corresponding floor drain is known, for example, from DE 10 2020 131 399 A1.

[0004] Floor drains with sealing elements are also known, which can be moved from a release position to a closed position by a pneumatic actuator. Such a pneumatically actuated sealing element can prevent liquid from running off, for example, a yard, if it is known that the liquid contains water-polluting substances. Such a floor drain is known, for example, from EP 3 957 802 A1.

[0005] In pharmaceutical applications, it may be desirable for a floor drain to be closed at all times and only opened in the event of a fire. This allows extinguishing water to drain away.

[0006] Based on this state of the art, the object of the invention was to provide a floor drain for pharmaceutical applications that is basically closed and can be opened in a controlled manner, for example in case of fire.

[0007] The problem is solved by a floor drain with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] The floor drain according to the invention is designed and constructed for installation in a floor. It comprises a housing, a support element, and a sealing plate.

[0009] The housing has an inlet opening for a fluid to be discharged and an outlet opening to which a drain can be connected. The inlet opening is fluid-conducting and connected to the outlet opening via a passage formed by part of the housing.

[0010] The support element can be formed by a part of the housing. For example, it could be a projection. However, it could also be another object, or part of another object, that rests on or is connected to the housing.

[0011] The sealing disc can be moved from a release position, in which it opens the passage for the liquid, to a closure position, in which it closes the passage for the liquid. A linear actuator located in the housing may be provided for this purpose. Furthermore, in the closure position, the sealing disc rests on the support element. In this position, one side of the sealing disc facing away from the outlet, particularly when installed in the floor, forms a flat walking surface. This side of the sealing disc can form the upper edge of the floor inlet. Alternatively, this side of the sealing disc can lie flush with a surface of the support element and / or a surface of the housing. This also includes a slight protrusion of one of the components by a few millimeters, e.g., less than 5 mm.Furthermore, the term "sealing plate" can be interpreted to mean that the sealing plate rests on the support element, that the sealing plate rests directly on the support element, or that a seal is arranged between them. In the release position, the sealing plate can be positioned so that it has no contact with the housing or the support element.

[0012] In this document, "resting" means that a first object, upon which a second object rests, holds the second object in place when the floor drain is in a vertically upward-oriented state. The floor drain is in a vertically upward-oriented state when its longitudinal direction is parallel to the gravity vector and the inlet opening is positioned opposite the direction of gravity, as defined by the gravity vector, in front of the outlet opening. In this state, the terms "top" and "bottom" are to be understood as meaning that the gravity vector points from "top" to "bottom." Furthermore, the gravity vector defines the vertical direction. Unless otherwise specified, the preceding and following statements are to be understood as referring to the floor drain in a vertically upward-oriented state.This corresponds to the state it is in when it is installed in the ground.

[0013] The "longitudinal expansion direction" of the housing represents its primary expansion direction. This is the direction that, in the installed state, is parallel to the direction of gravity. It is the direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the inlet opening.

[0014] The bottom drain according to the invention allows liquid to drain away, just like a conventional bottom drain. To meet the requirements of the pharmaceutical sector, the sealing element, in its closed position, blocks the passage through which liquid can travel from the inlet opening of the housing to the outlet opening. As soon as a fire occurs, the sealing element can be moved to its release position, thus opening the passage and allowing liquid to drain away. The passage can also be opened when other requirements necessitate it, for example, in the event of an accident or during cleaning, when liquid needs to drain away. The underlying principle is that the actuation of the lifting mechanism is coupled with a fire extinguishing device.This means that, for example, if a sprinkler system is activated as a fire suppression device and discharges extinguishing water, the lifting mechanism moves the sealing disc into an open release position, thus opening the floor drain. The advantage of this coupling is that the discharged extinguishing water can automatically drain away when the extinguishing system is activated. Furthermore, rooms that would otherwise lack a floor drain now have one in the event of a fire, allowing the extinguishing water to drain away.

[0015] Because the sealing element rests on the support element, it can serve as a step surface when installed in the floor. The corresponding forces are then transferred to the floor via the housing. Ideally, the floor drain is designed so that the floor and the components of the drain that protrude furthest upwards form a flat surface, thus preventing tripping hazards and eliminating the risk of materials accumulating in a joint. As described above, the sealing disc and, if applicable, a surface of the housing and / or a surface of the support element should ideally lie flat in the same plane.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the sealing disc has a release distance from the housing in the longitudinal direction of the housing when it is in its release position. In the release position, the sealing disc is therefore located above the housing. In this position, it also no longer touches the support element and / or the housing.

[0017] This makes servicing the floor drain easy. The sealing disc, along with its attached components, can be lifted out of the housing. The floor drain can also be designed so that the underside of the sealing disc is accessible in the release position and / or that the interior of the drain is easily accessible. This allows for the release of fasteners, for example, to remove the sealing disc. The interior can then be inspected, for instance, to perform regular fire safety tests or routine maintenance.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the sealing plate is plate-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical. Its base body can then be formed by a circular disk. It can additionally have a circumferential projection with which it rests on the support element. The housing can then also be rotationally symmetrical, at least in sections, and the inlet opening can be round.

[0019] This corresponds to typical openings in floors into which the floor drain according to the invention is to be installed. Furthermore, rotationally symmetrical shapes can be easily manufactured.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a guard is arranged on the side of the sealing plate facing the outlet opening. This guard extends towards the outlet opening for at least a length corresponding to the release distance. The guard is designed to allow fluid to flow through it, but to prevent a person from inserting limbs between the sealing plate and the housing. The guard can be permanently attached to the sealing plate, for example, by a metallurgical process such as welding. Alternatively, it can be attached by another type of detachable fastener, such as a bayonet fitting.

[0021] This increases the operational safety of the floor drain and prevents injuries from occurring when the floor drain is moved from the release position to the closed position.

[0022] In one design, the guard is arranged along the circumference of the sealing plate. This is particularly easy to achieve if the sealing plate is rotationally symmetrical. This further reduces the risk of injury because protruding edges are minimized.

[0023] In one design, the safety guard is formed by a perforated sheet metal piece shaped into a hollow cylinder. Other types of sheet metal with corresponding openings through which liquid can drain are also conceivable. Using such typical sheet metal types reduces production costs.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the bottom inlet has a lifting mechanism for moving the sealing element, which is detachably attached to the housing by a bracket in such a way that it can be removed through the inlet opening. The bracket can also serve as the support element. Alternatively, the bracket can rest on the housing for attachment. Other fastening methods are also conceivable, for example, using fasteners such as screws or clamps.

[0025] If the lifting mechanism is detachably attached to the housing by means of the bracket and can be removed through the inlet opening, maintenance of the floor drain is greatly simplified. The lifting mechanism can be removed without having to remove or disassemble the floor drain. This advantage is particularly pronounced in combination with the design in which the sealing disc has a clearance from the housing in its release position.

[0026] In one embodiment, the housing has a step on which the holder rests. The step can be formed by the inlet opening. A step is easy to manufacture and provides a secure support for an object placed on it.

[0027] In one embodiment, the step is arranged between the inlet and outlet openings. The bracket can rest on the step. Alternatively, the housing and the bracket can each have a flat upper surface, with the upper surfaces of the housing and bracket lying in the same plane when the bracket rests on the step. The sealing plate can also be designed such that its side facing away from the outlet opening is flat and lies in the same plane. In this case, the upper surface of the housing, the upper surface of the bracket, and the side of the sealing plate facing away from the outlet opening together form a flat tread.

[0028] Consequently, this design allows for flush or recessed installation of the bracket. This further reduces the risk of tripping. It also prevents the formation of gaps where unwanted dirt can accumulate.

[0029] In one design, the step extends along the entire circumference of the housing. This ensures a secure fit for the bracket.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the bracket has a retaining element with a through-opening and includes a housing seal and a sealing disc seal. The retaining element rests on the step and forms the support element, with the side of the sealing disc facing away from the outlet opening being flush with the retaining element. The housing seal rests against the housing and the retaining element at least along a closed line. Thus, there is no passage of liquid between the retaining element and the housing. The sealing disc seal rests against the retaining element and the sealing disc at least along a closed line when the sealing disc is in the closed position. Thus, there is no passage of liquid between the retaining element and the sealing element.

[0031] In this design, the housing seal prevents liquid from flowing between the housing and the retaining element. In the release position, the sealing disc is not in sealing contact between the sealing disc and the retaining element, allowing liquid to enter the passage through the opening. In the closed position, however, the sealing disc closes the passage, thus blocking the flow and preventing liquid from reaching the outlet.

[0032] With this design, the entire bracket, including the attached lifting drive and sealing plate, can be removed particularly easily through the access opening. Crucially, the sealing plate rests on the bracket's support element. This makes maintenance exceptionally simple. Specifically, the bracket for the lifting drive, along with the sealing plate, which rests on the housing, can be easily lifted out.

[0033] This design is particularly advantageous when combined with the design where the step is positioned between the inlet and outlet openings and the sealing plate, in its release position, has a clearance from the housing. This allows for both easy removal and a flat walking surface.

[0034] According to one design, the retaining element is rotationally symmetrical and plate-shaped. For example, its basic form can be a circular ring disk. Such a retaining element is easy to manufacture.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the bracket has a spacer that holds the holding element at a distance from the lifting drive. This distance can be located partially or entirely in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0036] This allows the actuator to be positioned at a distance from the sealing plate in its closed position. This simplifies assembly. The combination of this design with a protective guard is particularly advantageous. The distance at which the actuator is held can correspond to the length of the guard in the longitudinal direction of the housing. The guard can then be completely recessed inside the housing when the sealing plate is in its closed position.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the spacer comprises a perforated plate formed into a hollow cylinder. When combined with an embodiment that includes a guard also having a hollow cylindrical shape, the inner radius of the spacer can be larger than the outer radius of the hollow cylindrical perforated plate of the guard. Furthermore, the perforated plate of the spacer can surround the perforated plate of the guard when the sealing plate is in the closed position.

[0038] Providing a perforated sheet is cost-effective and simple to manufacture. As with the previous explanation of the tamper protection, a perforated sheet allows liquid to drain away while simultaneously preventing larger contaminants from reaching the outlet.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lifting drive comprises a double-acting drive cylinder located between the stage and the outlet opening. This type of lifting drive allows the sealing plate to be raised and lowered. Furthermore, its placement allows the safety guard to be retracted.

[0040] Depending on the design, the lifting drive is pneumatically or hydraulically operated. The lifting force provided by the lifting drive can correspond to a weight of more than 150 kg or even more than 200 kg. A pneumatic drive does not require hydraulic fluid, thus simplifying installation and maintenance.

[0041] According to one design, the housing has pressure medium connections for the lifting drive, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the housing and can project into it. This simplifies the routing of the corresponding lines supplying the pressure medium, as these can be inserted into vertical boreholes in the floor.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective sectional view of the floor drain according to the invention; Fig. 2 a side sectional view of the floor drain according to the invention; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the in Fig. 2 area marked "A"; Fig. 4 a side sectional view of the sealing plate; Fig. 5 a side sectional view of the support element.

[0043] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective sectional view of the floor inlet 1 according to the invention. The floor inlet 1 has a rotationally symmetrical housing 2, which has an inlet opening 3 and an outlet opening 4. Between these openings extends the passage 5, which is formed by the inner walls of the housing 2. The inlet opening 3 and outlet opening 4 are aligned parallel to each other and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of expansion of the housing 2, with the longitudinal direction of expansion of the housing 2 extending in the same direction as the passage 5. The housing consists of the housing ring 6 arranged in the upper region, the housing upper part 7, and the housing shell 8. These parts are welded together. The lower part of the housing shell 8 forms a connection point for a drain pipe. A substantially horizontal housing base 31 is provided at the transition between the passage 5 and the housing shell 8.

[0044] The upper housing part 7 forms a step onto which an annular support element 9 with a central through-opening is placed. The support element 9 is sealed against the housing ring 6 by the housing seal 10. A spacer 11, formed from a perforated sheet shaped into a hollow cylinder, adjoins the support element 9 downwards, towards the outlet opening 4. A cage flange 12 is arranged on the edge of the spacer 11 facing away from the support element 9. The cage flange 12 is screwed to a cage base 13. Both the cage flange 12 and the cage base 13 are plate-shaped and have a recess in their central area. Liquid entering the bottom inlet 1 via the inlet opening 4 passes through the central opening of the annular support element 9 into the interior of the housing 2.The liquid can reach the outlet opening through the holes of the spacer 11, which is designed as a perforated sheet, or through the recess of the cage flange 12 and cage base 13.

[0045] A lifting drive 14 with a double-acting drive cylinder is attached to the cage base. The cylinder has a piston 15 with a piston rod that extends upwards in the direction away from the outlet opening 4. The lifting drive 14 has two compressed air connections 16, 17, which can be supplied with compressed air via the housing-side compressed air connections 18, 19. The piston 15 can be moved pneumatically by means of the compressed air. The support element 9, the spacer 11, the cage flange 12, and the cage base 13 together form a holder by which the lifting drive 14 is attached to the housing 2. The support element 9 serves as a retaining element, with which the holder rests on the upper part of the housing 7.

[0046] A sealing plate 20, which is plate-shaped and rotationally symmetrical, is attached to the piston rod of the piston 15. It has a side 21 facing away from the outlet opening 4, which serves as a footplate, and a circumferential sealing plate gasket 22. A guard 23, formed by a perforated sheet shaped into a hollow cylinder, extends along the circumference of the sealing plate 20 and is flush with it.

[0047] In Fig. 1 The sealing disc 20 is shown in its release position, in which it has a release distance to the support element 9. The access guard 23 has a length along the longitudinal expansion direction of the housing 2 that corresponds to the release distance, so that no access to the interior of the housing 2 is possible. When the piston 15 is retracted, the sealing disc 20 is also lowered until it rests on the support element 9. It is then in its closed position, and the sealing disc seal 22 seals the passage opening of the support element 9 against any liquid, so that liquid can no longer reach the outlet opening 4. When the sealing disc 20 is in its closed position, the flat side 21 of the sealing disc facing away from the outlet opening 4, the flat top surface of the support element 9, and the flat top surface of the support element 9, which is designed as a housing ring, are in the same plane.Together they form a step surface. When the floor drain 1 is installed in a floor, it does not pose a tripping hazard when the sealing disc 20 is in its closed position. Furthermore, only minimal gaps are present, thus preventing the accumulation of unwanted substances.

[0048] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a side sectional view of the floor inlet 1 according to the invention. The area "A" is indicated at the top right, which is located in Fig. 3 The image is shown enlarged. The two compressed air lines 24, 25 are also shown schematically. They connect the compressed air connections 16, 17 to the housing-side compressed air connections 18, 19. This allows the lifting drive 14 to be supplied with compressed air to raise and lower the piston 15.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows a detailed representation of the in Fig. 2 The area marked "A" is shown. This illustration shows that the outer radius of the locking mechanism 23 is smaller than the inner radius of the spacer 11. When the sealing plate 20 is in its lowered closed position, the locking mechanism 23 is completely surrounded by the spacer 11.

[0050] The sealing disc 20 has a projection 26 on its side 21 facing away from the outlet opening 4, which extends radially around its circumference. The sealing disc gasket 22 is arranged in a circumferential groove 27 below the projection 26. The support element 9 has a circumferential recess 28 that is congruent with the projection 26, so that the projection 26 is received by and rests on the recess 28 when the sealing disc 20 is in its closed position. The sealing disc gasket 22 then rests on the sealing surface 29 of the support element 9, preventing any fluid from flowing between the support element 9 and the sealing disc 20. The housing gasket 10 is also received in a groove 30 of the support element 9 that extends around its entire circumference along the radial outer surface and is in sealing contact with the upper housing part 7 via two sealing lips.The projection 26 and the recess 28 enable a flush finish between the side 21 of the sealing plate 20 facing away from the outlet opening 4 and the upper side of the support element 9. The groove 30 also ensures that only the smallest possible gap remains between the housing ring 6 and the support element 9.

[0051] In the detailed view of Fig. 3 It can also be seen that the entire mounting, comprising the support element 9 (serving as a holding element), the spacer 11 (also referred to as a cage), the cage flange 12, and the cage base 13, can be removed via the entry opening 3. The lifting drive 14 (not shown in Figur 3 ) is attached to the bracket and the sealing plate 20 is attached to the piston 15 (not shown in Figur 3 The lifting drive is attached to the bracket and rests on the support element 9. Removing the bracket also removes the lifting drive 14 and the cover 20. This allows for easy maintenance of the floor inlet. This design is known as a "cover within a cover".

[0052] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a lateral sectional view of the sealing plate 20. The sealing plate gasket 22 is not shown, so the projection 26 and the groove 27 are clearly visible.

[0053] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a lateral sectional view of the support element 9. The recess 28 and the sealing surface 29 are visible. The groove 30 for the housing seal 10 (not shown) is also visible. Reference symbol:

[0054] 1 Bottom inlet 2 Housing 3 Inlet opening 4 Outlet opening 5 Passage 6 Housing ring 7 Housing top 8 Housing sleeve as drain spout 9 Support element 10 Housing seal 11 Spacer 12 Cage flange 13 Cage bottom 14 Stroke actuator 15 Piston 16 Compressed air connection 17 Compressed air connection 18 Compressed air connection 19 Compressed air connection 20 Sealing plate 21 Outlet opening opposite side 22 Sealing plate seal 23 Access guard 24 Compressed air line 25 Compressed air line 26 Projection 27 Groove 28 Recess 29 Sealing surface 30 Groove 31 Housing bottom

Claims

1. Floor drain (1) for installation in a floor comprising: • a housing (2) with an inlet opening (3) for a liquid to be drained, an outlet opening (4) for the liquid and a passage (5) connecting the inlet opening (3) and the outlet opening (4), • a support element (9), and • a sealing plate (20) which is movable from a release position, in which it opens the passage (5) for the liquid, to a closure position, in which it closes the passage (5) for the liquid and rests on the support element (9).

2. Floor drain (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the sealing plate (20) has a release distance to the housing (2) in the longitudinal expansion direction of the housing (2) when it is in its release position.

3. Floor drain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the sealing plate (20) is plate-shaped and preferably rotationally symmetrical.

4. Floor drain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that on the side of the sealing plate (20) facing the outlet opening (4) an intervention guard (23) is arranged which extends in the direction of the outlet opening (4) at least over a length corresponding to the release distance.

5. Floor drain (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the intervention protection (23) is arranged along the circumference of the sealing plate (20).

6. Floor drain (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that the intrusion protection (23) is formed by a perforated sheet which is shaped into a hollow cylinder.

7. Floor drain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lifting drive (14) for moving the sealing plate (20), which is detachably attached to the housing (2) by a holder in such a way that it can be removed through the inlet opening (3).

8. Floor drain (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatthe housing (2) has a step on which the bracket rests.

9. Floor drain (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the step is arranged between the entrance opening (3) and the exit opening (4).

10. Floor drain (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that the step extends along the entire circumference of the housing.

11. Floor drain (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by the fact that The holder has a retaining element with a through-opening and a housing seal (10) and a sealing disc seal (22) are provided, wherein • the retaining element rests on the step and forms the support element (9), • the housing seal (10) abuts the housing (2) and the retaining element along a closed line, and • the sealing disc seal (22) abuts the retaining element and sealing disc (20) along a closed line when the sealing disc (20) is in its closed position.

12. Floor drain (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that The retaining element is rotationally symmetrical and plate-shaped.

13. Floor drain (1) according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized by the fact that the holder has a spacer (11) which keeps the holding element at a distance from the lifting drive (14).

14. Floor drain (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that The spacer comprises a perforated sheet metal that is shaped into a hollow cylinder.

15. Floor drain (1) according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by the fact that The lifting drive (14) comprises a double-acting drive cylinder (15) which is arranged between the stage and the outlet opening.

16. Floor drain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lifting drive (14) is pneumatically or hydraulically operated.

17. Floor drain (1) according to claim 16, characterized byPressure medium connections (18, 19) for the lifting drive (14), which are arranged on the housing (2), extend along the longitudinal direction of the housing (2) and preferably project into the housing (2).

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