Drain for a bath or shower tray, use of such a drain and system comprising such a drain and a tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a drain (3) for a bathtub or shower tray (2) having a bottom opening, with a drain housing (3.1) that can be attached to the bottom opening of the bathtub or shower tray and which preferably has a trap and / or an odor barrier. In order to detect unwanted moisture ingress into a cavity below a bathtub or shower tray (2) at an early stage and, if necessary, to dry the cavity without extensive disassembly, the invention provides that the drain housing (3.1) has an inspection opening (3.4) that allows access to an area outside the drain housing (3.1) and is provided with a closure part (3.5) that can be detached from inside the drain housing, wherein the closure part (3.5) is designed for a watertight closure of the inspection opening (3.4) and has a shape (3.1) designed as a manual gripping surface or for a positive-locking engagement of a tool.51').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drain for a bathtub or shower tray having a bottom opening, comprising a drain body that can be attached to the bottom opening of the bathtub or shower tray and which preferably includes a trap and / or an odor barrier. In particular, the invention relates to the use of such a drain. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising such a drain and a tool for assembling and disassembling a sealing element.

[0002] In bathrooms, unwanted moisture can penetrate cavities beneath sanitary fixtures. For example, with built-in shower trays, moisture can seep unnoticed through a faulty or damaged sealant joint (silicone seam) at the edge of the tray into a cavity bounded by the tray and a concrete or screed floor. Such undetected moisture ingress behind and beneath sanitary fixtures can cause extensive moisture damage, which is often only noticed very late and then requires costly renovation. Similar moisture ingress has also been observed in built-in bathtubs.

[0003] Since walk-in showers typically lack conventional access panels, and modern built-in bathtubs rarely have them, it is usually impossible to detect leaks from the outside. As a result, moisture can sometimes penetrate the floor and walls of a bathroom unnoticed over time. Very often, by the time the moisture becomes visible, significant water damage has already occurred. EP 4 001 521 A1 discloses a drain for a sanitary area, in particular for a shower tray, whose drain body is at least partially transparent, such that at least one housing segment defining an outer surface of the drain body is transparent, and the transparent drain body or housing segment is designed to detect impermissible moisture in the vicinity of the outer surface of the drain body.For this purpose, an indicator, for example in the form of a hygroscopic substrate, is attached to the transparent drain housing or housing segment, which signals impermissible moisture by means of a color change (color change).

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating a technical solution that makes it possible to detect an unwanted ingress of moisture into a cavity below a sanitary fixture, for example into a cavity under a shower tray, at an early stage and, if necessary, to carry out drying below the sanitary fixture without extensive disassembly.

[0005] This problem is solved by a process with the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the process according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims referring back to claim 1.

[0006] The drain according to the invention is characterized in that its drain housing has an inspection opening which allows access to an area outside the drain housing and is provided with a closure part that can be detached from the inside of the drain housing, wherein the closure part is designed for a watertight closure of the inspection opening and has a shape designed as a manual gripping surface or for a positive locking attachment of a tool.

[0007] The design of the drain according to the invention allows an inspection device, e.g., the probe of an endoscope camera, to be inserted through the inspection opening of the drain housing when it is connected to a drain pipe as intended, and the area beneath a bathtub or shower tray to be checked for moisture ingress. For this purpose, the removable sealing element, designed to create a watertight seal for the inspection opening, is removed and, after the inspection is complete, reattached to the inspection opening to create a watertight seal. In this way, for example, it is possible to regularly check whether moisture is entering a cavity bounded by the shower tray and a concrete or screed floor. If necessary, countermeasures can be taken in a timely manner, in particular, the cavity beneath the shower tray can be dried without extensive disassembly.

[0008] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the closure element defines a projection which, in the assembled state of the closure element, extends vertically and / or horizontally into the drain housing, wherein the projection has a shape designed to serve as a manual gripping surface or for a positive-locking engagement of a tool. Such a projection allows the gripping surface or the positive-locking element to be positioned in a conveniently accessible location. For example, the gripping surface or the positive-locking element can be positioned above a bottom area of ​​the drain housing by means of the projection of the closure element such that the gripping surface or the positive-locking element lies above a water seal defined by a trap formed in the drain housing. Furthermore, the projection simplifies the design of an easily operable gripping surface or a positive-locking element that is easily grasped with a tool.

[0009] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inspection opening is formed in a base area of ​​the drain housing. This embodiment also contributes to easy accessibility and user-friendly operation of the closure element, in particular the gripping surface or the positive locking element. Furthermore, moisture accumulation beneath a shower tray or bathtub is particularly easy to detect when the inspection opening is located in the base area of ​​the drain housing.

[0010] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that a connecting seat for the force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the closure element is formed at the inspection opening. This allows for a cost-effective and reliable watertight closure of the inspection opening by means of the closure element. In this context, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting seat is designed in the form of a bayonet fitting. This allows the closure element to be quickly and easily detached from and removed from the inspection opening, and conversely, to be connected to the inspection opening in a liquid-tight manner. Complete detachment and fixation of the closure element can thus each be accomplished with a short rotational movement of less than 180°.Preferably, a seal, for example an O-ring, is provided between the inspection opening and the closure part, which seals the annular gap between the inspection opening and the closure part in a liquid-tight manner.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drain housing has a base section with a collar projecting upwards into the drain housing, the collar defining the connection point for the force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the closure element. The upwardly projecting collar allows for a particularly stable mechanical connection between the inspection opening and the closure element, and facilitates a simple and reliable watertight seal of the inspection opening. Furthermore, the upwardly projecting collar can define a section of a fluid channel (wastewater channel) which, in conjunction with the base section of the drain housing, contributes to high drainage capacity. The base section preferably transitions into the collar and into an outer wall of the drain housing surrounding the collar via rounded (concave) grooves.

[0012] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the closure element is designed as a closure cap. A closure element designed accordingly in the shape of a cap or hat facilitates the creation of a form that serves as a manual gripping surface or as a positive locking element for a positive-locking attachment of a tool. Furthermore, the closure element can be at least partially transparent, for example, by having a sight glass which, when the inspection opening is sealed watertight, allows visual inspection of the area below the closure element or drain housing. Preferably, the sight glass is designed as a magnifying glass (magnifying lens) so that the visible area is larger than the clear cross-sectional area of ​​the inspection opening.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drain according to the invention is provided with a moisture indicator arranged on a side of the closure element facing away from the interior of the drain housing. Preferably, the moisture indicator contains a chemical substance that changes color when exposed to moisture. Such a moisture indicator is, for example, available as granules, paper, textile material, or paste. The moisture indicator preferably reacts reversibly, i.e., it reacts upon the presence of moisture or upon exceeding a certain moisture measurement limit, for example, by changing color, and returns to a normal state when measurable moisture ceases due to drying, in which it displays its typical dry color.

[0014] However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use a non-reversible humidity indicator. In this case, the humidity indicator is replaced with a fresh, uncolored humidity indicator after a non-reversible color change or as needed.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the humidity indicator is arranged in a cavity defined by the transparent cap. A discolored, irreversible humidity indicator can be replaced by completely replacing the transparent cap with a new, corresponding cap containing a fresh, undiscolored humidity indicator.

[0016] To achieve a rapid reaction of the moisture indicator when moisture is present below the drain housing, the moisture indicator, according to a further embodiment of the invention, is provided with a wick-like moisture conductor. The wick-like moisture conductor has a multitude of capillaries and is long enough to contact a floor surface located below the drain housing. For example, a certain amount of moisture present in the form of leakage water is then transported by the capillaries of the moisture conductor from the wet floor surface to the moisture indicator, causing a color change.

[0017] Furthermore, the wick-like, flexible moisture conductor enables the reliable absorption of leakage water on the floor surface, regardless of the vertical distance between the drain housing and the floor. The wick-like moisture conductor thus also serves as a height compensation function.

[0018] To ensure, as far as possible, that the moisture conductor absorbs moisture from the floor of the cavity under a shower tray or bathtub, even with minimal moisture ingress, and transfers it to the moisture indicator, a further embodiment of the drain according to the invention includes a pressing device designed to press one end of the wick-like moisture conductor against a floor surface located below the drain housing. This allows for a high degree of functional reliability of the moisture conductor and thus of the moisture indicator to be achieved in a simple manner.

[0019] Another or alternative embodiment of the drain according to the invention is characterized in that the moisture indicator is designed in the form of a pad for placement on the floor of a cavity to be monitored below the drain housing, preferably below the inspection opening. In this case, the moisture indicator can be placed directly on the floor of the cavity to be monitored. The moisture indicator is then located below and at a distance from the drain housing. In this case, the sealing element that watertightly closes the inspection opening is advantageously designed to be transparent, for example, by having a corresponding cap that incorporates a sight glass. The sight glass can preferably be designed as a magnifying glass. The moisture indicator, designed as a pad, contains a chemical substance whose color changes upon contact with moisture.The pad can be a lid- or plate-shaped, preferably flexible pad based on paper or textile material, which is impregnated with the said chemical substance.

[0020] A further or alternative embodiment of the process according to the invention is characterized in that the sealing element is designed as a rod- or tube-shaped sealing plug, wherein the sealing plug has at least one moisture sensor, and wherein the moisture sensor is connected to a signaling device for acoustic and / or optical signaling of detected moisture and / or to a signal transmission device for wireless transmission of measurement signals generated by the moisture sensor. The at least one moisture sensor can also be referred to as an electronic moisture sensor. The detected moisture is, for example, moisture exceeding a predefinable measured value.This embodiment of the invention enables very convenient monitoring of a cavity located beneath a shower tray or bathtub for moisture ingress, which can lead to significant long-term, unnoticed damage to the building. As will be explained in more detail below with reference to an accompanying drawing, this embodiment allows for monitoring of increased moisture levels without requiring the removal of a drain cover or the removal of any water seal, thus making it particularly convenient for maintenance technicians or users of the drain according to the invention.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one moisture sensor is connected to a vertically adjustable, preferably spring-loaded, contact foot, wherein preferably at least one sensor probe projects downwards from the contact foot. This allows the moisture sensor to be easily and variably adjusted to different vertical distances between a floor to be monitored for moisture inflow and the drain housing, which is vertically spaced from the floor. The vertically adjustable contact foot of the moisture sensor can also be described as a movable pressure piece that enables height compensation. If the vertically adjustable contact foot of the moisture sensor is (preferably) spring-loaded, the moisture sensor automatically adjusts to the respective vertical distance between the floor to be monitored and the drain housing.The at least one sensor probe projecting downwards from the contact base ensures reliable contact between the soil being monitored and the moisture sensor. Preferably, the moisture sensor has at least two sensor probes projecting downwards from the contact base, which are horizontally spaced apart from each other. One of the at least two sensor probes can be subjected to a test current that is harmless to humans. This current is detected by the other sensor probe when the soil being monitored, which is inherently non-conductive, becomes electrically conductive due to an influx of moisture.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drain according to the invention has a hood-like cover which, together with the drain housing, defines a water inlet gap, wherein the cover is provided with a rechargeable electrical voltage source and / or a receiver coil for inductive charging. The rechargeable electrical voltage source serves in particular to supply power to the moisture sensor. Furthermore, the rechargeable electrical voltage source can supply power to the signaling device for acoustic and / or optical signaling of detected moisture and / or to the signal transmission device for wireless transmission of measurement signals generated by the moisture sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the rechargeable electrical voltage source can also be arranged in the sealing element, which is designed as a rod- or tube-shaped sealing plug.

[0023] The problem stated above, underlying the invention, is solved in particular by a system comprising the inventive process and a tool for assembling and disassembling the locking element associated with the inspection opening, wherein locking elements are formed in the process housing which, when the locking element is disassembled using the tool, make it more difficult to detach the locking element from the inspection opening. This embodiment of the invention provides protection against vandalism.

[0024] The inventors learned that unauthorized tampering with sanitary drains has repeatedly come to light in practice, potentially leading to significant water damage and structural damage. Therefore, the inventors also faced the challenge of securing the locking mechanism associated with the inspection opening against unauthorized manipulation. This additional challenge is solved by requiring a special tool for the locking mechanism to be removed and installed. For this purpose, locking elements are incorporated into the drain housing, preferably at the inspection opening in the base of the drain housing. These locking elements make it difficult to detach the locking mechanism from the inspection opening when using the special tool.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, which comprises the process according to the invention and the tool (special tool) for assembling and disassembling the closure part associated with the inspection opening, is characterized in that the closure part and the tool have interoperating positive locking elements that form a positive lock during assembly of the closure part using the tool. A stop is preferably formed in a bayonet fitting for the watertight closure of the inspection opening by means of the closure part. Furthermore, markings, for example arrow-shaped, triangular, or rib-shaped protrusions, can be formed on the upper surface and in the inner area of ​​the drain housing of the closure part, which, when the bayonet fitting is fully screwed in and thus correctly executed, have a minimal distance between them in pairs.The two parts are aligned in pairs. This ensures and indicates that the locking part of the bayonet fitting is fully screwed in to create a watertight seal for the inspection opening, thus confirming the correct bayonet fitting. This system for increasing assembly reliability is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0026] Furthermore, the problem set out above, which is the basis of the invention, is solved in particular by using the drain according to the invention, preferably in one of the embodiments specified above, to inspect a cavity surrounding the drain with regard to moisture ingress and / or to dry the cavity if moisture is present there, wherein the closure part is removed from the inspection opening and an inspection means, for example an endoscope camera, and / or a drying agent is introduced into the cavity through the inspection opening.

[0027] The invention is explained below with reference to a drawing illustrating several exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of a shower tray installed flush or almost flush with a tiled floor with a drain according to the invention; Fig. 2 a vertical sectional view of the shower tray installed in the tiled floor along section line II-II in Fig. 1 with drain housing and drain pipe; Fig. 3 a section of a shower tray with a drain according to the invention (without drain cover) mounted on a floor opening of the shower tray, in vertical sectional view and perspective view; Fig. 4 the drain mounted on the floor opening of a shower tray made of Fig. 3 (without drain cover), in vertical sectional view; Fig. 5 a section of a shower tray with a drain mounted on a floor opening of the shower tray according to a further embodiment of the invention, in vertical sectional view and perspective view; Fig. 6 the drain mounted on the floor opening of a shower tray made of Fig. 5, in vertical sectional view; Fig. 7 a section of a shower tray with a drain mounted on a floor opening of the shower tray with an electronic moisture sensor according to a further embodiment of the invention, in vertical sectional view and perspective view; Fig. 8 the drain mounted on the floor opening of a shower tray made of Fig. 7, in a vertical sectional view; Fig. 9a a section of the drain housing without drain cover and without dip tube, looking at the closure part mounted in the inspection opening, in a perspective top view of the closure part; Fig. 9b a section of the bottom of the drain housing with the inspection opening and closure part mounted therein, in a perspective bottom view of the bottom; Fig. 10 a drain according to the invention (without drain cover), with a special tool for dismantling and assembling the closure part, which seals an inspection opening formed in the bottom of the drain housing watertight, in a vertical sectional view and perspective view; Fig. 11 the special tool made of Fig. 10 in perspective view; Fig. 11b the special tool made of Fig. 10 in a further perspective view, where the special tool is rotated approximately 180° relative to the one in Fig. 11a The position shown is rotated; Fig. 12 shows the sequence. Fig. 10 without the sealing part, wherein the tubular special tool is screwed into the inspection opening with its other end in a watertight manner, again in a vertical sectional view and perspective view; and Fig. 13 a sealing part for a watertight closure of the inspection opening in combination with a wick-like moisture conductor, in a perspective view.

[0028] The Figure 1 and 2 Figure 2 shows a shallow shower tray 2, which can also be called a shower base, and is installed in a recess 1 in the floor 10 of a sanitary area, e.g., a bathroom. The in Fig. 2 The floor 10, shown schematically in cross-section, is typically made of screed. The top surface of the shower tray 2 is essentially flush with the top surface of a floor covering 11 arranged on the screed, which here is, for example, made of tiles.

[0029] The shower tray 2 is supported by a tray support (not shown) which rests on the floor surface of the recess 1. The shower tray 2, together with the recess 1, defines a cavity 12. The floor surface of the recess 1 defines a sealing plane against the underlying structure, which is, for example, a concrete floor.

[0030] To drain shower water, the shower tray 2 has a bottom opening 2.1 to which a drain 3 is attached. As is particularly evident in Fig. 2As can be seen, the shower tray 2, as is known per se, is shaped such that it has a gentler slope from its outer edges towards the floor opening 2.1. A drain body 3.1 is arranged on the underside of the shower tray 2, in the area of ​​the floor opening 2.1, as part of the drain 3. The drain body 3.1 is attached to the floor opening 2.1 by means of fastening screws 8 and a fastening ring (fastening flange) 9, which is supported on the upper edge of the floor opening 2.1 (see figure). Fig. 3 The drain housing 3.1 has a drain outlet 3.2 with an external thread, to which a drain pipe 7 is connected by means of a union nut with an intermediate ring seal (not shown) (cf. Fig. 2 and 3 ).

[0031] To prevent moisture (shower water) from penetrating the cavity 12 under or behind the shower tray 2, a ring seal 20 is arranged at the floor opening 2.1 between the underside of the shower tray 2 and the top of a circumferential mounting flange of the drain housing 3.1. In addition, the circumferential joint 2.2 between the outer edge of the shower tray 2 and the adjacent floor covering 11 is sealed watertight with a sealant, typically silicone or the like, to prevent moisture (shower water) from penetrating the cavity 12 behind and under the shower tray 2 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2In particular, the watertight sealed joint 2.2 – which can also be referred to as a sealing joint or silicone seam – is a critical area, as such joints often become leaky over time. These joints 2.2 are therefore also called maintenance joints. Furthermore, it sometimes happens that such sealing joints 2.2 leak due to faulty manufacturing.

[0032] If wastewater or moisture enters the cavity 12, which is limited by the floor recess 1 and the shower tray 2, unnoticed via a defective ring seal 20 on the drain housing 3.1 or via a defective sealing joint 2.2, this can cause extensive moisture damage, which is often only noticed late and then requires a high level of renovation work.

[0033] In Fig. 2A situation is outlined in which a significant amount of moisture has entered the cavity 12. Due to this moisture ingress, water is present on the floor surface 12.1 of the cavity 12, or the floor of the cavity 12 exhibits unusually high humidity, with the air between the damp floor or water level and the underside of the tray exhibiting high humidity, which in Fig. 2 indicated by dot hatching (a multitude of small dots).

[0034] In order to inspect or monitor the cavity 12 beneath the shower tray 2 for moisture ingress without extensive disassembly of the drain housing 3.1 or even the shower tray 2 itself, the drain housing 3.1 is provided with an inspection opening 3.4. This opening, when the drain housing 3.1 is installed, provides access to an area outside the drain housing 3.1 and thus to an area beneath the installed shower tray 2. The inspection opening 3.4 is equipped with a locking element 3.5 that can be removed from inside the drain housing 3.1. The inspection opening 3.4 is preferably located in a base area 3.6 of the drain housing 3.1.

[0035] An inspection tool (not shown), for example an endoscope camera, and / or a desiccant (not shown), for example an absorbent strip of fabric, can be inserted through the inspection opening 3.4 into the cavity 12, which is closed at the top by the shower tray 2. The clear width or inner diameter of the inspection opening 3.4 is, for example, in the range of approximately 30 to 50 mm. The closure element 3.5 is preferably hat- or cap-shaped. The closure element 3.5 can therefore also be referred to as a closure cap.

[0036] The removable locking element 3.5 is designed for a watertight closure of the inspection opening 3.4 and has, for example, a shape 3.51' designed for a positive-locking insertion of a tool (special tool); for example, an outer contour with blind-hole-like recesses and / or rib-shaped, triangular or arrow-shaped projections 3.52. Alternatively, the locking element 3.5 can also have, for example, a shape designed as a manual grip surface (not shown here).

[0037] In the Figures 3 and 4In the illustrated embodiment, the closure part 3.5 defines a projection 3.51 which, in the assembled state of the closure part 3.5, projects vertically into the drain housing 3.1, wherein the projection 3.51 has the shape 3.51' designed for a positive-locking engagement of a tool. This shape 3.51' corresponds, for example, to the outer contour of a dome or spherical cap with at least one, preferably two or more, triangular or arrow-shaped projections 3.52. The projections 3.52 of the closure part 3.5 have a relatively small height, e.g., a height in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm; they project, for example, only about 2 mm to 3 mm outwards from the dome- or spherical cap-shaped outer contour of the closure part 3.5. The projections 3.52 can be designed such that they have diametrically opposed points 3.53.52, which are preferably designed in the form of raised triangles or arrows, offer the possibility of force transmission, in particular torque transmission, to the locking element 3.5 by means of a special tool. Such a special tool is particularly in the . Figures 10 , 11a and 11b depicted.

[0038] A connecting seat 3.8 is formed at the inspection opening 3.4 for the force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the closure part 3.5. In the case of the Figures 3 and 4In the illustrated embodiment, the drain housing 3.1 has a bottom section 3.6 with a collar 3.7 projecting upwards into the drain housing 3.1, wherein the collar 3.7 defines the connection seat 3.8 for the force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the closure part 3.5. The connection seat 3.8 can, for example, be designed as a push-fit seat, threaded seat, or bayonet fitting, wherein either the closure part 3.5 or the collar 3.7 defining the inspection opening 3.4 or drain housing section has a ring seal 3.9, for example, an O-ring mounted in an annular groove.

[0039] Inside the drain housing 3.1, specifically on the base 3.6 of the drain housing 3.1, at least one, preferably two, triangular or arrow-shaped markings 3.62 are formed. These markings 3.62 correspond to the projections 3.52 of the closure part 3.5. The projections 3.52 of the closure part 3.5 thus not only represent positive locking elements but are also markings that, in relation to the markings 3.62 formed inside the drain housing 3.1, indicate whether and when the closure part 3.5, as part of a threaded seat or bayonet closure, is fully and therefore correctly screwed into the inspection opening 3.4. When the threaded seat or bayonet closure is fully screwed in and therefore correctly installed, a projection 3.52 of the closure part 3.5 and a marking 3.62 on the drain housing base 3.6 are aligned in pairs or have a minimal distance from each other (see Figure 3.62). Fig. 9a ).

[0040] The closure element 3.5, designed as a closure cap, is preferably at least partially transparent. For example, the area (projection 3.51) of the closure element 3.5 projecting upwards into the drain housing 3.1 is transparent. The hat- or cap-shaped closure element 3.5 preferably has, as shown in Fig. 4A moisture indicator 4 is schematically depicted. The moisture indicator 4 is thus located on the side of the closure part 3.5 facing away from the interior of the drain housing 3.1. The moisture indicator 4 indicates, by changing color, when the environment below the drain housing 3.1 exhibits increased moisture. The color change is visually detectable through the transparent area (projection 3.51) of the closure part 3.5. The moisture indicator 4 is, for example, made of an indicator paste or granules that change color when exposed to moisture. Such a substrate could, for example, be a material based on cobalt(II) chloride, the indicator function of which can be reversed by heating to a temperature above 35°C. Thus, the moisture indicator 4 can be reset by rinsing the drain housing 3.1 with appropriately hot water.Instead of cobalt-II chloride, a variant of methyl violet, which is orange when dry, can also be used as indicator material in the cap 3.5.

[0041] To ensure the rapid transport of some of the water from the area below the drain housing 3.1 to the moisture indicator 4 when moisture enters the cavity 12 below the shower tray 2, the moisture indicator 4 is preferably provided with a wick-like moisture conductor 15. The wick-like moisture conductor 15 is flexible and, despite varying vertical distances between the drain housing 3.1 and the floor surface 12.1 of the cavity 12 located below the shower tray 2, ensures reliable absorption of leakage water on the floor surface 12.1. Thus, in addition to its moisture transport function, the flexible moisture conductor 15 also serves a height compensation function.

[0042] In order to transport at least some of the moisture, even in cases of slight moisture accumulation on the floor surface 12.1 of the cavity 12 below the drain housing 3.1, to the moisture indicator 4 under the transparent cap 3.5 via the wick-like, flexible moisture conductor 15, the drain according to the invention is preferably equipped with a pressure device designed to press one end of the moisture conductor 15 against a floor surface 12.1 located below the drain housing 3.1. For this purpose, the pressure device comprises, for example, a foam pad (spring-elastic foam disc body) 13 and / or a compression spring (helical spring) 14 (see Figure 1). Fig. 13 ).

[0043] The drain housing 3.1 defines a siphon-like odor trap. For this purpose, the drain housing 3.1 is provided with a dip tube 6, which is inserted into the drain housing 3.1 from above. The dip tube 6 can be removed from the drain housing 3.1, particularly for cleaning the drain 3, and preferably has a handle 6.1 that is U-shaped or projects substantially radially on the inside (see figure). Fig. 3 and 4 Furthermore, the drain housing 3.1 is provided on its upper side with a removable cover (drain cap) 5. The cover 5 is, for example, designed as a circular disc-shaped cap (drain cap) 5, which rests on the mounting ring 9 via spacers 5.1 arranged on its underside. In the installed state of the drain 3, the spacers 5.1 define a water inlet gap 14 through which shower water can flow into the drain housing 3.1 or initially into the dip tube 6 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1 and 2). For horizontal positioning of the cover (drain hood) 5, it has downwardly open, sleeve-shaped holders on its underside, which receive the upwardly protruding heads of the fastening screws 8 of the drain housing 3.1 in a form-fitting and friction-fit manner.

[0044] In the Figure 1 and 2In the illustrated mounting position, the inspection opening 3.4 and the transparent sealing element 3.5 are not visible, as they are concealed by the drain cover 5 and the water in the trap. However, after simply removing the cover 5 and emptying the water, the sealing element 3.5 and the moisture indicator 4 located beneath it, which indicates potential moisture in the monitored cavity 12, become clearly visible. This allows for the early and easy identification of any moisture ingress into the cavity 12 under the shower tray 2, before extensive, unnoticed moisture damage occurs. For a more detailed examination of the cavity 12 for moisture ingress, the removable sealing element 3.5 can be removed, and an endoscope camera can be inserted into the cavity 12 through the inspection opening 3.4.

[0045] The in the Figures 5 and 6The embodiment shown differs from the one described in the Figures 3 and 4 The example shown depicts the embodiment of the chemical humidity indicator 4 and the embodiment of the cap-shaped closure part 3.4. The chemical humidity indicator 4 is designed in the form of an absorbent pad and is placed below the drain housing 3.1 on the floor of the cavity 12, which is to be tested for moisture ingress. The underside of the drain housing 3.1, which is mounted on the shower tray 2, is typically positioned at a vertical distance above the floor area 12.1 of the cavity 12.

[0046] To allow for easy detection of moisture-induced color changes in the moisture indicator 4, a sight glass 3.53 is provided in the closure part (closure cap) 3.5. The sight glass 3.53 preferably has a magnifying function to allow a magnified view of the moisture indicator 4, which is designed as a pad.

[0047] The sealing element 3.5 is detachably connected to the bottom section 3.6 of the drain housing 3.1 at the inspection opening 3.4. The connecting seat 3.8 can be designed, for example, as a push-fit seat, threaded seat, or bayonet fitting, wherein the sealing element 3.5 has a ring seal 3.9, for example, an O-ring mounted in an annular groove.

[0048] The Figure 7 and 8Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the process according to the invention. In this embodiment, the closure element 3.5 is designed as a rod- or tube-shaped closure plug. The closure plug 3.5 has at least one moisture sensor 40, which is connected to a signaling device for acoustic and / or optical signaling of detected moisture and / or to a signal transmission device for wireless transmission of measurement signals generated by the moisture sensor 40. The signal transmission device is, for example, configured for a radio connection for signal output.

[0049] The at least one moisture sensor 40 has a vertically adjustable, preferably spring-loaded, contact base 41, from which at least one sensor probe projects downwards. The moisture sensor 40 can be variably adjusted to different vertical distances between the floor surface 12.1 to be monitored for elevated moisture and the drain housing 3.1. If, according to a preferred embodiment, the vertically adjustable contact base 41 is spring-loaded, the moisture sensor 40 automatically adjusts to the respective vertical distance between the floor surface 12.1 to be monitored and the drain housing 3.1. The vertically adjustable contact base 41 can also be referred to as a movable pressure piece.

[0050] As in the Figure 7 and 8As shown, the moisture sensor 40 has at least two sensor probes 42 projecting downwards from the vertically movable contact foot (pressure piece) 41, which are horizontally spaced apart from each other. The sensor probes 42 are electrically conductive and, for example, made of stainless steel. One of these sensor probes 42 is subjected to a test current that is harmless to humans to detect elevated moisture levels. If the floor surface 12.1 to be monitored below the inspection opening 3.4 of the drain housing 3.1 is damp, this floor surface 12.1 is electrically conductive. Thus, the second or at least one further sensor probe 42 of the moisture sensor 40 can detect whether the floor area 12.1 to be monitored has elevated moisture levels.

[0051] The respective measurement signal of the humidity sensor 40 can be signaled directly at the outlet 3 or at a remotely located signaling device. For example, a signaling device for acoustic signaling of detected increased humidity can be integrated into the rod- or tube-shaped sealing plug 3.5. Additionally or alternatively, a signaling device 43 for optical signaling of detected humidity can be integrated into the hood-like cover 5. The optical signaling device 43 can, for example, comprise an LED light source that emits light of a specific color, e.g., red light, and / or intermittent light signals at a high frequency when increased humidity is detected. For this purpose, the optical signaling device 43 can, for example, have a light guide visible on the top of the hood-like cover 5.Alternatively, the light guide can also be arranged concealed beneath the hood-like cover 5, with the respective light signal of the optical signaling device 43 being visible as indirect light through the water inlet gap 14, which is defined by the cover 5 and the drain housing 3.1. The light guide associated with the LED light source is preferably ring-shaped.

[0052] The hood-like cover 5, which together with the drain housing 3.1 defines a water inlet gap 14, is preferably provided with a rechargeable electrical voltage source (not shown) and with a receiver coil 70 for inductive charging. Alternatively or additionally, the rechargeable electrical voltage source can also be arranged in the sealing part 3.5, which is designed as a rod- or tube-shaped sealing plug.

[0053] In the Figures 9a to 12A further embodiment of the drain 3 according to the invention is shown, in which the drain 3 is designed such that the inspection opening 3.4 is secured against vandalism, specifically against unauthorized, manipulative loosening and removal of the locking element 3.5. For this purpose, the drain according to the invention is designed, for example, such that a special tool 50 is required for the assembly and disassembly of the locking element 3.5. This ensures that the locking element 3.5 can be installed and, if necessary, removed from the inspection opening 3.4 in a liquid-tight manner using the special tool 50. The drain 3 and the special tool 50 for assembling and disassembling the locking element 3.5 thus together form a system for protection against vandalism. In this system, for example, locking elements 3 are provided in the drain housing 3.1.63 designed to make it more difficult to detach the locking part 3.5 from the inspection opening 3.4 when disassembling it using the tool 50. The connecting seat 3.8 on the inspection opening 3.4 for mounting the locking part 3.5 is preferably designed in the form of a bayonet fitting. Fig. 9b A section of the base 3.6 of the drain housing 3.1, including the inspection opening 3.4 and the locking element 3.5 mounted therein, is shown in a perspective view from below. It can be seen that the inspection opening 3.4, or rather the bayonet lock, has obliquely molded locking lugs 3.63, which make it difficult to disassemble the locking element 3.5.

[0054] In the Figures 11a and 11bAn embodiment of the tool (special tool) 50 is shown in detail. The special tool 50 resembles an elongated, tube-like socket wrench. The lower end of the special tool 50, which corresponds to the locking part 3.5, has a dome- or bell-shaped extension 51. On the inside of this extension 51 are recesses 52 that correspond to the projections 3.52 of the locking part 3.5 and can positively engage the projections 3.52. As mentioned above, the projections 3.52 provide the possibility of force transmission (torque transmission) to the locking part 3.5 by means of the tool 50. In order to maintain the positive engagement between the projections 3.52 of the locking part 3.5 during use of the tool 50,To enable quick and convenient access to the recesses 52 formed on the inside of the extension 51, it is advantageous if at least one marking 54, for example a triangular or arrow-shaped marking 54, is provided on the outside of the extension 51 of the tool 50, which is substantially overlapping with one of the inner recesses 52 of the extension 51, as is the case, for example, in . Fig. 10 The upper end of the tool 50 has a bayonet fitting 58. The bayonet fitting 58 of the tool 50 can be screwed into the inspection opening 3.4, specifically into the bayonet locking seat formed there, creating a watertight seal. For this purpose, a circumferential annular groove 59 is preferably formed on the bayonet fitting 58 of the tool 50 to receive a sealing ring 3.9', for example, a rubber O-ring (see figure). Fig. 12The special tool 50, which resembles a tubular socket wrench, can be transformed into an overflow pipe-like closure when needed. This overflow pipe-like closure / socket wrench allows the probe of an endoscope camera to be guided through a cavity 12 located below a shower tray 2, which is to be checked for moisture ingress. The overflow pipe-like tool 50, which is connected to the inspection opening 3.4 of the drain housing 3.1 in a watertight and detachable manner, is preferably dimensioned such that it projects upwards from the drain housing 3.1 mounted on the shower tray 2 and beyond the floor of the shower tray 2. This allows the cavity 12 located below the shower tray 2 to be inspected for moisture ingress (leakage) using an endoscope camera under real water supply conditions.

[0055] On the outside of the tubular tool (socket wrench) 50, specifically between the ends of the tool 50, for example between the dome- or bell-shaped extension 51 and a circumferential tubular section 53 of the tool 50 adjacent to the annular groove on the bayonet connection 58, several axially extending ribs 55 can be formed, which are spaced apart from each other when viewed over the circumference of the tool 50 (cf. Figs. 11a and 11b ). Such ribs 55 improve the manual grip of the tool 50 and thus facilitate manual force transmission to the tool 50.

[0056] The implementation of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawing. Rather, numerous variants of the drain according to the invention are conceivable, which also make use of the invention specified in the claims even with a design that differs from the drawing. For example, the drain 3 according to the invention can also be designed as a drain for a bathtub. In this case, the drain housing 3.1 is preferably part of a drain and overflow fitting and accordingly has a connection for an overflow pipe.

Claims

1. Drain (3) for a bathtub or shower tray (2) having a bottom opening, with a drain body (3.1) that can be attached to the bottom opening (2.1) of the bathtub or shower tray (2) and which preferably has a trap and / or an odor barrier, characterized by the fact that the drain housing (3.1) has an inspection opening (3.4) which allows access to an area outside the drain housing (3.1) and is provided with a closure part (3.5) that can be detached from the inside of the drain housing (3.1), wherein the closure part (3.5) is designed for a watertight closure of the inspection opening (3.4) and has a shape (3.51') designed as a manual gripping surface or for a positive locking engagement of a tool (50).

2. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe closure part (3.5) defines a projection (3.51) which, in the assembled state of the closure part (3.5), projects vertically and / or horizontally into the drain housing (3.1), wherein the projection (3.51) has the shape (3.51') designed as a manual gripping surface or for a positive-locking engagement of a tool (50).

3. Execution according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the inspection opening (3.4) is formed in a bottom area (3.6) of the drain housing (3.1).

4. Procedure according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that A connecting seat (3.8) is formed at the inspection opening (3.4) for the force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the closure part (3.5).

5. Procedure according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the connecting seat (3.8) is designed in the form of a bayonet fitting.

6. Execution according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact thatthe drain housing (3.1) has a bottom area (3.6) with a collar (3.7) projecting upwards into the drain housing (3.1), wherein the collar (3.7) defines the connecting seat (3.8) for force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the closure part (3.5).

7. Procedure according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the closure part (3.5) is designed as a closure cap.

8. Procedure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the closure part (3.5) is at least partially transparent.

9. Procedure according to claim 8, characterized by a moisture indicator (4) which is arranged on a side of the closure part (3.5) facing away from the interior of the drain housing (3.1).

10. Procedure according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the humidity indicator (4) is provided with a wick-like moisture conductor (15).

11. Expiry according to claim 10, characterized bya pressing device which is designed to press one end of the wick-like moisture conductor (15) against a floor surface (12.1) located below the drain housing (3.1).

12. Procedure according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the closure part (3.5) is designed as a rod- or tube-shaped closure plug, wherein the closure plug has at least one moisture sensor (40), wherein the moisture sensor (40) is connected to a signaling device (43) for acoustic and / or optical signaling of detected moisture and / or to a signal transmission device for wireless transmission of measurement signals generated by means of the moisture sensor (40).

13. Expiry according to claim 12, characterized by the fact thatthe at least one humidity sensor (40) is connected to a vertically adjustable, preferably spring-loaded contact foot (41), wherein at least one sensor probe (42) preferably protrudes downwards from the contact foot (41).

14. Expiry according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by a hood-like cover (5) which, together with the drain housing (3.1), limits a water inlet gap (14), wherein the cover (5) is provided with a rechargeable electrical voltage source and / or a receiver coil (7) for inductive charging.

15. System comprising a drain (3) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a tool (50) for assembling and disassembling the closure part (3.5), wherein locking elements (3.63) are formed in the drain housing (3.1), preferably at the inspection opening (3.4), which make it more difficult to detach the closure part (3.5) from the inspection opening (3.4) when disassembling the closure part (3.5) by means of the tool (50).

16. System according to claim 15, wherein the closure part (3.5) and the tool (50) have interoperating positive locking elements (3.56, 3.58, 53, 55) which form a positive locking connection during the assembly or disassembly of the closure part (3.5) by means of the tool (50).

17. Use of a drain (3) according to one of claims 1 to 14 for inspecting a cavity (12) surrounding the drain (3) with regard to moisture ingress and / or for drying the cavity (12) if moisture is present therein, wherein the closure part (3.5) is removed from the inspection opening (3.4) and an inspection means and / or a drying means is introduced into the cavity (12) through the inspection opening (3.4).

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