Leakage indicator element
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024786805
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing sanitary facilities lack an effective mechanism to detect and visually indicate leaks from components such as cisterns, feed lines, and drain pipes, which can lead to water loss and maintenance challenges.
A leakage indicator element comprising a drain section with a side wall and a connecting section that attaches to a media tube, featuring a sealing mechanism to ensure water-tight contact and a design allowing for easy installation and visual detection of leaks.
The solution effectively collects and directs leakage water to a visible location, allowing users to easily detect leaks, thereby reducing water waste and simplifying maintenance processes.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024078295_08052025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TITLE
[0002] LEAKAGE INDICATOR ELEMENT
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates to a leakage indicator element according to the preamble of claim 1 and an arrangement according to claim 14.
[0005] STATE OF THE ART
[0006] Sanitary installations have become known from the prior art in which the sanitary elements which can be operated by a user, such as a toilet, a urinal, a washbasin, etc., are located in front of a pre-wall and in which other sanitary elements, such as a cistern, a supply line or a drain pipe, etc., are mounted behind the pre-wall.
[0007] With a leak indicator element, leaking water can be collected and directed in front of the pre-wall so that the leak can be visually detected by a user due to the water escaping.
[0008] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is based on a preferred object of specifying a leakage indicator element which can be arranged with improved properties on sanitary elements located behind a pre-wall.
[0010] These and other objects are achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Accordingly, a leakage indicator element comprises a drainage section with a side wall extending at least partially around a central axis, which side wall has an inner surface through which leakage water can be drained, and a connecting section adjoining the drainage section, with which the leakage indicator element can be fastened to a bearing section of a media pipe. Furthermore, the leakage indicator element has a seal receptacle in which a seal is arranged, the seal being positioned such that a watertight connection can be established between the bearing section of the media pipe and the connecting section of the leakage indicator element.
[0011] The connection between the connecting section and the bearing section is a mechanical connection, which is preferably designed to be positively and / or non-positively connected. The mechanical connection is preferably designed as a detachable connection.
[0012] When connected, the connecting section of the leak indicator element surrounds the bearing section of the media pipe on the outside. This means that the bearing section of the media pipe protrudes into the connecting section of the leak indicator element.
[0013] The media pipe preferably has a sealing surface, which is preferably arranged on the front of the media pipe. The seal can be brought into contact with the sealing surface when installed. The sealing surface can be flat, concavely rounded, or conical.
[0014] Preferably, the side wall is tubular and has a cover section opposite the connecting section. The side wall and the cover section form an interior space that is closed in the region of the cover section and open in the region of the connecting section. For the intended use of the leak indicator element, the cover section can be separated from the drain section.
[0015] Preferably, the cover section is cut off after assembly with a knife or the like.
[0016] Preferably, said sealing receptacle is arranged on the connecting section.
[0017] Preferably, the side wall of the drainage section has a plurality of grooves on the outside, spaced apart from one another in the direction of the central axis. The grooves provide a weakening of the material thickness of the side wall.
[0018] In particular, the grooves serve to separate the cover section described above or to cut the drain section to the thickness of the pre-wall.
[0019] The installer can place the knife in the grooves.
[0020] Preferably, some or all of the grooves extend completely or partially around the central axis.
[0021] Preferably, the grooves have a groove depth which is greater than half the thickness of the side wall and which is less than the thickness of the side wall.
[0022] Preferably, some or all of the grooves have a V-shaped cross-section, the inside width of which decreases as the groove deepens, viewed from the outside. Alternatively, some or all of the grooves have a rectangular cross-section.
[0023] Preferably, the grooves are arranged at equal distances from one another.
[0024] Preferably, the connecting section has a wall extending at least partially around a central axis and having an inner surface. The inner surface can be brought into contact with the bearing section of the media pipe.
[0025] Preferably, the wall is adjoined by a recess toward the drainage section. The recess connects the wall to the side wall. The distance between the central axis and the side wall is smaller than the distance between the central axis and the wall.
[0026] In a first variant, the seal receptacle is designed as a groove that extends into the shoulder surface. Preferably, a sealing section of the seal protrudes from the groove.
[0027] In a second variant, the shoulder surface and a section of the wall adjacent to the shoulder surface provide the seal receptacle. In the area of the seal receptacle, the shoulder surface and the wall extend essentially at right angles to each other. The seal is located in the corner area formed by the shoulder surface and the section.
[0028] The groove or shoulder surface preferably extends completely around the central axis. The seal preferably also extends completely around the central axis.
[0029] Preferably, the wall has at least one incision which extends from one end face of the wall into the wall and penetrates the wall transversely to the central axis.
[0030] Preferably, the incision extends only partially into the wall in the direction of the central axis, such that the wall extends completely around the central axis in the area where no incision is arranged.
[0031] Preferably, a plurality of incisions are arranged at regular intervals from one another, such that the wall sections adjacent to the incisions form a tab. Preferably, a plurality of tabs are arranged distributed around the central axis.
[0032] Particularly preferably, the connecting section has a plurality of locking cams with which the leak indicator element can be locked to the bearing section of the media pipe. The locking cams are preferably located at the free ends of the aforementioned tabs.
[0033] Preferably, a plug portion is formed on the cover portion. The plug portion extends away from the cover portion and, viewed in the direction of the central axis, extends through the drain portion and the connecting portion.
[0034] The plug section preferably has a plug wall that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the side wall. The plug wall preferably extends completely around the central axis, with the plug wall laterally delimiting an interior space. The interior space is preferably open relative to the cover section.
[0035] During the above-mentioned separation of the cover section, the plug section is also separated from the drain section and the connecting section.
[0036] An arrangement comprises a leak indicator element as described above and a media pipe with a bearing section, wherein the leak indicator element is mounted on the bearing section with the connecting section. The bearing section has a stop surface against which parts of the leak indicator element, in particular the locking cams, engage.
[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the media pipe has a seal, and the plug section can be brought into tight contact with the seal. Due to the tight contact, the plug section thus provides a type of odor trap. If the media pipe is a drain pipe that is already connected to the sewer network, sewage gases cannot escape from the media pipe.
[0038] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings:
[0041] Fig. 1a is a perspective and partially sectioned view of a leakage indicator element according to the invention according to a first embodiment with a media pipe;
[0042] Fig. 1b is a detailed view of Figure 1a;
[0043] Fig. 2 is a rear view of the leakage indicator element according to Figures 1a / 1b;
[0044] Fig. 3 is a front view of the leakage indicator element according to Figures 1a / 1b;
[0045] Fig. 4a is a perspective and partially sectioned view of a leakage indicator element according to the invention according to a second embodiment with a media pipe;
[0046] Fig. 4b is a detailed view of Figure 4a;
[0047] Fig. 5 is a rear view of the leakage indicator element according to Figures 4a / 4b;
[0048] Fig. 6 is a front view of the leakage indicator element according to Figures 4a / 4b;
[0049] Fig. 7 is a perspective sectional view showing a further development of the leakage indicator elements of the preceding figures; and
[0050] Fig. 8 is a further sectional view of Figure 7.
[0051] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1a to 3 show a first embodiment of a leakage indicator element, Figures 4a to 6 show a second embodiment of a leakage indicator element, and Figures 7 and 8 show a further development of the leakage indicator elements according to the first and second embodiments. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.
[0052] The leakage indicator element 1 is used for connection to a media pipe 7. When connected, leakage water flowing from the media pipe 7 and another pipe connected to the media pipe 7, which is not shown in the figures, can be collected and drained by the leakage indicator element 1. The leakage water can be directed to the front of a wall of a sanitary installation, where it can be detected by a user.
[0053] The leakage indicator element 1 comprises a drainage section 2 and a connecting section 5 adjoining the drainage section 2. The leakage water can be drained away via the drainage section 2. The leakage indicator element 1 can be connected to a bearing section 6 of a media pipe 7 via the connecting section 5.
[0054] The drainage section 2 has a side wall 3, which extends at least partially, here completely, around a central axis M. The side wall 3 has an inner surface 4, through which the leakage water can flow away. The inner surface 4 is designed as a smooth or flat surface, so that even small amounts of leakage water can flow away easily.
[0055] Furthermore, the leak indicator element 1 has a seal receptacle 8 in which a seal 9 is arranged. The seal 9 is positioned such that a watertight connection can be established between the bearing section 6 of the media pipe 7 and the connecting section 5 of the leak indicator element 1. The seal 9 can be brought into contact with a sealing surface 24 on the media pipe 7, which is shown in detail in Figures 1b and 4b.
[0056] In the embodiments shown, the seal receptacle 8 is arranged on the connecting section 5.
[0057] In the embodiments shown, the connecting section 5 has a wall 12 with an inner surface 13. The inner surface 13 can be brought into contact with the bearing section 6 of the media pipe 7. For this purpose, the bearing section 6 has a corresponding bearing surface 25. The inner surface 13 and the bearing surface 25 extend at least partially or completely around the central axis M.
[0058] Furthermore, the connecting section 5 has a shoulder surface 14. The shoulder surface 14 adjoins the wall 12 or the inner surface 13. The shoulder surface 14 connects the wall 12 to the drainage section 2 in such a way that the wall 12 is connected to the side wall 3 via the shoulder surface. The distance between the central axis M and the side wall 3 is smaller than the distance between the central axis M and the wall 12.
[0059] In the embodiment according to Figures 1a to 3, the seal receptacle 8 is designed as a groove
[0060] 15. The groove 15 extends into the shoulder surface 14. The seal 9 lies inside the groove 15 and extends out of the groove 15. Here, the seal 9 has a sealing lip 26 which runs around the central axis M, which lies outside the groove 15 and can be brought into contact with the sealing surface 24 of the bearing section 6 of the media pipe 7. The sealing lip 26 protrudes from a bearing body 27, which is preferably located completely inside the groove 15. The bearing body 27, like the sealing lip 26, extends completely around the central axis M.
[0061] In the embodiment according to Figures 4a to 6, the seal receptacle 8 is provided by the shoulder surface 14 and a partial area 16 of the wall 12. The partial area
[0062] 16 adjoins the shoulder surface 14. The seal 9 is designed here as an O-ring and is located in the corner provided by the shoulder surface 14 and the aforementioned partial area 16. The O-ring can be brought into contact with the sealing surface 24 of the bearing section 6 of the media pipe 7.
[0063] As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3 as well as 5 and 6, the wall 12 of the connecting section 5 has at least one notch 17. The notch 17 extends from an end face 18 of the wall 12 into the wall 12. Viewed in the direction of the central axis M, the notch 17 preferably extends only partially into the wall 12, such that the wall 12 extends completely around the central axis M in the region where no notch is arranged. This region bears the reference numeral 28.
[0064] The shape of the incisions is different between the two designs.
[0065] In the first embodiment, a plurality of notches 17 are arranged at regular intervals from one another. The sections of the wall 12 adjacent to the notches 17 each form a tab 19. The tab 19 extends from the above-mentioned area 28. The notches 17 are rounded in the area of the base of the notch 17. Furthermore, each of the tabs 19 has a locking cam 20. The locking cam 20 is located at the front end of the tab 19. In the assembled state, the locking cams 20 engage a stop surface 29 of the bearing section 6, as can be seen in Figure 1b.
[0066] In the second embodiment, a notch 17 is provided in a lower region of the leak indicator element 1. A notch 17 is also provided in an upper region, which is arranged opposite the lower region. Here, the notch 17 has two tabs 30 in the upper region, which protrude laterally from the wall 12 into the notch 17. In the second embodiment, locking cams 20 are arranged in the region 28 of the wall 12. In the assembled state, the locking cams 20 engage a stop surface 29 of the bearing section 6.
[0067] In all embodiments, the side wall 3 is tubular. Opposite the connecting section 5, the side wall 3 has an optional cover section 10. The side wall 3 and the cover section 10 form an interior space 23. The interior space 23 is closed in the area of the cover section 10 and open in the area of the connecting section 5. Due to the arrangement of the cover section 10, the leakage indicator element 1 can be used as construction protection during the assembly of a sanitary arrangement. In particular, the leakage indicator element 1, when connected to the media pipe 7, then serves to close the media pipe 7, thereby protecting it during construction. The cover section 10 can be separated from the drain section 2 for the intended use of the leakage indicator element 1.
[0068] The side wall 3 of the drainage section 2 has a plurality of grooves 11 on the outside, spaced apart from one another in the direction of the central axis M. The grooves 11 weaken the material thickness of the side wall 3. The grooves 11 essentially serve to allow the drainage section 2, possibly including the cover section 10, to be tailored to the installation situation during installation. Essentially, the drainage section 2 is shortened so that the front end of the drainage section 2 lies flush with the front side of a pre-wall.
[0069] Preferably, some or all of the grooves 11 extend completely or partially around the central axis M. The grooves 11 have a groove depth that is greater than half the thickness of the side wall 3 and less than the thickness of the side wall 3. Some or all of the grooves 11 preferably have a V-shaped cross-section, the clear width of which decreases as the groove deepens, as seen from the outside. Alternatively, some or all of the grooves 11 have a rectangular cross-section. The grooves 11 are preferably arranged at equal intervals from one another.
[0070] The bearing section 6 of the media pipe 7 is provided here by the outer contour. The outer contour is the counterpart of a groove in which a seal 31 is arranged inside the media pipe 7.
[0071] Figures 7 and 8 show a further development of the first and second embodiments, respectively. According to this development, a plug section 21 is formed on the cover section 10. The plug section 21 extends away from the cover section 10 and, as seen in the direction of the central axis M, extends through the drain section 2 and the connecting section 5. The plug section 21 has a plug wall 22 which is spaced from the inner surface 4 of the side wall 3. The plug wall 22 preferably extends completely around the central axis. The plug wall 22 laterally delimits an interior space 23, wherein the interior space 23 is preferably open relative to the cover section 10. In the assembled state, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the plug section 21 projects into the media pipe 7 and can be brought into tight contact with a seal 31 located in the media pipe 7.Because the plug section 21 is integrally formed on the cover section 10, when the cover section 10 is cut away, the plug section 21 is also removed, corresponding to the usage state of the leakage indicator element 1. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS.
[0072] Leakage indicator element 29 stop surface
[0073] Drain section 30 tabs
[0074] Side wall 31 seal of 7
[0075] inner surface
[0076] connecting section
[0077] Bearing section media pipe seal holder
[0078] Seal cover section grooves
[0079] Wall inner surface heel surface
[0080] groove
[0081] Sub-area
[0082] incision
[0083] front side
[0084] tab
[0085] locking cams
[0086] Plug section
[0087] Plug wall interior
[0088] Sealing surface
[0089] Storage space
[0090] sealing lip
[0091] Bearing body area
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. Leakage indicator element (1) comprising an outflow section (2) with a side wall (3) extending at least partially around a central axis (M), which side wall (3) has an inner surface (4) via which leakage water can be discharged, and a connecting section (5) adjoining the outflow section (2), with which connecting section the leakage indicator element (1) can be fastened to a bearing section (6) of a media pipe (7), wherein the leakage indicator element (1) has a seal receptacle (8) in which a seal (9) is arranged, wherein the seal (9) is positioned such that a watertight connection can be established between the bearing section (6) of the media pipe (7) and the connecting section (5) of the leakage indicator element (1).
2. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the side wall (3) is tubular and has a cover section (10) opposite the connecting section (5), wherein the side wall (3) and the cover section (10) form an interior space (23) which is closed in the region of the cover section (10) and open in the region of the connecting section (5), wherein the cover section (10) can be separated from the drain section (2) for the intended use of the leakage indicator element (1).
3. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing receptacle (8) is arranged on the connecting section (5).
4. Leakage indicator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (3) of the outflow section (2) has on the outside a plurality of grooves (11) spaced apart from one another in the direction of the central axis (M), which grooves (11) provide a weakening of the material thickness of the side wall (3).
5. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that some or all of the grooves (11) extend completely or partially around the central axis (M); and / or that the grooves (11) have a groove depth which is greater than half the thickness of the side wall (3) and which is smaller than the thickness of the side wall (3); and / or that some or all of the grooves (11) have a V-shaped cross-section, the clear width of which becomes smaller as the groove becomes deeper, viewed from the outside; or that some or all of the grooves (11) have a rectangular cross-section; and / or that the grooves (11) are arranged at equal distances from one another.
6. Leakage indicator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (5) has a wall (12) extending at least partially around a central axis (M) with an inner surface (13), wherein the inner surface (13) can be brought into contact with the bearing section (6) of the media pipe (7).
7. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the wall (12) towards the outflow section (2) is adjoined by a shoulder surface (14) via which the wall (12) is connected to the side wall (3), wherein the distance between the central axis (M) and the side wall (3) is smaller than the distance between the central axis (M) and the wall (12).
8. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the seal receptacle (8) is designed as a groove (15) which extends into the shoulder surface (14); or that the shoulder surface (14) and a partial region (16) of the wall (12) which adjoins the shoulder surface (14) provide the seal receptacle (8).
9. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the wall (12) has at least one incision (17) which extends from an end face (18) of the wall (12) into the wall (12), wherein the incision (17) extends preferably only partially into the wall (12) when viewed in the direction of the central axis (M), such that the wall (12) extends completely around the central axis (M) in the region where no incision is arranged.
10. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that that a plurality of incisions (17) are arranged at regular intervals from one another, such that the sections of the wall (12) lying adjacent to the incisions (17) form a tab (19).
11. Leakage indicator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (5) has a plurality of locking cams (20) with which the leakage indicator element can be locked to the bearing section (6) of the media pipe (7).
12. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 2 and one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plug section (21) is formed on the cover section (10), which plug section (21) extends away from the cover section (10) and extends through the drain section (2) and the connecting section (5) as seen in the direction of the central axis (M).
13. Leakage indicator element (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the plug section (21) has a plug wall (22) which is at a distance from the inner surface (4) of the side wall (3), wherein the plug wall (22) preferably extends completely around the central axis, wherein the plug wall (22) laterally delimits an interior space (23), wherein the interior space (23) is preferably open with respect to the cover section (10).
14. Arrangement comprising a leakage indicator element (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a media pipe (7) with a bearing section (6), wherein the leakage indicator element (1) is mounted with the connecting section (5) on the bearing section (6).
15. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the bearing section (6) has a stop surface (29) onto which parts of the leakage indicator element, in particular the locking cams (20), engage.
16. Arrangement according to claim 14 and 15 with a leakage indicator element according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the media pipe (7) has a seal (31) and that the plug section (21) can be brought into tight contact with the seal (31).