Closure element for closing an outlet opening in the bottom surface of a basin

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure element (1) for closing an outlet opening (2) in the bottom surface (3) of a basin, having an upper side, an underside, and a seal (4) running around on the outer circumference of the closure element. On its underside, the closure element (1) has a supporting surface (5) for supporting it in the vertical direction (V), and, on its upper side, it has at least one actuating surface (6, 7) on which a pressing force can be exerted manually in the vertical direction (V) when the closure element (1) is supported on the supporting surface (5). The closure element (1) is designed in such a way that, when the closure element (1) is supported vertically on the supporting surface (5), the vertical distance between the supporting surface (5) and the seal (4) can be switched back and forth between at least two different distances (S1, S2, S3) by repeated manual exertion of pressing force in the vertical direction (V) on the at least one actuating surface (6, 7). Such closure elements (1) make it possible to selectively close or open outlet openings (3) in bottom surfaces (2) of basins (15), with a closure element (1) arranged therein, without an actuating mechanism or a handle element protruding into the basin (15) being required for this purpose in the outlet below the outlet opening (3).

Description

[0001] P193232 PC00

[0002] Closure element for closing a drain opening in the bottom surface of a basin

[0003] TECHNICAL AREA

[0004] The present invention relates to a closure element, in particular a closure plug, for closing a drain opening in the bottom surface of a basin, a basin with a bottom drain with such a closure element, and a kitchen sink with such a basin according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In the prior art, sealing plugs for closing drain openings in the bottom of basins are known, which are inserted into the drain opening to create a seal and must be removed from the drain opening to release it. However, this presents the problem that the sealing plug must be stored somewhere when the drain opening is open and can be lost.

[0007] Basins with closure elements that remain in the drain opening when open are also known. These closure elements, however, have a handle on their upper side, which allows them to be manually lifted from the closed to the open position, or they can be remotely operated from the closed to the open position via actuating mechanisms located in the drain. In the first case, the handle protrudes obtrusively, and in the latter case, mechanically complex actuating mechanisms with sealable openings to the outside are present in the drain below the drain opening. These mechanisms can wear out over time and are potentially prone to malfunction. Furthermore, in these designs, the closure elements usually protrude from the basin floor when open, which is also inconvenient.

[0008] From CH 716 848 A2, a basin with a bottom drain is known in which the closure element can be selectively positioned in a first, second, and third position by means of actuating arms arranged in the drain below the drain opening by vertical displacement. The second position is arranged between the first and third positions, and in the first position, the closure element is in sealing contact with a valve seat surface surrounding the drain opening, thereby sealing the drain opening liquid-tight. In the second and third positions, the closure element releases the drain opening.The closure element has a cover plate on its upper side. When the closure element is in the second position, this plate is essentially flush with the bottom surface of the basin, positioned in a recess in the basin floor above the drain opening. Together with the edges of the recess, it forms a drainage gap around the cover plate, connecting the basin to the drain opening. In the first position, the cover plate is recessed in the recess, and in the third position, it protrudes above the bottom surface of the basin, allowing it to be grasped by hand and the closure element to be removed from the basin.

[0009] The basin described last avoids most of the previously mentioned disadvantages of the state of the art, but also has a complex actuation mechanism in the drain below the drain opening.

[0010] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The task therefore is to provide a technical solution that does not have, or at least partially avoids, the disadvantages of the state of the art mentioned above in P193232 PC00.

[0012] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0013] According to this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a closure element, in particular in the form of a sealing plug, for closing a drain opening in the bottom surface of a basin, e.g. the basin of a kitchen sink. The closure element has a top and a bottom surface as well as a seal preferably circumferentially in an annular shape on an outer circumference of the closure element.

[0014] On the underside there is a support surface for supporting the locking element in a vertical direction, and on the top side there is at least one actuation surface onto which a pressure force can be manually applied in a vertical direction when the locking element is supported on the support surface.

[0015] According to the invention, the locking element is designed such that, with the locking element supported vertically on the support surface, the vertical distance between the support surface and the seal can be switched back and forth between at least two different distances by repeatedly applying manual pressure in a vertical direction to the at least one actuating surface.

[0016] With such closure elements, it becomes possible, in combination with a drain geometry of an associated basin that is tailored to the closure element, to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art described above. In particular, with such closure elements it becomes possible to selectively close or open drain openings in the bottom surfaces of basins with the closure element arranged therein, without requiring an actuating mechanism in the drain below the drain opening or a handle element protruding into the basin. P193232 PC00

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is designed such that the vertical distance between the support surface and the seal can be switched back and forth between at least two different distances by repeatedly applying manual pressure in a vertical direction to one and the same actuating surface. This enables particularly simple operation.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the locking element is designed such that the vertical distance between the support surface and the seal can be switched back and forth between at least two different distances by repeatedly applying manual pressure in a vertical direction to different actuating surfaces.

[0019] In this latter embodiment, it is preferred that the locking element is designed such that, to change from a larger to a smaller vertical distance between the support surface and the seal, a pressure force is required to be applied to a first actuating surface, and to change from a smaller to a larger vertical distance between the support surface and the seal, a pressure force is required to be applied to a second actuating surface. This allows for a targeted change in a desired direction, which is particularly advantageous when switching between more than two different distances is required.

[0020] Advantageously, the first actuating surface is arranged within the second actuating surface, or vice versa, preferably such that the first actuating surface is arranged substantially centrally on the top of the locking element and is surrounded by the second actuating surface. (See P193232 PC00)

[0021] The first and second operating surfaces can be clearly distinguished from each other, which makes operation easier.

[0022] It is advantageous if the top surface of the locking element is essentially flat and the first and second support surfaces are essentially flush with each other when no pressure is applied, thus forming a virtually seamless surface. This avoids disruptive recesses or protrusions and promotes an elegant visual design.

[0023] The support surface is preferably formed by a support extension projecting downwards, advantageously centrally, on the underside of the closure element. The length of this support extension is increased or decreased by applying force to the at least one actuating surface to change the distance between the support surface and the seal. This optimizes the space required for supporting the closure element and reduces any tilting moment that may occur when pressure is applied to the at least one actuating surface.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the closure element carries a sieve basket below the seal, which can advantageously be removed from the closure element without tools for emptying.

[0025] If the closure element has a support extension as described above, it is preferred that this extension extends through the sieve basket.

[0026] Advantageously, the vertical distance between the support surface and the seal can be switched back and forth between three distances, preferably between exactly three distances. This, in combination with a drainage geometry of an associated basin that is matched to the sealing element, makes it possible to set three different operating states with the sealing element. This can be a first state in which the sealing element with its seal is in a sealing position. P193232 PC00

[0027] a second state in which the sealing element is in contact with a valve seat surface surrounding the drain opening and thereby seals the drain opening liquid-tight, a second state in which the sealing element releases the drain opening and, for example, its surface is flush with the bottom surface of the basin, and a third state in which the sealing element stands up from the bottom of the basin and can be grasped by hand and removed from the basin.

[0028] Preferably, the locking element is designed such that switching between the different distances between the support surface and the seal can be done purely by muscle power. However, it is also provided that, for example, battery-operated drives are present in the locking element, which can be activated by applying pressure or touching the at least one actuating surface.

[0029] A second aspect of the invention relates to a basin with a bottom drain, preferably the basin of a kitchen sink, with a drain opening for liquids arranged in the bottom surface of the basin, and with a closing element according to the first aspect of the invention for selectively closing or releasing the drain opening.

[0030] The sealing element rests vertically with its support surface on an associated support surface in the drain opening or an area below the drain opening. The seal or...The sealing element's area can be positioned in at least two different vertical positions by manually applying pressure in a vertical direction to the at least one actuating surface of the sealing element, namely in a first position in which the sealing element's seal is in sealing contact with a sealing surface surrounding or located in the drain opening, so that the sealing element closes the drain opening in a liquid-tight manner, and in a second position, P193232 PC00 in which the seal is not in sealing contact with the sealing surface surrounding or located in the drain opening, so that the sealing element releases the drain opening.

[0031] Advantageously, in the second position, the upper surface of the closure element is essentially flush with the base of the basin and forms a circumferential drainage gap with the adjacent areas of the base, connecting the basin to the drain opening. This promotes an elegant visual appearance when the basin is normally closed and prevents coarse dirt from entering the drain opening.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the basin according to the invention, the seal or the area of ​​the closure element supporting the seal can be positioned in a first position, a second position, or a third position by manually applying pressure in a vertical direction to the at least one actuating surface of the closure element. The second position is located between the first and third positions. In the third position, as in the second position, the seal of the closure element is not in sealing contact with the sealing surface surrounding or located in the drain opening, so that the closure element releases the drain opening.This makes it possible to create a preferred situation with the second position in which the closure element releases the drain opening and its surface is essentially flush with the bottom surface of the basin, and to create a preferred situation with the third position in which the closure element stands up from the bottom of the basin and can be grasped by hand and removed from the basin.

[0033] It is further preferred that the closure element, in the second position, releases the drain opening with a first drain cross-section, and in the third position, releases the drain opening with a second drain cross-section, wherein the second drain cross-section is larger than the first drain cross-section. This provides a larger drain cross-section immediately before the closure element is removed, ensuring that liquid can still drain from the basin even if the drain was previously blocked by coarse dirt in the second position.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferred that the closure element includes a drain screen, preferably in the form of a strainer basket, and is designed such that, at least in the second position, all liquids flowing into the drain opening must pass through the drain screen. This prevents coarse dirt from entering the drain and potentially causing blockages.

[0035] It is further preferred that the closure element is centered over the drain screen with respect to the drain opening, i.e., that it is guided over the drain screen during its vertical displacement in the drain opening.

[0036] A third aspect of the invention relates to a kitchen sink with one basin according to the second aspect of the invention. The advantages of the invention become particularly evident in such embodiments.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Further preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. These show:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a locking element according to the invention in a first state;

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the locking element from Fig. 1 in a second state;

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the locking element from Fig. 1 in a third state; P193232PC00

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the locking element of Fig. 1;

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a top view from below of the locking element from Fig. 1;

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the locking element from Fig. 1;

[0045] Fig. 7 shows a vertical section through the bottom drain of a basin according to the invention with the closure element according to the invention from Fig. 1 in the open basic position;

[0046] Fig. 7a shows a representation like Fig. 7 without the sieve basket;

[0047] Fig. 8 shows a vertical section through the bottom drain of the basin from Fig. 7 with the closure element according to Fig. 2 in the closed position; and

[0048] Fig. 9 shows a vertical section through the bottom drain of the basin from Fig. 7 with the closure element according to Fig. 3 in the open removal or cleaning position.

[0049] WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0050] Figures 1, 2, and 3 show side views of a closure element 1 according to the invention for closing a drain opening in the bottom surface of a basin in three different states, which differ in the respective distance S1, S2, and S3 between a support surface 5 arranged on the underside of the closure element 1 for supporting it vertically and an annular seal 4 circumferentially around the outer circumference of the closure element 1. In Figure 2, this distance S1 is minimal, in Figure 3, this distance S3 is maximal, and in Figure 1, an intermediate distance S2 is present.

[0051] As can be seen in conjunction with Fig. 4, which shows a top view of the locking element 1, the locking element 1 has two concentric surfaces 6, 7 on its upper side (apparent actuation surfaces) on which a pressure force can be manually exerted in the vertical direction V when the locking element 1 is supported on the support surface 5. The upper side of the locking element is essentially flat, and the surfaces 6 and 7 are essentially flush with each other when no pressure force is applied to them.

[0052] As can be further seen in conjunction with Fig. 6, which shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the locking element 1, the locking element 1 is designed in such a way that, with the locking element 1 supported vertically on the support surface 5, it is possible to switch back and forth between the different states shown in Figures 1 to 3 by repeatedly applying manual pressure in the vertical direction V to the surfaces 6 and 7.

[0053] To change from a larger vertical distance S3 or S2 to a smaller vertical distance S2 or S1 between the support surface 5 and the seal 4, a compressive force is required on the outer surface 6 (claiming first actuation surface), and to change from a smaller vertical distance S1 or S2 to a larger vertical distance S2 or S3, a compressive force is required on the central surface 7 (claiming second actuation surface).

[0054] This functionality is achieved by increasing or decreasing the support length of a central support extension 8 (see also Fig. 5) projecting downwards from the underside of the closure element 1 as a result of the pressure exerted on the surfaces 7 and 6 respectively.

[0055] How this is done will be explained below with reference to Fig. 6.

[0056] As can be clearly seen in the exploded view, the closure element 1 comprises a base body 12, which carries the circumferential seal 4 on its circumference and a tubular P193232 PC00 on its underside.

[0057] The extension 13 forms part of the support extension 8. As can be seen in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3, in which this tubular extension 13 is shown partially in section, the extension 13 accommodates a control sleeve 14, which is axially displaceable within it against the force of a compression spring 15. A rotational positive fit with respect to the central axis S of the extension 13 is established via guide grooves 16 on the control sleeve 14 and associated guide lugs (not shown) in the central bore of the tubular extension 13, so that the control sleeve 14 cannot rotate within the extension 13.

[0058] At its lower end, which protrudes from the tubular extension 13 in every state, the control sleeve 14 carries a support cap 17, which forms the support surface 5 and can be positioned in different axial positions at the end of the control sleeve 14 by rotating it in a locking manner relative to the control sleeve 14, in order to adjust the overall length of the unit formed from control sleeve 14 and support cap 17.

[0059] An actuating element 18 is inserted centrally into the base body 12 from above. An actuating extension 19, projecting downwards from the actuating element, enters a central bore in the control sleeve 14. The actuating element 18 is rotatable within the central bore of the base body 12 by a specific angle against the force of a torsion spring 21. In the axial direction, the actuating element 18 is positively locked to the base body 12 by retaining screws 20, which pass through elongated holes in the actuating element 18, so that the actuating element 18 cannot move axially relative to the base body 12.

[0060] In the region of its lower end, the actuating extension 19 of the actuating body 18 is penetrated by an axis 22, which projects from it on both sides and whose projecting ends engage in control cams 23 in the control sleeve 14. The control cams 23 are designed such that the axis 22 can form an axial positive fit with the control sleeve 14 at various axial positions. This allows for the different distances SI, S2, S3 between the support surface 5 formed by the support cap 17 and the seal 4 supported by the base body 12.

[0061] The compression spring 15 is supported at its upper end by a pressure piece 24 on the front face of the actuating extension 19 of the actuating body 18, so that the rotational freedom of the actuating body 18 is essentially not affected by the spring 15.

[0062] A key body 25 is inserted centrally from above into the actuating body 18 and into the base body 12, which enters a central bore in the actuating body 18 with a support pin 26 projecting downwards and is supported there by a compression spring 27.

[0063] The key body 25 is axially displaceable within the base body 12 and has guide grooves 28 which, together with associated guide lugs (not shown), form a rotational positive fit within the base body 12, preventing the key body 25 from rotating within the base body 12. The key body 25 is sealed against the base body 12 by a seal 29.

[0064] A circular stainless steel cover plate 30 is arranged on the top of the key body 25, providing the central actuation surface 7. A circular sealing film 31 is located between the cover plate 30 and the key body 25.

[0065] The base body 12 has four centering lugs 45 projecting radially away from it at uniform circumferential intervals in the region of its upper end, for centering this region in a circular depression in the bottom of a basin. P193232 PC00

[0066] On the upper side of the base body 12, an annular cover plate 32 made of stainless steel is arranged, which surrounds the circular cover plate 30 and provides the outer actuation surface 6. An annular sealing film 33 is present between the cover plate 32 and the base body 12.

[0067] If the locking element 1 is in the state shown in Fig. 1, in which the projecting ends of the axis 22 are arranged in a central position on the right in the control cams 23 of the control sleeve 14 and the mean distance S2 between the support surface 5 and the seal 4 is present, then, with the locking element 1 supported on the support surface 5, either the largest distance S3 according to Fig. 3 or the smallest distance S1 according to Fig. 2 can be set by selectively applying pressure force to the central actuating surface 7 or the outer actuating surface 6.

[0068] When a pressure force is exerted on the central actuating surface 7, the key body 25 moves against the force of the spring 27 in the base body 12 without rotating. It moves with its control lugs 34 along control ramps 35 formed on the actuating body 18, thereby rotating the actuating body 18 clockwise until the projecting ends of the axis 22 reach the left position in the control cams 23 of the control sleeve 14. From there, after the pressure force on the central actuating surface 7 is released, the force of the compression spring 15 causes them to move upwards in the control cams 23, and the force of the torsion spring 21 positions them in a new stable position on the right in the control cams 23.This causes the control sleeve 14 to protrude further from the tubular extension 13, so that the support extension 8 lengthens and the greatest distance S3 between the support surface 5 and the seal 4 results (see Fig. 3). P193232 PC00.

[0069] If, however, a pressure force is exerted on the outer actuating surface 6, the control sleeve 14 is pushed into the tubular extension 13 against the force of the compression spring 15. This causes the projecting ends of the axis 22 to move downwards in the control cams 23 of the control sleeve 14, rotating the actuating body 18 against the force of the torsion spring 21 until they reach the left position in the control cams 23. They are then positioned in a new, stable position on the right side of the control cams 23 by the force of the torsion spring 21. This causes the control sleeve 14 to move further into the tubular extension 13, shortening the support extension 8 and resulting in the smallest distance S 1 between the support surface 5 and the seal 4 (see Fig. 2).

[0070] Starting from the smallest distance S1 between the support surface 5 and the seal 4, the average distance S2 can be set by applying pressure force once to the central actuating surface 7, and the largest distance S3 can be set by applying pressure force twice to the central actuating surface 7.

[0071] If the largest distance S3 between the support surface 5 and the seal 4 is assumed, then the average distance S2 can be set by applying pressure force once to the outer actuating surface 6, and the smallest distance S1 can be set by applying pressure force twice to the outer actuating surface 6.

[0072] Figures 7, 8 and 9 show vertical sections through the bottom drain of a basin 15 according to the invention, a stainless steel kitchen sink, once in the open basic position (Figures 7 and 7a, the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is in the second position according to the claim), once in the closed position (Figure 8, the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is in the first position according to the claim) and once in the open removal or cleaning position (Figure 9, the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is in the third position according to the claim).

[0073] The floor drain is located in the floor surface 2 of the sink basin 15 and forms a drainage opening 3 for liquids in a circular depression with a through-opening in the floor surface 2, which can be optionally closed or opened.

[0074] An inlet ring 9 is arranged in this recess. On the inside of the basin, it rests on the areas of the basin floor 2 surrounding the through-opening 3 within the recess and extends downwards through the through-opening 3 via a threaded fitting 10 with an external thread. In this way, the inlet ring 9 forms the boundaries of the outlet opening 3 in the bottom surface 2 of the basin 15. A seal 11 is arranged between the inlet ring 9 and the bottom surface 2 of the basin 15, preventing liquid from draining into the gap formed between them.

[0075] A component with a counter ring 36 with a corresponding internal thread is screwed onto the external thread 10 of the inlet ring 9 from the underside of the basin 15, which rests on the areas of the basin floor 2 surrounding the passage opening on the underside of the basin.

[0076] In this way, the inlet ring 9 and the counter ring 36 are positively connected to each other outside the drain opening 3 in the area of ​​its circumferential limits in the immediate vicinity of the basin floor by a threaded connection 10 enclosing the drain opening 3, such that the areas of the basin floor 2 on which they rest are clamped between them.

[0077] A drain housing 37 is attached to the component with the counter ring 36, which projects from the underside of the basin 15 away from the basin floor 2. When the basin 15 is in use, this drain housing carries away flowing liquids through the drain opening 3. The inlet ring 9 enters an annular collar of the drain housing 37 with its pipe-like free end, so that no seal is required when liquids are drained by gravity without obstruction. To reliably prevent liquid from escaping even in the event of backflow, a seal 38 is arranged between the pipe-like free end of the inlet ring 9 and the annular collar of the drain housing 37.

[0078] The drain housing 37 is locked to an annular connection area formed thereon, which has a radially projecting rim 39, by means of locking lugs 40 formed on the component with the counter ring 36. These components are designed such that the drain housing 37 can be continuously positioned in various radial positions relative to the longitudinal axis S of the drain opening 3, for the selective discharge of liquids flowing through the drain opening 3 in different directions away from the basin 15.

[0079] The drain housing 37 opens into a drain pipe connection 41, which serves to connect the sink 15 to a wastewater pipe (not shown). The drain housing 37 and the drain pipe connection 41 are connected to each other via a sealed snap-fit ​​connection.

[0080] In the drain opening 3 is a closure element 1 according to the invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, which carries a sieve basket 42 on its underside, through which the support extension 8 of the closure element 1 passes. Figure 7a, in which the sieve basket is not shown, serves to better illustrate the installation situation of the closure element 1.

[0081] The support extension 8 rests vertically with its support surface 5 in the area below the drain opening 3 on an associated support surface on the lower wall of the drain housing 37.

[0082] As can be seen, the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is not in sealing contact with the associated sealing surface 44 formed by the inlet ring 9 in the drain opening 3 in the situation shown in Figures 7 and 7a. The upper side of the closure element 1 is essentially flush with the bottom surface 2 of the basin 15 and forms a circumferential drain gap 43 with the adjacent areas of the bottom surface 2, for connecting the basin 15 to the drain opening 3.

[0083] Starting from the situation shown in Figures 7 and 7a, in which the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is in the second position according to the claim and the closure element 1 releases the drain opening 3, one of the situations shown in Figures 8 and 9 can be set, as described above, by manually applying pressure in the vertical direction V to one of the actuating surfaces 6, 7 of the closure element 1.

[0084] By applying pressure to the outer actuating surface 6 of the closure element 1, the situation shown in Fig. 8 can be set, in which the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is in the first position according to the claim, i.e. in sealing contact with the sealing surface 44, and the closure element 1 closes the drain opening 3.

[0085] By applying pressure to the central actuating surface 7 of the closure element 1, the situation shown in Fig. 9 can be set, in which the seal 4 of the closure element 1 is in the third position according to the claim, and the closure element 1 releases the drain opening 3 with a drain cross-section that is larger than in the second position. In this position, the upper surface of the closure element 1 extends beyond the bottom surface 2 of the basin 15, so that the closure element 1 can be grasped by hand and removed from the basin 15.

[0086] The sieve basket 42, which can be removed without tools via a bayonet connection, is located on the underside of the P193232 PC00

[0087] The closure element 1 is attached and is centered with respect to the drain opening 3 and is guided during its vertical movement when changing between the different positions. It is designed such that, in both the situation shown in Fig. 7 and in Fig. 9, all liquids flowing into the drain opening 3 must pass through the strainer basket 42. In addition to centering via the strainer basket 42, in the situations according to Figures 7 and 8, the closure element 1 is centered in the area of ​​its upper side by the four radial centering lugs 45 in the recess in the bottom surface 2 of the basin 15, so that a uniformly wide drain gap 43 is ensured.

[0088] While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

P193232PC00 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Closure element (1), in particular a closure plug, for closing a drain opening (2) in the bottom surface (3) of a basin, in particular a kitchen sink, with a top and a bottom and a seal (4) circumferentially around the outer circumference, wherein the closure element (1) has a support surface (5) on its bottom for supporting it in the vertical direction (V) and has at least one actuating surface (6, 7) on its top, onto which a pressure force can be manually exerted in the vertical direction (V) when the closure element (1) is supported on the support surface (5), and wherein the closure element (1) is designed such that when the closure element (1) is supported vertically on the support surface (5), repeated manual pressure force in the vertical direction (V) on the at least one actuating surface (6, 7)7) the vertical distance between the support surface (5) and the seal (4) can be switched back and forth between at least two different distances (SI, S2, S3).

2. Locking element according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is designed such that the vertical distance between the support surface and the seal can be switched back and forth between at least two different distances by repeatedly applying manual pressure in a vertical direction to one and the same actuating surface.

3. Locking element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (1) is designed such that the vertical distance between the support surface (5) and the seal (4) can be changed by repeatedly applying manual pressure in a vertical direction (V) to different actuating surfaces (6, 7) between at least two P193232PC00 can be switched between different intervals (SI, S2, S3).

4. Closure element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the closure element (1) is designed such that, in order to change from a larger vertical distance (S2) to a smaller vertical distance (Sl) between the support surface (5) and the seal (4), a pressure force is required to be exerted on a first actuating surface (6), and in order to change from a smaller vertical distance (Sl) to a larger vertical distance (S2) between the support surface (5) and the seal (4), a pressure force is required to be exerted on a second actuating surface (7).

5. Locking element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second actuating surface (7) is arranged within the first actuating surface (6) or vice versa, and in particular, wherein the second actuating surface (7) is arranged substantially centrally on the top of the locking element (1) and is surrounded by the first actuating surface (6).

6. Locking element (1) according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the top of the locking element (1) is essentially flat and the first actuating surface (6) and the second actuating surface (7) are essentially flush when no pressure force is applied.

7. Closure element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support surface (5) is formed by a support extension (8) projecting downwards, in particular centrally, on the underside of the closure element (1), the support length of which is increased or decreased to change the distance (S1, S2, S3) between the support surface (5) and the seal (4) by the application of force to the at least one actuating surface (6, 7). P193232PC00 21 8. Closure element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (1) carries a sieve basket (42) below the seal (4), which can be removed from the closure element (1) without tools, particularly for emptying purposes.

9. Closure element (1) according to claim 7 and claim 8, wherein the sieve basket (42) is penetrated by the support extension (8).

10. Closure element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (4) circumferential on the outer circumference is annular in shape.

11. Closure element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical distance between the support surface (5) and the seal (4) can be switched back and forth between three distances (SI, S2, S3), in particular between exactly three distances (SI, S2, S3).

12. Locking element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching back and forth between the different distances (SI, S2, S3) between the support surface (5) and the seal (4) can be carried out purely by muscle power.

13. Basin (15) with bottom drain, in particular a kitchen sink, with a drain opening (3) for liquids arranged in the bottom surface (2) of the basin (15), and with a closure element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, for selectively closing or opening the drain opening (3), wherein the closure element (1) is supported vertically with its support surface (5) on an associated support surface in the drain opening or in an area below the drain opening (3), and the seal (4) or a seal-supporting area of ​​the closure element (1) is opened by manual application of pressure. P193232PC00 vertical direction (V) onto the at least one actuating surface (6, 7) of the closure element (1) can be selectively positioned in the vertical direction (V) in at least two different positions, wherein the seal (4) of the closure element (1) in the first position is in sealing contact with a sealing surface (44) surrounding the drain opening (3) or arranged in the drain opening, so that the closure element (1) closes the drain opening (3) in a liquid-tight manner, and in the second position is not in sealing contact with the sealing surface (44) surrounding the drain opening (3) or arranged in the drain opening, so that the closure element (1) releases the drain opening (3).

14. Basin (15) according to claim 13, wherein the upper side of the closure element (1) in the second position is substantially flush with the bottom surface (2) of the basin (15) and forms a circumferential drain gap (43) with the adjacent areas of the bottom surface (2) for connecting the basin (15) to the drain opening (3) .

15. Basin according to one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the seal (4) or the area of ​​the closure element (1) supporting the seal (4) can be positioned by manual application of pressure in a vertical direction (V) onto the at least one actuating surface (6, 7) of the closure element (1) selectively in the first position, in the second position and in a third position, wherein the second position is arranged between the first and the third position and wherein the seal (4) of the closure element (1) is in sealing contact with the sealing surface (44) in the first position, so that the closure element closes the drain opening (3) in a liquid-tight manner, and is not in sealing contact in the second and third positions. P193232PC00 23 with the sealing surface (44) surrounding the drain opening (3) or arranged in the drain opening, so that the closing element (1) releases the drain opening (3).

16. Basin (15) according to claim 15, wherein the upper side of the closure element (1) extends beyond the bottom surface (2) of the basin (15) in the third position, so that the closure element (1) can be grasped by hand and removed from the basin (15).

17. Basin (15) according to claim 16, wherein the closure element (1) in the second position releases the drain opening (3) with a first drain cross-section and in the third position releases the drain opening (3) with a second drain cross-section, wherein the second drain cross-section is larger than the first drain cross-section.

18. Basin (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (1) is a drain sieve (42) comprises, in particular in the form of a sieve basket, and is designed in such a way that at least in the second position any liquids which may enter the drain opening (3) must pass through the drain sieve (42).

19. Basin (15) according to claim 18, characterized in that the closure element (1) is centered over the drain sieve (42) with respect to the drain opening (3).

20. Kitchen sink with one basin (15) according to one of claims 13 to 19.

Images