CN110691880A

CN110691880A - Water tank and method for mounting water tank

Info

Publication number: CN110691880A
Application number: CN201880035696.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·W·博马特; 罗尔夫·尼瑟
Original assignee: Franka Technology And Trademark Co Ltd
Current assignee: Franka Technology And Trademark Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-02
Filing date: 2018-06-04
Publication date: 2020-01-14
Also published as: EP3409851A1; US20200123751A1; CA3062597A1; RU2736276C1; BR112019025273A2; WO2018220226A1

Abstract

We propose a method of installing a sink (1) in a worktop cutout (11a), the method comprising: a) providing a sink (1) at least partially made of a resin composite material, the sink having: at least one tank (2) having a bottom wall (3) and a circumferential side wall (4); at least one outlet opening in the bottom wall (3); a circumferential outer edge (5) located around the exterior of the tank at the upper edge of the tank (2), the outer edge (5) extending outwardly from the side wall (4) for an extent (E); a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged outside the channel (2) adjacent the outer edge (5), which clamping elements (6) in their free or uncompressed state extend outwardly beyond the extent (E) of the outer edge (5), and which clamping elements (6) are designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall (4) in their loaded or compressed state, at least some of the clamping elements (6) being attached to a sink in respective recesses (R) arranged in the side wall (4) or in a transition region between the side wall (4) and the outer edge (5); b) -forming the console incision (11a) with dimensions greater than the area delimited by the outer edge (5) but smaller than the envelope: the envelope surrounds the clamping element (6) in its uncompressed state and defines a cut-out side wall (11b) extending substantially at right angles to the upper surface (11d) and the lower surface of the console (11); c) -placing the basin (1) in the cut-out (11a) such that the cut-out side wall (11b) is located opposite the outer rim (5), the basin (1) being centered within the cut-out (11a) by means of the clamping element (6), the clamping element (6) being compressed between the cut-out side wall (11b) and the basin (1).

Description

Water tank and method for mounting water tank

Technical Field

The present application relates to a sink, in particular to a kitchen sink according to claim 1.

According to another aspect, the application relates to a (kitchen) workplace according to claim 8, comprising a sink and a worktop, said worktop having a cut-out in said worktop, in which said sink is mounted.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present application, the present application relates to a method of mounting a sink in a worktop cutout according to claim 12.

Background

Nowadays, different mounting methods are used for mounting sinks, in particular kitchen sinks, in built-in kitchens.

When using the under mount (underbody) method, the sink has an outwardly directed flange along its side wall, which is secured to the lower surface of the worktop by supports or the like. Therefore, with the lower mounting method, the water tank must be mounted from below the operation table, which may be cumbersome and difficult.

So-called drop-in sinks or elongated top (slim) sinks have an edge portion surrounding the sink basin, which edge portion is intended to be placed above the upper worktop surface when the sink is installed. The sink in question also has a clamp attached to the rim portion on one side, while the other end of the clamp is in contact with the lower worktop surface. The sink is then secured to the console by screws contained in the clamp. Also, the main installation work has to be done under the operator's station, which can be cumbersome and difficult. Furthermore, the clamp may have a rather complex design.

So-called flush-mounted sinks differ from the above-described flush-mounted or elongated top sinks in that the rim portion of the sink is not located above the upper deck surface, but rather is located in a shallow circumferential recess around the deck cutout. In this way, the sink does not protrude from the upper worktop surface, as can be appreciated for design and hygienic reasons. The flush-mounted sink is secured to the operating deck by a clamp, much like an embedded sink or an elongated top sink.

Although the sink may be made of various materials, metal (steel) and ceramic materials are widely used for this purpose. Recently, a resin composite material (e.g., Franke frangranite) made of quartz sand and acrylic resin, which has advantages in wear resistance and hygiene, has been used as a substitute for the above-mentioned material.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to propose a new sink and a corresponding installation method which uniquely and individually integrates the sink with the worktop, both facilitating the installation work and improving the wear resistance and hygiene. Furthermore, the cut-out section of the console should be protected, which is not easily possible with the above-mentioned prior mounting methods.

This object is achieved by a sink, in particular a kitchen sink, according to claim 1, the sink being at least partially made of a resin composite, the sink comprising: at least one trough (bowl) having a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening in the bottom wall; a circumferential outer edge located at an upper edge of the tank around an exterior of the tank, the outer edge extending outwardly from the sidewall for a range; a plurality of resilient clamping elements arranged outside the channel adjacent the outer edge, which in their free or uncompressed state extend outwardly beyond the extent of the outer edge and which are designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall in their loaded or compressed state, at least some of the clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in the side wall and/or in a transition region between the side wall and the outer edge.

According to another aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a workplace comprising a sink, in particular a kitchen sink, made at least partially of a resin composite material and comprising: at least one channel having a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening in the bottom wall; a circumferential outer edge located at an upper edge of the tank around an exterior of the tank, the outer edge extending outwardly from the sidewall for a range; a plurality of resilient clamping elements arranged outside the channel adjacent the outer edge, which in their free or uncompressed state extend outwardly beyond the extent of the outer edge and which are designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall in their loaded or compressed state, at least some of the clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in the side wall and/or in a transition region between the side wall and the outer edge; and a console having a cutout therein in which the basin is mounted, the cutout defining a cutout side wall extending substantially at right angles to an upper surface and a lower surface of the console, wherein the cutout side wall is located opposite the outer edge, and wherein the basin is centered within the cutout by the clamping element, the clamping element being compressed between the cutout side wall and the basin.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by a method of mounting a sink in a worktop cutout according to claim 12, the method comprising: a) providing a sink made at least in part of a resin composite, the sink having: at least one channel having a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening in the bottom wall; a circumferential outer edge located at an upper edge of the tank around an exterior of the tank, the outer edge extending outwardly from the sidewall for a range; a plurality of resilient clamping elements arranged outside the channel adjacent the outer edge, which resilient clamping elements extend outwardly beyond the extent of the outer edge in their free or uncompressed state and which clamping elements are designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall in their loaded or compressed state, at least some of the clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in the side wall and/or in a transition region between the side wall and the outer edge; b) forming the console cutout, the console having dimensions larger than an area bounded by the outer edge but smaller than the envelope: the envelope surrounds the clamping element in its uncompressed state and defines cut-out side walls extending substantially at right angles to the upper and lower surfaces of the console; c) positioning the basin in the cutout such that the cutout side wall is positioned opposite the outer rim, the basin centered within the cutout by the clamping element, the clamping element compressed between the cutout side wall and the basin.

Further disclosed is an apparatus for mounting a sink in a console cutout, the sink being at least partially made of a resin composite and comprising: at least one channel having a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening in the bottom wall; a circumferential outer edge located at an upper edge of the tank around an exterior of the tank; the apparatus includes at least one mounting clip for seating on and extending coplanar with an upper face of the rim while extending at least partially outwardly from the sink beyond the rim, and a clip counterpart for removably securing the mounting clip to the sink.

Due to the design of the outer edge of the water tank, the water tank according to the invention can break the existing installation rules. Preferably, the outer rim extends beyond the console cutout section, potentially protecting the console cutout section, and an upper edge of the outer rim is coplanar with the upper console surface when installed.

In this way, the side walls of the worktop cutout can be protected and no polishing or other treatment is required prior to installation of the sink, which can greatly reduce installation costs.

Preferably, the outer rim of the basin is floating in the console slot, i.e. not in contact with the side walls of said slot. The corresponding gaps may be sealed by using any suitable sealant, such as a silicone sealant.

The mounting of the sink according to the invention may be performed by pushing the sink into the worktop cutout from above the worktop, preferably by using a suitable mounting device according to an aspect of the invention.

The sink may be held in its final position in the worktop cutout by an elastic clamping element (so-called snap-on clip) arranged on the outside of the sink body in combination with the adhesive action of the sealant (e.g. silicone).

The end result is that the installed sink can present a flush-like outer edge in terms of alignment with the upper surface of the worktop, while greatly facilitating the required installation work.

Due to the mounting method, the outer rim of the sink according to the invention may be much thicker than the standard on the market, e.g. 15mm to 30mm compared to 4mm, which is aesthetically advantageous. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the sink according to the invention, the extent to which the sink rim extends outwardly from the sink side wall has a value between 2.5mm and 6mm, preferably between 2.5mm and 5mm, and more preferably equal to about 4mm, as previously described.

In another embodiment of the sink according to the invention, the rim may be configured to be made of a solid material or may be configured by an outward and downward bending of the side wall material used to make the sink.

In yet another embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, the clamping member is compressible inwardly towards the side wall to an extent such that the clamping member does not extend outwardly beyond the extent of the outer rim. In this way, the water tank can be easily installed in the console cutout from above the console.

According to a further embodiment of the sink according to the invention, the clamping force per unit length of the side wall caused by the clamping elements in the loaded or compressed state of the clamping elements is substantially evenly distributed around the sink, preferably by adjusting a number of clamping elements and/or by adjusting the mutual spacing between the individual clamping elements and/or by adjusting the clamping force of the individual clamping elements. In this way, the water trough can easily be self-centered during insertion into the worktop by means of the clamping element. This may help to obtain a uniform gap around the sink, which is advantageous both in terms of sealing said gap and in terms of aesthetics.

According to a further aspect of the sink according to the invention, each clamping element comprises at least one spring element having a hook-shaped cross-section with a first limb extending substantially parallel to the side wall and preferably downwardly from the outer edge, a second limb extending outwardly from the first limb and from the side wall, and a third limb extending outwardly from the second limb and from the side wall and parallel to the first limb, the third limb at least partially overlapping the first limb in the free or uncompressed state of the clamping element. This may further help facilitate installation of the sink from above the worktop while ensuring a reliable clamping action to retain the sink in the worktop cutout during installation and before additional adhesive material is available for securing the sink in the worktop cutout.

In order to further ensure the clamping effect, according to a preferred further embodiment of the sink according to the invention, the free end portion of the third limb is further angled outwards from the side wall.

For ease of installation and for aesthetic purposes, the side walls of the sink may have a substantially flat configuration. Furthermore, such a sink may have an overall rectangular shape, preferably with rounded corners, when viewed from above.

In a preferred further embodiment of the workplace according to the invention, the distance between the outer rim and the side wall of the worktop cutout may be substantially uniform around the basin, in order to achieve an excellent aesthetic effect. This has been mentioned above and can be achieved by adjusting the clamping force per unit length of the sink side wall, as described in detail above.

In a further embodiment of the workplace according to the invention, an adhesive sealing seam, preferably a silicone seam or the like, is arranged around the rim between the basin and the cut-out side wall. The seam can be designed to permanently hold the sink in place in the worktop cutout in combination with the clamping action of the clamping element while filling the gap between the floating rim and the side wall of the cutout. Thus, the primary function of the clamping element may be to center the sink during installation of the sink and hold the sink in place until the adhesive sealant cures (or cures).

According to a further embodiment of the workplace of the invention, the upper face or edge of said outer rim may be substantially coplanar with the upper table surface, thereby achieving excellent aesthetic and hygienic effects.

As already mentioned above, an embodiment of the method of the invention may comprise placing the basin in the bench cut-out from above the bench starting from a bottom part of the basin, which bottom part is located opposite to the outer rim. This may greatly facilitate the installation of the sump, especially compared to current under-installation methods.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method may comprise placing the water trough in the worktop cutout and lowering the water trough in the worktop cutout until an upper face of the outer rim is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the worktop.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, prior to method step c), an adhesive sealing material and a bead of welding material, preferably a silicone material or the like, may be arranged around the outer rim, such that during method step c) an adhesive sealing seam, preferably a silicone seam or the like, is formed around the outer rim between the basin and the side wall of the cutout. The seam effectively closes the gap between the rim of the sink and the side walls of the cutout, while protecting the side walls of the cutout from moisture or the like. In addition, the adhesive sealing material will hold the sink in place after curing or setting.

In yet a further embodiment of the method of the present invention, prior to step c), the sink may be provided with a removable mounting device comprising at least one mounting clip positioned on and extending substantially coplanar with an upper face of the outer rim of the sink, while extending at least partially outwardly from the sink beyond said outer rim. Method step c) may then be performed until the mounting fixture comes into contact with the upper table surface. Thereafter, the mounting device may be removed. In this way, the above-described embodiment of the method of the invention makes it possible to mount the sink flush in an easy and reliable manner.

In order to protect the console surface in particular from the sealing material, in a further embodiment of the method of the invention, the console can be provided with a removable protective cover (in particular a strip) on the upper surface of the console adjacent to the contour of the cut-out, prior to method step c), which protective cover can be removed after completion of step c).

In a still further embodiment of the inventive method, before step a), a plurality of recesses may be formed in the side wall or in the transition region between the side wall and the outer edge, in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablating or cutting, and at least some of the clamping elements may be attached to the sink in the respective recesses, preferably by means of glue or adhesive. In this way, the sink, as well as existing resin composite sinks, can be easily (re) matched to new fastening techniques.

A further embodiment of the mounting device comprises that the counterpart of the mounting fixture is located at a sink outlet opening outside the sink body. Thus, the counterpart can be designed accordingly.

Preferably, in a further embodiment of the mounting device, the counterpart can be designed as a disk-shaped element having a planar dimension which is larger than the clear opening of the outlet opening. In this way, the counterpart may be positioned above the outlet opening without passing through the outlet opening.

In a further embodiment of the mounting device, the device comprises connecting means for detachably connecting the mounting clip and the counterpart. Preferably, the connecting means are designed as screw means, so that a detachable connection of the mounting fixture and the counterpart can be easily achieved without the use of any special tools or the like.

According to a further embodiment of the mounting device, for detachably connecting the mounting fixture and the counterpart, the mounting device may comprise corresponding openings in the mounting fixture and in the counterpart for the connecting means to pass through.

In a further embodiment of the mounting device, at least the opening in the counterpart may be designed as a threaded hole, if the connecting means are designed as a threaded means. This further facilitates the detachable connection of the mounting clip and the counterpart.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the mounting device, the connecting means may comprise abutment means defining a maximum distance between the mounting clip and the counterpart, so that the device may be secured on the sink in a safe and reliable manner.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will now be described with respect to the accompanying drawings in connection with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sink in accordance with the present invention, the perspective view further illustrating an optional method step of disposing a bead of adhesive sealant around the edge of the sink;

figures 2a to 2c show different steps during installation of the sink of figure 1 in a worktop;

fig. 3a to 3c show the mounting step of fig. 2 in perspective view;

FIG. 4 shows a tool for forming a recess to locate the clamping element;

FIG. 5 shows a clamping element located in a recess formed according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sink mounted in a worktop according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a detail of FIG. 6;

figures 8a to 8d show a sink and mounting apparatus;

FIG. 9 shows the worktop and cut-out prior to installation of the sink in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows the console of FIG. 9 after application of a removable protective cover in accordance with preferred method steps;

fig. 11 shows an intermediate state during installation of the basin according to fig. 1 or fig. 2a to 2c or fig. 8a to 8d according to the method of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a detail of FIG. 11; and

fig. 13a to 13d show successive method steps for completing the sink mounting process.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, a sink according to the present invention is indicated with reference numeral 1. The sink 1 may be designed as a kitchen sink without limitation and at least partly made of a resin composite, for example made of Fragranite (quartz + acrylic). The sink comprises a trough body having a bottom wall 3 and a circumferential side wall 4. At least one outlet opening (not visible in fig. 1) is located in the bottom wall 3 (see fig. 6). A peripheral outer edge 5 is located around the exterior of the channel at the upper edge of the channel 2, as can be readily seen in figure 1. The outer edge 5 extends outwardly from the side wall 4 by an extent E. As shown, the side wall 4 and the outer rim 5 are preferably integrally formed of the resin composite material. Furthermore, the sink 1 comprises a plurality of resilient clamping elements 6 arranged outside the tank 2 adjacent to the outer rim 5. In fig. 1, one clamping element 6 is shown in a free or uncompressed state in which it extends outwardly beyond the extent E of the outer rim 5. The clamping elements 6 are designed to provide a clamping force in a loaded or compressed state of the clamping elements, which clamping force is directed outwardly from said side walls 4 for holding the sink in a corresponding worktop cutout, as will be explained in more detail below.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 12, it can be easily concluded that the clamping element 6 in its unloaded state does extend outwardly beyond the extent E of said outer edge 5. In a preferred embodiment, the value of said range E may be comprised between 2.5mm and 6mm, preferably between 2.5mm and 5mm, and more preferably equal to about 4 mm.

As can be further taken from fig. 1 and 12, the clamping element 6 may comprise at least one spring element having a hook-shaped cross section with a first limb 6a extending substantially parallel to said side wall 4 and preferably downwardly from said outer edge 5, a second limb 6b extending outwardly from said first limb 6a and from said side wall 4, and a third limb 6c extending outwardly from the second limb 6b and from said side wall 4 and parallel to said first limb 6a, in said free or uncompressed state of the clamping element 6, as shown in fig. 12. Furthermore, the third leg 6c at least partially overlaps the first leg 6 a. The free end portion of the third leg 6c is inclined outwardly from the side wall 4, as indicated by reference numeral 6 d.

As can be further taken from fig. 1 and 12, the outer rim 5 is constructed of a solid resin composite material to increase mechanical strength.

Furthermore, it is apparent from fig. 1 and 12 that the clamping element 6 can be compressed inwardly towards the side wall 4 to such an extent that the clamping element no longer extends outwardly beyond said extent E of the outer edge 5. This makes it possible to easily mount the water tank 1 from above the operation table, as will be described in detail later.

Referring now to fig. 3a, it can be seen that by adjusting the number of clamping elements 6, the clamping force per unit length of the side wall 4 caused by the clamping elements 6 in their loaded or compressed state is substantially evenly distributed around the sink. According to a preferred embodiment, all the gripping elements 6 are substantially identical; however, more clamping elements may be placed along the longer side walls of the rectangular sink 1, thereby enabling the sink 1 to be centered within the worktop cutout. In this case, the number of clamping elements 6 at the opposite side wall 4 (not visible in fig. 3a) of the basin 1 should be the same.

Further according to fig. 1, a bead 8 of an adhesive sealing material, which may be, but is not limited to, a silicone material, is positioned around the outer rim 5 with a suitable device 7. The function of said bead 8 will be explained below. Preferably, the bead 8 is positioned around the entire outer periphery of the rim 5 around the basin 1, more preferably the bead width or diameter is about 7 mm.

Fig. 1 further shows a worktop 11 having a substantially rectangular cut-out 11a, which cut-out 11a is intended to match the sink 1 as described above in connection with fig. 1 and 12. To this end, the cut-out 11a is made larger in size than the area delimited by the basin rim 5 but smaller than the envelope: this envelope surrounds the clamping element 6 in its uncompressed state and defines a cut-out side wall 11b extending substantially at right angles to the upper and lower surfaces of the console. Reference numeral 11d denotes an upper surface 11d of the operation table 11. The console 11 may be made of wood, metal, stone or any other suitable (composite) material. It should be noted that when the water tank 1 as described above is installed by using the installation method according to the present invention, the side wall 11b of the cutout 11a does not need to be polished or otherwise processed.

Fig. 2a to 2c show the water trough 1 of fig. 1 (with the weld bead 8) and the interaction of the water trough 1 with the operation table 11 during installation of the water trough 1. Fig. 2a shows the clamping element 6 in its free state before interaction. When the basin 1 is lowered according to arrow a1, the basin 1 gradually enters the cut-out 11a, while the clamping element 6 comes into contact with the cut-out side wall 11b (fig. 2b), which has a centering effect on the entire basin (arrow a 2). Fig. 2c shows the final mounting state, in which the clamping element 6 holds the sink 1 in the cut-out 11 a. The basin 1 is mounted flush with the worktop upper surface 11d, for example by using a suitable alignment device 20 and pushed according to arrow a 3. The material of the bead 8 fills the gap between the outer rim 5 of the water reservoir 1 and the cut-out side wall 11 b.

Fig. 3a to 3c show the same sequence of events as fig. 2a to 2c in perspective view.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the clamping elements 6 (see fig. 1) are located in respective recesses R in the side wall 4 of the basin 1 or in the transition area T between the side wall 4 and the outer rim 5.

Fig. 4 further shows a tool 30 for forming said recess R in the water bath 1 of resin composite material, in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablation or cutting. In fig. 4, the tool 30 is designed as a rotary cutting tool with a cutting head 31 and a drive shaft 32. Then, at least some of said clamping elements 6 may be attached to the sink by means of glue or adhesive (see fig. 5) in the respective recesses R. The clamping element 6 shown in fig. 6 has a plurality of

limbs

6b, 6c of slightly different shapes, which is an optional feature of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows another perspective view of the basin 1 mounted in the worktop 11. The outlet opening 3a, which is not visible in fig. 1, is clearly visible in fig. 6 and is located in the bottom wall 3 (see fig. 6).

Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the gap between the basin 1 and the worktop 11a as already mentioned in connection with fig. 2 c. The gap is filled with the material of the weld bead 8 (silicone). Preferably, the outer edge 5 and the gap are only 6.5mm wide in total.

Figures 8a to 8d show a different basin 1 to that of figures 1 to 7 and the interaction of this basin with a special installation indicated by the reference numeral 9. The water tank shown in fig. 8a to 8d and the following drawings is not made of a resin composite material, but is made of metal. However, as described in detail above, the sink can easily be replaced by a sink according to the invention (i.e. a sink made of a resin composite and having a clamping element mounted in a recess).

The mounting device 9 comprises a mounting clamp 9a and a so-called clamp counterpart or counterpart 9 b. The mounting clip 9a is best seen in fig. 8a and 8c, while the counterpart 9b is best seen in fig. 8b and 8 d. The mounting clip 9a and its counterpart 9b may be made of, for example, but not limited to, plastic or wood composite. The mounting jig 9a has a flat sheet-like configuration having a tab 9c and a grip opening 9d protruding in the circumferential direction, the tab 9c and the grip opening 9d being located near an edge portion of the mounting jig 9a, which is rectangular in shape as a whole. The platform sheet-like configuration further comprises two attachment openings 9e located near the center of the mounting clip 9 a. As can be seen from fig. 8c, the mounting clip 9a can be placed on top of the sink 1 such that the mounting clip rests on the upper edge or face of the rim, while said tab 9c protrudes outwardly from the sink 1 relative to the rim. Preferably, the position of each tab 9c corresponds to the position of the gripping element 6.

As can be taken from fig. 8b, a square-shaped counterpart 9b is arranged above the outlet opening 3a of the basin bottom wall 3. In this case, the overall dimensions of the counterpart 9b are designed such that the counterpart completely covers the outlet opening 3a without passing through it. Preferably, the basin 1 has an edge profile 3b surrounding said opening 3b, which profile 3b corresponds in an externally form-fitting manner to the shape of the counterpart 9 b.

As can be further seen from fig. 8b, the counterpart 9b has a central opening 9f, which central opening 9f can be designed as a threaded hole.

Fig. 8c shows how a screw device (connecting means) 10 is inserted through the opening 9e for connecting the mounting fixture 9a and its counterpart 9b to each other and to the sink 1 (see fig. 8 d). For this purpose, the screw device 10 is screwed into the threaded hole 9f of the counterpart 9 b. In this way, as shown in fig. 8d, the mounting clip 9a and its counterpart 9b are firmly and removably attached to the sink 1. The sink 1 can then be manipulated by simply engaging the grip opening 9 d.

Fig. 9 shows a worktop 11 having a substantially rectangular cut-out 11a, which cut-out 11a is intended to match the sink 1 as described above. To this end, the cut 11a is made larger in size than the area delimited by the outer edge but smaller than the envelope of: this envelope surrounds the clamping element in its uncompressed state and defines a cut-out side wall 11b extending substantially at right angles to the upper and lower surfaces of the console. The console 11 may be made of wood, metal, stone or any other suitable (composite) material. It should be noted that when the water tank 1 as described above is installed by using the installation method according to the present invention, the side wall 11b of the cutout 11a does not need to be polished or otherwise processed.

According to fig. 10, the console 11 is provided, adjacent to the contour of the cut 11a, with a removable protective cover 11c made of a strip of suitable strip material.

Referring now to fig. 11, the water bath 1 is inserted downwards (arrow D) into a cut-out (see fig. 9, 10) of the operating table 11 together with the mounting device 9 and the welding bead 8 (not shown; see fig. 1). Thus, as shown in fig. 12, the clamping element 6 is compressed by interaction with the cut-out side wall 11b, thereby generating a force for holding the basin 1 in the cut-out 11 a. In an organized manner (method), the water tub 1 is pushed down D until the fins 9c of the mounting jig 9a come into contact with the upper surface 11D of the operation table 11. The rim 5 of the basin 1 is then located in the opposite side wall 11b of the cut-out 11a, and the sealing material of the bead 8 is located between said side wall 11b and said outer rim 5 for sealing the gap between said side wall and said outer rim and for permanently holding the basin after the adhesive sealing material has set or cured, while further protecting the side wall 11 b.

Fig. 13a shows the mounted state after said contact between the mounting jig 9a and the operation table 11. The upper face or edge of the outer rim of the sink (not shown) is now coplanar with the top surface 11d of the worktop.

Then, according to fig. 13b, the connecting means or screw 10 is removed from the mounting device 9, thereby detaching the mounting clamp 9a and its counterpart 9 b. As can be easily taken from fig. 13b (see fig. 11 and 8c), the connecting device 10 has an abutment 10a which comes into contact with the mounting clip 9a (see fig. 13a) for defining the maximum distance between the connected mounting clip 9a and the counterpart 9 b.

Then, according to fig. 13c, the mounting device 9 is completely removed from the basin 1 on the worktop 11.

Finally, in the method step illustrated in fig. 13d, the protective cover 11 is removed, thereby realizing a complete workplace according to aspects of the invention. In this case, it should be checked whether the gap between the sump body and the operation table is correctly filled with the sealing material. If not, some adjustments may be made. The clamping element holds the water bath in place until the sealing material has dried (set or cured).

Referring to fig. 1 or 12, the sealing material (silicone) may be applied around the outer rim of the water tank in a bead of about 7mm in diameter.

Referring to fig. 8a to 8d, the screw device 10 may be designed to have M8 threads. The M8 thread is adapted to the threaded hole 9f of the counterpart 9 b.

Preferably, the dimensions of the cut-outs 10a according to fig. 9 and 10 should correspond to a gutter body length +2mm and a gutter body width +2mm, respectively. However, any particular dimension will also depend on the respective dimensions (range E) of the clamping element 6 and the outer rim 5 according to fig. 1 and 12.

Thus, the protective cover 11c according to fig. 10 can be applied without limitation with a corresponding width of 20mm to 30 mm.

Claims

1. Sink (1), in particular kitchen sink, made at least partially of a resin composite material, comprising:

at least one tank (2) having a bottom wall (3) and a circumferential side wall (4);

at least one outlet opening (3a) in the bottom wall (3);

a circumferential outer edge (5) located at an upper edge of the tank (2) around the outside of the tank, the outer edge (5) extending outwardly from the side wall (4) for an extent (E);

a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged outside the channel (2) adjacent the outer edge (5), the clamping elements (6) extending outwardly beyond the extent (E) of the outer edge (5) in their free or uncompressed state, and the clamping elements (6) being designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall (4) in their loaded or compressed state,

at least some of the clamping elements (6) are attached to the basin in respective recesses (R) arranged in the side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between the side wall (4) and the outer rim (5).

2. Sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The value of said range (E) is comprised between 2.5mm and 6mm, preferably between 2.5mm and 5mm, and more preferably equal to about 4 mm.

3. Sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The outer rim (5) is constructed from a solid material.

4. Sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The clamping element (6) is compressible inwardly towards the side wall (4) over an extent such that the clamping element does not extend outwardly beyond the extent (E) of the outer rim (5).

5. Sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The clamping force per unit length of the side wall (4) caused by the clamping elements (6) in the loaded or compressed state of the clamping elements is substantially evenly distributed around the basin (1), preferably by adjusting a number of the clamping elements (6) and/or by adjusting the mutual spacing between the individual clamping elements (6) and/or by adjusting the clamping force of the individual clamping elements (6).

6. Sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The clamping element (6) comprises at least one spring element having a hook-shaped cross section with a first limb (6a) extending substantially parallel to the side wall (4) and preferably extending downwards from the outer edge (5), a second limb (6b) extending outwards from the first limb (6a) and from the side wall (4), and a third limb (6c) extending outwards from the second limb (6b) and from the side wall (4) and parallel to the first limb (6a), the third limb (6c) at least partially overlapping the first limb (6a) in the free or uncompressed state of the clamping element (6).

7. Sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein

The free end portion (6d) of the third leg (6c) is angled further outwardly from the side wall (4).

8. Workplace comprising a sink (1), in particular a kitchen sink, which is at least partially made of a resin composite material, comprising:

at least one outlet opening (3a) in the bottom wall (3);

a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged outside the channel (2) adjacent the outer edge (5), the clamping elements (6) extending outwardly beyond the extent (E) of the outer edge (5) in their free or uncompressed state, and the clamping elements (6) being designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall (4) in their loaded or compressed state, at least some of the clamping elements (6) being attached to the sink in respective recesses (R) arranged in the side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between the side wall (4) and the outer edge (5); and a console (11), the console (11) having a cutout (11a) therein in which the basin (1) is mounted, the cutout (11a) defining a cutout side wall (11b) extending substantially at right angles to an upper surface (11d) and a lower surface of the console (11), wherein the cutout side wall (11b) is located opposite the outer rim (5), and wherein the basin (1) is centered within the cutout (11a) by means of the clamping element (6) which is compressed between the cutout side wall (11b) and the basin (1).

9. The workplace of claim 8, wherein

The distance or gap between the rim (5) and the cut-out side wall (11b) is substantially uniform around the sink.

10. The workplace of claim 8, wherein

An adhesive sealing seam, preferably a silicone seam or the like, is arranged around the rim (5) between the basin (1) and the cut-out side wall (11 b).

11. The workplace of claim 8, wherein

The upper face of the outer rim (5) is substantially coplanar with the upper table surface (11 d).

12. Method of mounting a sink (1) in a worktop cutout (11a), the method comprising:

a) providing a sink (1) at least partially made of a resin composite material, the sink having:

at least one outlet opening (3a) in the bottom wall (3);

a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged outside the channel (2) adjacent the outer edge (5), the clamping elements (6) extending outwardly beyond the extent (E) of the outer edge (5) in their free or uncompressed state, and the clamping elements (6) being designed to provide a clamping force outwardly from the side wall (4) in their loaded or compressed state;

at least some of the clamping elements (6) are attached to the basin in respective recesses (R) arranged in the side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between the side wall (4) and the outer rim (5);

b) -forming the console incision (11a) with dimensions greater than the area delimited by the outer edge (5) but smaller than the envelope: said envelope surrounding said clamping element (6) in its uncompressed state, while defining a cut-out side wall (11b) extending substantially at right angles to the upper and lower surfaces (11d) of said console (11);

c) -placing the basin (1) in the cut-out (11a) such that the cut-out side wall (11b) is located opposite the outer rim (5), the basin (1) being centered within the cut-out (11a) by means of the clamping element (6) which is compressed between the cut-out side wall (11b) and the basin (1).

13. The method of claim 12, comprising

-placing the basin (1) in the cut-out (11a) from above the worktop (11), starting from a bottom portion of the basin (1) opposite the outer rim (5).

14. The method of claim 12, comprising

-placing the basin (1) in the cut-out (11a) until the upper face of the outer rim (5) is substantially coplanar with the upper surface (11d) of the worktop (11).

15. The method of claim 12, the method comprising:

-prior to step c), arranging a bead (8) of adhesive sealing material, preferably a silicone material or the like, around the outer rim (5), such that during step c) an adhesive sealing seam, preferably a silicone seam or the like, is formed between the basin (1) and the cut-out side wall (11b) around the outer rim (5).

16. The method of claim 12, the method comprising:

-prior to step c), providing the basin (1) with a removable mounting device (9), the mounting device (9) comprising at least one mounting clip (9a) positioned on and extending coplanar with an upper face of the rim (5) while at least partially (9c) extending outwardly from the basin (1) beyond the rim (5), then performing step c) until the mounting clip (9a) comes into contact with the upper worktop surface (11d), then removing the mounting device (9).

17. The method of claim 12, the method comprising:

-providing the console (11) with a removable protective cover (11c), in particular a strip, on an upper surface (11d) of the console adjacent to the contour of the cut (11a) before step c), and removing the protective cover (11c) after step c) is completed.

18. The method of claim 12, the method comprising:

before step a), a plurality of recesses (R) are formed in the side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between the side wall (4) and the outer edge (5), in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablating or cutting, and at least some of the clamping elements (6) are attached to the sink in the respective recesses (R), preferably by means of glue or adhesive.