WO2017089718A1

WO2017089718A1 - Anchoring element for a plumbing fastener

Info

Publication number: WO2017089718A1
Application number: PCT/FR2016/053087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mathieu FILLIOUX; Fabienne Frances
Original assignee: Somatherm
Priority date: 2015-11-27
Filing date: 2016-11-24
Publication date: 2017-06-01
Also published as: CN108603362B; FR3044333A1; PT3380681T; EP3380681A1; CN108603362A; FR3044333B1; EP3380681B1; ES2908931T3

Abstract

The invention relates to an anchoring element (10) for a plumbing fastener (40) in an orifice (52) in a mounting plane (50). The anchoring element (10) comprises a base (12) provided with a first through-hole (14) allowing the insertion of a stem (30) such that the stem (30) has a reference inclination (H) with respect to the anchoring element (10). The shape of the first hole (14) is configured to make it possible to modify the inclination of the stem (30) with respect to the reference inclination (H). The anchoring element (10) also comprises a return element (20) configured to return the stem (30) to the reference inclination (H). This return element (20) comprises an elastically deformable element and comprises a second through-hole (24), the base (12) and the return element (20) being assembled such that the first and second holes (14, 24) are superposed at least in part so as to form a slot, and a smallest diameter of the slot is shorter than a smallest diameter of the first hole (14).

Description

Anchor element for a tap fitting

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This presentation concerns the field of sanitary installations.

In particular, the present disclosure relates to a fastening assembly, in particular for the attachment of a fitting, for example sink, sink or bath, on a plan of assembly. By assembly plan, here means any flat or substantially flat portion of any element (sink, bath, worktop, etc.), pierced or adapted to be pierced for mounting a valve. The present disclosure relates more particularly to an anchoring element that can be used in such a fastener assembly, as well as a method of implementing a valve mounting assembly.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

There are known fixing devices of the type called "from above", which require no access below the assembly plan when fixing a valve.

For example, the patent application FR 2 994 203 A1 of the applicant describes a valve fixing device having an anchoring element comprising a central base and two side arms. The fitting is intended to bear on an upper surface of an assembly plan, while the anchoring element is intended to bear on a lower surface of the assembly plan. The arms are adapted to pivot relative to the base to move from an extended position to a retracted position in which the bulk of the anchor element is decreased. Thus, the anchoring element can be inserted through an orifice of the mounting plane when the arms are retracted. When the arms are deployed, the anchoring element provides a large support surface on the work surface and ensures a fixing of the faucet.

However, such an anchoring element comprises moving parts, which reduces its robustness, increases its cost and its difficulty of manufacture. There is therefore a need for a new type of valve fixing device.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the present disclosure relates to an anchoring element for a fitting of valves according to the appended claims. Such an anchoring element may comprise a base provided with a first through hole allowing the insertion of a rod so that the rod has a reference inclination with respect to the anchoring element, the shape of the first hole. being configured to allow the inclination of the shank relative to the reference tilt to be modified, the anchor element further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the shank toward the reference tilt.

The rod intended to cooperate with the anchoring element is for example a threaded rod or not, which can be mounted on the valve to fix. The reference inclination may designate a substantially straight angle between the rod and a main plane of the anchoring element, or any angle obtained when the rod is inserted into the anchoring element. Preferably, the reference inclination corresponds to the final inclination of the anchoring element with respect to the rod, once the fitting is mounted and fixed.

Due to the shape of the first hole, the relative inclination of the anchoring element and the rod can be varied with respect to the reference inclination, so that the anchoring element has a reduced bulk in a plane transverse to its direction of insertion into a hole of the assembly plan. Once the anchor element has passed the other side of said orifice, the return element restores the inclination of the rod relative to the anchor element. Thus, the anchor element is blocked on one side of the mounting plane opposite the valve, which ensures the maintenance of the faucet.

Therefore, the present anchoring element offers a particularly robust solution for fixing a fitting.

In some embodiments, the biasing member includes an elastically deformable member. The elastically deformable element may form all or part of the return element.

In some embodiments, the resiliently deformable member comprises a second through hole, the base and the biasing member being assembled so that the first and second holes are at least partially superimposed to form a light, and a smaller diameter of the light is shorter than a smaller diameter of the first hole.

Since a smaller diameter of the lumen is shorter than a smaller diameter of the first hole, the lumen is necessarily delimited at least in part by the elastically deformable element. Thus, the size of the light can be sized to maintain the rod relative to the anchoring element, the maintenance being effected for example by friction of the rod with the elastically deformable element. In parallel, the elasticity of the elastically deformable element and the characteristics of the first hole make it possible to modify the inclination of the rod relative to the anchoring element.

The second through hole may also be a partially delimited hole, for example an edge of the elastically deformable element, since its contour is sufficient, in combination with the base, to define a light such as a smaller diameter of the light being shorter than a smaller diameter of the first hole.

Such an anchor element is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture. In some embodiments, the first hole is a circular, oblong, oval, elliptical, or the like cylinder, or a cone. It will be recalled that a cylinder is a surface defined by a fixed direction line (generator) describing a closed curve of any shape. As regards the cone, the axis of the cone may be inclined relative to the anchoring element, that is to say form a non-zero angle and not straight relative to a main plane of the element anchor. It is recalled that an oblong shape is defined as the convex envelope of two circles of the same diameter offset with respect to each other.

An anchoring element having a cylindrical hole may advantageously be obtained by simple cutting, in particular in a metal sheet. An anchor having a conical hole may require fabrication by molding, casting, or involving machining.

In some embodiments, a smaller diameter of the second hole is shorter than a smaller diameter of the first hole.

In some embodiments, the anchor element has no articulated portion. Indeed, the inclination of the anchoring element relative to the rod can be modified by adjusting the elasticity of the elastically deformable element. Therefore, it is possible to remove any articulation from the anchoring element, which further simplifies the anchoring element and further reduces its cost.

In some embodiments, the return element is assembled to the base, in particular by gluing, overmolding or welding. The anchoring element is therefore particularly simple to manufacture.

In some embodiments, the anchor member is generally C-shaped. The inclination of the rod relative to the anchor member can then be achieved, preferably, by pivoting the rod in a plane. perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the C, so as to reduce the bulk of the anchoring element to the maximum, particularly vis-à-vis the direction of insertion of the anchoring element in the hole of the assembly plan. More generally, the inclination can be obtained by pivoting with respect to an axis substantially perpendicular to a larger dimension of the anchoring element. By substantially perpendicular direction means a direction at an angle of at most 45 ° with a perpendicular direction.

The present disclosure also relates to an anchoring element for fitting fittings, comprising a base provided with a first through hole, an elastically deformable element provided with a second through hole, the base and the elastically deformable element being assembled from so that the first and second holes overlap at least partially so as to form a light, and a smaller diameter of the light is shorter than a smaller diameter of the first hole. Such an anchoring element may have, in addition, all or part of the additional features mentioned above.

The present disclosure also relates to a valve mounting assembly comprising a rod and an anchoring element as previously described.

In some embodiments, the biasing member is configured to hold the anchor member in position relative to the rod. In particular, the biasing element can be dimensioned so that the holding force it exerts on the rod surpasses the weight of the anchoring element.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the rod is smaller than the smaller diameter of the first hole and the diameter of the rod is greater than the smallest diameter of the light. Thus, the rod is forced into the light formed at least partially by the elastically deformable element. The rod is therefore correctly maintained with respect to the anchoring element and the elasticity of the element elastically deformable ensures the return of the rod in the reference inclination relative to the anchoring element.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the rod is greater than the smaller diameter of the second hole.

In some embodiments, the valve attachment assembly further includes a locking member configured to cooperate with the stem. The locking member makes it possible to lock the position of the anchoring element on the rod, at least in one direction.

In some embodiments, the rod is threaded and the locking member is a nut, in particular a nut having a tapping configured to cooperate with the thread of the rod and, in the extension of the tapping, a smooth portion of greater diameter to the diameter of the stem.

Other types of nuts are possible, for example conventional nuts, disengageable nuts or divisible nuts with quick release. However, the nuts described above have the advantage of adapting to the thickness of the mounting plane and the length of rod available for screwing in the direction in which they are fitted on the rod. The fact of arranging the tapping in the nearest part of the anchoring element or, on the contrary, in the furthest part of the anchoring element, by turning the nut, allows the location of the tightening in a more accessible place than the immediate vicinity of the valve, often congested by pipes, or to reduce the length to be screwed.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of implementing a valve attachment assembly as previously described, for fixing a fitting in an orifice of an assembly plan, comprising the steps of:

- assemble the stem to the taps;

- mount the anchoring element on the rod; tilting the anchoring element relative to the rod;

- engage the anchor element in the hole.

Thanks to the properties of the anchoring element, the valve mounting assembly can be implemented in a very simple way, on an accessible side of the assembly plan, without requiring access to the other side. The implementation is fast and more comfortable for the installer.

In some embodiments, once the anchor element has completely exceeded the assembly plan and has been recalled in its reference inclination by the return element, the assembly plane is enclosed between the valve and the assembly. anchoring element.

In some embodiments, after having gripped the mounting plane, the position of the anchoring element is locked by means of a locking member, for example a nut as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples. This description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows, in perspective, an exploded view of an anchoring element according to a first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are two perspective views, respectively from above and from below, of an attachment assembly according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a method of mounting a sink mixer with the aid of the fixing assembly according to the first embodiment;

- Figure 4 shows in perspective and in section a nut that can belong to a valve mounting assembly; - Figures 5 and 6 respectively show, in bottom view, anchoring elements according to the first and second embodiments;

- Figures 7 and 8 show, in perspective, a third embodiment of a valve mounting assembly;

- Figure 9 shows, in bottom view, an anchoring element according to a fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first embodiment of an anchoring element for a valve attachment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 shows an anchoring element 10 comprising a base 12. The base 12 is provided with a first through hole 14. The first hole 14 allows the insertion of a rod, as will be seen later. . The base 12 is here in the general form of C, U or horseshoe, having a central portion 16c and two arms 16a, 16b arcuate, arranged on either side of the central portion 16c. The two arms 16a, 16b and the central portion 16c are substantially in the same main plane. The general shape of C optimizes the bearing surface of the anchoring element while allowing easy passage of the supply lines of the fitting through the hole of the assembly plan.

In this embodiment, the first hole 14 is provided in the central portion 16c.

The shape of the first hole 14 is configured to change the inclination of the rod. To do this, in the present embodiment, the first hole 14 has an oblong shape. Thus, the inclination of the rod relative to the anchoring element can be modified in a plane defined by the axis of the rod and the largest diameter of the first hole 14.

As indicated above, the anchoring element further comprises a return element 20. The return element 20 here comprises a elastically deformable element. In this embodiment, the return element 20 is entirely constituted by the elastically deformable element. More specifically, the return element 20 here takes the form of a seal (hereinafter "seal 20") elastically deformable, for example a flat gasket. For ease of assembly, the seal 20 may have the same external shape as the base 12, for example comprise a central portion 26c flanked on either side of two arms 26a, 26b.

The return element 20 is assembled to the base, in particular by gluing, overmolding or welding. Moreover, in the example, its thickness is substantially constant.

The seal 20 comprises a second through hole 24. The second hole 24 is configured to allow the passage of a rod. However, because of the elasticity of the seal 20, the second hole 24 may have a larger diameter smaller than the smallest diameter of the rod with which it is intended to cooperate. In this case, the rod is forced into the second hole 24 of the seal 20.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an attachment assembly comprising a rod 30 and an anchoring element 10. In these figures, the base 12 and the seal 20 of the anchoring element 10 are assembled. In addition, in these figures, the rod 30, for example cylindrical and / or threaded, is inserted into a lumen formed by the superposition of the first hole 14 and the second hole 24. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, a smaller diameter the second hole 24 is shorter than a diameter of the rod 30. Moreover, as is apparent from FIG. 2B, a smaller diameter of the first hole 14 is greater than a diameter of the rod 30.

Thus, the size of the light is provided to maintain the rod 30 relative to the anchoring element 10, the maintenance here taking place by friction of the rod 30 with the seal 20. In parallel, the elasticity of the seal 20 and the dimensions of the first hole 14 make it possible to modify the inclination of the rod 30 with respect to the anchoring element 10. With his knowledge, the skilled person can size the seal 20, in particular its thickness, its stiffness and the dimensions of the second hole 24, so as to fulfill the desired functions, namely to maintain the anchoring element 10 on the rod 30 despite its weight, allow the inclination of the anchoring element 10 relative to the rod 30 and maintain the valve after fixing.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate a method of implementing the valve mounting assembly according to the first embodiment, for fixing a fitting 40 in an orifice 52 of an assembly plane 50 The assembly plan is here formed by a sink rim, but the method adapts to any mounting plane drilled or adapted to be drilled, on which it is desired to mount a fitting. Furthermore, the type of faucet shown is also not limiting.

In a first step, the rod 30 is assembled to the valve 40, in a conventional manner. This assembly may optionally use one or more intermediate pieces. For the remainder of the presentation, any intermediate parts will be considered as included in the general expression "tap 40".

Furthermore, before or after assembling the rod 30 to the valve 40, the anchoring element 10 is mounted on the rod 30. As indicated above, this can be done by forcing the rod 30 into the defined light by the first and second holes 14, 24, so that the anchoring element 10 is held on the rod 30. The mounting of the anchoring element 10 on the rod 30 gives the anchoring element 10 a certain inclination relative to the rod 30, said reference inclination. The reference inclination can be chosen according to the needs of the user, within the limit of the freedom offered by the shape of the first hole 14. The reference inclination corresponds for example to the desired final inclination for the element anchoring 10 relative to the rod 30, that is to say the relative inclination of these elements when the tap is mounted and fixed.

The situation after assembling the rod 30 to the valve 40 and mounting the anchoring element 10 on the rod 30 is shown in Figure 3A. In this figure, H is the plane representing the reference angle (reference position) of the anchor element relative to the rod. FIG. 3A also shows rigid or flexible pipes 54 which can be connected to water inlets, preferably after complete fixing of the tap 40.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the anchoring element 10 is inclined with respect to the rod 30. Here, the inclination of the anchoring element with respect to the rod is modified by an angle T by relative to the reference inclination. The angle T may be of the order of 45 °, for example between 30 ° and 60 °. Lower angles are actually accessible but may be insufficient to sufficiently reduce the size of the anchor. The biasing element tends to recall the anchoring element 10 in its reference inclination. Thus, the anchoring element must be maintained, for example manually, in its modified inclination.

Due to its modified inclination, the size of the anchoring element 10 perpendicular to its direction of insertion into the orifice 52 is reduced. As a result, it is possible to engage the anchoring element 10 in the orifice 52, more precisely to engage the rod 30 and the anchoring element 10 in the orifice 52. Moreover, from the when an arm 16b of the base 12 is engaged in the orifice 52, the inclination of the anchoring element 10 relative to the rod 30 is maintained on its own thanks to the fact that the arm 16b in this stage, it is no longer necessary to manually maintain the anchoring element 10 so that it maintains its modified inclination with respect to the rod 30. The fastener assembly can thus be inserted into the orifice 52, as shown in FIG. 3C.

Once the other arm 16a is outside the orifice 52, on the side of the mounting plane 50 opposite the valve 40, nothing keeps the anchoring element 10 in its modified inclination. Consequently, the seal 20, forming a return element, recalls the anchoring element 10 in its reference inclination with respect to the rod 30. In its reference inclination, the anchoring element 10 has a bulk that prevents the exit again from the orifice 52. The anchoring element 10 can come into contact with the surface of the mounting plane 50 opposite the valve 40 to maintain said valve 40.

If necessary, if it is not sufficiently close to the mounting plane 50, the anchoring element 10 can then be brought closer to the mounting plane 50, possibly in such a way as to grip the mounting plane 50 between the element of assembly. anchor 10 and the fitting 40.

FIG. 4 shows a nut 60 that can be used in addition to the rod 30 and the anchoring element 10 previously described, so as to lock the position of the anchoring element 10 on the rod 30, at least in one direction. The nut 60 has a tapping 62 configured to cooperate with the thread of the rod 30 and, in the extension of the tapping 62, a smooth portion 64 of diameter greater than the diameter of the rod 30. The nut may comprise an outer surface 66 adapted to allow its clamping, for example a cylindrical surface hexagonal base ("six-sided surface"). The nut 60 can be screwed onto the rod 30 at the free end of the rod 30.

Such a nut 60 can be screwed into two positions. According to a first position corresponding to the direction shown in FIG. 4, the tapping 62 is disposed in the part furthest from the anchoring element 10. Thus, the smooth part 64 surrounds the rod 30 and the length to be screwed so that the upper part 68 comes into contact with the element Anchor 10 is reduced by the length of the smooth portion 64. This minimizes the clamping time, which makes the fastener assembly even faster to install.

According to a second position, useful in particular in the case where the rod length protruding from the mounting plane is not sufficient to use the first position, the nut 60 is screwed onto the rod with the thread 62 disposed in the most important part. away from the anchoring element 10. This corresponds to the reverse orientation of that of FIG. 4.

Figures 6 to 9 show an anchoring element or an attachment assembly in other embodiments. In these figures, the elements corresponding or identical to those of the first embodiment will receive the same reference sign and will not be described again.

Figure 6 is a bottom view of an anchoring element 10 according to a second embodiment. By way of comparison, the bottom view of the anchoring element 10 of the first embodiment is shown in FIG.

In the second embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first hole 14 and the second hole 24 are circular section. Moreover, they are concentric here. As indicated previously, the second hole 24 has a smaller diameter than the first hole 14. In this embodiment, the light is entirely defined by the second hole 24.

In the first embodiment (FIG. 5), the inclination of the anchoring element with respect to the rod can be modified essentially in a plane passing through the rod and by the direction in which the first oblong hole extends. 14. The second embodiment (Figure 6) has the following advantage: the inclination of the anchor relative to the rod can be changed in all plans passing through the stem. Such an arrangement of the first and second holes provides increased flexibility of use.

Figures 7 and 8 show, in perspective, a third embodiment of a fastener assembly, more particularly suitable for fittings requiring a two-point fixation. Figure 7 illustrates a reference inclination, while Figure 8 illustrates a modified inclination with respect to the reference inclination.

In such a fixing assembly, the base 12 of the anchoring element 10 comprises two first holes 14a, 14b, allowing the respective insertion of two rods 30a, 30b. The return member 20 may take the form of a flat seal similar to that previously described. The return element 20 and the base 12 may form a single lumen intended to cooperate with one of the rods 30a, 30b, or two lumens, namely a light by first hole 14a, 14b. The configuration having a single lumen in cooperation with a single first hole, typically the first hole 14b, facilitates the sliding of the other first hole 14a along the corresponding rod 30a (see Figure 8). In other words, it is not necessary for the seal 20 to have two second holes. A single second hole intended to form a light as previously described with the first hole 14b would, in this example, be sufficient.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the anchoring element is in its reference inclination relative to the rods 30a, 30b, the rods 30a, 30b occupy positions in the first holes 14a, 14b respectively. close to each other. When the inclination of the anchoring element 10 is modified relative to the reference inclination (FIG. 8), the rods 30a, 30b occupy, respectively, in the first holes 14a, 14b, positions remote from each other. other. This reflects the fact that the size of the anchoring element 10 is reduced, when its inclination is modified relative to the reference inclination, with respect to the direction of the rods 30a, 30b, which generally corresponds to the insertion direction of the fixing assembly in the orifice 52 of the assembly plane 50.

Figure 9 shows a fourth embodiment in which the base 12 has two first holes 14a, 14b, here having substantially arcuate shapes. The return element 20 comprises two second holes 24a, 24b, here having substantially circular shapes. A smaller diameter of the first holes 14a, 14b is respectively greater than a smaller diameter of the second holes 24a, 24b. In this embodiment, because of the arcuate shape of the first holes 14a, 14b, the inclination of the anchoring element 10 relative to the rods 30a, 30b is accompanied by a rotational movement. of the anchoring element 10. Such a movement may make it easier to exert the force to be applied to maintain a modified inclination of the anchor element with respect to its reference inclination.

In a two-point fixing assembly, nothing requires that the two rods 30a, 30b have the same dimension. The dimensions of the first and second corresponding holes can be adapted accordingly.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. For example, the shapes of the first and second holes may be exchanged from one embodiment to another; the shapes presented in the framework of anchoring elements comprising two first holes may be adapted to the anchoring elements comprising a single first hole, and vice versa. Furthermore, although the holes have essentially been presented as cylindrical, they may also be conical or in any other form appropriate to their function. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Anchoring element (10) for a valve mounting (40), comprising a base (12) provided with a first through hole (14), an elastically deformable element (20) having a second hole (24). ), the base (12) and the elastically deformable element (20) being assembled so that the first and second holes (14, 24) overlap at least partially so as to form a light, and a smaller diameter light is shorter than a smaller diameter of the first hole (14).

An anchoring element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first through hole (14) allows the insertion of a rod (30) so that the rod (30) has a reference inclination (H) relative to the anchoring element (10), the shape of the first hole (14) being configured to change the inclination of the rod (30) relative to the reference inclination (H), the an elastically deformable member (20) being configured to bias the shank (30) toward the reference inclination (H).

3. anchoring element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, the anchoring element (10) being devoid of articulated portion.

4. anchoring element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the return element (20) is assembled to the base (12) in particular by gluing, overmolding or welding.

A valve mounting assembly comprising a rod (30) and an anchor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

The valve mounting assembly of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the rod (30) is smaller than the smaller diameter of the first hole (14) and the diameter of the rod (30) is greater than the smallest diameter of the the light.

The valve attachment assembly of claim 5 or 6, further comprising a locking member (60) configured to cooperate with the stem (30).

A valve mounting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the stem (30) is threaded and the locking member (60) is a nut, in particular a nut having a thread (62) configured to cooperate with the thread. the rod (30) and, in the extension of the tapping (62), a smooth portion (64) of diameter greater than the diameter of the rod (30).

9. A method of implementing a valve mounting assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8 for fixing a valve (40) in an orifice (52) of a mounting plane (50) , comprising the steps of:

- assemble the rod (30) to the valve (40);

- Mount the anchoring element (10) on the rod (30);

- tilting the anchoring element (10) relative to the rod (30);

- engage the anchoring element (10) in the orifice (52).