Mounting Device for a Fitting Panel

Abstract

A mounting device for a fitting panel has a base element (20) and at least one fluid connection element (50). The base element includes, at a front side, a device (21, 22) for fastening a fitting panel and, at a rear side, an at least substantially planar bearing surface, at least one through-opening (23) for a fastening device being arranged in the base element and extending from the rear side of the base element to the front side of the base element, in such a way that a fastening device may be passed through the base element at the at least one through-opening. The fluid connection element includes a throughflow channel (51) and a pressing surface (53), wherein the pressing surface is dimensioned such that at least its maximum entire cross-sectional extension is greater than at least one cross-sectional extension of the through-opening, and wherein the at least one through-opening is provided and configured such that a stub (52) of the fluid connection element may be passed, as a fastening device, through the base element at at least two different positions on the base element.

Description

This application is a Continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, International Application No. PCT/EP2016/063222, filed 9 Jun. 2016, and claims priority therethrough under 35 U.S.C. § § 119, 365 to European App. Nos. 15171958.0, filed 12 Jun. 2015, and 15181531.3, filed 19 Aug. 2015, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of Endeavor

The present disclosure relates to a mounting device for a fitting panel. It also relates to a fitting unit having a mounting device of the stated kind, a base element for a mounting device, a fluid connection element, and a method for mounting a fitting unit.

Brief Description of the Related Art

Permanently installed fitting units for the connection of fluids such as gases or liquids offer the advantage of high robustness. It is in industrial or public and semi-public areas that these advantages make themselves felt. Thus, fittings, for example in sanitary facilities, may be provided without parts that can be accessed or manipulated from outside.

It is desirable to simplify the mounting of such fitting units. By way of example, when dowel holes are drilled a lot of dirt arises, care and accuracy are required, and existing structures such as tiles are irreversibly damaged. US 2005/0044623 proposes a mounting device for a shower panel, wherein, on the one hand, the wall mounting takes place using the existing pipe connectors in the wall, and, on the other, a suction cup is used for additional support and fixing. Thus, by means of the device proposed there, a shower panel may be fastened to the wall without drill-holes. CN 103343557 also discloses a fitting unit where a fitting panel is fastened to the existing pipe connectors in the wall.

A disadvantage, however, is seen in the fact that, when the fitting units are, for example, connected to pre-existing pipe connectors in a wall, the height of a fitting is predetermined. By way of example, it may be that a shower head comes to rest higher or lower than desired. This is associated with reduced convenience and efficiency. The same applies, of course, to fitting panels comprising water taps, mixer taps, washbasins, and the like.

The same may be said if, by way of example, gas connectors are to be provided in a wall at an ergonomic and/or operationally convenient position based on existing pipe connectors.

The fitting units known from the state of the art, which are fastened to a wall using the existing pipe connectors, thus have the disadvantage of low flexibility as regards the arrangement of the fittings if the pipe connectors in the wall are at a predetermined position. Therefore, to be able to enjoy the advantages, the stated disadvantages must be accepted, or a dedicated fitting panel be made for each application.

SUMMARY

A mounting device for a fitting panel is described here, which offers advantages in this regard. The mounting device is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it may be fastened to the wall with no additional drilling, i.e., using existing pipe connectors as fastening points, while, on the other, the desired flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the fittings is ensured. According to a further aspect, a fitting panel or a fitting unit may be mounted particularly easily and quickly, and thus cost-effectively, by the mounting device described. A fluid connection element is also described, which at the same time serves to fasten the mounting device to the wall or another surface, such that the fastening may take place directly to an existing pipe connector in the wall. The fluid connection element described is particularly easy to handle. It also has the advantage of flexibly positioning the connector for the fittings as required.

Furthermore, a method is described for mounting a fitting unit using the mounting device described.

Further effects and advantages of the objects described here, whether or not expressly stated, become apparent in the light of the present disclosure.

This is achieved by a mounting device as described herein.

Accordingly, a mounting device for a fitting panel is disclosed, which mounting device comprises a base element and at least one fluid connection element, wherein the base element comprises, at a front side, means for fastening a fitting panel and, at a rear side, an at least substantially planar bearing surface. In the base element at least one through-opening for a fastening means is provided, extending from the rear side of the base element, in particular from the bearing surface, to the front side of the base element, in such a way that a fastening means may be passed through the base element at the at least one through-opening or pass-through opening. The fluid connection element comprises a throughflow channel and a pressing surface, wherein the throughflow channel intersects a plane of the pressing surface and wherein the pressing surface is dimensioned such that at least its maximum entire cross-sectional extension is greater than at least one cross-sectional extension of the through-opening. Here, the entire cross-sectional extension is understood as an “overall” dimension. The entire cross-sectional extension is, accordingly, a dimension across the outer edges of the pressing surface. In the case of, by way of example, an annular pressing surface, the entire cross-sectional extension does not mean the width of the ring between an external radius and an internal radius, but the outer diameter. Accordingly, at least the smallest cross-sectional extension of the at least one through-opening is smaller than the stated cross-sectional extension of the pressing surface. Furthermore, the fluid connection element comprises a stub, extending from the plane of the pressing surface and projecting from the latter. The throughflow channel extends through the stub. In particular, the stub generally has a circular cylindrical form or, in other embodiments, is formed generally as a cone, truncated cone, with a circular cross-section, wherein the cone tapers towards the free end of the stub. Generally cylindrical or generally conical in this connection means, of course, that chamfers or flutes or other structures, such as a thread, may be provided on the outer circumference of the stub, as long as the envelope of the contour has a cylindrical or conical form. On an axial end of the stub, a cross-sectional expansion is formed, whereby a radial step of the fluid connection element is formed, which also points towards the free end of the stub and forms the pressing surface. Further possible exemplary embodiments of the fluid connection element are set forth below. The at least one through-opening is configured and provided in such a way that the stub may be passed, as a fastening device, through the base element at at least two different positions on the base element. In other words, the dimensions of the at least one through-opening and the fluid connection element are matched to one another in such a way that, while the stub fits through the at least one through-opening at at least two positions on the base element, the pressing surface does not, and so, with the stub in the pass-through position, may rest on an edge of the through-opening. In the following, these positions, at which the stub may be passed through the base element, are also referred to as fastening positions. The at least one through-opening is conveniently configured and provided in such a way that there are at least two possible fastening positions, with a distance to one another of 100 mm or less. In particular, in certain embodiments of the object described, there are at least two fastening positions, with a distance of 150 mm or more, 200 mm or more, and/or 250 mm or more.

The mounting device is further designed in such a way, or the at least one through-opening is configured and provided in such a way that the selection of possible fastening positions may take place steplessly or in the smallest possible steps. Thus, it may be provided that the distance between two possible fastening positions is 100 mm or less, in particular 80 mm or less, and more particularly 50 mm or less.

The at least one through-opening is further configured and provided in such a way that at least three possible fastening positions are possible, and, in particular, at least five possible fastening positions are provided.

Regarding the design of the fluid connection element with the stub, it should be noted that, according to certain embodiments of the object described here, the fluid connection element is formed in one piece, integrally with the stub. Here, in one piece means either that the fluid connection element is manufactured with the stub seamlessly from one blank, or that the fluid connection element is permanently joined, for example by soldering or welding, with the stub. In other embodiments, the fluid connection element includes a pressing element and a bolt, in particular with a hollow bore, on which the stub is formed, which are joined in such a way that they may be detached, in particular are detachable without being destroyed. By way of example, the bolt may be screwed into the pressing element. It is understood that, with these embodiments, a suitable seal between the bolt and the pressing element must be ensured, so that no fluid leakage from the throughflow channel via the joint between the bolt and the pressing element can occur. In particular, the pressure surface is formed on an end face of the pressing element surrounding the bolt.

The stub is shaped and designed in such a way that, either directly or with an intermediately provided spacer or adapter, such as for example the connection socket described below, fluid communication with a pipe wall connector may be provided for. In certain embodiments, an external thread is formed on the stub, in such a way that the fluid connection element including the stub includes an external thread on the stub.

In certain embodiments of the object described, the fastening positions are selectable steplessly, for example by arranging a slotted hole, within which the fastening position may be selected. In other embodiments of the object described, the fastening positions are determined incrementally, for example by providing discrete through-openings. In addition, there are embodiments and hybrids of both, in which, for example, a number of discrete slotted holes are provided. A more detailed description of this is provided below and in the exemplary embodiments.

The initial situation in which the present object is used is, in particular, as follows: A fitting panel is intended to be fastened to a surface, for example to a wall, in such a way that a fitting of the fitting panel comes to rest at a defined position. Here, a fastening point is predetermined on the surface on which mounting is to take place. The surface may, for example, be a surface of an upright wall and the fastening point may be a pipe connector in the wall. The disclosed mounting device now allows the fastening position of the base element of the mounting device to be flexibly selected in such a way that, when the fitting panel is connected to the mounting device by means of corresponding fastening devices on the fitting panel and on the base element, the fitting comes to rest at the desired intended position. This has the advantage that existing fastening points on the surface may be used without having to provide new fastening points. In particular, a screw joint with the fastening point of the surface is provided at the desired fastening position, in such a way that, when the screw joint is tightened, the base element is pressed against the surface and may be connected with the latter through friction.

By means of the mounting device described here and the mounting method specified further below it is accordingly possible to mount a particular fitting panel at a predefined fastening position on a surface and, in particular, also in the case of a predefined position of a pipe connector on the surface, to mount it in such a way that a desired position of the fittings provided on the fitting panel is achieved. The position of the fittings can be flexibly selected, but it is fixed once mounting is completed. The fittings may, by way of example, be gas connectors, shutoff devices, water taps, showerheads, and the like, wherein this list should in no way be considered exclusive. Here, the mounting may be performed without new fastening points having to be provided in the surface on which the fitting panel is intended to be arranged. For this purpose, as the fastening point, in particular, a pipe connector is used, to which a fitting of the fitting panel is intended to be connected. This is enabled, on the one hand, by the fact that the at least one through-opening on the base element is designed in such a way that at least two fastening positions are provided, and, on the other, by the fact that the fluid connection element including the pressing surface is designed in such a way that, while providing for fluid communication with the pipe connector, it also contributes to the fastening of the base element to the surface.

The device described and the method described below therefore allow, by way of example, a fitting provided on a fitting panel to be arranged on a wall at a desired height corresponding to a predetermined position of a water connector, without having to provide new fastening points in the wall. Another example enables connection points for gases accessible to a user to be arranged at easily accessible points in the case of predetermined wall connectors. This can be advantageous, for example in industrial applications, but, for another instance, also in hospitals.

Accordingly, the fastening point is particularly conveniently selected at a location where a pipe connector is provided on the surface. Here, the pipe connector may be positioned within a structure on which the surface is provided, or the pipe connector may protrude from this structure on the side of that surface. The pipe connector may be a connector of a supply line for a gaseous or liquid medium, for example a water connector. The pipe connector, however, may similarly be a connector of a return line, for example a sewage pipe. That structure is, by way of example, a wall. If the pipe connector is positioned within the structure, the base element is placed on the surface in such a way that a through-opening at the desired position on the base element coincides with the location of the surface where the pipe connector is provided. The fluid connection element includes a stub, which extends from the pressing surface and in the interior of which a part of the throughflow channel of the fluid connection element is provided. Here, the stub, according to certain embodiments, comprises an external thread, which corresponds to an internal thread, provided on the pipe connector or on a spacer connected to the pipe connector. Here, the through-opening is dimensioned such that the stub may be passed through the through-opening. In this way, the stub serves as a fastening device for the base element. The stub of the fluid connection element is screwed to the pipe connector, whereby the pressing surface comes to rest on the edge of the through-opening. A suitable tightening torque of the screw joint fixes the base element on the surface. In certain embodiments, the fluid connection element comprises a pressing element and a bolt, which are detachably joined or joinable with each other. Here, the stub is formed on the bolt. By way of example, the pressing element comprises an internal flow channel, extending through the pressing surface. In this channel, by way of example, an internal thread is formed. The bolt comprises a corresponding external thread, in such a way that the bolt, along a part of its axial extension, may be screwed into the pressing element, with the stub projecting. It is thus possible to screw the stub or the bolt of the fluid connection element solely to the pipe connector, to position the base element by means of the bolt, wherein the bolt then protrudes through the through-opening, and then to join, in particular screw, the pressing element with the bolt, on which the stub is formed. By appropriate tightening of the joint, the base element is fixed on the surface in the said manner. In doing so, fluid communication between the pipe connector and the throughflow channel in the fluid connection element is provided for in each case. Here, the connection or screw joint of the fluid connection element with the pipe connector may, on the one hand, be provided directly, for example by direct screwing, in particular screwing in, of the stub to or into the pipe connector, or may comprise an intermediately provided element, for example a connection socket, as described in more detail below.

With a suitable design of the base element of the mounting device, the latter may also be used if a number of, in particular two, pipe connectors are present. These may, for example, be connectors for hot and cold water, but also connectors for different gases or liquids.

Accordingly, a method is also disclosed for mounting a fitting unit on a surface. The fitting unit comprises a mounting device according to the present disclosure, and a fitting panel having means by which the fitting panel may be fastened to corresponding means of the baseplate of the mounting device, and at least one fitting. This method comprises selecting a desired position of a fitting, determining the position of a pipe connector on the surface, based on the distance between the positions, determining the required fastening position that the pipe connector must have on the base element so that the fitting achieves the desired position, placing the base element, by its rear side, on the surface, in such a way that the pipe connector coincides with a through-opening of the base element at the required fastening position, and connecting, in particular screwing, the fluid connection element to the pipe connector from the front side of the base element.

A more specific case involves a method for mounting a fitting unit on an upright surface, comprising selecting a desired height of a fitting, determining the height of a pipe connector on the upright surface, from the height difference, determining the required position that the pipe connector must have on the base element so that the fitting achieves the desired height, placing the base element, by its rear side, on the upright surface, in such a way that the pipe connector coincides with a through-opening of the base element at the required position, and connecting, in particular screwing, the fluid connection element to the pipe connector from the front side of the base element.

By appropriate tightening of the screw joint, the base element may be connected through friction with the surface to which the fitting unit is fastened in any of said mounting methods.

Self-evidently, a plurality, in particular two, pipe connectors may also be present, each of which is connected to a fluid connection element in said manner.

The method may also comprise connecting a fluid connector of the fitting to a fluid connector provided on a fluid connection element. Here, in particular, flexible connection elements, for example hoses, may be used. Furthermore, the method may comprise, in particular once the necessary fluid communications have been provided for, connecting the fitting panel by connecting corresponding fastening means on the base element of the mounting device and the fitting panel.

The base element has, in particular, a longitudinal extension and a transversal extension, wherein the longitudinal extension is greater than the transversal extension. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one through-opening is provided in such a way that the various fastening positions are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the base element.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one through-opening comprises at least one slotted hole, or is a slotted hole. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the fastening positions may be selected continuously and steplessly within the slotted hole. Here, the slotted hole is provided in exemplary embodiments in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the slotted hole or slotted holes runs in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the base element. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a single slotted hole is provided, which covers the entire adjusting range within which the fastening positions may be selected, and wherein the longitudinal extension of the slotted hole is at least as great as the planned adjusting range, plus the diameter of a fastening element to be passed through the slotted hole. Thus, the fastening positions may be selected steplessly and continuously across the entire possible adjusting range. In another embodiment, a plurality of slotted holes are provided one after another along their parallel or identical longitudinal axes. In this way, a fastening position may be selected on the base element by area, continuously and steplessly.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the mounting device, at least two slotted holes are provided, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged in parallel. If these are provided offset to one another in the direction of their transversal axis, this allows the arrangement of the base element also in the case where a plurality of pipe connectors are present on the surface to which the base element is intended to be attached.

According to a further aspect, the mounting device may comprise at least two individual through-openings, arranged in a row. The through-openings are, in particular, arranged along a straight line. Here, the distance between adjacent through-openings, measured between the opposing edges of two adjacent openings, is less than five times the cross-sectional dimension of a through-opening, measured at right angles to the orientation of said row or to the straight line. In more specific embodiments, that distance is less than three times, less than twice, less than once, less than half, or less than one third of said cross-sectional dimension, and more particularly a quarter or less than said cross-sectional dimension. In further exemplary embodiments, adjacent through-openings overlap. The provision of individual pass-through openings, on the one hand, has the disadvantage that the selection of the fastening position cannot take place steplessly or completely steplessly.

Here, the distances at which the fastening position may be selected, are, inter alia, determined by the abovementioned distances of the through-openings. It may therefore be advantageous to select these distances to be as small as possible, to allow for greater flexibility in the arrangement of the base element. On the other hand, the provision of individual pass-through openings offers an advantage when mounting the base element, in particular on an upright surface. In this case, the fastening position has already been secured when the stub is passed through the pass-through opening and anchored to the surface, without a connection through friction between the base element and the upright surface having to be provided first. A fitter may therefore initially suspend the base element in the corresponding fastening position on the upright surface in the abovementioned manner, and then has both hands free in order to, by way of example, pick up a tool with which he, by way of example, can tighten a screw joint. In this regard, it may be convenient if the through-openings are at least approximately circular openings accommodating the stub with little play. Thus, for example, individual openings with a diameter in the range of 23 to 25 millimeters may be provided. Other diameters are, of course, similarly possible in the context of the present disclosure. These may be conveniently selected in such a way that the stub of the fluid connection element, which has a certain external diameter, may be passed through smoothly, but with only little play.

This means, a mounting device of the stated kind is also disclosed where the through-openings comprise, or are, openings with at least an approximately circular cross-section.

Here, the orientation of the row or straight line determines the direction along which the various fastening positions may be selected. Here, according to an even more specific aspect of the mounting device, the row or straight line extends along a transversal extension or a longitudinal extension of the base element.

In further embodiments, at least two parallel rows of openings are provided. Here, in particular, the mutual spacings of the openings in both rows are identical. This allows the mounting device to also be flexibly used where more than two pipe connectors are present and intended to be used. Here, it may be convenient if the through-openings in one of these rows are dimensioned such that a fastening element is accommodated in each direction with only little play, as explained above, while the through-openings in the other row or rows are designed in such a way that generally greater play possible. In this way, tolerances in the mutual arrangement of the pipe connectors may be compensated for.

The mounting device may also comprise a connection socket. This connection socket comprises a first thread, suitable and provided for screwing to a pipe connector, for example a predetermined wall connector provided onsite. The connection socket also comprises a second thread, which corresponds to a thread of the fluid connection element, in such a way that the stub of the fluid connection element may be screwed to the connection socket by means of the second thread. Here, on the connection socket and/or on the fluid connection element, in particular, a flute may be provided, provided and arranged in such a way as to accommodate an O-ring for sealing between the connection socket and the fluid connection element. The threads may be provided as internal and/or external threads. In particular, one of the threads may be realized as an internal thread, and the other said thread may be realized as an external thread. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection socket comprises an external thread that is provided in order to be screwed into an internal thread of the wall connector, and an internal thread which corresponds to an external thread on the stub of the fluid connection element.

The method described above for mounting a fitting unit also comprises in this case screwing the connection socket to the pipe connector. In doing so, the threaded connection between the pipe connector and the connection socket may be sealed by means of a suitable sealing material, for example with hemp. Other seal arrangements and materials are, of course, possible. The fluid connection element is screwed to the second thread of the connection socket. This means, the fluid connection element is connected or screwed indirectly to the pipe connector from the front side of the base element.

Furthermore, an exemplary mounting device is described where at least one row of slotted holes is provided, the longitudinal axes of which run at least approximately at right angles or parallel to the orientation of the row.

A fitting unit is also disclosed, comprising a mounting device of the type described and a fitting panel. Here, the fitting panel comprises means by which the fitting panel is may be fastened to corresponding means of the baseplate of the mounting device, and also comprises at least one fitting including a fluid connector. The fitting unit further comprises flexible pipes for connecting the fluid connector of the fitting to a fluid connector provided on a fluid connection element. The flexible pipes allow this connection to also be provided when the relative positions of a fitting and a fluid connection element are not known in advance, as is the case with the application of the objects described here. Since the fluid connection element at the same time serves to fasten the base element to a surface, it comes to rest at the flexibly selected fastening position on the base element in each case, whereby the distance between the fluid connection element and the fluid connector of the fitting is variable. This is possible thanks to the flexible pipes. Here, ends of the flexible pipes and the connection points on the fluid connection element and/or on the fitting may be equipped with quick-action couplings.

A base element for a mounting device is also described, having the features described above in relation to a base element.

In the following, an embodiment of a fluid connection element is described in more detail, which simultaneously serves to attach the base element to a surface. A fluid connection element is basically known from, by way of example, DE 20 2011 102 730 U1 (incorporated by reference herein). The fluid connection element described here has a first and a second end face, between which an axial extension is defined. From the first end face, a first channel running in the direction of the axial extension is provided within the fluid connection element. The fluid connection element, on an outer side, furthermore comprises a flute running transversally to the axial extension and delimited by two axial delimiting walls. The flute extends, in length, in particular at least over part of the circumference of the fluid connection element, and may, in particular, be realized as a fully circumferential flute. Here, the cross-section around which said circumference extends, may be circular but, in principle, also have other, for example polygonal, forms. In certain embodiments, the fluid connection element comprises two cylindrical rims, on which the axial delimiting walls of the flute are provided and between which the flute is provided. A second channel extends from the flute into the fluid connection element. The second channel is in fluid communication with the first channel within the fluid connection element, in such a way that the first channel and the second channel together form a throughflow channel which connects the first end face with the flute. The fluid connection element comprises a stub, extending from the first end face towards the second end face. The first channel extends through the stub. At an axial end of the stub and towards the second end face, a cross-sectional expansion is provided, whereby a radial step with a front face is formed, wherein said front face, formed by the radial step, forms the pressing surface of the fluid connection element. The radial step is a transition to a larger cross-section than that of the stub. It is, accordingly, implicit that the pressing surface points towards the first end face or to the free end of the stub. It will likewise be implicit to a person skilled in the art that the radial step must have sufficiently large dimensions to serve as a pressing surface; the technical knowledge of a person skilled in the art will allow such dimensioning. The pressing surface is also formed on one of the rims, in particular on an outer side thereof.

It may also be provided that the fluid connection element comprises an annular element, provided surrounding the cylindrical rims, and which, on its outer surface, has a connector opening between a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface of the annular element. A fluid-tight arrangement between the cylindrical rims and the annular element is provided, in such a way that the flute of the fluid connection element provides for fluid communication between the throughflow channel of the fluid connection element and the connector opening of the annular element. This allows for fluid communication between the first end face and the connector opening of the annular element. If the fluid connection element is now connected to a pipe connector, then likewise a connection between the pipe connector and the connector opening of the annular element is provided. At the connector opening of the annular element, in particular, means are provided which allow for the connection of further pipes. Thus, by way of example, an internal thread may be provided, to which a pipe may be directly connected or into which a connection element, for example a grommet or a quick-action coupling, may be screwed. It may also, in particular, be provided that the annular element is provided on the rims in such a way that it is rotatable in its circumferential direction. Thus, the circumferential position of the connector provided on the annular element may be varied. In a further embodiment, the annular element is provided with a further threaded bore, through which a screw or threaded rod may be screwed, axially securing the annular element within the flute and possibly also fixing it in the circumferential direction.

In a further development of the fluid connection element described, in the region of the first end face, a thread is provided, the threaded axis of which extends in the direction of the axial extension of the fluid connection element. The thread serves, in particular, to provide the direct or indirect screw joint of the fluid connection element with a pipe connector. As described above, this screwing takes place from the front side of a base element of a mounting device of the type described, in such a way that the pressing surface of the fluid connection element comes to rest on the front side of the base element, whereby, when the screw joint is tightened further, the base element is pressed onto a surface where the pipe connector is provided.

A further exemplary embodiment of the fluid connection element is characterized in that said thread is formed on the outer surface of the stub. In particular, the first channel is provided centrally in the stub.

As described above, the fluid connection element may be formed in one piece, integrally, with the stub according to certain exemplary embodiments, or may include a pressing element and a bolt on which the stub is formed, which are joined in a detachable manner.

The above embodiments of the objects described may, of course, be combined with one another. Further, not specifically disclosed embodiments of the teaching of this document will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The facts presented here will be explained in more detail in the following, using selected exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. This shows in detail as follows:

FIG. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a sanitary fitting unit using a mounting device described here;

FIG. 2 a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a base element of a mounting device described here;

FIGS. 3a, b further exemplary embodiments of a base element of a mounting device described here;

FIG. 4 an exemplary fluid connection element;

FIG. 5 a sectional view of the fluid connection element of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 an example of the fastening of a base element to a wall, wherein a connection socket is used.

Details that are unnecessary for an understanding of the objects described have been omitted. Furthermore, the drawings show only selected exemplary embodiments and may not be taken as a restriction of the objects set forth in the claims. Objects not shown may to all intents and purposes be covered by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a fitting unit 1, having a fitting panel 10 and a mounting device, wherein the mounting device includes a base element 20 and a fluid connection element 50. The base element 20 has a front side, pointing towards the fitting panel, and an opposing rear side. This rear side has a planar bearing surface, with which the base element may be provided on a wall or another surface that are not shown. On the fitting panel 10, a fitting is provided in a manner known per se, in the example shown a mounting fixture 11 for a shower head. A fitting connector 12 is also provided, via which water may be supplied to the shower head. Not shown, for reasons of clarity, but nevertheless easily understandable for a person skilled in the art, there is a connection between the fitting connector 12 and the fluid connection element 50. This may be provided for in a similarly known manner by flexible and, in particular, pressure-resistant hoses. The fluid connection element 50 of the mounting device includes a hollow-drilled stub 52, in which a channel 51 is provided. The drill hole in the stub is connected to a radial drill hole opening into a flute which acts as a fluid distributor in the fluid connection element. The fluid connection element 50 is explained in more detail below. On the stub 52, an external thread is provided. By means of this external thread, the fluid connection element 50 may be screwed into a pipe connector, not shown. In this way a fluid, for example water in the shown example of a shower panel, may flow from the pipe connector into the fluid connection element 50 and from there, as described above, be passed to the fitting connector 12. By screwing the fluid connection element 50 or the stub 52 into a pipe connector, which, by way of example, is provided in a wall, a pressing surface 53 of the fluid connection element comes to rest on the front side of the base element 20. When the screw joint between the fluid connection element 50 and the pipe connector is tightened further, a force is exerted on the base element, which presses the base element against the wall, not shown, and fixes it there through friction. Even if the wall and the pipe connector are not shown for reasons of clarity, this will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Between the wall and the base element, at another location of the base element, a device may also be provided which is fastened to the wall through adhesion, thus preventing rotation of the fitting unit about the fastening point provided by the fluid connection element. This adhesive connection may, by way of example, be provided by a suction pad or by adhesive bonding. As may be seen, in this way, the base element may be fastened to a wall very simply and without drilling dowel holes. The fitting panel 10 is connected to the base element in a similarly known manner by means of suitable devices 13 and 14 and corresponding devices 21 and 22. In this way, the fitting panel is fixed on the wall.

The view of a front side of the base element 20 in FIG. 2 discloses an arrangement of a plurality of through-openings 23 in a row or along a straight line, wherein the orientation of the row or the straight line runs in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the base element. The through-openings 23 are provided with a center-to-center distance or pitch t. This pitch is constant for all through-openings, which, while not necessary, is convenient. Through these through-openings, as shown in FIG. 1, a fastening element, thus for example a stub of a fluid connection element, may be passed, in order to fasten the base element to a wall or another surface, as described in connection with FIG. 1. Here, each of the through-openings 23 provides a discrete fastening position. The increments of the fastening positions are determined by the pitch t or, for a predetermined diameter D of the through-openings shown, by the distance s between opposing edges of the through-openings. This distance s is selected to be significantly smaller than the diameter D. The diameter D is, by way of example, selected in a range of 23 to 25 millimeters. The pitch may, by way of example, be 30 mm, resulting in a distance s of approximately 6 mm. The distance s is approximately a quarter of the diameter of the through-openings. These dimensions should, of course, not be deemed limiting; the respective dimensions, in particular the cross-sectional dimensions of the through-openings, may be selected to be convenient for each individual case and dependent, for example, on the external diameter of the element to be passed through.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show further exemplary embodiments of the arrangement of at least one through-opening on a base element of a mounting device of the type described, which in each case allow a stub of a fluid connection element to be passed through the base element at various positions on the base element. FIG. 3a shows an embodiment in which a single slotted hole 24 with a longitudinal axis, running at least substantially in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the base element 20, is provided and covers the entire adjusting range. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, this has the advantage that the fastening position may be selected continuously and steplessly along the longitudinal axis of the slotted hole 24. On the other side, the base element is not fixed on a surface until the fastening element is tightened with a minimum tightening toque, in such a way that a sufficient connection through friction between the base element 20 and the surface to which it is intended to be fastened is provided. FIG. 3b shows an embodiment which is suitable for fastening a fitting unit requiring two pipe connectors, for example for hot water and cold water, or for the supply of different gases. Two rows of through-openings 25 and 26 are provided. Here, in one row, slotted holes 25 are provided the longitudinal axes of which are oriented along the orientation of the row, or a straight line, on which the slotted holes 25 are provided. In a second row of slotted holes 26, these are provided with their longitudinal axis transversal and, in particular, substantially at right angles to the orientation of the row. By means of one of the slotted holes 26, the base element may be fastened to a first pipe connector, wherein an ability of the base element 20 to shift laterally is ensured, so that tolerances in the lateral distance of two pipe connectors may be compensated for. By means of a corresponding slotted hole 25, a connection with the second pipe connector may then be provided, wherein the form and arrangement of the slotted holes also allows tolerances in the position of the pipe connectors in the vertical direction to be compensated for.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the fluid connection element 50. The fluid connection element 50 has a first end face 65 and a second end face 66. Between the end faces 65 and 66, an axial extension of the fluid connection element along a longitudinal axis 57 is defined. On the first end face, the fluid connection element includes a stub 52, provided with an external thread 54. From the first end face 65, a first flow channel, not visible in the present representation, extends axially through the stub and within the fluid connection element. On an axial end of the stub 52, a radial step is formed, including a front face 53, which forms the pressing surface explained in connection with FIG. 1. On the fluid connection element, a circumferential flute 56 is also arranged. On the base of the flute, a second, radially extending channel 55 is provided, connected to the first channel, as explained below in more detail in connection with FIG. 5. The flute 56 is delimited by two axial delimiting walls 58 and 59. Each delimiting wall 58 and 59 is provided on a cylindrical rim 60 or 61. On each of the rims, a further circumferential flute 62 and 63 is provided to accommodate a sealing element. Tool carriers 64 are also provided on the second end face 66, which serve to screw the external thread 54 to a counterpart, for example to a thread formed within a connecting pipe within a wall.

FIG. 5 shows the fluid connection element 50 in a section along A-A in FIG. 4, wherein an annular element 70 is also shown, which covers and seals the flute 56. The first channel 51 is realized as an axial blind hole emanating from the first end face 65. A second channel 55 starts from the base of the flute 56 and intersects the first channel 51, in such a way that fluid communication between the first end face 65 and the flute 56 of the fluid connection element 50 is provided for. The annular element 70 covers the flute 56 and surrounds the cylindrical rims 60 and 61. O-rings 71 and 72 are inserted in the accommodating flutes explained in connection with FIG. 4 for accommodating a sealing element. These provide a fluid-tight arrangement between the annular element and the rims. On the annular element, a connector opening 73 is provided, which extends from a radially inner to a radially outer wall of the annular element. The opening 73 is realized as a drill hole with an internal thread. The annular element also includes a second threaded bore, in which a screw 74 is provided. By means of the screw 74, which protrudes into the flute 56, the position of the annular element 70 is fixed axially on the rims 60 and 61, and may, if necessary, also be fixed in the circumferential direction by screwing the screw further in. Due to the fluid-tight arrangement of the annular element on the rims, a fluid, which, by way of example, flows from the end face 65 of the fluid connection element 50 through the throughflow channel formed by the first channel 51 and the second channel 55 into the flute 56, is distributed in the circumferential flute 56 and is able to flow out through the opening 73 of the annular element 70. As is now easily understandable, the circumferential position of the radial bore 55 is predetermined when the fluid connection element is screwed into a counterpart and tightened during mounting of the mounting device. On the other hand, the annular element 70 on the rims may be brought to a suitable and easily accessible position on the circumference of the fluid connection element for connecting a pipe. Here, by way of example, a hose end may be directly screwed into the thread of the opening 73, or a suitable coupling element for connecting a pipe may be screwed in. By tightening the screw 74, in particular following the step described above, the circumferential position of the annular element may be secured, if required.

The fluid connection element presented here has a one-piece, integral embodiment. As explained above, the fluid connection element may also include a pressing element and a bolt on which the stub is formed, which are joined in a detachable manner. The pressing element includes the area between the pressing surface 53 and the second end face 66 in this case. The bolt is, by way of example, screwed into an internal thread of the pressing element, and the joint is suitably sealed in such a way that no fluid leakage can take place from the throughflow channel formed by the channels 51 and 55 via the joint. This embodiment will be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art in the light of the present explanations, so that an explicit description is omitted.

FIG. 6 explains an exemplary mounting of a base element 20 on a wall 100 according to an embodiment of the wall mounting, wherein only half of the substantially rotationally symmetrical arrangement is shown. In the wall 100, a wall connector 101 is provided, which is provided with an open end pointing to an opening in the wall. The wall connector 101 is predefined onsite. It is, for example, a standard ½″ wall water connector, wherein this should not be deemed restrictive. A connection socket 40 is screwed into the wall connector 101. The threaded connection between the internal thread of the wall connector 101 and the corresponding external thread of the connection socket 40 may be sealed by a suitable sealing material. At this point, hemp is, in particular, used as a sealing material in the normal manner known per se for sanitary installations. The tubular connection socket includes, on its inner wall, a flute, in which an O-ring 41 is inserted. The connection socket also includes an internal thread. A fluid connection element 50 of the type described above is screwed into the internal thread and makes a seal with the connection socket 40 by the O-ring 41. The internal thread of the connection socket corresponds with the external thread of the fluid connection element 50. The fluid connection element presented here differs from the design presented in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5 in that the external thread extends over only part of the axial extension of the stub 52, while a further section of the outer surface of the stub is smooth and is intended for providing a fluid-tight configuration with the O-ring 41 of the connection socket. It also differs in that an external hexagon 67 is provided as a seating for a tool for screwing in the fluid connection element. In this way, a fluid can flow from the wall connector into the channel 51 of the fluid connection element 50 and from there, via the channel 55, into the fluid distribution flute 56 sealed by the annular element 70. The fluid connection element rests with the pressing surface 53 on the base element. Between the base element 20 and the wall 100, a spacer plate 103 is provided. The spacer plate 103 ensures a defined transfer of the force with which the base element 20 is pressed against the wall and connected thereto through friction by the fluid connection element through the through-opening 23 of the base element 20 when the arrangement is tightly screwed in the connection socket. In certain cases, the arrangement of the connection socket allows to simplify the mounting of the base element or of the fitting panel on the wall 100, and, in particular, to ensure the tightness of fluid communication between the wall connector 101 and the fluid connection element 50. The thread of the wall connector is predetermined onsite, and may possibly show significant signs of wear. The connection socket 40 includes a suitable thread, wherein thread tolerances caused by possible unevenness in and damage to the thread of the wall connector may be compensated for and sealed off by the abovementioned use of a sealing material. On the other hand, the mating of the threads between the connection socket and the fluid connection element may be freely and conveniently designed for the intended use. A seal between the connection socket and the fluid connection element may then be provided by suitable means, such as for example the O-ring. Similarly, the connection socket 40 is suitable for compensating for positional tolerances of the free end of the wall connector 101 in the wall 100.

Although the object of the present disclosure has been explained using selected exemplary embodiments, it is not intended that these should restrict the claimed invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 1 Fitting unit
  • 10 Fitting panel
  • 11 Fitting
  • 12 Fitting connector
  • 13 Connection device
  • 14 Connection device
  • 20 Base element
  • 21 Connection device
  • 22 Connection device
  • 23 Through-opening
  • 24 Through-opening, slotted hole
  • 25 Through-opening, slotted hole
  • 26 Through-opening, slotted hole
  • 40 Connection socket
  • 41 O-ring
  • 50 Fluid connection element, fastening element
  • 51 Channel
  • 52 Stub
  • 53 Pressing surface
  • 54 External thread
  • 55 Channel
  • 56 Flute, fluid distribution flute
  • 57 Longitudinal axis, direction of axial extension
  • 58 Axial delimiting wall
  • 59 Axial delimiting wall
  • 60 Rim
  • 61 Rim
  • 62 Flute, sealing flute
  • 63 Flute, sealing flute
  • 64 Tool carrier
  • 65 End face
  • 66 End face
  • 67 External hexagon
  • 70 Annular element
  • 71 O-ring
  • 72 O-ring
  • 73 Connector opening
  • 74 Screw
  • 100 Wall
  • 101 Wall connector predetermined onsite, pipe connector
  • 103 Spacer plate
  • D Cross-sectional dimension, diameter
  • s Distance
  • t Pitch, center-to-center distance

Claims

1. A mounting device for a fitting panel, which mounting device comprises:

a base element and at least one fluid connection element;

wherein the base element has a front side comprising means for fastening the fitting panel, and a rear side comprising an at least substantially planar bearing surface;

at least one through-opening in the base element and extending from the rear side of the base element to the front side of the base element, in such a way that a fastening means may be passed through the base element at the at least one through-opening;

wherein the at least one fluid connection element comprises a throughflow channel and a pressing surface, wherein the throughflow channel intersects a plane of the pressing surface and wherein the pressing surface is dimensioned such that at least its maximum entire cross-sectional extension is greater than at least one cross-sectional extension of the through-opening;

wherein the at least one fluid connection element comprises a stub extending from the plane of the pressing surface, and the throughflow channel extends through the stub; and

wherein the at least one through-opening is configured and provided such that the stub may be passed, as a fastening means, through the base element at at least two different positions on the base element.

2. The mounting device according to claim 1, further comprising an external thread formed on the stub.

3. The mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one through-opening comprises a slotted hole.

4. The mounting device according to claim 3, wherein the slotted hole has a longitudinal axis which runs in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the base element.

5. The mounting device according to claim 3, further comprising:

a second slotted hole with a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the two slotted holes being parallel.

6. The mounting device according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one through-opening comprises at least two individual through-openings arranged in a row; and

the distance between the at least two through-openings, measured between opposing edges of two adjacent openings, is less than five times a cross-sectional dimension (D) of a through-opening measured at right angles to the orientation of said row.

7. The mounting device according to claim 6, wherein the row extends along a transversal extension or a longitudinal extension of the base element.

8. The mounting device according to claim 6, comprising at least two parallel rows of openings.

9. The mounting device according to claim 8, comprising at least one row of slotted holes, the longitudinal axes of which run at least approximately at right angles or parallel to the orientation of the row.

10. A fitting unit, comprising:

a mounting device according to claim 1; and

a fitting panel comprising means for attaching the fitting panel to corresponding means of the baseplate of the mounting device, and at least one fitting having a fluid connector; and

flexible pipes for connecting the fluid connector of the fitting to a fluid connector provided on a fluid connection element.

11. A fluid connection element for a mounting device comprising:

a pressing surface and a throughflow channel;

a first end face and a second end face between which an axial extension is defined;

a first channel running from the first end face in the direction of the axial extension within the fluid connection element;

a flute on an outer side of the fluid connection element running transversally to the axial extension and delimited by two axial delimiting walls;

a second channel extending from the flute into the fluid connection element, the second channel being in fluid communication with the first channel within the fluid connection element in such a way that the first channel and the second channel together form the throughflow channel;

a stub extending from the first end face towards the second end face, wherein the first channel extends through the stub, the stub including a cross-sectional expansion at an axial end of the stub and towards the second end face, whereby a radial step with an end face is formed, wherein said end face formed by the radial step forms said pressing surface.

12. The fluid connection element according to claim 11, comprising:

cylindrical rims delimiting the axial delimiting walls; and

an annular element surrounding the cylindrical rims and which, on an outer thereof surface, comprises a connection opening between a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface of the annular element, wherein a fluid-tight arrangement between the cylindrical rims and the annular element is provided in such a way that the flute provides for fluid communication between the throughflow channel of the fluid connection element and the connection opening of the annular element.

13. The fluid connection element according to claim 11, further comprising a thread formed on the outer surface of the stub.

14. A method for mounting a fitting unit according to claim 9 on a surface, the method comprising:

selecting a desired position of a fitting;

determining the position of a pipe connector on the surface;

based on the distance between said positions, determining a required fastening position that the pipe connector must have on the base element so that the fitting achieves the desired position;

placing the base element, by its rear side, on the surface, in such a way that the pipe connector coincides with a through-opening of the base element at the required fastening position; and

connecting, in particular screwing, the fluid connection element to the pipe connector from the front side of the base element.