Coupling body for a recessed insert

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling body (1) for a flush-mounted insert (2), having at least: a) a base body (3) which is at least partially made of plastic, and b) at least one coupling part (4) for a liquid line, wherein the at least one coupling part (4) is at least partially made of metal and is at least partially injection-molded into the base body (3). Furthermore, a flush-mounted insert (2) having such a coupling body (1) and a method for producing such a coupling body (1) are proposed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling body for a concealed fitting, to a concealed fitting for sanitary equipment fittings and to a method for producing a coupling body for a concealed fitting. Such concealed fittings can be fastened in particular in brickwork recesses, recesses in walls or other carriers. Such concealed fittings prove to be suitable in particular in embedded wall and wall front systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Concealed fittings serve to fasten functional units in brickwork, walls or carriers. The functional units can comprise thermostatic cartridges and / or valves. By means of the thermostatic cartridges, cold water and hot water can be mixed to mixed water having a desired mixed water temperature, wherein the discharge quantity of the mixed water can be controlled by means of the valves. At least one mixed water line can be coupled to the concealed fitting, via which mixed water can be delivered to sanitary equipment fittings, such as hand showers, overhead showers, nozzles, outflows and / or the like on shower devices and / or baths. Via corresponding pipes, a cold water coupling is usually connected to a cold water house coupling and a hot water coupling is usually connected to a hot water house coupling. The water couplings described above are configured in a coupling body made of brass in order to meet the strength requirements for the water couplings. However, due to the use of brass, the production of the coupling body is very costly. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to at least partially solve the problems described with regard to the prior art and in particular to specify a coupling body for a concealed fitting, the coupling of which meets the strength requirements and at the same time can be produced inexpensively. Furthermore, a concealed fitting for sanitary equipment fittings having a coupling body, the coupling of which meets the strength requirements and at the same time can be produced inexpensively, shall be specified. Furthermore, a method for producing a coupling body, the coupling of which meets the strength requirements and at the same time can be produced inexpensively, shall be specified.

[0004] The objects are achieved with the coupling body, the concealed fitting and the method according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous design schemes of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It is pointed out that the features specified in the dependent claims individually can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner and define further design schemes of the invention. Furthermore, the features given in the claims are set out and specified in detail in the description, wherein further preferred design schemes of the invention are shown.

[0005] To this end, a coupling body for a concealed fitting is proposed, which has at least the following components:

[0006] a) a base body, which is at least partially made of plastic, and

[0007] b) at least one coupling for a liquid line, wherein the at least one coupling is at least partially made of metal and is at least partially injection-molded into the base body.

[0008] The coupling body can in particular be used for a concealed fitting. Such a concealed fitting is in particular used for sanitary fittings which are used in connection with a shower device and / or a bath tub. The sanitary fitting can in particular be a water outlet, a hand shower, an overhead shower, a spray nozzle and / or the like. Such a concealed fitting is usually fastened in a brickwork recess, a recess in a wall or another carrier and serves to receive a functional unit. The functional unit in particular comprises a mixing valve, for example in the form of a thermostatic mixing valve, and / or at least one valve. By means of the mixing valve, cold water and hot water can in particular be mixed to mixed water having a desired mixed water temperature. The cold water can have a cold water temperature of in particular at most 25°C (degrees Celsius), preferably 1°C to 25°C, particularly preferably 5°C to 20°C. The hot water can have a hot water temperature of in particular at most 90°C, preferably 25°C to 90°C, particularly preferably 55°C to 65°C. The mixed water can be conveyed from the mixing valve to the at least one valve, for example using at least one line in the functional unit, by means of which the discharge quantity of the mixed water via the sanitary fitting can be controlled. The functional unit is in particular at least partially arranged in a receiving space of a housing of the concealed fitting and / or is substantially configured in the form of a cylinder.

[0009] The housing can have, for example, a lower housing and an upper housing which can be connected to one another. The lower housing is in particular configured in the form of a cover, so that an opening of an end side of the upper housing can be closed (liquid-tightly) by means of the lower housing. To this end, the lower housing can have a first fastening flange which in particular extends radially outwards. In contrast thereto, the upper housing is in particular configured in the form of a tube, so that the upper housing forms a receiving space for the functional unit in its interior. Furthermore, the upper housing can have a second fastening flange which likewise can extend in the radial direction. The lower housing and the upper housing can in particular be screwed to one another by means of the first fastening flange and the second fastening flange. Additionally or alternatively, the lower housing and / or the upper housing can have a snap arm with which the lower housing and the upper housing can be latched to one another.

[0010] The coupling body has a base body which is at least partially made of plastic. The base body can be, for example, an injection-molded part. Thereby, all the shaped elements, sealing surfaces and / or thread points, etc. can be formed during the manufacture of the coupling body. Furthermore, the coupling body has at least one coupling portion for a liquid line. This can mean, in particular, that a liquid line can be fastened on the at least one coupling portion, so that liquid can flow from a liquid channel of the coupling body into the liquid line or vice versa. In particular, the coupling body can have at least one first coupling portion for a supply line, for example for cold water and / or hot water, and at least one second coupling portion for a discharge line, for example for mixed water. Furthermore, the coupling body can have an (open) opening in which a functional unit can be fastened. In particular, a house coupling for cold or hot water can be coupled on the at least one first coupling portion and / or a mixed water line for discharging mixed water to a sanitary fitting can be coupled on the at least one second coupling portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the coupling body can have, in particular on the peripheral surface, a cold water coupling portion, a hot water coupling portion, a first mixed water coupling portion, a second mixed water coupling portion and a third mixed water coupling portion. The concealed flush-mounted insert can be connected, in particular via the cold water coupling portion, to a house coupling for cold water and, in particular via the hot water coupling portion, to a house coupling for hot water. Cold water which is supplied via the house coupling for cold water and hot water which is supplied via the house coupling for hot water can be supplied, in particular, to a mixing valve of the functional unit and can be mixed by means of the mixing valve to mixed water having a desired mixed water temperature. The mixed water can then be supplied to a first valve, a second valve and a third valve of the functional unit, by means of which valves the outflow of the mixed water via the first mixed water coupling portion, the second mixed water coupling portion and / or the third mixed water coupling portion can be controlled. A first sanitary fitting can be coupled on the first mixed water coupling portion, a second sanitary fitting can be coupled on the second mixed water coupling portion and / or a third sanitary fitting can be coupled on the third mixed water coupling portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the coupling body can have a longitudinal axis, a first coupling axis which is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis and a second coupling axis which is oriented orthogonally to both the longitudinal axis and the first coupling axis, wherein the cold water coupling portion, the hot water coupling portion and the first mixed water coupling portion open into the coupling body parallel to the first coupling axis, wherein the second mixed water coupling portion and the third mixed water coupling portion open into the coupling body parallel to the second coupling axis. By this design it can be avoided that a supply line for cold water and / or hot water intersects at least one discharge line for mixed water, thereby making it easier to fit the concealed flush-mounted insert in a brick wall or a wall.

[0013] Furthermore, the first mixed water coupling portion can be arranged on a side of the coupling body which is opposite the cold water coupling portion and the hot water coupling portion, wherein the second mixed water coupling portion is arranged on a side of the coupling body which is opposite the third mixed water coupling portion.

[0014] The coupling body can be arranged at least partially in the receiving space of the housing. By connecting the lower housing with the upper housing, the coupling body can also be fastened in the receiving space, for example. The fastening of the coupling body in the receiving space is achieved here in particular by pressing the coupling body between the lower housing and the upper housing. With this design, the flush-mounted insert is made available for production with little assembly effort, in particular also in automated production lines. The at least one coupling part is made at least partially of metal. The metal can be brass or a brass alloy, for example. The at least one coupling part in particular also comprises at least one fastening structure for a liquid line. The at least one fastening structure can be a thread, in particular. The liquid line can be fastened on the at least one coupling part by means of the fastening structure, in particular. Furthermore, the at least one coupling part is at least partially injection-molded into the base body. As a result of the at least partial injection-molding of the at least one coupling part into the base body made of plastic, the at least one coupling part is firmly connected with the base body. By at least partially injection-molding the at least one coupling part made of metal into the base body made of plastic, metal for the base body can be saved, thereby reducing the production costs of the coupling body. At the same time, the at least one coupling part has the required strength.

[0015] The at least one coupling part can be configured as a bushing. The at least one fastening structure can be configured on the bushing or on an inner circumferential surface of the bushing, in particular. The bushing can be a threaded bushing, for example. Accordingly, the liquid line can be fastened on the bushing, in particular. The bushing is configured in particular at least partially in the shape of a tube. Furthermore, the bushing can at least partially delimit and / or form a liquid channel extending through the bushing and / or the base body. Furthermore, the bushing can have a (circumferential) flange section on the end of the (outer) longitudinal side.

[0016] The bushing can in particular not extend completely through the wall of the base body. This can in particular mean that the liquid channel extending through the wall of the base body does not have to be formed completely by the bushing.

[0017] The at least one coupling part can have at least one rib with which the at least one coupling part is anchored in the base body. In particular, the at least one coupling part can have a plurality of ribs. Furthermore, the at least one rib can be configured on an outer circumferential surface of the at least one coupling part or of the bushing. The at least one rib can in particular extend (completely) around the outer circumferential surface. By means of the at least one rib, the at least one coupling part is connected to the coupling body or to the base body in particular interlocking.

[0018] The base body can be configured at least partially in the shape of a ring. Here, the base body can have, for example, an inner diameter of 50 mm to 300 mm, an outer diameter of 60 mm to 310 mm, a ring width (in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis) and / or a ring thickness (in the radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction or the longitudinal axis) of 5 mm to 50 mm. It is to be clarified here that the base body does not necessarily have to be configured in the shape of a circular ring, but can also have, for example, a polygonal, quadrangular or rectangular cross section. With this design, it is possible, in particular compared to a common pot-shaped coupling body, to save material, for example (cast) metal, for the coupling ring, so that the coupling ring can be implemented particularly easily. Furthermore, the required installation space for the coupling ring in the housing of the flush-mounted insert is reduced.

[0019] The coupling body can have at least one reinforcement. The at least one reinforcement can be, for example, a metal element, which is used in particular to increase the strength of the coupling body and / or is configured in the type of a (metal) wire. Furthermore, the at least one reinforcement can likewise be injection-molded into the base body.

[0020] The at least one reinforcement can be arranged in at least one opening of the base body. The at least one opening can be configured, for example, in the type of a slot or a joint. Furthermore, the at least one opening can be configured, for example, on an end face of the base body and / or on a (in particular outer) peripheral surface of the base body. Furthermore, the at least one opening can be used to bond the coupling body, for example, to the housing of the flush-mounted insert. By means of the at least one opening, it is possible, for example, to prevent the adhesive from overflowing. Furthermore, the bonding of the at least partially plastic base body of the coupling body to the housing of the flush-mounted insert can be made easier by the fact that the parts to be bonded are not made of different materials, but at least partially of plastic.

[0021] The at least one reinforcement can be configured in the shape of a ring. The at least one reinforcement does not necessarily have to be configured in the shape of a circular ring, but can also have, for example, a polygonal, quadrangular or rectangular cross section. The shape of the at least one reinforcement can in particular be matched to the shape of the base body.

[0022] The at least one reinforcement can be pre-tensioned. To this end, the at least one reinforcement can be heated, for example, before it is arranged in the at least one opening, wherein the pre-tension is formed by the cooling and contraction of the at least one reinforcement in the at least one opening. The pre-tensioning can prevent, in particular, the coupling body from being overloaded as a result of tensile and / or compressive forces acting on the at least one coupling part.

[0023] According to a further aspect, a flush-mounted insert for a sanitary equipment fitting is also proposed, which has at least:

[0024] a) a housing having a receiving space for a functional unit, and

[0025] b) a coupling body which is arranged at least partially in the receiving space.

[0026] Further details can be found entirely in the description of the coupling body.

[0027] The coupling body or the recessed insert can be used to fasten a functional unit in a brick wall, a wall or a carrier, wherein the functional unit can preferably comprise a thermostatic cartridge and / or a valve.

[0028] According to yet another aspect, a method for manufacturing a coupling body for a recessed insert is proposed, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0029] i. providing a casting mold;

[0030] ii. arranging at least one coupling part for a liquid line in the casting mold, wherein the at least one coupling part is at least partially made of metal; and

[0031] iii. at least partially injection-molding the at least one coupling part with plastic to create a base body of the coupling body.

[0032] The casting mold is a hollow body into which a liquid plastic melt can be poured. The casting mold can be at least partially openable, so that a receiving space for the liquid plastic melt used for the casting mold is at least partially accessible. To this end, the casting mold can in particular be constructed in multiple pieces. In step ii., the at least one coupling part is arranged in the receiving space, and subsequently, in step iii., the at least one coupling part is at least partially injection-molded with plastic to create a base body of the coupling body. Subsequently, the liquid plastic melt cools and solidifies.

[0033] Before step iii., at least one reinforcement can be arranged in the casting mold.

[0034] After step iii., the at least one reinforcement can be arranged in at least one opening of the base body.

[0035] The at least one reinforcement can be heated before it is arranged in the at least one opening. For example, the at least one reinforcement can be heated to a temperature of more than 100 °C (degrees Celsius). Subsequently, the at least one reinforcement is arranged in the at least one opening and cools there. Thereby, the at least one reinforcement shrinks in the at least one opening, so that the at least one reinforcement is pre-tensioned.

[0036] Further details regarding the method can be found entirely in the description of the coupling body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] The application and the technical field are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings show particularly preferred embodiments of the application, but the application is not limited thereto. Identical components are provided with identical reference numerals in the drawings. The drawings show:

[0038] Figure 1 Explanatory view of a concealed fitting;

[0039] Figure 2 Perspective view of a coupling body of a concealed fitting;

[0040] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a coupling portion of a coupling body;

[0041] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a coupling portion of a coupling body at a first temperature;

[0042] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a coupling portion of a coupling body at a second temperature; and

[0043] Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a coupling portion of a coupling body at a third temperature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1 Explanatory view of a concealed fitting 2 with a housing 10, which comprises a lower housing 12 and an upper housing 13. Here, the lower housing 12 is configured in the shape of a lid, and the upper housing 13 is configured in the shape of a tube. The housing 10 also has a receiving space 11 for functional units, which are not shown here. Furthermore, the concealed fitting 2 has a coupling body 1, which has a base body 3 configured in the shape of a ring. The coupling body 1 has two coupling portions 4 in the form of a cold-water coupling portion 15 and a hot-water coupling portion 16 on a peripheral surface 14 of the base body 3. Furthermore, the base body 3 has, on the peripheral surface 14, a coupling portion 4 in the form of a first mixed-water coupling portion 17, a coupling portion 4 in the form of a second mixed-water coupling portion 18, and a coupling portion 4 in the form of a third mixed-water coupling portion 19. During assembly of the concealed fitting 2, the coupling body 1 is placed on the lower housing 12, and the upper housing 13 is subsequently connected to the lower housing 12. To this end, the lower housing 12 has a first fastening plate 20, and the upper housing 13 has a second fastening plate 21, via which the lower housing 12 and the upper housing 13 can be screwed to one another. Furthermore, a snap arm 22 is configured on the upper housing 13, which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis 23 of the concealed fitting 2. The orientation of the longitudinal axis 23 is defined by the extension of the tube-shaped region of the upper housing 13 and / or the ring-shaped coupling body 1. The snap arm 22 can be latched with the lower housing 12. The connection of the lower housing 12 to the upper housing 13 fastens the coupling body 1 in the receiving space 11.

[0045] Figure 2A perspective view of the coupling body 1 is shown. The coupling body 1 has a first coupling axis 24 which is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 23 and a second coupling axis 25 which is oriented orthogonally to both the longitudinal axis 23 and the first coupling axis 24. The cold water coupling 15, the hot water coupling 16 and the first mixed water coupling 17 lead into the coupling body 1 or the base body 3 of the coupling body 1 parallel to the first coupling axis 24. Furthermore, the second mixed water coupling 18 and the third mixed water coupling 19 lead into the coupling body 1 or the base body 3 of the coupling body 1 parallel to the second coupling axis 25. Furthermore, the first mixed water coupling 17 is arranged on a side of the coupling body 1 which is opposite the cold water coupling 15 and the hot water coupling 16, and the first mixed water coupling 17 is arranged on a side of the coupling body 1 which is opposite the third mixed water coupling 19. The functional unit, not shown here, can be fastened on the coupling body 1 in such a way that the cold water coupling 15, the hot water coupling 16, the first mixed water coupling 17, the second mixed water coupling 18 and the third mixed water coupling 19 are connected to the functional unit without leakage.

[0046] Figure 3 In the sectional view along the sectional plane shown in Figure 2 A first embodiment variant of the coupling 4 is shown in a sectional view along the sectional plane shown in Figure 2 orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 23 shown in the sectional view in Figure 3 It can be seen that the bushing 5 thus does not extend completely through the wall 6 of the base body 3. The base body 3 of the coupling body 1 has an opening 9 on the first end face 30 and on the second end face 31, respectively. The opening 9 is configured in each case in the type of a slot or a joint and extends annularly along the end face 30, 31, as can be seen in Figure 2 In the opening 9, respectively, a reinforcement 8 is arranged which is configured in the type of a reinforcement ring made of metal. The reinforcement 8 is heated before it is arranged in the opening 8, so that the reinforcement generates a prestressing force which points inward in the radial direction 26 after it is arranged in the opening 9 and cools down. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The remaining couplings 4, 16, 17, 18, 19 of the coupling body 1 shown in

[0047] Figure 4 In the sectional view along the sectional plane shown in Figure 2The cross-sectional view of the cross-section shown illustrates a second embodiment of the connecting portion 4 at the first temperature. Therefore, the second embodiment of the connecting portion 4 is also... Figure 2 The second mixing water connection portion 18 of the base 3 of the connector 1 shown. Furthermore, the bushing 5 is also made of metal and has threads on its inner circumferential surface 27 for a liquid conduit not shown here. Additionally, the bushing 5 is injection molded into the base 3. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment of the connector 4, the bushing 5 has two circumferential ribs 7 on its outer circumferential surface 32, by which the bushing 5 is anchored to the base 3 of the connector 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The remaining connecting portions 4, 16, 17, 18, and 19 of the connecting body 1 shown can be constructed corresponding to the second mixing water connecting portion 18 shown here. Furthermore, the base 3 can be constructed as shown in... Figure 3 The first embodiment shown has a reinforcing member 8 arranged in the opening 9, as in the first embodiment shown. Figure 4 The connection portion 4 is shown at room temperature, for example, between 18°C ​​and 25°C. At this first temperature or room temperature, a sealing surface 33 is formed between the bushing 5 and the connecting body 1, which is formed by all the contact surfaces between the bushing 5 and the connecting body 1. This is the basic state after manufacturing.

[0048] Figure 5 In Figure 4 The same cross-sectional view shows a second embodiment of the connecting part 4 at a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature. The connecting body 1 expands more than the bushing 5 when heated. Therefore, Figure 5 The sealing surface 33 between the bushing 5 and the connecting body 1 is formed only along the direction of the second connecting axis 25. The remaining surfaces lose contact and therefore lose their sealing property. Overall, the connection remains sealed.

[0049] Figure 6 In Figure 4 and Figure 5 The same cross-sectional view shows a second embodiment of the connecting part 4 at the third temperature. Figure 6 There exists a connecting body 1 with a bushing 5 in a cooling phase, during which the third temperature is between the first and second temperatures. The connecting body 1 shrinks faster or by a greater amount than the bushing 5. Therefore, Figure 6 The sealing surface 33 between the bushing 5 and the connecting body 1 is formed only in a direction transverse to the second connecting axis 25. The remaining surfaces between the bushing 5 and the connecting body 1 (in the direction of the second connecting axis 25) lose contact and thus lose their sealing property. However, overall, the connection remains sealed.

[0050] The present invention enables the production of a connector that is inexpensive and whose connecting parts have the required strength.

[0051] List of reference signs:

[0052] 1 coupling body

[0053] 2 darkly embedded insert

[0054] 3 base body

[0055] 4 coupling portion

[0056] 5 bushing

[0057] 6 wall

[0058] 7 rib

[0059] 8 reinforcement

[0060] 9 opening

[0061] 10 housing

[0062] 11 receiving space

[0063] 12 lower shell

[0064] 13 upper shell

[0065] 14 peripheral surface

[0066] 15 cold-water coupling portion

[0067] 16 hot-water coupling portion

[0068] 17 first mixed-water coupling portion

[0069] 18 second mixed-water coupling portion

[0070] 19 third mixed-water coupling portion

[0071] 20 first fastening clamp

[0072] 21 second fastening clamp

[0073] 22 snap-in arm

[0074] 23 longitudinal axis

[0075] 24 first coupling axis

[0076] 25 second coupling axis

[0077] 26 radial direction

[0078] 27 inner peripheral surface

[0079] 28 flange portion

[0080] 29 liquid channel

[0081] 30 first end surface

[0082] 31 second end surface

[0083] 32 outer peripheral surface

[0084] 33 sealing surface

Claims

1. Coupling body (1) for a concealed flush-mounted insert (2), having at least: a) a base body (3) made at least partially of plastic, and b) at least one coupling (4) for a liquid line, wherein the at least one coupling part (4) made at least partially of metal and at least partially injection-molded into the base body (3), wherein the at least one coupling part (4) has at least one rib (7) with which the at least one coupling part (4) is anchored in the base body (3), the coupling body having at least one reinforcement (8) which is pre-tensioned, wherein the at least one reinforcement (8) is arranged in at least one opening (9) of the base body (3), the at least one opening being configured on an end face of the base body and / or on a peripheral face of the base body; the at least one reinforcement (8) being configured in the shape of a ring, the shape of the at least one reinforcement matching the shape of the base body.

2. The coupling body (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one coupling part (4) is configured as a bushing (5).

3. The coupling body (1) according to claim 2, wherein The bushing (5) does not extend completely through a wall (6) of the base body (3).

4. The coupling body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The base body (3) is configured at least partially in the shape of a ring.

5. Concealed flush-mounted insert (2) for a sanitary device fitting, having at least: a) a housing (10) having a receiving space (11) for a functional unit, and b) a coupling body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the coupling body being arranged at least partially in the receiving space (11).

6. Method for producing a coupling body (1) for a concealed flush-mounted insert (2), the method comprising at least the following steps: i. providing a casting mold; ii. arranging at least one coupling part (4) for a liquid line in the casting mold, wherein the at least one coupling part (4) is made at least partially of metal; and iii. at least partially injection-molding the at least one coupling part (4) with plastic to produce a base body (3) of the coupling body (1); wherein, after step iii., at least one reinforcement (8) is arranged in at least one opening (9) of the base body (3); the at least one reinforcement (8) being heated before it is arranged in the at least one opening (9); wherein the at least one coupling part (4) has at least one rib (7) with which the at least one coupling part (4) is anchored in the base body (3), wherein the at least one reinforcement (8) is arranged in at least one opening (9) of the base body (3), the at least one opening being configured on an end face of the base body and / or on a peripheral face of the base body; the at least one reinforcement (8) being configured in the shape of a ring, the shape of the at least one reinforcement matching the shape of the base body.

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