Cabinet and method for manufacturing a cabinet

Abstract

Cabinet for mounting a plurality of water pipes (12, 13) for water connections, wherein the plurality of water pipes (12, 13) is configured to be inserted into the cabinet, wherein the cabinet has a body (1) configured to be mounted in a wall, the cabinet has a base part (2) with through-holes for the water pipes (12, 13), the through-holes being arranged within sleeves (10) extending into the cabinet, the sleeves (10) being configured to seal outwards against an outer pipe (13) of the plurality of water pipes (12, 13), the base part (2) having at least one drain (15) for water leakage, and the base part (2) being a separate part with edges projecting into the cabinet, characterized in that the sleeves (10), which are integral with the base part (2), are conical and have a sharp edge (11) at their free end, wherein the sharp edge (11) is set up toto engage in a groove on the outer tube (13) in a tube-in-tube system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cabinet made of a plastic material or metal according to claim 1 below. The cabinet could be used to mount devices which in turn are mounted on pipes or cables, in particular for the distribution of hot or cold water in a building. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a base part of the cabinet. State of the art

[0002] Publication DE 102010001089 A1 describes a cabinet molded from foam and therefore not waterproof. It lacks sealed openings for water pipes with external covers and cannot direct any potential leakage from the pipe to the drain. It does not have a downward-facing pipe connection.

[0003] CH 640 290 A5 relates to a steel cabinet according to the present technology, with openings for pipe passages and with separate rubber sealing parts for sealing around the metal pipes, etc. The patent relates to valves, etc.

[0004] DE 9410742 U1 is made from panels that are bent and drilled, and essentially relates to a cabinet with different depths and a way to reflect the valves and also freestanding frames.

[0005] No. 314 269, which corresponds to patent application 20000037, shows a cabinet with holes for inserting rubber sealing parts and double side walls in cabinets to seal the cabinet. Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to design a cabinet that is easy to manufacture, with few parts, but in such a way that it is possible to integrate as many solutions as possible into the same operation. The cabinet could be made of deep-drawn metal or of vacuum-formed, for example, 4 mm ABS plastic sheets, or it could be injection-molded from plastic. Each cabinet should provide enough space to route a single pipe to each of the drainage points in the house and have only one external connection for each pipe.

[0007] The cabinet is designed to prevent cold water from reaching a temperature higher than 23°C, the threshold for Legionella bacteria. The cabinet should be constructed using materials that allow signals from sensors, solenoid valves, and other devices to pass through. It should be rust-resistant and impervious to water damage from condensation and minor leaks. The cabinet should offer the user a more affordable product while simultaneously providing protection against water damage. It should also provide installers with a better and easier-to-install cabinet.

[0008] The cabinet is also designed to allow the floor pourer to guide each pipe to its respective drain point and pour the concrete in precisely the right place. This simplifies the plumber's work for subsequent pipe entries into the cabinet. The cabinet also provides the carpenter with a way to properly position the individual pipes, which are routed through the wall from the second floor for easy installation by the plumber. The cabinet is intended to reduce the possibility of water damage at each drain point. The object of the invention is to simplify installation and provide the homeowner with a home free from water damage in the future.

[0009] These and other objectives are achieved by a cabinet for mounting pipes for water connections, in which a plurality of water pipes are arranged to be inserted into the cabinet, the cabinet having a body that is arranged to be mounted in a wall, characterized in that the cabinet has a base part with through holes for pipes, the holes being arranged within sleeves extending into the cabinet, the sleeves being arranged to seal outwards against the pipe, the base part having at least one drain for water leakage, and the base part being a separate part with edges projecting into the cabinet.

[0010] Preferably the sleeves are conical and have a sharp edge at their free end, the sharp edge being designed to engage in a groove on an outer tube of a tube-in-tube system.

[0011] As an additional precaution, an O-ring could be placed between the pipe and the sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the O-ring is arranged in a groove in a pipe-in-pipe system.

[0013] Easy assembly is achieved if the back panel of the cabinet has connecting elements that form one half of a clamp for mounting fixtures inside the cabinet, such as heads for water distribution.

[0014] To make it easy to fit a lid that provides good sealing properties against spouting leakage, the cabinet has a recessed section along three sides, the recessed section being designed to receive edges of the lid, the edges extending perpendicular to the main plane of the lid, and the lid having another edge that is coplanar or parallel to the main plane of the lid, that edge being designed to be placed on the inside of the base part.

[0015] The cabinet is preferably made of vacuum-cast plastic materials. This provides a rust-free, durable, and lightweight solution.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the base part is produced by a mold equipped with a number of pins that define ridges on the base part, and a plastic sheet is heated and then sucked into the mold. This forms the ridges protruding from the plastic sheet. The upward-extending edges of the base part can be formed simultaneously.

[0017] The top of the ridges can be conveniently milled or otherwise cut after the plastic has cooled to form sleeves with openings and a sharp edge at the free end of the sleeve. This sharp edge can hold an outer tube in a tube-in-tube system by engaging in a groove on the tube. Figures

[0018] Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 7 illustrates step by step the manufacture of a cabinet according to the invention.

[0019] Fig. 1 – shows a metal plate that is deep-drawn or a plastic plate that is heated and vacuum-formed or injection-molded from plastic.

[0020] Fig. 2 – shows a plate made of corresponding materials as in Fig. 1. Completed in one operation.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of pipe reducers.

[0022] Fig. 4 – shows the assembled top part of the cabinet.

[0023] Fig. 5 – shows the assembled cabinet using glued cabinet parts 1 , basic part 2 and top 3 .

[0024] Fig. 6 – shows in the same way as 1 - 2 - 3 manufactured door.

[0025] Fig. 7 – shows a cross-section of one made from the parts 1 - 2 - 3 and 4 manufactured glued cabinet.

[0026] Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of a cold water cabinet with valves, heads, pipes, etc.

[0027] Fig. 9 – shows a locked cupboard.

[0028] Fig. 10 – shows templates to make the work of an installer easier. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0029] Fig. 1 shows the body 1 of a cabinet according to the invention.

[0030] The body has a frame 31 and a back wall 32 up. Side walls 33 , 34 , 35 and 36 extend between the frame 31 and the back wall 32 The back wall 32 It has a slightly smaller width and height than the outer dimensions of the frame. 31 .

[0031] There are large openings. 5 , 7 in the two side walls 35 , 36 arranged.

[0032] This can be made from a metal plate that is deep-drawn in the mold with, for example, a 1° draft angle, so that the outer edges of the plate form a frame. 31 create a seal against the wall membrane or tiles (not shown).

[0033] The body 1 is set up in an opening in the wall with a greater width and height than the corresponding dimensions of the side walls 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 to be installed. However, the opening has smaller dimensions than the frame. 31 , so that the frame 31 the opening edge is concealed.

[0034] The cabinet takes up no space in the room because it projects into the wall. After punching out the openings... 5 , 7 A delimiting framework remains. 6 around the openings 5 , 7 around. This framing 6Provides support and adhesion of a corresponding base part. 2 and a top 3 ready ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 4).

[0035] The back wall 32 has advantages 8 for the correct placement and fastening of heads for the water pipes and associated valves (see Fig. 8) The protrusions 8 These form one half of the terminals necessary for installing the heads. In the example shown, only four terminal halves are needed for assembly.

[0036] Just within the limits 31 is a slot 19 Formed on three sides. The meaning of this is described below.

[0037] The body 1 is preferably manufactured using vacuum casting in plastic.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a basic part 2This is formed in a mold (not shown) with screwed-on taper pins. These pins can be cut to a desired diameter for attaching pipes. 13 (see Fig. 3) can be replaced with a desired diameter. The base part 2 It can be vacuum-formed by sucking a plastic plate downwards and into a mold after heating, where side walls and conical ridges are formed. 10 formed. The upper surfaces of the ridges 10 are then cut to create an opening and the correct inner diameter of the beads ( 10 ) to obtain. The bulges ( 10 ) will then have the form of pods.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the base part 2 after it was in the body 1 was assembled. The base part is preferably attached by gluing, but it can also be attached by welding, riveting or using screws.

[0040] After the bulges 10 When they are cut off, so that the conical holes are formed, they get a sharp edge. 11 on the top. This edge 11 takes the outwardly grooved pipe 13 It opens and holds it securely when inserted from outside the cabinet. The sharp edge results in a good seal between the edge and the cabinet. 11 and the pipe 13 Any potential leakage in the inner pipe 12 This will thus the pipe 13 in the room 14 between the inner tube 12 and the outer pipe 13 Fill it up. The leaking water will then flow into the cabinet and to the base unit. 2 down.

[0041] It continues through the drain 15 flow, which is formed by a bulge that extends in the opposite direction to the other bulges 10extends. A pipe (not shown) can be connected to this bulge to direct the water to a drain.

[0042] For further assurance regarding the tightness between the outer pipe 13 and the bulge 10 Is it possible to fit an O-ring into a groove on the pipe? 10 to be arranged. This will be placed against the conical hole in the bead. 10 seal.

[0043] A rubber cap 16 or another sealing element is used to seal the bead 10 to seal when there are no pipes 12 , 13 are connected in this hole. The installer pushes the pipe. 13 through a conical hole in the bulge 10 until it goes over the edge 11 protrudes, shortens the pipe 13 at a short distance from the edge 11 and then guides the pipe 12to a connection with the designated head in the cabinet, and a sleeve is clamped in place using pliers in the conventional manner. Disassembly is done by hand by unscrewing the nuts from the connection to the head and gripping the pipe. 12 and subsequently pulling the pipe out through the conical hole 10 .

[0044] Fig. 4 shows the top part 3 , which is glued or attached to the opening in some other way 7 in the upper part of the body 1 is attached. The holes in the top 3 are in a similar way to the basic part 2 shaped. The pipes that are to extend to the floor or floors above the cabinet are guided into the cabinet in the same way.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows the one with a basic part 2 and a top 3 at the openings 5 and 7 of the top 1glued-together cabinet 1 The basic part 2 and the top 3 Both are shaped like a tub. This allows the base part to 3 Collect leaking water to drain it away. 15 to guide. The side wall in the tub ensures that both parts have a good surface for gluing against the body. 1 consists.

[0046] If the base part 2 and the top 3 on the body 1 Once glued, it is ready to be mounted in the wall, and once it is mounted in the wall, the heads and pipes are ready to be mounted in the wall.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 shows a loosely arranged cover. 4 for the body 1 The lid 4 points to three sides edges 18 These are perpendicular to the extent of the lid. 4arranged. The fourth, downward-facing side has an edge. 17 , which lie in the same plane as the extension of the lid 4 extends.

[0048] Fig. 7 shows the lid 4 , the one with the edge 17 into the interior of the base part 2 was used. The other three edges 18 of the lid 4 are in the opening 19 of the cabinet. The gushing leakage inside the cabinet thus becomes the basic part. 2 guided. The lid 4 and the top 3 are, for example, by means of a screw (see Fig. 6) connected to each other.

[0049] Fig. Figure 8 shows an assembled cold water cabinet with eleven outlets for pipes extending through the floor to all taps, including water heaters and a fire hose. The cabinet includes a main shut-off valve. 19awith filter and with a built-in pressure reducing valve, for example 3.5 bar.

[0050] A solenoid valve can be installed there. 21 It can be installed so that sensors provide notifications via signals, and the valve completely closes to all water if a leak occurs. A leak sensor can be installed in the base unit. 2 These are arranged (not shown) to hold back water and thus, in the event of a water leak, prevent large quantities of water from passing directly into the drain. Furthermore, a water meter is required. 22 shown, which can be read via the mobile network through the water networks.

[0051] A valve 23 is a shut-off valve / check valve that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the external network.

[0052] Each of the heads has three outlets for pipes and a shut-off valve. 24 for each pipe outlet.

[0053] In the event of a water leak at a tap, the shut-off valve can be closed. 24 This pipe will be closed, while the other outlet continues to operate as before. This minimizes water loss until the plumber arrives to fix the leak.

[0054] Fig. Figure 9 shows a complete cabinet for wall installation. With the cabinet according to the present invention, a dedicated cold water cabinet could be provided, offering space for one pipe per outlet. As a result of the cold water pipes not being heated by the hot water pipes in the same cabinet, the cold water is normally kept below 23°C. This prevents the growth of Legionella and other bacteria.

[0055] It is still possible to have a similar cabinet for hot water with one pipe per spout and with a water leakage sensor in the hot water cabinet in addition to the outlet. 15to have a drain to prevent water damage.

[0056] Fig. 10 shows a complete template 25 For a carpenter / plumber to mount between pillars in the wall, center to center 600 mm. This ensures that each tube passing through the hole is in the correct position for the subsequent assembly of cabinets. The template 25 It is placed approximately 500 mm above the future top of the cabinet. The template 26 is used by the foundry worker / installer to place the template in exactly the right position between two future pillars for a partition wall from center to center 600 mm.

[0057] This simple solution saves the bricklayer / plumber from having to break up floors to get the pipes into the cabinet in eight out of ten cases. There is a high chance of holes in the outer pipe. 13and the whole point of directing the leak to the drain disappears if the floor pipes have to be taken apart to accommodate it properly.

Claims

[1] Cabinet for mounting pipes for water connections, in which a plurality of water pipes are arranged to be inserted into the cabinet, the cabinet having a body which is arranged to be mounted in a wall, characterized by that the cabinet has a base part with through holes for pipes, the holes being arranged within sleeves extending into the cabinet, the sleeves being designed to seal against the pipe to the outside, the base part having at least one drain for water leakage, and the base part being a separate part with edges projecting into the cabinet. [2] Cabinet according to claim 1, characterized by that the sleeves, which are integral with the base part, are conical and have a sharp edge at their free end, the sharp edge being designed to engage in a groove in an outer tube in a tube-in-tube system. [3] Cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that an O-ring is positioned between the pipe and the sleeve. [4] Cabinet according to claim 3, characterized by that the O-ring is arranged in a groove on an outer tube of a tube-in-tube system. [5] Cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the back panel of the cabinet has connecting elements that form one half of a clamp for mounting fixtures in the cabinet, such as heads for water distribution. [6] Cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cabinet has a recessed section along three sides, the recessed section being designed to receive edges of the lid, the edges extending perpendicular to the main plane of the lid, and the lid having another edge that is coplanar or parallel to the main plane of the lid, that edge being designed to be placed on the inside of the base part. [7] Cabinet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cabinet is made of a preferably vacuum-cast plastic material. [8] Method for attaching a base part to a cabinet according to any one of claims 1–7, characterized by that a mold is equipped with a number of pins that define ridges on the base part and a plastic plate is heated and then sucked into the mold. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized bythat the top of the ridges is cut off after the plastic has cooled, in order to form sleeves with openings and a sharp edge at the free end of the sleeve.

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