Carrier unit for sanitary articles

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier unit for sanitary articles according to claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Support units for sanitary ware have become known from the state of the art. Support units are used to attach the sanitary ware to a fixed structure, such as a building wall or a mounting frame located behind a false wall.

[0003] For example, DE 20 2004 004 261 U1 discloses side supports on which a washbasin can be mounted. Further support elements are known from FR 2 880 043.

[0004] The side supports (according to DE 20 2004 004 261 U1) and the support elements (according to FR 2 880 043) are connected to a wall with screws. The holes in the wall must be drilled relatively precisely to ensure the washbasin is level. Fine adjustment is only possible via the play between the screw and the opening in the support element.

[0005] US 2020 / 109543 and US 2 035 301 disclose further carrier units. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of providing a support unit for a sanitary article that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support unit that allows for easier alignment.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a carrier unit for storing a sanitary article comprises a carrier element with a storage section, on which the sanitary article can be stored or fastened, and with a mounting section, as well as a support element which can be firmly connected to a stationary structure by at least one fastening element. The support element is connected to the mounting section by a longitudinal guide such that the carrier element can be displaced relative to the support element along an adjustment movement. The carrier unit further comprises an adjustment element with which the adjustment movement between the carrier element and the support element can be provided along the longitudinal guide.

[0008] The longitudinal guide and the adjustment element provide the advantage that the carrier unit with the support element can be attached to the fixed structure and that the position of the carrier element, in particular its height, can be aligned or adjusted by moving along the longitudinal guide.

[0009] Furthermore, installation is simplified because the installer can attach the support unit to the fixed structure and then adjust the position, especially the height, of the support element using the longitudinal guide and the adjustment element. If two support units are used next to each other, the respective bearing surfaces can be moved towards each other to level the position of the sanitary ware to be placed on them.

[0010] When the adjustment element is actuated, the carrier element can be moved along the longitudinal guide relative to the support element, whereby the said adjustment is achieved.

[0011] In the installed position, the longitudinal guide is preferably in the vertical position, i.e. in the plumb direction.

[0012] The sanitary ware in question is preferably a washbasin, a vanity unit with a washbasin, or a vanity unit with a washbasin. However, the sanitary ware can also be a urinal or a toilet bowl.

[0013] The fastening element is preferably a screw that can be screwed into said fixed structure. Preferably, the at least one fastening element extends through a screw opening in the support element.

[0014] Preferably, at least two fastening elements are arranged at a distance from one another.

[0015] The fixed structure is preferably a wall of a building, a pre-wall in front of a mounting structure, a mounting structure such as a mounting frame, or another fixed structure present in a sanitary room.

[0016] Furthermore, the support element according to the invention has a flange section with a rear bearing surface and a front bearing surface, wherein the support element rests with the rear bearing surface on the fixed structure and wherein the support element rests on the front bearing surface.

[0017] In other words, the flange portion lies between the support element and the fixed structure. By tightening the at least one actuating element, the flange portion is clamped to the fixed structure by the support element. Preferably, the flange portion has at least one opening through which the at least one fastening element can be passed.

[0018] There is a clearance between the aperture and the fastening element, which is dimensioned such that the aforementioned adjustment movement can be carried out. Preferably, the aperture is a slotted hole, with its larger dimension oriented in the direction of the adjustment movement.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, the flange section with the rear bearing surface and the front bearing surface are part of a tubular body, wherein the support element is located in the interior of the tubular body.

[0020] By arranging the support element in the interior of the tubular body, it is possible to provide a support unit that meets not only technical but also aesthetic aspects.

[0021] The support element is preferably located entirely within the interior of the tubular body.

[0022] The tubular body preferably has the cross-section of a square tube.

[0023] Preferably, the tubular body has access openings through which the at least one fastening element is accessible.

[0024] Preferably, the support element has guide surfaces with which the support element is guided on at least one inner wall of the tubular body.

[0025] The access opening is preferably designed such that the fastening element is accessible for actuation in any relative position between the carrier element and the support element.

[0026] Preferably, the access openings can be closed with a cover element.

[0027] Preferably, during assembly, the support element is loosely connected to the fixed structure by means of the at least one fastening element, such that the carrier element can be aligned relative to the support element by actuating the adjusting element, and that after alignment, the at least one fastening element is firmly connected to the fixed structure, such that the support element firmly clamps the flange section of the carrier element to the fixed structure.

[0028] A "loose connection" is defined as a connection that is essentially fixed but still allows for movement of the elements mentioned. For example, the fastener is screwed into the fixed structure far enough that the support element is just barely movable. After alignment, the fastener is tightened.

[0029] Preferably, the adjustment element is an adjustment screw with a thread and a stop surface. The support element has a threaded opening into which the thread engages and a bearing surface against which the stop surface rests, such that actuation of the adjustment screw results in the adjustment movement.

[0030] Preferably, the adjusting screw has a screw head with an actuating structure, wherein the stop surface is provided by the screw head, wherein the bearing surface has an opening through which the actuating structure is accessible for actuating the adjusting screw.

[0031] Preferably, the adjustment element is accessible from below when viewed in the installed position. Alternatively, the adjustment element is accessible from above when viewed in the installed position.

[0032] Preferably, the carrier unit further comprises a locking screw with which the support element and the carrier element can be firmly connected to one another after adjustment has been made.

[0033] The securing element is preferably a screw with which the support element can be firmly screwed to the carrier element.

[0034] Preferably, the bearing portion is designed as a support which extends away from the mounting portion, wherein the support has fastening structures for fastening the sanitary article.

[0035] Preferably, the support is provided by two struts extending away from the mounting section, wherein the struts are connected to a further strut opposite the mounting section.

[0036] This provides stable support, with the lower strut also being able to function as a towel holder.

[0037] One arrangement comprises at least one support unit as described above and at least one sanitary article resting on the storage section. Another arrangement comprises at least two support units as described above and at least one sanitary article resting on the storage sections of the at least two support units.

[0038] A method for assembling a carrier unit as described above is characterized in that that in a first step the support element is loosely connected to the fixed structure with the at least one fastening element in such a way that the carrier element can be aligned relative to the support element by actuating the adjusting element, that in a subsequent step the adjusting element is actuated so that the position of the carrier element can be adjusted, and that in a subsequent step the at least one fastening element is firmly connected to the fixed structure in such a way that the support element firmly clamps the carrier element to the fixed structure.

[0039] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the Figure 1 ; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the sectional view of the Figure 1 ; Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the carrier unit according to the preceding figures; Fig. 5 is a further perspective view of the carrier unit according to the preceding figures; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a carrier unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a partially sectioned view of the Figure 6 ; and Fig. 8 a further perspective view of the carrier unit according to the preceding Figures 6 and 7 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] In the Figures 1 to 5 a first embodiment of a carrier unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figures 6 to 8A second embodiment of a carrier unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. Identical parts bear identical reference numerals.

[0042] The support unit 1 serves to store a sanitary article not shown in the figures. The sanitary article is preferably a vanity unit, a washbasin, or a similar sanitary article. It is also conceivable for the sanitary article to be a toilet bowl or a urinal. The support unit 1 comprises a support element 2 and a support element 5. The support element 5 secures the support unit 1 to the fixed structure.

[0043] The support element 1 has a bearing section 3 on which the sanitary article can be stored. The bearing section 3 can be designed in various ways. In the embodiment shown, the bearing section 3 has a bearing surface and fastening structures 27 for securing the sanitary article.

[0044] The support element 5 can be used with at least one fastening element 6 to a fixed structure, such as a wall. In the embodiment shown, two fastening elements 6 are arranged at a distance from each other. The fastening elements 6 here are in the form of screws, which can be connected, for example, via a dowel or directly to the fixed structure.

[0045] The support element 5 is connected to the mounting section 4 by a longitudinal guide 7 such that the carrier element 2 can be displaced relative to the support element 5 along an adjustment movement E. The carrier unit 1 also comprises an adjustment element 8, with which the adjustment movement E can be provided. This means that the adjustment movement E between the carrier element 2 and the support element 5 can be exerted with the adjustment element 8. By means of this adjustment movement E, the relative position between the support element 5 and the carrier element 2 can be adjusted. When the support element 5 is stationary, the carrier unit 1 with the bearing section 3 is thus displaced accordingly relative to the stationary support element 5. As a result, the spatial position of the bearing section 3 can be adjusted, aligned or leveled. The displacement typically occurs in the vertical direction.

[0046] Based on the Figures 1 and 2The specific embodiment will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The support element 2 has a flange section 9 with a rear bearing surface 10 and a front bearing surface 11. The support element 2 rests directly or, as shown here, indirectly with the rear bearing surface 10 on the stationary structure. In the embodiment shown, a damping element 32 is arranged on the rear bearing surface 10 for indirect support. The damping element 32 lies between the rear bearing surface 10 and the stationary structure. The damping element 32 is preferably made of an elastic plastic.

[0047] The support element 5 rests on the front bearing surface 11. This involves surface contact between the support element 5 and the front bearing surface 11. In the embodiment shown, the at least one fastening element 6 is passed through a screw opening 30 in the support element 5 and through an opening 12 in the flange section 9. The fastening element 6, which here has the shape of a screw, protrudes from the rear bearing surface 10 or from the damping element 32 and penetrates into the fixed structure. The screw head 34 of the fastening element 6 rests on a surface 33 of the support element. When the fastening element 6 is tightened, the screw head 34 acts on the surface 33 and thus on the support element 5, which then clamps the flange section 9 between the support element 5 and the fixed structure.

[0048] During assembly, the support element 5 is loosely connected to the fixed structure by means of the at least one fastening element 6. The loose connection is such that the carrier element 2 can be aligned relative to the loosely mounted support element 5 by actuating the adjustment element 8. After adjustment or alignment, the at least one fastening element 6 is firmly connected to the fixed structure. This creates the clamping effect described above, in which the support element 5 firmly clamps the flange section 9 of the carrier element 2 to the fixed structure.

[0049] In both embodiments, the flange portion 9 is part of a tubular body 13. The support element 5 is arranged in the interior 14 of the tubular body 13.

[0050] In the first embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 5The adjustment element 8 is accessible from below in the installed position. In the second embodiment according to the Figures 6 to 8 the adjusting element 8 is accessible from above in the installed position.

[0051] In both embodiments, the adjustment element 8 takes the form of an adjustment screw with a thread 18 and a stop surface 19. The support element 5 has a threaded opening 20 into which the thread 18 engages. Furthermore, the carrier element 2 has a bearing surface 21 against which the stop surface 19 rests. When the adjustment screw rotates, the adjustment screw is screwed into or out of the threaded opening 20. This changes the distance between the stop surface 19 and the threaded opening 20. The said adjustment movement results from the contact between the stop surface 19 and the bearing surface 21 on the carrier element 2.

[0052] In the first embodiment shown, the threaded opening 20 is arranged in a bending tab that protrudes from the support element 5. The bearing surface 21 rests on a block that is secured in the hollow body 23. In the embodiment shown, an opening 24 penetrates the bearing surface 21, allowing access to an actuating structure 23 on the screw head 22.

[0053] In the second embodiment shown, actuation occurs, as already mentioned, from above. The bearing surface 21 is provided by the inside of the hollow body 23. The threaded opening 20 is located at an upper end on the support element 5.

[0054] In the second embodiment shown, the carrier unit 1 further comprises a locking screw 25 with which the support element 5 and the carrier element 2 can be firmly connected to one another after adjustment has been carried out.

[0055] In both embodiments, the bearing section 3 is designed as a support 26. The support 26 extends away from the mounting section 4. The support 26 has fastening structures 27 for securing the sanitary article. The fastening structures 27 can, for example, be threaded sections or through-holes in the support 26. In the embodiment shown, the support 26 is connected by two struts 28 extending away from the mounting section 4 and by a further strut 29 located opposite the mounting section 4. The support 26 is preferably made of metal and is provided by welding the struts 28, 29 together.

[0056] Furthermore, the support element 5 has guide surfaces 16. The support element 5 is guided on at least one inner wall 17 of the tubular body 13.

[0057] Of the Figures 1 to 5It can be seen that the support element 5 according to the first embodiment is essentially designed as a plate from which the guide surfaces 16 extend. It can also be seen here that the tubular body 13 has access openings 15 through which the at least one fastening element 6 is accessible. Preferably, the carrier unit according to the first embodiment is assembled as follows: In a first step, the support element 5 is loosely connected to the fixed structure by means of the at least one fastening element 6, such that the carrier element 2 can be aligned relative to the support element 5 by actuating the adjusting element 8. In a subsequent step, the adjusting element 8 is actuated so that the position of the carrier element 2 can be adjusted.In a subsequent step, the at least one fastening element 6 is firmly connected to the fixed structure in such a way that the support element 5 firmly clamps the carrier element 2 to the fixed structure.

[0058] Of the Figures 6 to 8It can also be seen that the support element 5 is designed as a tubular body which is movably mounted in the tubular body 13. The tubular body 13 is then slipped over the support element 5. In this embodiment, the fastening element is not accessible when the carrier element 2 is connected to the support element 5. The support element 5 can be firmly connected to the fixed structure before the carrier element 2 is mounted, and the carrier element 2 can then be placed on top, with the adjustment element then being actuated. Preferably, the carrier unit according to the second embodiment is assembled as follows: In a first step, the support element 5 is connected to the fixed structure with the at least one fastening element 6, and in a subsequent step, the adjustment element 8 is actuated so that the position of the carrier element 2 can be adjusted. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0059] 1 carrier unit 22 screw head 2 Support element 23 Operating structure 3 Storage section 24 opening 4 Assembly section 25 locking screw 5 Support element 26 support 6 Fastening element 27 Mounting structures 7 Longitudinal guide 28 Striving 8 Adjustment element 29 further strut 9 Flange section 30 screw opening 10 rear storage area 32 Damping element 11 front storage area 33 surface 12 breakthrough 34 screw head 13 tubular body 14 Interior E Attitude movement 15 Access openings 16 Guide surfaces 17 Cover element 18 thread 19 Stop surface 20 threaded opening 21 Storage space

Claims

1. A carrier unit (1) for mounting a sanitary article, comprising a carrier element (2) having a bearing section (3), on which the sanitary article can be mounted or fastened, and a mounting section (4), and a support element (5) which can be firmly connected to a fixed structure by means of at least one fastening element (6), wherein the support element (5) is connected to the mounting section (4) by means of a longitudinal guide (7) in such a way that the carrier element (2) can be displaced relative to the support element (5) along an adjustment movement (E), and wherein the carrier unit (1) further comprises an adjusting element (8) with which the adjusting movement between the carrier element (2) and the support element (5) can be provided, wherein the carrier element (2) comprises a flange section (9) with a rear bearing surface (10) and a front bearing surface (11), wherein the carrier element (2) can be placed with the rear bearing surface (10) against the fixed structure and wherein the support element (5) rests against the front bearing surface (11), characterized in that the flange section (9) with the rear bearing surface (10) and the front bearing surface (11) are part of a tubular body (13), the support element (5) being located in the interior (14) of the tubular body (13).

2. The carrier unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange section (9) has at least one opening (12) through which the at least one fastening element (6) can be passed.

3. The carrier unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular body (13) has access openings (15) through which the at least one fastening element (6) is accessible; and / or in that the support element (5) has guide surfaces (16) by which the support element (5) is guided on at least one inner wall (17) of the tubular body (13).

4. The carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, during assembly, the support element (5) can be loosely connected to the fixed structure by means of the at least one fastening element (6) in such a way that the carrier element (2) can be aligned relative to the support element (5) by operating the adjusting element (8), and that after alignment, the at least one fastening element (6) can be firmly connected to the fixed structure, such that the support element (5) firmly clamps the flange section (9) of the carrier element (2) to the fixed structure.

5. The carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (8) is an adjusting screw having a thread (18) and a stop surface (19), the support element (5) having a threaded opening (20) in which the thread (18) engages, and the carrier element (2) having a bearing surface (21) against which the stop surface (19) bears in such a way that the adjusting movement results when the adjusting screw is actuated.

6. The carrier unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjusting screw has a screw head (22) with an actuating structure (23), the stop surface (19) being provided by the screw head (22), wherein the bearing surface (21) has an opening (24) through which the actuating structure (23) can be accessed in order to operate the adjusting screw.

7. The carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (8) is accessible from below, as viewed in the installed position; or in that the adjusting element (8) is accessible from above, as viewed in the installed position.

8. The carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier unit (1) further comprises a locking screw (25) by means of which the support element (5) and the carrier element (2) can be firmly connected to one another after adjustment.

9. The carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing section (3) is designed as a support (26) which extends away from the mounting section (4), the support (26) having fastening structures (27) for fastening the sanitary article.

10. The carrier unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the support (26) is provided by two struts (28) extending away from the mounting section (4), the struts (28) being connected to a further strut (29) opposite the mounting section.

11. An arrangement comprising at least one carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one sanitary article which rests on the bearing section (3); or comprising at least two carrier units (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one sanitary article which rests on the bearing sections (3) of the at least two carrier units (1).

12. A method for mounting a carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in a first step, the support element (5) is loosely connected to the fixed structure by means of at least one fastening element (6), in such a way that the carrier element (2) can be aligned relative to the support element (5) by operating the adjusting element (8), in that, in a subsequent step, the adjusting element (8) is actuated so that the position of the carrier element (2) can be adjusted, and that in a subsequent step the at least one fastening element (6) is fixedly connected to the fixed structure in such a way that the support element (5) firmly clamps the carrier element (2) to the fixed structure.

13. A method for mounting a carrier unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in a first step the support element (5) is connected to the fixed structure by means of at least one fastening element (6), and in that in a subsequent step the adjusting element (8) is actuated so that the position of the carrier element (2) is adjustable.