Device for wall-fixing of a functional component, in particular for plumbing and sanitary installations

Abstract

A device for wall-fixing of a functional component (10) at one end of a duct provided with a female thread (20) is described. The device (1) comprises a disc-shaped fixing body (2) having a rear face, a front face (2b) and an outer edge (3). The fixing body (2) defines a first tubular formation substantially cylindrical (4), which protrudes from the rear face and has a first axial cavity, and a second cylindrical tubular formation (7), which protrudes from the front face (2b) and has a second axial cavity (8), wherein the first tubular formation (4) and the second tubular formation (7) are substantially coaxial, with the first axial cavity (5) and the second axial cavity (8) connected to each other. The first tubular formation (4) is provided with a first external thread (4a), configured for coupling with the aforementioned end of the duct provided with the female thread (20). The second tubular formation (7) is configured for coupling with the functional component (10). The outer edge (3) has a second external thread (3a), configured for coupling with a holding element (13) of the functional component (10).

Description

[0001] “Device for wall-fixing of a functional component, in particular for plumbing and sanitary installations"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The present invention refers to devices and systems for wall-mounting of a functional component of a generic installation or system. The invention was developed with particular reference being paid to the fixing of functional components of plumbing and sanitary system, but the invention is also applicable in similar areas wherein there is a need to fix a functional component at the end of a generic pipe or duct, for example a functional component of an electrical system (for example a lighting fixture such as a spotlight or the like) which is to be supplied via cables or similar electrical conductors passing through the aforesaid pipe or duct, or a functional component of an air-conditioning system (for example a diffuser of hot or cold air) which is to be supplied by air passing through the aforesaid pipe or duct.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Wall-fixing of functional components of plumbing and sanitary systems, such as shower heads or side jets for showers, generally involves the wall -mounting of suitable built-in boxes, and this complicates the prearrangement of the system to a certain extent.

[0007] In other solutions, the functional component of interest, such as a shower head or a side jet, is fixed directly to the end of the relevant water pipe. These solutions, although simpler, are generally distinguished by a scarce possibility of managing different aesthetic variants of a product.

[0008] Substantially similar problems are found in the case of wall-fixing of components of electrical systems, such as spotlights and similar lighting fixtures, or air conditioning systems, as previously mentioned.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] In view of the above, the present invention essentially aims to obtain a new device for wall-fixing of functional components, in particular components of plumbing systems or electrical systems, of simple and economical construction, easy to assemble and which, if necessary, allows to easily manage numerous possible variants of one and the same product.

[0011] This and other aims are achieved, according to the present invention, by a device for wall-fixing of a functional component, having the characteristics referred to in the attached claims. The subject of the invention is also a fixing system using the aforesaid device and a fixing kit including the aforesaid device.

[0012] The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

[0013] Brief description of the drawings

[0014] Further aims, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be clear from the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, provided purely as an explanatory and non-limiting example, wherein:

[0015] - Figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views from different angles of a fixing body of a device according to possible embodiments of the invention;

[0016] - Figures 3 and 4 are a side elevation view and a front elevation view, respectively, of the fixing body of figures 1-2;

[0017] - Figure 5 is a schematic section according to line V-V of Figure 4;

[0018] - Figure 6 is an exploded schematic representation of a fixing device according to possible embodiments of the invention, in combination with a generic functional component to be fixed to a generic wall;

[0019] - Figure 7 is a rear schematic perspective view of the functional component of Figure 6; and

[0020] -Figures 8, 9 and 10 exemplify by means of respective perspective views a possible operating sequence for fixing the functional component of Figure 6.

[0021] Description of embodiments of the invention

[0022] The reference to “an embodiment” in this description indicates that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as “in one embodiment”, “in various embodiments” and the like, possibly present in different places of this description, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may instead refer to different embodiments. In addition, particular conformations, structures or characteristics defined within this description can be combined in any appropriate way in one or more embodiments, even different from those depicted. The numerical and spatial references (such as “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom ”, etc.) refer to the examples in the figures and used here only for convenience, and therefore do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments. The same reference numbers are used in the figures to indicate similar or technically equivalent elements.

[0023] Referring initially to figures 1-5, reference 1 indicates as a whole a fixing device according to the invention, which - as will be seen - is intended for the fixing of a generic functional component with respect to a wall, in a position corresponding to a female thread defined or set at the end of a generic duct. Preferably, the aforementioned functional component is selected from among components of plumbing systems and components of electrical systems.

[0024] In the following, for simplicity, it is assumed that the functional component is a shower head, that the duct is a water pipe belonging to a domestic plumbing system, and that the mounting wall is a ceiling (i.e., a horizontal wall) of a shower environment, it being understood that the device according to the invention can also be used in the case of fixing with respect to vertical walls.

[0025] The device 1 comprises a fixing body 2, substantially disc-shaped, that is, having a disc-shaped main body portion, having a rear face 2a, a front face 2b and an outer (or peripheral or circumferential) edge 3. The body 2 can be convenient made of metal material, for example, stainless steel or brass, although its realization in plastic material is not excluded.

[0026] The fixing body 2 includes a first tubular formation substantially cylindrical 4, which protrudes from the rear face 2a and has a first axial cavity 5, as well as a second tubular formation 7, preferably substantially cylindrical, which protrudes from the front face 2b and has a second axial cavity 8. The body 2 is preferably formed in a single piece, defining the two tubular formations 4 and 7. In possible variant embodiments, one or both the formations 4 and 7 could be configured as distinct parts and secured to the disc-shaped part.

[0027] Preferably, the two formations 4 and 7 are substantially coaxial with each other, with the two axial cavities 5 and 8 connected to each other in fluid communication. As particularly visible in figure 5, in various embodiments the axial cavity 5 of formation 4 has a smaller diameter than the axial cavity 8 of the formation 7, with the two cavities 5 and 8 that are connected to each other at a bottom 8a of the axial cavity 8, preferably a bottom 8a which is generally flared.

[0028] The tubular formation 4 is provided with a corresponding outer external thread 4a, which is susceptible to coupling with a female thread that is defined at, or associated with, the end of a duct, as explained below.

[0029] The tubular formation 7 is instead configured for insertion or engagement or coupling with respect to the functional component that is be fixed in position relative to the mounting wall. In various embodiments, in particular wherein device 1 is used for fixing water-fed components, the tubular formation 7 is externally provided with at least one annular groove 7a for at least one corresponding annular sealing element, such as an elastomer seal.

[0030] The outer edge 3 has a corresponding external thread 3a, which is susceptible of coupling holding element of the functional component to be fixed, as explained below.

[0031] In various embodiments, the tubular formations 4 and 7 have different external diameters, the formation 4 preferably having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the formation 7. Again preferably, the formations 4 and 7 are located substantially in the centre of the corresponding rear face 2a and front face 2b, respectively, substantially coaxial with each other.

[0032] In various preferential embodiments, the formation 4 is cylindrical and is shaped to achieve a typical G 1 / 2 male coupling (half an inch gas), i.e., with a diameter of 21.3 mm; in this case, the relevant internal cavity may, for example, have a diameter of 10.5 mm. In various embodiment, the formation 7 is also cylindrical and may have a maximum external diameter of between 25 and 35 mm, e.g., 31 mm, and the cavity 8 thereof may then have a diameter of between 20 and 30 mm, particularly 23 mm. The maximum diameter of the disc-shaped part can be between 70 and 80 mm in diameter, in particular 76.1 mm (i.e., G 2 1 / 2). Other sizes are possible, depending on the type of functional components to be fixed.

[0033] In various embodiments, and as visible for example in figure 5, the outer edge 3 of the body 2 is defined by a substantially cylindrical wall, designated by 3b, which is slightly protruding from at least the front face 2b. In this way, the tubular formation 4 and the cylindrical wall 3b define therebetween a substantially annular seat, for the positioning of the functional component at the aforementioned face 2b, as described below.

[0034] In various embodiments, the axial cavity 5 of the formation 4 has a peripheral surface that is at least partly shaped for cooperating with a tightening tool that is insertable through the axial cavity 8 of the formation 7. For this purpose, in preferential embodiments, the abovementioned peripheral surface of the cavity 5 is provided with axial grooves, some of which designated by 6 for example in figures 2, 4 and 5, configured for engagement with a tightening tool, in particular an Allen key, of the type indicated by K in figure 7. Instead of simple grooves 6 spaced apart from one another, the cavity 5 could have at least one portion thereof with an overall hexagonal section, to cooperate with an Allen key.

[0035] In figure 6 the fixing body 2 is visible in combination with a previously mentioned holding element, designated as a whole by 13, and a functional component designated by 10, here represented by the aforementioned shower head. In figure 6 it is also visible the previously mentioned sealing gasket, designated by 9, intended to be positioned at the groove or seat 7a of the formation 7. In the example, the component 10 is a small shower head having a substantially cylindrical body 11, frontally provided with means for water emission 12, here represented by a plurality of front nozzles or aerators 12. Preferably, and as also visible in figure 7, the peripheral surface of the body 11 is provided with level surfaces I la, for example a pair of level surfaces I la in opposite diametral positions, aimed at facilitating gripping of the component 10 during assembly or disassembly. At the back of the body 11 an inlet 11b is provided, configured substantially as female connection, which is congruent for mating with the formation 7.

[0036] In various embodiments, the holding element 13, which may itself be part of the fixing device, has a body comprising a peripheral wall 14 which is generally tubular in shape, i.e., having a through cavity, in order to receive therein and retain inside at least a part of the component 10; in this respect, therefore, the section of the axial cavity defined by the peripheral wall 14 has dimensions and shape congruent with those of the peripheral surface of the functional component 10. In the example, the peripheral wall 14 of the holding element 13 is substantially cylindrical, as is the peripheral surface of the component 10, except for the preferential presence of the level surfaces I la.

[0037] As can be seen in figure 6, in the example shown, in a portion of the end of wall 14 an internal thread 14a is defined, which is susceptible of coupling (i.e., screwing and unscrewing) with respect to the external thread 3a of the circumferential edge 3 of the fixing body 2. Moreover, preferably, the peripheral wall 14 of the holding element 13 has, in an end portion thereof opposite to the thread 14a, an edge radially protruding inwards, designated by 14b, suitable to abut against the front of the component 10, with the possible interposition of an annular sealing element.

[0038] Also the holding element 13 can be conveniently formed of metal material, for example stainless steel or brass, but its realization in plastic material is not excluded. Figures 8-10 show schematically an example of a sequence of fixing of the component 10 of figure 6-7, using a device according to the invention

[0039] In figure 8, reference W designates a generic wall, which here is assumed to be a horizontal wall (ceiling or false ceiling) of a shower compartment. At the wall W the end of a duct or pipe 20 is positioned, here substantially flush with the wall W. The pipe 20 is provided with a female thread 20a, with which the thread 4a of the formation 4 is suitable for coupling. The female thread 20a can be defined directly in pipe 20, or a terminal fitting provided with the female thread 20a can be associated to the pipe.

[0040] The fixing body 2 is screwed, via its formation 4, to the pipe 20, by coupling between the thread 4a and the female thread 20a. Preferably, a suitable sealing material, such as hemp or Teflon, is placed between the two threaded parts in question, as is customary in the field.

[0041] The complete screwing of the fixing body 2 with respect to the pipe 20 can be conveniently achieved with the aid of a suitable tool, represented here by the Allen key K, which engages with the surface grooves 6 (figures 4-5) of the peripheral surface of the cavity 5 of the formation 4. As can be seen, the tool in question can be advantageously inserted through the cavity 8 of the formation 7, in order to engage with the internal grooves 6 of the other formation 4.

[0042] Figure 9 shows the condition obtained as a result of the fixing of the body 2 with respect to the wall W. As it can be seen, the body 2 allows to hide from view the portion of the wall W where the end area of the pipe 20 is located.

[0043] The gasket can then be associated to the body 2 (if not already mounted previously), at the throat or seat 7a of the formation 7. The component 10 is then coupled onto the formation 7, using the female connection 1 lb of figure 7, with gasket 9 making the necessary seal. During the coupling, the gripping of the component 10 is facilitated by the presence of the level surfaces 1 la. As mentioned, the formation 7 and the slightly protruding part of the wall 3b define a sort of annular seat, which guarantees a precise and centred positioning of the component 10 with respect to the fixing body (for this purpose, also the internal diameter of the wall 3b and the outer diameter of the body 11 of the component 10 are preferably chosen for this purpose).

[0044] After the component 10 has been coupled to the fixing body 2, as shown in figure 10, the tubular holding element 13 is fitted onto the component itself, so that its peripheral wall 14 surrounds the component 10. By rotating the element 13, the internal thread 14a of its wall 14 (figure 6) engages with the thread 3 a of the peripheral edge 3, so allowing the same element 13 to be screwed deeply onto body 2, and so that the leading edge 14b of the same wall 14 holds the component 10 in place, abutting against the front thereof.

[0045] As can be seen, fixing of the component 10 is extremely simple. Its possible removal, for example in case of maintenance and replacement, is also very simple.

[0046] The holding element 13 is preferably configured to directly obtain an external aesthetic cover of the functional component 10. For this purpose, it should be noted that the sectional shape of the holding element 13 does not necessarily have to be circular, since it may have other shapes at will (for example elliptical or polygonal), provided that it has a suitable cavity for receiving at least part of the functional component 10, a thread 14a suitable for coupling with the thread 3a of the body 2, and an edge or similar element capable of constraining the component in position.

[0047] The invention has been exemplified with reference to the use in combination with functional components of plumbing or sanitary types, but as mentioned the same is also susceptible of use in other areas where, in general, a functional component requires its assembly at one end of a generic pipe or duct. In this perspective, as already mentioned, the device described can also be used with advantage for wall-fixing of components of electrical systems, such as spotlights or similar lighting fixtures, for example having an external shape similar to that of the component previously designated by 10. In this case, the duct or pipe in question will be the one used for the passage of the electrical conductors or cables required for the power supply of the electrical functional component. Since the pipes normally recessed into the wall for the passage of electrical conductors are generally formed with a plastic material, the pipe may have associated a suitable terminal connection, provided with the female thread 20a; if necessary, this fitting may be properly anchored to the wall W at the end of the passage of the pipe, e.g. by using cement, or putty, or other suitable fastening material.

[0048] Similar considerations apply in the case of use in the field of air conditioning systems, where the functional component to be fixed may be a hot- or cold-air diffuser, for example having an external shape similar to that of the component previously designated by 10, with the duct or pipe that will be used for supplying the air to the diffuser. It will be appreciated that the invention allows to prearrange a system for wall-fixing that, starting from one and the same fixing body 2, enables to compose different final products. Referring to the exemplary case of a shower head, the same can be prearranged in several interchangeable versions, for example a multi -jet shower head, or a single-jet shower head, or with a mist jet, or even configured to emit a waterfall or a water blade. Similarly, the holding element can also be provided in several versions that differ from each other in shape and / or external appearance, for example with circular or polygonal section, and / or with smooth external surface, or satin, or coloured, etcetera.

[0049] It will also be appreciated that the proposed fixing device makes it possible to create a modular system wherein the same fixing element (here represented by the body 2) can be associated with components 10 having different functional characteristics, as well as different covering elements having different aesthetic characteristics (represented here by elements 13), in order to offer to an end user the possibility of “composing” the desired product according to his tastes.

[0050] The invention enables the manufacturers to also prearrange fixing kits, each comprising a fixing body 2 of the type exemplified and a corresponding holding element 13, the kit being set according to functional component 10 to be fixed to the wall.

[0051] Similarly, the invention enables the manufacturers to offer functional components equipped with the corresponding fixing body 2 and a corresponding holding element 13.

[0052] Similar considerations apply to the abovementioned cases of application of the fixing device in electrical or air-conditioning systems.

[0053] From the given description, the characteristics of the present invention are clear, as well as its advantages.

[0054] It is clear that numerous variants are possible for the person skilled in the art, to the device, system, kit and functional component described above as an example, without leaving the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

[0055] The described device can be configured for wall mounting of a hand shower, in which case the holding element 13 will be configured for receiving and retaining inside the part of the shower hand designed for the hydraulic connection with the formation 7 of the fixing body 2.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fixing device, for wall-fixing of a functional component (10) at a terminal female thread of a duct (20), in particular a functional component of a plumbing installation, the device comprising a disc-shaped fixing body (2) having a rear face (2a), a front face (2b) and an outer edge (3), the fixing body (2) defining a first substantially cylindrical tubular formation (4), which protrudes from the back face (2a) and has a first axial cavity (5), and a second tubular formation (7), preferably substantially cylindrical, which protrudes from the front face (2b) and has a second axial cavity (8), the first axial cavity (5) and the second axial cavity (8) being connected to each other, and the first tubular formation (4) and the second tubular formation (7) being preferably substantially coaxial, wherein:- the first tubular formation (4) is provided with a first external thread (4a), in particular configured for coupling with the aforementioned female thread,- the second tubular formation (7) is susceptible of coupling with respect to the functional component (10), and- the outer edge (3) has a second external thread (3 a), configured for coupling with a holding element (13) of the functional component (10).

2. The fixing device according to Claim 1, comprising said holding element (13), which has a peripheral wall which is generally tubular (14) and is provided, at one end portion of the peripheral wall (14), with a third internal thread (14a) configured for coupling with the second external thread (3 a) of the outer edge (3).

3. The fixing device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the holding element (13) is configured for obtaining an external aesthetic cover of the functional component (10).

4. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-3, wherein the second tubular formation (7) is externally provided with an annular throat (7a) for an annular sealing element (9), such as a gasket of elastomer material.

5. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-4, wherein the first axial cavity (5) has a smaller diameter than the second axial cavity (8), the first axial cavity (5) and the second axial cavity (8) being connected to each other at a bottom (8a) of the second axial cavity (8).

6. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-5, wherein the first axial cavity (5) has a peripheral surface that is at least partially shaped for cooperating with a tightening tool (K) that can be inserted through the second axial cavity (8).

7. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-6, wherein the peripheral surface of the first axial cavity (5) is provided with axial grooves (6) configured for engagement with a said tightening tool (K), such as an Allen key.

8. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-7, wherein the first tubular formation (4) and the second tubular formation (7):- have different external diameters, the first tubular formation (4) preferably having an external diameter smaller than the external diameter of the second tubular formation (7), and / or- are substantially in the centre of the rear face (2a) and the front face (2b), respectively, and substantially coaxial with each other.

9. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-8, wherein the outer edge (3) of the fixing body (2) is defined by a substantially cylindrical wall, in such a way that the first tubular formation (4) and the cylindrical wall define therebetween a positioning seat for the functional component (10) at the front face (2b).

10. The fixing device according to any of Claims 1-9, wherein at least one of the fixing body (2) and the holding element (13) is made of metal material, such as brass or steel.

11. The fixing device according to any of Claims 2-10, wherein the peripheral wall (14) of the holding element (13) has, in an end portion thereof opposite to the third internal thread (14a), an edge (14b) radially protruding inward.

12. A system for wall-fixing of functional components, comprising:- at least one fixing body (2) according to any of Claims 1-11,- at least one holding element (13), having a generally tubular shape and provided with a respective third internal thread (14a), configured for coupling with the second external thread (3 a) of the outer edge (3) of a respective fixing body (2), and- at least one functional component for wall fixing (10), which is receivable in a respective one said holding element (13) and configured to be held in position by the same holding element (13) on the respective fixing body (2) following coupling between said second external thread (3a) and said third internal thread (14a).

13. The system according to Claim 10, wherein the at least one functional component is selected from among components of plumbing systems, components of electrical systems and components of environmental air conditioning systems,the at least one functional component being preferably a shower head or a hand shower, or else a lighting fixture, or else a diffuser of hot or cold air.

14. A kit for wall-fixing of a functional component (10), comprising a fixing body (2) according to any of Claims 1-11, and a holding element (13), having a generally tubular shape and provided with a respective third internal thread (14a), configured for coupling with the second external thread (3 a) of the outer edge (3) of the fixing body (2), the holding element (13) being preferably configured to obtain an external aesthetic cover of the functional component (10), the kit possibly also including a hollow terminal connection-fitting providing said female thread (20a).

15. Afunctional component (10) for a system selected from among plumbing systems, electrical systems and air conditioning systems, intended for fixing at a terminal female thread of a pipe or duct (20), comprising a fixing device according to any of Claims 1-11.

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