FOOT UNIT FOR A SANITARY MOUNTING DEVICE

Abstract

A foot unit (1) for a sanitary mounting device (2) comprising a support element (3) having a connecting section (4) for connecting the foot unit (1) to the sanitary mounting device (2), a seat plate (5) fixedly connected to the support element (3), a bearing surface (6) being present on the underside of the seat plate (5), with which the seat plate (5) can be supported on a load-bearing structure (7), and at least one leveling element (9) housed in an opening (8) in the seat plate (5), the leveling element (9) having a support surface (10), the position of the support surface (10) of the leveling element (9) being movable and adjustable relative to the bearing surface (6), and at least one fixing element (11) for fixedly fixing the seat plate (5) to the load-bearing structure (7). (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Foot unit for a sanitary mounting device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot unit for a sanitary mounting device as well as to a sanitary mounting device and a method of mounting a mounting device. State of the art

[0002] Mounting devices for fixing sanitary articles are known from the state of the art. Such mounting devices are generally installed in a fixed manner behind a wall and are used to fix sanitary articles such as flush cisterns, toilet bowls, urinals, taps, sinks, control elements, electrical elements, etc. For example, document EP 2 662 502 discloses such a mounting device.

[0003] For the alignment of this type of mounting device, the trend in practice is to use spacer blocks or distance blocks. However, this method is very laborious and carries the risk that the mounting device will not be well aligned in the event of movement of the spacer blocks or distance blocks.

[0004] Description of the invention

[0005] Based on this state of the art, the invention aims to provide a mounting device that overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art. In particular, the mounting device must be easily oriented or adapted to local conditions.

[0006] The subject matter of the invention solves these and other problems. According to the invention, a foot unit for a sanitary mounting device comprises a support element having a connecting section for connecting the foot unit to the sanitary mounting device, a base plate fixedly connected to the support element, a support surface being present under the base plate, with which the base plate can be supported on a supporting structure, and at least one leveling element housed in an opening in the base plate, the leveling element having a support surface. The position of the support surface of the leveling element is movable and adjustable relative to the support surface. This adjustment possibility makes it possible to adjust or orient the base plate as well as the support element connected to it relative to a supporting structure.Furthermore, the foot unit comprises at least one fastening element for fixedly fastening the base plate to the supporting structure.

[0007] The ability to move or adjust the support surface has the advantage of being able to adjust the position of the foot unit and, consequently, the position of the sanitary mounting device. Typically, the base plate rests on the supporting structure with the bearing surface and the support surface. By moving one of the surfaces relative to the other, it is possible to adjust the position of the base plate.

[0008] The supporting structure is preferably a floor of a building.

[0009] Preferably, the bearing surface is fixed, i.e. not mobile, relative to the base plate.

[0010] The support member and the base plate are preferably made of steel. Preferably, the base plate is welded to the support member.

[0011] The base plate has a dimension such that the base plate extends laterally beyond the support element. This means that, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the support element, the base plate extends laterally beyond the cross-section of the support element.

[0012] It is preferable that a fixing element is provided for each leveling element. This has the advantage of obtaining good fixing, that is to say good tightening relative to the supporting structure.

[0013] In other variants, it is also possible to have more or fewer upgrade elements.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one leveling element has an external thread and the opening has an internal thread. The internal thread is engaged with the external thread such that, by rotation of the leveling element relative to the base plate, the leveling element with its support surface is movable or adjustable relative to the support surface.

[0015] Preferably, the external thread and the internal thread are fine pitch metric threads. The fine pitch thread has the advantage, on the one hand, of allowing fine adjustment of the support surface and, on the other hand, of obtaining self-locking between the internal thread and the external thread. The use of normal threads is also conceivable.

[0016] Preferably, the leveling element has a passage opening and, opposite the support surface, a stop surface. The fixing element passes through the passage opening and abuts against the stop surface with a safety surface.

[0017] In the mounting position, the stop surface is located above the support surface and above the base plate. In particular, the stop surface is located at a certain distance from the base plate.

[0018] Preferably, there is radial clearance between the passage opening and the fixing element.

[0019] The inner diameter of the passage opening is larger than the outer diameter of the fastener in the area where the fastener is located in the passage opening.

[0020] In a first variant, the fastening element has an anchoring section and a threaded section. With the anchoring section, the fastening element can be fixedly connected to the supporting structure. A nut can be connected to the threaded section. The nut has said safety surface by which a force is applicable to the leveling element. Optionally, a washer can be placed between the nut and the leveling element.

[0021] In the mounting position, the threaded section protrudes from the passage opening.

[0022] In a second variant, the fixing element is a screw with an external thread and a screw head, the screw with the external thread being able to be screwed into the supporting structure and the screw head having said safety surface by which a force is applicable to the leveling element.

[0023] The base plate is preferably rectangular, in particular almost square. The support element is preferably arranged in one corner and the leveling element(s) are arranged in at least one other corner.

[0024] Seen from above, the base plate preferably has an edge length of between 40 millimeters and 150 millimeters. A particularly preferred variant of the base plate has dimensions of 100 x 120 millimeters.

[0025] Preferably, a leveling element is provided in each corner, except in the corner where the support element is located.

[0026] In other words, the support element is placed in a first quadrant of the base plate. Particularly preferably, a leveling element is arranged in each of the other quadrants. In this case, three leveling elements are arranged in total. In another advantageous variant, a leveling element is arranged in the quadrant which is oblique to said first quadrant.

[0027] Preferably, the leveling element has a drive section which, on the outer side, preferably has a friction-increasing structure. The friction-increasing structure is preferably a knurling.

[0028] The drive section preferably has a diameter greater than the diameter of the external thread. Preferably, the drive section is located at the upper end of the leveling element. Preferably, the abutment surface is part of the drive section.

[0029] The bearing surface below the base plate can be provided in different ways.

[0030] In a first embodiment, the bearing surface of the base plate is provided by the underside of the base plate.

[0031] In a second embodiment, the bearing surface of the base plate is provided by a spacer fixed to the underside of the base plate, the bearing surface being located at a distance from the underside of the base plate.

[0032] In a third embodiment, the bearing surface of the base plate is provided by the support element which passes through the base plate and is located with the bearing surface at a distance from the underside of the base plate.

[0033] It is preferable to provide at least one reinforcing rib between the support element and the base plate. The reinforcing rib is fixedly connected to the support element and the base plate. The at least one reinforcing rib makes it possible to strengthen the connection between the base plate and the support element.

[0034] A mounting device for fixing at least one sanitary article comprises two uprights spaced apart from each other and made in the form of hollow profiles, each of which extends along a central axis, and at least one cross member which is fixedly connected to the uprights and which connects the uprights to each other. One foot unit according to the above description is arranged per upright.

[0035] The crosspiece preferably comprises fixing elements to which a sanitary article, such as a toilet bowl, a bidet, a urinal or a sink, can be fixed. Typically, corresponding threaded rods are used.

[0036] A method of mounting a mounting device according to the above description is characterized in that, in a first step, the at least one leveling element is aligned and in that, in a second subsequent step, the foot unit is fixedly attached to the supporting structure using the fixing element.

[0037] Other embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with the aid of the drawings, which serve only as an explanation and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. In the drawings,

[0039] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a mounting device with foot units according to the invention;

[0040] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of [Fig.l];

[0041] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a foot unit according to a first embodiment, top view;

[0042] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the foot unit according to [Fig.2], seen from below;

[0043] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a foot unit according to a second embodiment, seen from above;

[0044] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the foot unit according to [Fig.5], seen from below;

[0045] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a side view of Figures 5 and 6; and

[0046] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a sectional view of the base plate of a leg unit. Description of the embodiments

[0047] [Fig. 1] shows a mounting device 2 for fixing at least one sanitary article together with two foot units 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] The mounting device 2 comprises two uprights 24 spaced apart from each other and made in the form of hollow profiles, which each extend along a central axis M, and at least one crossbar 25 which is fixedly connected to the uprights (24) and which connects the uprights 24 to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three crossbars 25. At least one of the crossbars 25 has fastening elements 26 to which a sanitary article can be attached. One foot unit 1 according to the description below is arranged per upright 24.

[0049] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of the foot unit 1 and Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the foot unit 1. Identical parts bear the same reference signs and reference will be made to both embodiments in the remainder of the description. Finally, [Fig.8] shows a sectional view of leveling elements according to the first and second embodiments.

[0050] The foot unit 1 comprises a support element 3 with a connecting section 4 for connecting the foot unit to the sanitary mounting device 2. The support element 3 has the shape of a profile which can be telescopically connected to the support 24 by its connecting section 4.

[0051] The foot unit 1 further has a base plate 5. The base plate 5 is fixedly connected to the support element 3. The base plate 5 is thus an integral part of the foot unit. A support surface 6 is provided below the base plate 5. The support surface 6 can be provided in various ways, as described below. The base plate 5 is supported on a supporting structure 7 by the support surface 6.

[0052] The foot unit 1 further has at least one leveling element 9. In the illustrated embodiment, three leveling elements 9 are provided for each base plate. However, it is also possible to provide only one or two or more than three leveling elements 9. The leveling element 9 is housed in an opening 8 in the base plate 5. Each of the leveling elements 9 has a support surface 10. The leveling element 9 can rest on the supporting structure 7 via this support surface 10.

[0053] Therefore, the foot unit 1 rests on a supporting structure via the support surface 10 of the leveling element 9 and the bearing surface 6. Depending on the configuration, it is also conceivable that the foot unit 1 rests on the supporting structure 7 only via the support surface 10 of the leveling element 9.

[0054] Furthermore, the foot unit 1 comprises at least one fastening element 11 for securely fastening the base plate 5 to the supporting structure 7. In the embodiments shown, one fastening element 11 is arranged per leveling element 9.

[0055] The leveling element 9 has an external thread 12 on the outside. The opening 9 in the base plate 5 has an internal thread 9 in the opening 9. The external thread 12 can be screwed into the internal thread 13. The screwing movement makes it possible to adjust the position of the leveling element 9 relative to the base plate 5. The screwing movement moves the support surface 10 relative to the support surface 6 or relative to other support surfaces 10 of other leveling elements 9. The external thread 12 and the internal thread 13 are preferably fine-pitch threads. The external thread 12 is longer, in particular at least twice as long, than the thickness of the base plate 5. The base plate has a lower face 22 facing the supporting structure 7 and an upper face 29 facing away from the supporting structure.

[0056] Furthermore, the leveling element 9 has a through opening 14. The fastening element 11 passes through the through opening 14. Opposite the support surface 10, the leveling element 9 has a stop surface 15. The fastening element 11 abuts against this stop surface 15 with a securing surface 16 and thus causes a holding force. Downwards, the fastening element 11 projects beyond the through opening 14 and extends beyond the support surface 10.

[0057] The fastening element 11 further has an anchoring section 17 and a threaded section 18. The anchoring section 17 serves to fix the fastening element 11 to the supporting structure. For example, the anchoring section 17 can be a clamping section or a threaded section. In the following embodiment, the threaded section 18 is connected to a nut 19. The nut 19, or here a washer 27 tightened with the nut 19, are in contact with the stop surface 15 via the securing surface 16. When tightening the nut 19, the leveling element 9 is tightened together with the base plate 5 against the supporting structure 7.

[0058] In another embodiment, not shown among the figures, the fixing element may also have the form of a screw, a screw head acting on the abutment surface.

[0059] It is apparent from Figures 2, 7 and 8 that the rotation of the leveling element 9 makes it possible to move the support surfaces 10 relative to the lower face 22 of the base plate 5 or relative to each other, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the base plate 5 and thus also the position of the support element 3.

[0060] In the embodiments shown, the base plate 5 is essentially rectangular, here with rounded corners. The support element 3 is arranged in one corner of the rectangular base plate 5. An opening 8 or a leveling element 9 is arranged in at least one other corner of the rectangular base plate 5. In the embodiments shown, an opening 8 or a leveling element 9 is arranged in each corner, except where the support element 3 is located.

[0061] Preferably, the base plate 5, seen from above, has an edge length of between 40 millimeters and 150 millimeters.

[0062] The leveling element 9 further has a drive section 28. The drive section 28 preferably has a structure 20 increasing the friction on the outer side. The drive section 28 here has a diameter larger than the diameter of the external thread 12. The drive section 28 is located above the base plate 5 and also constitutes a stop for the maximum screwing depth of the leveling element 9. As shown in the figures, the drive section 28 is preferably placed at the upper end of the leveling element 9. Towards the top, the stop surface 15 is preferably part of the drive section 28.

[0063] In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the bearing surface 6 of the base plate 5 is provided by a spacer 21 mounted on the lower face 22 of the base plate. The bearing surface 6 is located at a distance from the lower face 22 of the base plate 5.

[0064] In the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7, the bearing surface 6 of the base plate 5 is provided by the support element 3. The support element 3 passes through the base plate 5 and its bearing surface 6 is located at a distance from the lower face 22 of the base plate 5.

[0065] Furthermore, in both embodiments, an optional reinforcing rib 23 is provided. The reinforcing rib 23 is fixedly connected to the upper face of the base plate 5 and to the support element 3. Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the arrangement of a double reinforcing rib 23 and Figures 5 to 7 the arrangement of a single reinforcing rib 23. List of reference signs

[0066] 1 unit of foot

[0067] 2 sanitary mounting device

[0068] 3 support element

[0069] 4 connection part

[0070] 5 base plate

[0071] 6 support surface

[0072] 7 supporting structure

[0073] 8 opening

[0074] 9 upgrade element

[0075] 10 support surface

[0076] 11 fixing element

[0077] 12 external thread

[0078] 13 internal thread

[0079] 14 passage opening

[0080] 15 abutment surface

[0081] 16 safety surface

[0082] 17 anchoring section

[0083] 18 threaded section

[0084] 19 nut

[0085] 20 friction increasing structure

[0086] 21 spacer

[0087] 22 lower face

[0088] 23 reinforcing rib

[0089] 24 amount

[0090] 25 crosses

[0091] 26 fixing element

[0092] 27 washer

[0093] 28 training section

[0094] 29 upper face

[0095] M central axis

Claims

Claims

1. Foot unit (1) for a sanitary mounting device (2) comprising a support element (3) having a connecting section (4) for connecting the foot unit (1) to the sanitary mounting device (2), a base plate (5) fixedly connected to the support element (3), a support surface (6) being present under the base plate (5), with which the base plate (5) can be supported on a supporting structure (7), and at least one leveling element (9) housed in an opening (8) in the base plate (5), the leveling element (9) having a support surface (10), the position of the support surface (10) of the leveling element (9) being movable and adjustable relative to the support surface (6), and at least one fastening element (11) for fixedly fastening the base plate (5) to the supporting structure (7), characterized in that a fixing element (11) is arranged for each leveling element (9).

2. Foot unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one leveling element (9) has an external thread (12) and the opening (9) has an internal thread (13), the internal thread (13) being engaged with the external thread (12) in such a way that, by rotation of the leveling element (9) relative to the base plate, the leveling element (9) with its support surface (10) is movable or adjustable relative to the support surface (6).

3. Foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leveling element (9) has a through opening (14) and, opposite the support surface (10), a stop surface (15), the fastening element (11) passing through the through opening (14) and abutting against the stop surface (15) with a securing surface (16).

4. Foot unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that there is a radial clearance between the passage opening (14) and the fastening element (11); and / or in that the inner diameter of the passage opening (14) is larger than the outer diameter of the fastening element (11) in the area in which the fastening element (11) is located in the passage opening (14).

5. Foot unit according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 4, ca- characterized in that the fixing element (11) has an anchoring section (17) and a threaded section (18), the fixing element (11) being fixedly connectable to the supporting structure (7) with the anchoring section (17) and a nut (19) being connectable to the threaded section (18) and the nut (19) having said safety surface (16) by which a force is applicable to the leveling element.

6. Foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fastening element is a screw with an external thread and a screw head, the screw with the external thread being screwable into the supporting structure and the screw head having said safety surface (16) by which a force is applicable to the leveling element.

7. Foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base plate (5) is rectangular, in that the support element (3) is arranged in one corner and in that the at least one leveling element (9) is arranged at least in another corner.

8. Foot unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a leveling element is arranged in each corner, except in the corner where the support element (3) is located.

9. Foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leveling element (9) has a drive section (28) which, on the outer side, preferably has a friction-increasing structure (20).

10. 0 Foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing surface (6) of the base plate (5) is provided by the underside (22) of the base plate (5); or in that the bearing surface (6) of the base plate (5) is provided by a spacer (21) fixed to the underside (22) of the base plate, the bearing surface (6) being located at a distance from the underside of the base plate (5); or in that the bearing surface (6) of the base plate (5) is provided by the support element (3) which passes through the base plate (5) and is located with the bearing surface (6) at a distance from the underside of the base plate (5).

11. 1 Foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one reinforcing rib (23) arranged between the support element (3) and the base plate (5) is provided.

12. 2 Mounting device (2) for fixing at least one sanitary article, comprising two uprights (24) spaced from each other and designed as hollow profiles, which each extend along a central axis (M), and at least one cross member (25) which is fixedly connected to the uprights (24) and which connects the uprights (24) to each other, and a foot unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims being arranged per upright (24).

13. Method for mounting a mounting device according to claim 12, characterized in that, in a first step, the at least one leveling element is aligned and in that, in a second subsequent step, the foot unit is fixedly attached to the supporting structure with the fixing element.

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