Support and method for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel

Abstract

Support and method for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel Support (2), comprising a plate (20) receiving a supply connection (8). To adapt to the thickness of a partition panel (1) and to unusual bore dimensions (11), the support comprises a retractable fixing (30), with a clamping tab (32) sliding between an initial position and a clamping position. In the initial position, pivoting of the clamping tab (32) is allowed, between a retracted orientation, to allow insertion into the bore (11), and a deployed orientation, so that the clamping tab (32) opposes withdrawal from the bore (11). In the clamping position, the clamping tab (32) is held in the deployed orientation and the clamping tab (32) is closer to the plate (20) than in the initial position, to come to bear against the partition panel (1).Figure for abstract: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Support and method for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel

[0001] The present invention relates to a support, for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel, relates to an assembly comprising this support, relates to an installation comprising this assembly and relates to a method, for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel.

[0002] EP2963194A1 describes a connection device between a pipe arranged behind a partition and a sanitary or household appliance arranged in front of the partition. The device comprises a connector, with a rear part for connection to a free end of the pipe, through a hole in the partition, and a front part for connection to the sanitary or household appliance. The device also comprises a plate on which the connector is fixed, passing through an orifice in the plate. The plate is designed to bear against a front face of the partition, so that the connector is positioned in the hole in the partition. The device also comprises a ring with movable wedges and an expansion ring, which is axially movable to push, in its movement, the wedges in a centrifugal radial direction, so that the wedges fix the device by the rear face of the partition, while the rings are received coaxially in the hole in the partition.The movement of the expansion ring is actuated by self-tapping screws whose heads are accessible from the front of the plate.

[0003] Although this solution is generally satisfactory, it has the disadvantage of requiring the hole made in the partition to be of particularly precise dimensions, so that, on the one hand, the rings can pass through it when the wedges are retracted, and so that the wedges can engage with the rear face of the partition when the wedges have been moved in the centrifugal radial direction. Indeed, the radial travel of the wedges is relatively small. Furthermore, the centrifugal movement of the wedges tends to center the rings in the hole in the partition, which may be desirable in the case where the positioning and dimensions of the hole in the partition are correct, or undesirable when the positioning and / or dimensions of the hole are incorrect.

[0004] The aim of the invention is then to propose a new support and a new method, to allow at least one water supply connection to be fixed in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel, even when the thickness of the partition panel, the dimensions and / or position of the bore are unusual.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention relates to a support, for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel, the support comprising: a plate, which comprises a bearing face, a front face, opposite the bearing face, and at least one fixing interface, to allow fixing of said at least one supply connection on the plate; and at least one retractable fixing, which comprises a guide, fixed to the plate, and a clamping tab, arranged on the side of the bearing face and being movable relative to the plate, the guide guiding a sliding of the clamping tab relative to the plate along a clamping axis passing through the plate, between an initial position and a clamping position.

[0006] In the initial position, the guide allows the clamping tab to pivot relative to the plate around the clamping axis, between: a retracted orientation, to allow insertion of said at least one retractable fastener into the bore of the partition panel until the bearing face of the plate rests against a front face of the partition panel bordering the bore; and a deployed orientation, so that the clamping tab opposes withdrawal of said at least one retractable fastener from the bore of the partition panel by facing a rear face of the partition panel bordering the bore, the guide holding the clamping tab in the initial position when the clamping tab is in the retracted orientation.

[0007] In the clamping position, the guide maintains the clamping tab in the deployed orientation, and in which the clamping tab is closer to the plate than when the clamping tab is in the initial position, so that the clamping tab comes to bear against the rear face of the partition panel while the bearing face of the plate bears in the opposite direction against the front face.

[0008] One idea underlying the invention is to provide that the clamping tab moves from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation by rotation about the clamping axis rather than by radial displacement, so that the radial size of the clamping tab in the retracted orientation is very small to allow insertion into the bore even if the bore is narrow, while the radial size of the clamping tab in the deployed orientation is very large, so that the clamping tab can bear against the rear face in the clamping position, even if the bore is wide. One idea underlying the invention is to provide that the clamping tab moves from the initial position to the clamping position by sliding along the clamping axis so that the partition panel is pinched between the plate and the clamping tab in the clamping position and thus fix the support to the partition panel.The sliding stroke can be relatively long, so that the bracket adapts to the partition panel, whether it is thin or thick. In the case where several retractable fixings are provided, we . advantageously provides that each clamping lug is movable relative to the plate independently of any other clamping lug, so that it is possible to select which clamping lug(s) is / are placed in the clamping position or left in the retracted orientation, to adapt to the partition panel and the bore, in particular to the shape of the bore or to any obstacle which may be present on the side of the rear face of the partition panel.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, one or more of the following characteristics are further provided, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0010] Preferably, said at least one retractable fastener further comprises a screw, which passes through the plate, which is rotatable relative to the plate and which comprises: a head, which is accessible from the front face and by means of which the screw is configured to be rotated from the front face; and a body, which carries a thread by means of which the body is mechanically linked to the clamping tab, so that the screw drives the clamping tab when the screw is rotated: from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation, when the clamping tab is in the initial position, and from the initial position to the clamping position, when the clamping tab is in the deployed orientation.

[0011] Preferably, the body is received through the clamping tab, such that the body and the clamping tab adhere to each other for rotation about the clamping axis when the clamping tab is in the initial position, the body thereby driving the clamping tab to rotate about the clamping axis, by adhesion, from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation, when the screw is actuated and the clamping tab is in the initial position.

[0012] Preferably, the thread is screwed into the clamping tab so that the screw drives the clamping tab from the initial position to the clamping position when the clamping tab is in the extended orientation.

[0013] Preferably, the screw is made of metal and the clamping tab is made of polymer plastic material.

[0014] Preferably, the guide comprises a longitudinal notch, parallel to the clamping axis, which is crossed by the clamping tab when the clamping tab is in the deployed orientation, the longitudinal notch maintaining the clamping tab in the deployed orientation when the clamping tab is in the clamping position and allowing the clamping tab to slide to the clamping position, from the initial position, when the clamping tab is in the deployed orientation. Preferably, the guide comprises a transverse notch, which extends the longitudinal notch at a rear end of the longitudinal notch, the transverse notch being crossed by the clamping tab when the clamping tab is in the initial position, the transverse notch allowing the clamping tab to pivot between the retracted orientation and the deployed orientation when the clamping tab is in the initial position.

[0015] Preferably, the clamping lug comprises: a guide body, which is centered on the clamping axis, and a support foot, which is fixed to the guide body and which extends radially from the guide body relative to the clamping axis, the clamping lug being configured to bear against the rear face of the partition panel via the support foot. Preferably, the guide comprises a tube, which is centered on the clamping axis, which receives the guide body within it to guide the sliding and pivoting of the clamping lug.

[0016] The invention also relates to an assembly, comprising: the support as defined above, in which said at least one fixing interface comprises a passage opening, which is intended to come into alignment with the bore when the bearing face of the plate is in abutment against the front face of the partition panel and said at least one retractable fixing is received in the bore; and said at least one supply connector, which is configured to be received through the passage opening and to be fixed to the plate by means of said at least one fixing interface, so that, when said at least one supply connector is thus received through the passage opening, an inlet end of said at least one supply connector opens onto the side of the bearing face of the plate, an outlet end of said at least one supply connector opens onto the side of the front face of the plate.

[0017] The invention also relates to an installation, comprising the assembly as defined above, the partition panel and at least one water inlet pipe, said at least one water inlet pipe being arranged on the side of the rear face of the partition panel, said at least one supply connection being received through the passage opening and being fixed to the plate by means of said at least one fixing interface, said at least one retractable fixing being received inside the bore, the clamping tab of said at least one retractable fixing being in the clamping position so as to bear against the rear face of the partition panel while the bearing face of the plate bears in the opposite direction against the front face of the partition panel, said at least one water inlet pipe being fluidically connected to the inlet end of said at least one supply connection.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for fixing at least one water supply connection in a corresponding bore belonging to a partition panel, the method implementing the support as defined above and comprising:

[0019] - an insertion of said at least one retractable fixing through the bore to from the front face, while the clamping tab of said at least one retractable fastener is in the retracted orientation, the insertion being carried out until the support face of the plate rests against the front face of the partition panel;

[0020] - once the insertion is carried out, a pivoting of the orientation clamping tab retracted to the deployed orientation; and

[0021] - once the pivoting is carried out, a sliding of the clamping tab from the position initial to the clamping position, in which the clamping tab rests against the rear face of the partition panel while the support face of the plate rests in the opposite direction against the front face.

[0022] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the following drawings.

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an assembly according to a method of realization lisation according to the invention, which comprises a first connector and a first group of retractable fasteners, of which clamping tabs are in an initial position and a retracted orientation, and a second connector and a second group of retractable fasteners, of which clamping tabs are in a clamping position and a deployed orientation.

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a rear view of the assembly of [Fig.l], showing in broken lines a first bore and a second bore belonging to a partition panel, the first connector and the first group of retractable fasteners being received in the first bore, the second connector and the second group of retractable fasteners being received in the second bore.

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a first side view of the set of preceding figures, showing in particular the first connection and the first group of retractable fixings through the first bore of the partition panel.

[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a second side view of the set of preceding figures, showing in particular the second connection and the second group of retractable fixings through the second bore of the partition panel.

[0027] Figures 1 to 4 show an assembly 4, which is here a pre-assembled assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a support 2 and two supply connections 8. Figures 2 to 4 show this assembly 4 fixed to a partition panel 1. Figures 3 and 4 schematically show that the pre-assembled assembly 4 aims to fluidically connect one or more water supply pipes 98, arranged behind the partition panel 1, to a device or appliance 99 to be supplied with water, such as a sanitary water tap for a sink, washbasin, shower or bathtub, or even a household appliance, or any other appliance, in particular domestic, requiring a running water supply, and arranged in front of the partition panel 1. The assembly 4, the partition panel 1, the pipes 98 and the device 99 together constitute an installation.

[0028] The partition panel 1 has two through bores 11, a front face 12, facing the front of the partition panel 1, and a rear face 13, facing the rear of the partition panel 1. The faces 12 and 13 border the bores 11. The assembly 4 aims to position and fix connectors 8 on the partition panel 1, by positioning each connector 8 in one of the bores 11. The front face 12, which is a flat face of the panel 1, is opposite the rear face 13, which is another flat face of the panel 1. A front direction XI2 is defined, perpendicular to the faces 12 and 13, directed from the face 13 towards the face 12. The front face 12 is facing the interior of a room of a building receiving the device or apparatus 99 and which is delimited by this partition panel 1. The rear face 13 is facing the interior of a partition or wall of the building, delimited by partition panel 1.To be fixed to the building, the partition panel 1 is for example fixed, via the rear face 13 on a support structure, in particular metallic, consisting of uprights and rails.

[0029] The partition panel 1 is preferably made up of a plate, or several coplanar plates arranged edge to edge, possibly coated on the side of the front face 12 and / or the rear face 13. For example, the or each plate of the partition panel 1 is a plasterboard, for example BA13, or a plate of another material usually constituting a partition, for example a panel of large oriented strand boards, known as "OSB".

[0030] Each bore 11, for example of circular shape, connects the faces 12 and 13. The bores 11 are advantageously distributed horizontally as shown in [Fig.2],

[0031] Each connector 8 comprises an inlet end 81, an outlet end 82, and, preferably, a collar 83. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each connector 8 is fluidically connected to one of the pipes 98 via the inlet end 81, opening onto the side of the rear face 13. One of the pipes 98 delivers, for example, running water at room temperature, while the other pipe 98 delivers hot running water. Each connector 8 is fluidically connected to the device 99 via the outlet end 82, opening onto the side of the front face 12. Each connector 8 forms a conduit, advantageously bent, fluidically connecting the ends 81 and 82, so as to fluidically connect the conduit 98 to the device 99. Each connector 8 passes through one of the bores 11, preferably so as to protrude from each side of the partition panel 1. Each connector 8 is fixed to the support 2 by means of its collar 83.The collar 83 advantageously forms an external shoulder which extends around the entire perimeter of the connection 8 between the ends 81 and 82, in a plane which is perpendicular to the direction X12. The collar 83 preferably comprises . orifices capable of being passed through by screws 84 or similar fixing members, so that the connector 8 can be fixed to the support 2 by means of the collar 83, here using the screws 84.

[0032] The support 2 comprises a plate 20. The plate is in the form of a plate, which is perpendicular to the direction X12 when the assembly 4 is installed on the partition panel 1. The plate 20 has a bearing face 21, in the opposite direction to the direction XI2, and a front face 22, facing in the direction of the direction XI2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the assembly 4 is installed, the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 is supported, in the opposite direction to the direction X12, flat against the front face 12 of the partition panel 1, and the front face 22 is facing towards the inside of the room of the building delimited by the panel 1. When the assembly 4 is installed, the plate 20 covers the bores 11 so as to mask them, preferably entirely.

[0033] To form these faces 21 and 22, the plate comprises a respective fixing interface 23 for each connector 8 and, preferably, a breakable connecting tab 24 connecting the interfaces 23 together.

[0034] Each fixing interface 23 allows the fixing of one of the connectors 8 on the plate 20. For this, each fixing interface 23 preferably comprises a passage opening 25, connecting the faces 21 and 22 together. When the assembly 4 is installed, each passage opening 25 is aligned, or comes into correspondence with one of the bores 11. The passage opening 25 is crossed by the connector 8 when the connector 8 is fixed to the plate 20, so that the end 81 projects and opens on the side of the bearing face 21 and the end 82 projects and opens on the side of the front face 22. When the connector 8 is fixed on the interface 23, the collar 83 bears against the front face 22 in the opposite direction to the direction X12, on a periphery of the passage opening 25.More generally, the interface 23 is configured to allow insertion of the connector 8 into the passage opening 25 from the front face 22, by introducing the end 81 through the opening 25 from the front face 22, here until the collar 83 is pressed against the front face 22. Preferably, the interface comprises orifices 26 arranged around the periphery of the passage opening 25, through which the screws 84, passing through the collar 83, are implanted to ensure the attachment of the connector 8 to the interface 23. Preferably, the respective heads of the screws 84 are turned in the direction X12, so that the screws 84 are accessible from the front face 22.

[0035] Means other than the collar 83, the screws 84 and the orifices 26 may be provided for fixing the connector 8 to the interface 23, in particular clipping means.

[0036] In any event, the respective position of the interfaces 23 on the plate 20 advantageously makes it possible to arrange the connectors 8, one with respect to the other, in an appropriate manner with respect to the specifications of the device 99 to be supplied, with respect to the position bores 11 and / or with respect to a standard center distance to be obtained between the connectors 8.

[0037] Preferably, each interface 23 can be separated from the other by breaking the breakable connecting tab 24, in particular along one or more pre-cutting lines 28, either to modify the relative arrangement of the connectors 8 with respect to each other, or to use each interface 23 individually, constituting a plate in itself, when only one connector 8 is to be mounted. Furthermore, the plate 20 can comprise a number of fixing interfaces other than two, to ensure the fixing of a corresponding number of connectors 8.

[0038] The support 2 also comprises retractable fasteners 30. Preferably, at least one retractable fastener 30 is provided per interface 23, i.e. per bore 11 or per connector 8 to be mounted. In practice, for each interface 23, a group of several retractable fasteners 30 is provided, intended to cooperate mechanically with the same bore 11. Here, each interface 23 is associated with a respective group of four retractable fasteners 30.

[0039] Preferably, each retractable fastener 30 is arranged on the edge of the passage opening 25. For each group, the retractable fasteners 30 are distributed around the passage opening 25 of the interface 23 corresponding to this group, in order to be able to cooperate with the corresponding bore 11 when the assembly 4 is installed.

[0040] Each retractable fastener 30 comprises a guide 31, a clamping tab 32 and a screw 33, and defines a clamping axis X30. The clamping axis X30 passes through the plate 20 and is perpendicular to the plate 20, so as to be parallel to the direction X12 when the assembly 4 is installed.

[0041] The guide 31 is arranged, preferably entirely, on the side of the bearing face 21, being fixed to the plate 20, in particular being fixed to the fixing interface 23. The clamping tab 32 is arranged, preferably entirely, on the side of the bearing face 21. The clamping tab 32 is movable relative to the plate 20, being driven by the screw 33 and being guided in its movement by the guide 31. Each screw 33 passes through the plate 20 from the front face 22 to the bearing face 21.

[0042] The guide 31 comprises a tube 34 and a rear stop 35. The clamping lug 32 comprises a guide body 36 and a support foot 37. The screw 33 comprises a head 38 and a body 39 carrying a thread 40.

[0043] The guide 31, and in particular the tube 34, are advantageously centered on the axis X30. The tube 34 is fixed to the plate 20 at the edge of the passage opening 25, by a front end of the tube 34. The tube 34 carries the rear stop 35, at the other end of the tube 34. The rear stop 35 is crossed by the axis X30 and is arranged at a distance from the bearing face 21 of the plate 20, extending parallel to the plate 20. The guide 31 crosses the bore 11 from one side to the other, being close to the edge of the bore 11. The rear stop 35 is arranged beyond the bore 11, on the side of the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1.

[0044] The guide 31 comprises a longitudinal notch 41 and a transverse notch 42, which together form a continuous “L” shaped guide rail, for constraining and guiding the movement of the clamping tab 32.

[0045] The longitudinal notch 41 is arranged radially through the tube 34 and extends along the tube 34 parallel to the axis X30. The longitudinal notch 41 begins between the front end and the rear end of the tube 34 where the longitudinal notch 41 has a front end. The longitudinal notch 41 ends at the rear end of the tube 34, where the longitudinal notch 41 has a rear end 49, axially delimited by the rear stop 35.

[0046] The transverse notch 42 is arranged radially through the tube 34, extending around the tube 34, over only a portion of a circumference of the tube 34. The transverse notch 42 extends along a plane perpendicular to the axis X30. Around the axis X30, the transverse notch 42 is bordered by the stop 35 over its entire length. Around the axis X30, the notch 42 begins at the rear end 49 of the longitudinal notch 41, where the notch 42 forms a first end. The notches 41 and 42 are therefore connected at this location, and extend one another to form the continuous “L”-shaped guide rail. The notch 42 also forms a second end, which is arranged away from the notch 41 around the axis X30. The continuous guide rail therefore extends from the front end of the notch 41 to the second end of the notch 42, passing through the rear end 49 of the notch 41, merged with the first end of the notch 42.Preferably, the notches 41 and 42 are spaced apart by an angle of less than 250° around the axis X30, which here is approximately 180°, i.e. a half-turn around the axis X30.

[0047] The guide body 36 and the support foot 37 of the clamping lug 32 are fixed to each other, preferably by being formed by a single piece in one piece. The guide body 36 is preferably of cylindrical or tubular shape, and is centered on the axis X30.

[0048] The guide body 36 is received inside the tube 34. The tube 34 and the guide body 36 cooperate mechanically so that the guide body 36 is guided in sliding along the axis X30 relative to the tube 34 and is allowed to pivot around the axis X30 relative to the tube 34, without any other degree of freedom, except for the clearance. The sliding of the guide body 36 is limited towards the rear, by the rear stop 35.

[0049] The support foot 37 extends radially from the guide body 36, radially relative to the clamping axis X30. The support foot 37 is preferably flat in shape, along a plane perpendicular to the clamping axis X30. The support foot 37 has a narrow base, by means of which the support foot 37 is attached to the guide body 36, and a widened free end. The support foot 37 passes ra- dialy the tube 34, by crossing the continuous guide rail, namely, by crossing the notch 41 or the notch 42, depending on the current position of the clamping tab 32 relative to the plate 20. More precisely, the narrow base of the support foot 37 is gripped by the notch 41 or the notch 42, the notch 41 and the notch 42 thus contributing to guiding the sliding of the clamping tab 32 along the axis X30, while constraining the orientation of the clamping tab 32 around the axis X30.

[0050] Thanks to the tube 34 and the notches 41 and 42, the clamping tab 32 is sliding along the axis X30 relative to the plate 20, between a rear initial position, shown in [Fig. 3], and a front clamping position, shown in [Fig. 4], when the clamping tab 32 is in a deployed orientation, shown in [Fig. 4]. The sliding is guided by cooperation of the guide body 36 and the tube 34 and permitted in that the support foot 37 can circulate along the longitudinal notch 41 when the clamping tab 32 is in the deployed orientation. In the rear initial position, the clamping tab 32 is in abutment against the rear stop 35 via the body 36. In the rear initial position, the support foot 37 passes through the transverse notch 42.In the rear initial position, the support foot 37 is distant from the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1, parallel to the axis X30, so that the partition panel 1 is not pinched between the support foot 37 and the plate 20. In the rear initial position and in the deployed orientation, the support foot 37 passes through the longitudinal notch 41 and the transverse notch 42, at their intersection. In the front clamping position, the clamping tab 32 bears in the direction X12 against the rear face 13, close to the bore 11 crossed by the retractable fastener 30 in question. In particular, it is the support foot 37 which bears against the face 13. Preferably, in this clamping position, the clamping lug 32 is distant from the front end of the longitudinal notch 41. In the front clamping position, the support foot 37 passes through the longitudinal notch 41, between the front end and the rear end 49 of the longitudinal notch 41.In the front clamping position, the partition panel 1 is clamped between the support foot 37 and the plate 20, along the axis X30, which makes it possible to fix the assembly 4 on the partition panel 1.

[0051] Thanks to the tube 34 and the notches 41 and 42, the clamping tab 32 is pivotable about the axis X30 relative to the plate 20, between the aforementioned deployed position, and a retracted orientation, shown in [Fig. 4], when the clamping tab 32 is in the initial position. In the deployed position, the support foot 37 is opposite the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1 along the clamping axis X30, that is to say, protrudes radially from the bore 11, for example in the manner of a hook. In the retracted position, the support foot 37 is opposite the bore 11 of the partition panel 1 along the clamping axis X30, that is to say, does not protrude radially from the bore 11. Thus, when all the fasteners 30 of the same group have their clamping lug 32 in retracted orientation, the assembly 4 can be inserted into the corresponding bore 11, in particular these fasteners 30 and the connection 8 which they surround, until the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 is pressed against the front face 12 of the partition panel 1. When at least one of the fasteners 30 has its clamping tab in the deployed orientation, it opposes the withdrawal of the assembly 4 from the bore 11, by forming a radial obstacle, such as a hook, which abuts against the rear face 13.

[0052] The pivoting between the deployed orientation and the retracted orientation is guided by cooperation of the guide body 36 and the tube 34 and allowed in that the support foot 37 can circulate along the transverse notch 42 when the clamping tab 32 is in the initial position. In the initial position and in the deployed orientation, the clamping tab 32 passes through the first end of the transverse notch 42, where the notches 41 and 42 are joined. In the initial position and in the retracted orientation, the clamping tab 32 passes through the second end of the transverse notch 42. Between the retracted and deployed orientations, the clamping tab 32 has traveled a rotational stroke of less than one revolution around the axis X30.Preferably, it is provided that the clamping tab 32 has traveled a rotational stroke of less than 225°, preferably about 180°, which is determined by the angle between the first and second ends of the transverse notch 42 about the axis X30.

[0053] When the clamping tab 32 is in the retracted orientation, the support foot 37 is received through the second end of the notch 42, which is sufficiently narrow to prevent the support foot 37 from sliding along the axis X30, the clamping tab 32 then being held in the initial rear position by the guide 31.

[0054] When the clamping tab 32 is not in the initial position, the support foot 37 passes through the longitudinal notch 41, which is sufficiently narrow to force the clamping tab 32 to be in the deployed orientation, without being able to reach the retracted orientation.

[0055] In summary, the clamping tab 32 can take three successive remarkable configurations, namely, a first configuration in which the clamping tab is in the initial position and in the retracted orientation, a second configuration in which the clamping tab is in the initial position and in the deployed orientation, and a third configuration in which the clamping tab is in the clamping position and in the deployed orientation. In [Fig. 2], the fasteners 30 shown on the left are in the first configuration and the fasteners 30 shown on the right are in the third configuration. [Fig. 3] shows the fasteners 30 on the left of [Fig. 2], from another angle. [Fig. 4] shows the fasteners 30 on the right of [Fig. 2], from another angle.Certain configurations are made impossible by cooperation of the clamping tab and the guide, including a configuration in which the clamping tab would be in the clamping position and in the retracted orientation.

[0056] More generally, the guide 31 guides a sliding of the clamping tab 32 relative to the plate 20 along the clamping axis X30, between the initial position and the clamping position. In the initial position, the guide 31 allows the clamping tab 32 to pivot relative to the plate 20 around the clamping axis X30, between the retracted orientation, to allow the insertion of the retractable fastener 30 into the bore 11 of the partition panel 1 until the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 rests against the front face 12 of the partition panel 1 bordering the bore 11, and a deployed orientation, so that the clamping tab 32 opposes a withdrawal of the retractable fastener 30 from the bore 11 of the partition panel 1 by facing the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1 bordering the bore 11. The guide 31 holds the clamping tab 32 in the initial position when the clamping tab 32 is in the retracted orientation.In the clamping position, the guide 31 holds the clamping tab 32 in the deployed orientation. In the clamping position, the clamping tab 32 is closer to the plate 20 than when the clamping tab 32 is in the initial position, so that the clamping tab 32 bears against the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1 while the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 bears in the opposite direction against the front face 12 of the partition panel 1.

[0057] The fasteners 30 are capable of ensuring a clamping of the partition panel 1, whether the panel 1 is very thick or very thin, because it is easy to provide that the sliding travel of the clamping tabs 32 along the axis X30 relative to the plate 20, between the initial position and the maximum clamping position, is particularly long to adapt to these different thicknesses of partition panel. Depending on the thickness of the clamped partition panel, the clamping position of the tab 32 is different.

[0058] The fasteners 30 are capable of ensuring a pinching of the partition panel 1, whether the bore 11 is narrow or wide, well centered or poorly centered, it is easy to obtain a large difference in radial size of the clamping tab 32 by pivoting the clamping tab between the retracted orientation and the deployed orientation, in particular if it is provided that the support foot 37 is very long, radially from the axis X30.

[0059] Furthermore, it is noted that the position of each clamping lug 32 is independent of the position of the other clamping lugs 32 of the support 2. Thus, for example, it is possible to choose to put only a portion of the clamping lugs in the third configuration, while the others are left in the first configuration, in particular when an obstacle is present near one of the bores on the side of the rear face 13, which would prevent one of the clamping lugs 32 from being put in the third configuration.

[0060] For each fixing, the screw 33 is used to actuate and hold the clamping tab 32 in position relative to the plate 20.

[0061] The screw 33 passes through the plate 20 from one side to the other, preferably being coaxial with The X30 axis. The screw can be rotated relative to the plate 20, preferably around the X30 axis, by means of its head 38, which is itself centered on the X30 axis. The head 38 can project on the side of the front face 22, or be recessed in a recess of the plate 20 opening onto the front face 22, as shown in [Fig. 1]. The rotational actuation of the head 38 can thus be carried out from the front face 22 of the plate 20, the head 38 being accessible from the front face 22. The head 38 advantageously has a recess and / or has a shape which allows it to be actuated by a user, in particular using a screwdriver, a key or any similar complementary tool with the head 38.The actuation of the screw 33 can in particular be carried out while the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 is bearing against the front face 12, with the connector 8 mounted on the interface 23, and while this connector 8 and the fixings 30 are received in the bore 11.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the body 39 of the screw 33 and its external thread 40 are advantageously centered on the axis X30. The body 39 projects from the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 and passes through the clamping lug 32. Optionally, the body 39 also passes through the rear stop 35. Preferably, the body 39 is coaxially received inside the tube 34.

[0063] By means of the thread 40, the body 39 is mechanically connected to the clamping lug 32, so that the screw 33 drives the clamping lug 32 when the screw 33 is actuated in rotation about the axis X30 relative to the plate 20. Preferably, the body 39 and its thread 40 pass through the guide body 36 of the clamping lug 32, so that the screw 33 and the clamping lug 32 are screwed into each other. Thus, the screw 33 and the clamping lug 32 are connected according to a helical connection centered on the axis X30, by mechanical cooperation of the thread 40 with the body 36.

[0064] Rotating the screw 33 in a first direction then successively moves the clamping tab 32 from the first configuration, where the clamping tab 32 is in the retracted orientation and in the initial position, to the second configuration, where the clamping tab 32 is in the deployed orientation and in the initial position, then to the third configuration where the clamping tab 32 is in the deployed orientation and in the clamping position. Rotating the screw 33 in the opposite direction moves the clamping tab 32 successively from the third configuration to the second and then to the first.

[0065] It is preferably provided that, in order to rotate the clamping tab 32 between the retracted orientation and the deployed orientation when the clamping tab 32 is in the initial position, the body 39 of the screw 33, and in particular the thread 40, adheres to the guide body 36 for rotation. To obtain this adhesion, it can be provided that the body 39 and the thread 40 of the screw 33 are made of a material which has a sufficiently high coefficient of adhesion with respect to the material of the body of guide 36 of the clamping lug 32 and / or that the clamping lug 32 is slightly tightened around the screw 33. Preferably, the screw 33 is made of metal, such as steel, to be sufficiently strong, in particular at the level of the thread 40, and the clamping lug 32 is made of polymer plastic material, such as a polyamide or a polyethylene, to adhere in rotation to the metal of the screw 33.

[0066] Despite this adhesion, the rotation of the screw 33 causes the lug 32 to slide from the initial position to the clamping position when the lug 32 has reached the deployed orientation, in that the longitudinal notch 41 then opposes the rotation of the lug 32. In practice, the rotational adhesion creates a slight resistance to the rotation of the screw 33, but it is easily overcome using the tool to still be able to drive the screw 33 in rotation. By helical connection of the screw 33 with the lug 32, the lug 32 is slid along the notch 41 to the clamping position. Since the polymer plastic material is softer than metal, it is possible to provide for the screw 33 to be implanted in the lug 32, the thread 40 slightly machining the lug 32 as the lug 32 slides and the screw 33 rotates.

[0067] When the screw 33 is not rotating, it maintains the position of the lug 32 along the axis X30, by cooperation of the thread 40 with the lug 32. In particular, the lug 32 can be held by the screw 33 in the clamping position against the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1, so that the partition panel 1 is strongly pinched between the plate 20 and the lug 32. This makes it possible to fix the assembly 4 to the partition panel 1.

[0068] The elements described above can be used in the following manner.

[0069] Firstly, the assembly 4 is provided, comprising the support 2 and the connectors 8, preferably already fixed to the corresponding interfaces 23. The partition panel 1, already comprising the bores 11, and the pipes 98, are also generally provided by a different person on site. To pre-assemble the support 2 with the connectors 8, the connectors 8 are fixed to the interfaces 23, preferably in the factory, or at least in advance. Alternatively, the assembly 4 is not pre-assembled, i.e. the connector(s) 8 are provided separately from the support 2, and are assembled on site, and not in the factory.

[0070] Whatever the solution adopted, to fix each connector 8 on the support 2, the connector 8 is introduced by its entry end 81 through the passage opening 25, from the front face 22 of the plate 20, until the collar 83 rests against the front face 22. From the front face 22 of the plate 20, the screws 84 are then introduced through the collar 83 and the orifices 26, to fix the connector 8.

[0071] The pipes 98, located on the side of the rear face 13 of the panel, are connected to partition 1, to the connections 8, located on the side of the front face 12. For this, it is advantageous to pull on the conduits 98 to make them pass through the bore 11 and connect them to the connections 8 on the side of the front face 12. Preferably, the connections 8 are already assembled with the support 2 at this time. However, it is possible to assemble the connections 8 with the support 2 after the connection is made.

[0072] Once the pipes 98 are connected to the fittings 8 and the fittings 8 are fixed to the support 2, the support 2 is moved so as to insert the fittings 8 and the retractable fasteners 30 through the corresponding bores 11, in the opposite direction to the direction XI2, from the front face 12. To carry out this insertion, it is provided that all the clamping tabs 32 are in the initial position and in the retracted orientation, which allows them to pass through the bores 11. The insertion is carried out until the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 rests against the front face 12 of the partition panel 1.

[0073] Once this insertion has been carried out, for each fixing 30, the screw 33 is actuated to obtain a pivoting of the clamping tab 32 from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation, then a sliding of the clamping tab 32 from the initial position to the clamping position. In this way, the clamping tab 32 comes to bear against the rear face 13 of the partition panel 1, while the bearing face 21 of the plate 20 bears in the opposite direction against the front face 12. Depending on the situation, it is possible to choose to completely pivot and slide one tab 32 before doing the same for the next tab 32, or it is possible to first pivot several tabs 32 before starting to slide several tabs 32 at a time. It is also possible to adjust the sliding of certain legs 32 which have already been put in the clamping position to properly adjust the position of the assembly 4.Since each leg 32 is operable independently of the others, any sequence for placing the legs 32 in the clamping position can be carried out.

[0074] Once several legs 32 or all of the legs 32 are in the clamping position, the pinching of the panel 1 between these legs 32 and the plate 20 causes the assembly 4 to be fixed to the partition panel 1.

[0075] Preferably, the device 99 is connected to the fittings 8 once the assembly 4 is already fixed on the panel 1.

[0076] The screws 84 being accessible via the front face 22 and the collar 83 being in abutment against the front face 22, it is possible to dismantle the connector 8 subsequently without separating the plate 20 from the partition panel 1, for example to replace one of the connectors 8.

[0077] Any feature described above for one embodiment or variant is applicable to the other embodiments and variants described above, as far as technically possible.

Claims

Claims

1. Support (2), for fixing at least one water supply connection (8) in a corresponding bore (11) belonging to a partition panel (1), the support (2) comprising: a plate (20), which comprises a bearing face (21), a front face (22), opposite the bearing face (21), and at least one fixing interface (23), to allow fixing of said at least one supply connection (8) on the plate (20); and at least one retractable fixing (30), which comprises a guide (31), fixed to the plate (20), and a clamping tab (32), arranged on the side of the bearing face (21) and being movable relative to the plate (20), the guide (31) guiding a sliding of the clamping tab (32) relative to the plate (20) along a clamping axis (X30) passing through the plate (20), between: • an initial position, in which the guide (31) allows pivoting of the clamping lug (32) relative to the plate (20) around the clamping axis (X30), between: • a retracted orientation, to allow insertion of said at least one fastener retractable (30) in the bore (11) of the partition panel (1) until the bearing face (21) of the plate (20) rests against a front face (12) of the partition panel (1) bordering the bore (11), and • a deployed orientation, so that the clamping tab (32) opposes a withdrawal of said at least one retractable fastener (30) from the bore (11) of the partition panel (1) by facing a rear face (13) of the partition panel (1) bordering the bore (11), the guide (31) holding the clamping tab (32) in the initial position when the clamping tab (32) is in the retracted orientation, and a clamping position, in which the guide (31) holds the clamping tab (32) in the orientation deployed, and in which the clamping tab (32) is closer to the plate (20) than when the clamping tab (32) is in the initial position, so that the clamping tab (32) comes to bear against the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1) while the bearing face (21) of the plate (20) bears in the opposite direction against the front face (12).

2. Support (2) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one retractable fixing (30) further comprises a screw (33), which passes through the plate (20), which is rotatable relative to the plate (20) and which comprises: • a head (38), which is accessible from the front face (22) and by means of which the screw (33) is configured to be rotatable from the front face (22); and • a body (39), which carries a thread (40) by means of which the body (39) is mechanically linked to the clamping tab (32), so that the screw (33) drives the clamping tab (32) when the screw (33) is actuated in rotation: • from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation, when the clamping tab (32) is in the initial position, and • from the initial position to the clamping position, when the clamping tab (32) is in the deployed orientation.

3. A support (2) according to claim 2, wherein the body (39) is received through the clamping tab (32), such that the body (39) and the clamping tab (32) adhere to each other for rotation about the clamping axis (X30) when the clamping tab (32) is in the initial position, the body (39) thus driving the clamping tab (32) in rotation about the clamping axis (X30), by adhesion, from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation, when the screw (33) is actuated and the clamping tab (32) is in the initial position.

4. Support (2) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, in which the thread (40) is screwed into the clamping tab (32) so that the screw (33) drives the clamping tab (32) from the initial position to the clamping position when the clamping tab (32) is in the extended orientation.

5. Support (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the screw (33) is made of metal and the clamping tab (32) is made of polymer plastic material.

6. Support (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which: • the guide (31) comprises a longitudinal notch (41), parallel to the clamping axis (X30), which is crossed by the clamping tab (32) when the clamping tab (32) is in the deployed orientation, the longitudinal notch (41) maintaining the clamping tab (32) in the deployed orientation when the clamping tab (32) is in the clamping position and allowing the clamping tab (32) to slide to the clamping position, from the initial position, when the clamping tab (32) is in the deployed orientation;and • the guide (31) comprises a transverse notch (42), which extends the longitudinal notch (41) at a rear end (49) of the longitudinal notch (41), the transverse notch (42) being crossed by the clamping tab (32) when the clamping tab (32) is in the initial position, the transverse notch (42) allowing the pivoting of the clamping tab (32) between the retracted orientation and the deployed orientation when the clamping tab (32) is in the initial position.;

7. Support (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which: • the clamping tab (32) comprises: • a guide body (36), which is centered on the clamping axis (X30), and • a support foot (37), which is fixed to the guide body (36) and which extends radially from the guide body (36) relative to the clamping axis (X30), the clamping tab (32) being configured to bear against the rear face (13) of the panel of partition (1) via the support foot (37); and • the guide (31) comprises a tube (34), which is centered on the clamping axis (X30), which receives the guide body (36) within it to guide the sliding and pivoting of the clamping tab (32).

8. Assembly, comprising: • the support (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one fixing interface (23) comprises a passage opening (25), which is intended to come into alignment with the bore (11) when the bearing face (21) of the plate (20) is in abutment against the front face (12) of the partition panel (1) and said at least one retractable fixing (30) is received in the bore (11);and • said at least one supply connection (8), which is configured to be received through the passage opening (25) and to be fixed to the plate (20) via said at least one fixing interface (23), so that, when said at least one supply connection (8) is thus received through the passage opening (25), an inlet end (81) of said at least one supply connection (8) opens onto the side of the bearing face (21) of the plate (20), an outlet end (82) of said at least one supply connection (8) opens onto the side of the front face (22) of the plate (20).;

9. Installation, comprising the assembly according to claim 8, the partition panel (1) and at least one water inlet pipe (98), said at least one water inlet pipe (98) being arranged on the side of the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1), said at least one supply connection (8) being received through the passage opening (25) and being fixed to the plate (20) by means of said at least one fixing interface (23), said at least one retractable fixing (30) being received inside the bore (11), the clamping tab (32) of said at least one retractable fixing (30) being in the clamping position so as to bear against the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1 ... water inlet pipe (98) being arranged on the side of the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1), said at least one water inlet pipe (98) being arranged on the side of the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1), said at least one water inlet pipe (98) being arranged on the side of the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1), said at least one water inlet pipe (98) being arranged on the side of the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1), said at least one water inlet pipe (98) being arranged on the side of the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1), said partition (1) while the bearing face (21) of the plate (20) bears in the opposite direction against the front face (12) of the partition panel (1), said at least one water inlet pipe (98) being fluidically connected to the inlet end (81) of said at least one supply connection (8).

10. Method for fixing at least one water supply connection (8) in a corresponding bore (11) belonging to a partition panel (1), the method implementing the support (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and comprising: • an insertion of said at least one retractable fastener (30) through the bore (11) from the front face (12), while the clamping tab (32) of said at least one retractable fastener (30) is in the retracted orientation, the insertion being carried out until the bearing face (21) of the plate (20) rests against the front face (12) of the partition panel (1); • once insertion is carried out, a pivoting of the clamping tab (32) from the retracted orientation to the deployed orientation; and • once the pivoting has been carried out, a sliding of the clamping tab (32) from the initial position to the clamping position, in which the clamping tab (32) comes to bear against the rear face (13) of the partition panel (1) while the bearing face (21) of the plate (20) bears in the opposite direction against the front face (12).

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