ES2884152T3 - Telescopic maneuvering key to facilitate the anchoring of sanitary devices to a wall - Google Patents

Abstract

A telescopic maneuver key (100) to facilitate the anchoring of wall-mounted sanitary appliances to a wall, said key (100) comprising - a straight Allen key (4); - a recess (6) provided on the lateral surface of the straight Allen key (4); - a connection element (7; S, C, F) for connecting the straight Allen key (4) to a screw element (3); - a hollow body (8) provided with pressure-fitting elements (9) and a longitudinal cavity in which the straight Allen key (4) is inserted; characterized in that the snap-fit elements (9) are adapted for snap-fitting with the straight Allen key (4) by snap-fitting into the recess (6) provided in the straight Allen key (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Telescopic maneuver key to facilitate anchoring of sanitary devices to a wall

field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of systems for fixing wall-hung sanitary fixtures; more specifically, it is related to a telescopic maneuver key to facilitate anchoring them to a wall, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background of the invention

It is well known that the operation of systems for fixing wall-mounted sanitary fixtures and the like is ensured through the use of a maneuver key that, by facilitating the forward movement of a screw or pin element, allows anchoring of the suspended element in wall to wall.

Typically, access to the fixing system is limited and not always visible to the plumber. For example, in the case of wall-hung sanitary fixtures, access is from the bottom and it is not possible to see what is being done, and therefore the operation is difficult.

The systems of the current art that are mainly used to facilitate the anchoring of a wall-hung sanitary fixture to a wall are:

- a plastic tube attached to the fixing system which, by means of a helical torsion spring, is in close connection with the screw that provides the anchorage. The insertion of the operating key, which is, in this case, a hexagonal key or Allen key, is facilitated by the presence of said small tube that acts as a guide. In fact, inserting the operating key inside it, the key will be safely positioned in the hexagonal head of the screw, thus ensuring a perfect tightening of the same screw. The use of the tube is disadvantageous when the sanitary fixture to be suspended on the wall has a very high casing and is not far from the ground. In this case, the maneuvering space will be very limited, due to the small distance from the ground, and therefore it will be difficult to insert the key into the guide tube. The aforementioned anchoring maneuver is often impossible or, at best, long and difficult.

- A maneuver key, disclosed in document WO2013167186, which consists of a hexagonal Allen key attached directly to the screw element as a single body. In this case, the two parts are already attached together and it is not necessary for the plumber to insert the wrench into the hexagonal head of the screw. The disadvantage of this known system is that, working with sanitary appliances of different heights, it would be necessary to have maneuvering taps of different lengths available and therefore the tap would have to be cut each time according to the needs. In this case again the installation process is longer and less easy.

- A system, disclosed in document DE202010009280, capable of adjusting in a clamping sleeve and in which an Allen key is inserted.

The drawback of this system is that, similarly to what was described above, in the case of sanitary fixtures of different heights, a key of the same height as the sanitary fixture would be required and therefore the fixing kits that use fixing systems this type are not universal.

A drawback common to all the documents disclosed above is that none of the systems used allow the plumber to see what he/she is doing.

A torque driver for headless threaded compression fasteners is disclosed in WO2016/057013. US6038946 discloses an axially repositionable adapter for use with a ratchet assembly. Document US2679778 discloses a flexible rotary tool

An expandable key according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in US2012/0180605. Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the current technique mentioned above, providing a universal maneuver key suitable for adapting to all types of wall-mounted sanitary appliances.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide the possibility of performing a visible maneuver according to the principle described hereinafter, thus facilitating installation operations.

According to one aspect, a telescopic maneuvering key is provided according to claim 1 to facilitate the anchoring of a wall-mounted sanitary appliance, comprising a straight Allen key, a recess provided on the lateral surface of the straight Allen key and a connection element between the straight Allen key and a screw element. The operating key further comprises a hollow body provided with snap-fit elements for snap-fitting to the straight Allen key, and a longitudinal cavity into which the straight Allen key is inserted.

Additional features and embodiments are set forth in the appended claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a telescopic maneuvering wrench, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood by following the description.

- Figure 1 is an exploded view of a key according to the invention in an embodiment thereof; - Figures 1A, 1B and 1C are detail enlargements of Figure 1;

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the operating key in the retracted position associated with a system for fixing sanitary appliances;

Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of the operating key in the extracted position;

Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of the use of the operating key in the retracted position to fix a wall-hung sanitary appliance;

- Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of the use of the operating key in the extracted position to fix a wall-hung sanitary appliance.

- Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment;

- Figure 7 is an exploded view of a modified embodiment;

- Figures 8(A), 8(B) and 8(C) show modified embodiments of the connection between the Allen key and the screw element; Y

- Figs. 9(A)-9(D) show example embodiments of the snap-fit elements connecting the straight Allen key and the hexagonal prism.

Detailed description of the invention

With initial reference in particular to figure 1, according to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the present invention relates to a telescopic maneuver key indicated together with the number (100) to facilitate the anchoring of a sanitary device suspended in wall, the key being composed of the elements described below.

According to the embodiment of figure 1, the telescopic maneuvering key (100) comprises a straight Allen key (4) with a hexagonal head. The telescopic maneuver key (100) also comprises a ring (5), also visible in the detail of figure 1A, inserted in a first recess or notch (16) provided in the upper part of the straight Allen key (4). A second recess (6), also visible in the detail of Figure 1B, is provided on the side surface of the straight Allen key (4).

In the example of figure 1, the telescopic maneuver key (100) further comprises a cylindrical connection element (7) between the straight Allen key (4) and a screw element (3), for example a hexagonal fixing screw. . The connecting element (7) is similar to a screw cap with a hole (12) at the base. The hole (12) has a diameter between the diameter of the circumscribed circumference of the straight Allen key (4) with a hexagonal head and that of the ring (5), shown in the detail of figure 1C, which illustrates the cross section of the connection element (7). An annular surface (13) comprised between the hole (12) and an internally threaded wall (14) of the connection element (7) forms a radial support for the ring (5).

The telescopic maneuvering wrench (100) further comprises a hollow prismatic body, having a hexagonal cross-section, for example, hereinafter briefly referred to as "hollow hexagonal prism" and indicated with (8). The hollow hexagonal prism (8) is provided with two portions in the form of elastic appendages forming press-fit or press-fit elements indicated with (9). The press-fit elements (9) may comprise teeth (9A) capable of press-fitting in the recess (6) provided in the straight Allen key (4) as described below.

The telescopic maneuvering key (100) can also comprise an optional L-shaped Allen key (10). The L-shaped Allen key (10) can be omitted and a different tool can be used instead, for example a spanner, ratchet, socket wrench or other equivalent tool, capable of co-acting with the prism (8) hollow hex for the purposes explained below.

As shown in particular in figure 1B, the recess (6) can be provided with a specific geometry: in cross section the profile is represented by an angle where one generatrix is orthogonal to the axis of the key (4) straight and the other The generatrix has an inclination, with respect to the previous one, by the same angle of the teeth (9A) of the pressure-fitting elements (9) of the hollow hexagonal prism (8). In other words, the recess is defined by a substantially flat annular surface, orthogonal to the axis of the straight Allen key (4), and by a truncated conical surface. The truncated conical surface is directed such that the recess (6) has a gradually diminishing depth towards the end of the straight Allen key (4) where the first annular recess or depression (16) is formed.

The ring (5) can be an elastic ring made of metal or plastic. In other embodiments, the ring (5) can be a pin, or any element capable of increasing the cross-section with respect to that of the straight Allen key (4). In other words, once housed in the first recess or depression (16), annular the ring (5) forms a projection that projects from the exterior hexagonal prismatic surface of the straight Allen key (4).

In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the connection element (7) between the screw element (3) and the straight Allen key (4) is a plastic cap with an internal thread that corresponds to that of said element ( 3) screw, ie suitable for screwing into the screw element (3). The hole (12) of the connection element (7) allows the passage of the straight Allen key (4).

The components of the telescopic maneuvering wrench 100 described above can be assembled as follows.

The screw element (3), or hex set screw, is inserted into the hex head (4A) of the straight Allen key (4). In other words, the upper end (in Figure 1) of the straight Allen key (4) is inserted into the hexagonal recess of the screw element (3).

The connection element (7) is inserted from the bottom upwards around the straight Allen key (4), in such a way that the ring (5) rests on the surface (13) and the internal thread of the wall 14 is free and not engaged by the straight Allen key (4).

At this point it is possible to screw the connection element (7) into the screw element (3), thus ensuring an integral connection between the screw element (3) and the straight Allen key (4).

The size of the hexagonal cavity of the prism (8) depends on the size of the straight wrench (4). The coupling between the two elements must be characterized by a longitudinal interference along the larger size of the key (4).

The straight Allen key (4) is inserted into the hollow hexagonal prism (8) in such a way that the press fit elements (9) face the connecting element (7). In other words, the straight Allen key (4) is inserted into the hollow cavity of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) with the end (4B) thereof opposite the end or head (4A) restricted to the screw element (3). Insertion is made from the side of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) where the snap-fit elements (9) are provided. The end (4B) is inserted into the longitudinal cavity of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) deforming the snap-fit elements (9) radially outwards, since the teeth (9A) of the snap-fit elements reduce the cross section passage of the longitudinal cavity of the hollow hexagonal prism (8). The deformation is facilitated by the fact that the teeth (9A) have distal surfaces that are inclined towards the axis of the hollow hexagonal prism (8).

The sliding of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) along the straight key (4) is free until the press fit elements (9) reach the second recess (6) provided in the straight Allen key (4). At this point, the teeth (9A) of the press-fit elements (9) are pressed into the second recess (6) and stop the reciprocal sliding between the hollow hexagonal prism (8) and the Allen key (4). straight. The telescopic maneuvering key is now assembled.

However, the reciprocal sliding between the hollow hexagonal prism (8) and the straight Allen key (4) can continue until the straight Allen key (4) is almost completely retracted into the hollow hexagonal prism (8). This is possible by applying a sufficient force to elastically deform the press-fit elements (9) in a radial outward direction, causing the inclined surfaces of the teeth (9A) to slide along the portion of the truncated conical surface that defines the second recess (6). When it is deformed radially outwards, the teeth (9A) come out from the second recess (6) and slide on the prismatic surface of the Allen key (4) straight towards the connecting element (7) even until resting against it.

From the position of maximum retraction, that is to say the position where the straight Allen key (4) is completely inserted in the longitudinal cavity of the hollow hexagonal prism (8), the straight Allen key (4) can be withdrawn, but not completely. When the teeth (9A) of the press fit elements (9) enter the second recess (6) again, the flat annular surface of the second recess (6), orthogonal to the axis of the straight Allen key (4), it provides a support for the teeth (9A) of the press fit elements (9). The geometric conformation of the teeth (9A) and of the second recess (6) is such that it does not exert a radial deformation towards the outside of the teeth (9A), which therefore prevents the straight Allen key (4) from becoming also remove from the hollow hexagonal prism (8).

The telescopic maneuvering wrench of the present invention is therefore an adjustable length wrench.

The minimum extension occurs when the hollow prism (8) bears against the connecting element (7), while its maximum extension occurs when the teeth (9A) of the press-fit elements (9) lock in the second recess (6). This second condition is shown in detail in figure 1B.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in the exploded view of figure 6, on its lateral surface the connection element (7) is provided with wings (11) that have the function of facilitating the operator to screw said element (7) connection on the screw element (3).

Once the telescopic maneuvering key (100) has been assembled as described above, it can be used by acting on it using the L-shaped Allen key (10), inserting the latter inside the hollow hexagonal prism (8). In an alternative embodiment, the L-shaped Allen key (10) may be replaced by a conventional wrench or by a ratchet or socket wrench or any other equivalent tool.

In the illustrated embodiment, the through cavity of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) has a hexagonal cross-section, in such a way that it is coupled with the straight Allen key (4), which can be directly coupled to the Allen key (10) in the form of L. H, also the outer surface of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) preferably has a hexagonal prismatic cross-section to engage a wrench or any tool other than the L-shaped Allen key (10). However, the body (8 ) hollow can also have a non-hexagonal prismatic conformation, that is to say with an outer surface of non-hexagonal cross section, but preferably at least partially prismatic, to allow gripping by means of a maneuvering tool that acts on the outside of the hollow body (8) . In less preferred embodiments, the hollow body (8) can be an elongated and internal hollow body, with a cavity of hexagonal cross-section or in any case such as to be able to engage with an Allen key, but with an external surface of any shape, including circular cross section. In this case, the operation is preferably carried out by acting with a tool (L-shaped Allen key (10) for example) that engages the through longitudinal cavity and not the outer surface of the hollow body (8).

Figures 2 and 3 show two arrangements of the telescopic maneuvering key (100) in two positions corresponding to two different lengths that can be obtained by telescopically extending the components (4) and (8). In these two figures, the telescopic maneuvering faucet is shown in combination with a device for mounting a wall-suspended plumbing fixture, the device being indicated together with the number (20). The mounting device 20 shown in the attached figures is known per se and is indicated by way of example only. Indeed, from the description that follows, those skilled in the art will understand that the telescoping faucet illustrated herein can be used in combination with a number of different systems and devices for mounting wall-hung plumbing fixtures equipped with a ( 3) screw, preferably a headless one, associable with the telescopic maneuver key (100).

In the illustrated example, the device (20) comprises a clamping cone (21) and a sleeve (22). The device (20) can be designed as described for example in document DE202009014171 or in DE102013112005, the content of which is incorporated in the present description. The device (20) is fixed to a sanitary fixture (30) to be suspended on a wall, as shown in Figure 5. In a known manner, the sleeve (22) has a radial threaded hole into which the element is screwed. (3) screw, coacting with a wall-mounted pin (not shown), which is inserted axially through the device (20) and is provided with an elongated slot. By screwing the screw element (3) transversely into the radial hole of the sleeve (22), the tip of the screw element (3) co-acts with the elongated slot of the wall-mounted pin, thus generating a thrust of the apparatus (30). ) toilet against the wall (P) on which it will be suspended. The assembly is known and does not require additional descriptions.

The previously described telescopic maneuvering key (100) engages with the device (20) once the latter has been fixed to the sanitary appliance (30) simply by screwing the screw element (3) into the radial threaded hole of the sleeve (22). ). The fact that the telescopic maneuvering key can be telescopically lengthened and shortened allows the operator to place the distal end of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) in a position that is easily accessible from the outside of the sanitary appliance (30), as shown in Fig. figure 5. In this way, using a tool, for example the L-shaped Allen key (4), it is possible to easily turn the telescopic maneuvering key.

Once the screw element (3) has been tightened in the sleeve (22) and the sanitary appliance has been correctly fixed to the wall (P), the L-shaped Allen key (10) and the key can be removed. (100) of telescopic maneuver it can be shortened slightly so that it remains integrally and invisibly housed within a cavity (31) of the sanitary appliance (30), as shown schematically in Figure 4.

In this way the telescopic maneuvering key (100) is available for subsequent disassembly of the sanitary appliance (30), but it is substantially not visible and not accessible by the user.

It should be understood that usually the plumbing fixture (30) requires two mounting devices (20) and therefore two telescopic handles (100).

It is clearly evident from the above description that the essential elements to achieve the object of the present invention are: the hollow body (8) with the press fit elements (9), the straight Allen key (4) with the recess (6) and a system for fixing the screw element (3) to the head (4a) of the straight Allen key (4). A complete kit for assembling a sanitary appliance (30) will comprise, in addition to the aforementioned components of the telescopic maneuvering faucet (100), also a mounting device (20) and the screw element (3).

Figure 7 is an exploded view of this set of essential components, the assembly of which occurs as described above.

However, it should be understood that even if Figure 1 shows an example where the screw element (3) is restricted to the straight Allen key (4) using the ring (5) and the connecting element (7), they can be provided. other equivalent ways to achieve such fixation.

Figures 8(A), 8(B) and 8(C) schematically show three ways to fix the screw element (3) to the straight Allen key (4). More particularly, figure 8(A) schematically shows a fixing system by means of radial plastic deformation of the screw element (3) against the straight Allen key (4). The radial neck, outlined by arrows (F), can cause permanent deformation of the recess of the screw element (3) against the head (4A) of the straight Allen key (4), possibly causing coupling with the recess ( 5), if any. Figure 8(B) schematically shows a way to couple the screw element (3) and the straight Allen key (4) by means of adhesive (C), while in Figure 8(C) the coupling is through welding (S).

Although in the embodiment described above with specific reference to Figure 1, the snap-fit elements (9) are made in the form of two substantially symmetrical opposing elastic tabs provided with two teeth (9A), in other embodiments, the coupling pressure can be obtained with a different number of tabs and/or with tabs of different shape. Figures 9(A)-9(D) show four alternatives, each one in front view and in an axonometric view, of possible configurations of the press fit elements, always indicated with (9) and provided with teeth (9A) . The embodiment of figure 9(C) is the one already described with reference to figure 1. In general, the snap-fit elements 9 can be formed by notches starting from the distal surface of the prism (9) and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the same, forming the tabs 9.

In Figures 9(A)-9(D), the number 8C indicates the longitudinal, or axial, through cavity of the hollow hexagonal prism 8. The designation of the body (8) as a "hexagonal" prism refers in particular to the hexagonal shape of the longitudinal cavity (8C) which extends along the entire length of the hollow hexagonal prism (8). The hexagonal shape is particularly advantageous as it allows standard bars of hexagonal cross-section to be used to produce the straight Allen keys (4), and thus the screw elements (3) made up of normal hexagonal set screws, in combination with keys ( 10) L-shaped Allen, if necessary. However, a prismatic shape other than hexagonal is also possible, as long as it is possible to have a torque-fitting coupling between the straight Allen key (4) and the hollow prism (8), as well as between the Allen key (4). straight and the screw element (3).

The materials and dimensions of the invention as described above, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and claimed in the following claims, may be any according to specific needs. Furthermore, all details may be replaced with other technically equivalent details, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention.

Claims (16)

1. A telescopic maneuver key (100) to facilitate the anchoring of wall-mounted sanitary appliances to a wall, said key (100) comprising - a straight Allen key (4); - a recess (6) provided on the lateral surface of the straight Allen key (4); - a connection element (7; S, C, F) for connecting the straight Allen key (4) to a screw element (3); - a hollow body (8) provided with pressure-fitting elements (9) and a longitudinal cavity in which the straight Allen key (4) is inserted; characterized in that the press fit elements (9) are adapted for press engagement with the straight Allen key (4) by press fit in the recess (6) provided in the straight Allen key (4). 2. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to claim 1, wherein the straight Allen key (4) comprises a radial ring (5) inserted in an annular depression (16) provided in the upper part of said key (4). ) allen straight. 3. Telescopic maneuver wrench (100) according to claim 2, wherein the connection element (7) has a cylindrical body that has: a lateral wall (14) with an internal thread that can be coupled to an external thread of a screw element (3); a hole (12) in the base that has a diameter between the diameter of the circumscribed circumference of the straight Allen key (4) and that of the ring (5); a bearing surface (13) extending radially between the hole (12) and the lateral wall (14) of the connection element (7). 4. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to claim 3, wherein the connection element (7) has wings (11) on the outer lateral surface thereof. 5. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the hollow body (8) has a longitudinal cavity (8C) whose cross section corresponds to the cross section of the Allen key (4) straight to form a torsional coupling between the hollow body (8) and the straight Allen key (4). 6. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal cavity (8C) of the hollow body (8) has a prismatic conformation. 7. Telescopic maneuvering wrench (100) according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal cavity (8C) of the hollow body (8) has a hexagonal cross-section. 8. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the hollow body (8) has an external prismatic conformation. 9. Telescopic maneuver wrench (100) according to claim 8, wherein the hollow body (8) has an external shape with a hexagonal cross-section. 10. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein the straight Allen key (4) is inserted into the longitudinal cavity (8C) of the hollow body (8) in such a way that the elements (9) of press fit face towards the connection element (7; C, S, F). 11. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising a screw element (3) associated with the straight Allen key (4), said connection element being between the key (4) Straight Allen and the screw element (3) a non-releasable connecting element, preferably selected from the group comprising: gluing, welding, plastic deformation. Telescopic maneuvering wrench (100) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said recess (6) and said snap-fit elements (9) are configured in such a way as to allow mutual decoupling between the elements (9) press-fit and (4) straight Allen key in one direction and prevent release between the (9) press-fit elements and (4) straight Allen key in the opposite direction of a reciprocal sliding motion between the straight Allen key (4) and the hollow body (8). 13. Telescopic maneuver key (100) according to claim 12, wherein the recess (6) has a profile, in cross section, which has an angle where a generatrix is orthogonal to the axis of the straight Allen key (4) and the other generatrix has an inclination with respect to the previous one by the same angle of inclination of the teeth (9A) provided in the pressure-fitting elements (9) of the hollow body (8). A kit comprising a telescopic maneuvering key (100) according to one or more of the previous claims, and a screw element (3) associated with the straight Allen key (4). 15. Kit according to claim 14, further comprising a tool (10) for turning the telescopic maneuvering key. 16. A telescopic maneuver key (100) to facilitate the anchoring of a wall-mounted sanitary device to a wall, said key (100) comprising - a straight Allen key (4) with a hexagonal head; - a radial ring (5) inserted in a first recess provided in the upper part of said straight Allen key (4); - a second recess (6) provided on the lateral surface of the straight Allen key (4); - a connection element (7) adapted to connect the straight Allen key (4) to a screw element (3), said connection element (7) having: a cylindrical shape in the form of a screw cap; To an internal thread corresponding to that of said screw element (3); a hole (12) in the base, whose diameter is between the diameter of the circumscribed circumference of the straight Allen key (4) with a hexagonal head and that of the radial ring (5); To a surface (13) between the hole (12) and the threaded wall of the connection element (7) capable of resting against the radial ring (5); - a hollow hexagonal prism (8) with two portions where snap-fit elements (9) are provided, adapted to engage by snap-fit in said second recess (6) provided on the lateral surface of the straight Allen key (4) ; wherein the hollow hexagonal prism (8) has a hexagonal cavity, the size of which depends on the size of the straight Allen key (4) in order to allow the straight Allen key (4) to be inserted into the hollow hexagonal prism (8) in such a way that the press-fit elements (9) face the connection element (7), while the sliding of the hollow hexagonal prism (8) along the straight Allen key (4) is free until the elements (98) press fit reach the second recess (6) provided in the straight Allen key (4).