NUT FOR SECURING A COMPONENT TO A SUPPORT

Abstract

The invention relates to a nut for securing a component to a support, in particular a sanitary faucet to a countertop, comprising a first nut part and a second nut part, wherein the first nut part has at least two threaded lugs, which have a thread on their radially inner face, wherein the threaded lugs are arranged projecting radially outward at a first angle, and wherein the two nut parts are arranged in an axially displaceable manner relative to each other such that in a first position—open position—, the threaded lugs of the first nut part are arranged projecting radially outward and that in a second position—closed position—, the threaded lugs of the first nut part are pressed radially inward by means of the second nut part for engaging with a matching male thread of the component.

Claims

1. A nut (1) for securing a component (50) to a support (51), in particular a sanitary faucet to a countertop, comprising a first nut part (2), and a second nut part (3), wherein the first nut part (2) has at least two threaded lugs (4), which have a thread (5) on their radially inner face, wherein the threaded lugs (4) are arranged projecting radially outward at a first angle (91), and wherein the two nut parts (2, 3) are arranged axially displaceably (101) relative to each other such that in a first position—open position (201)—, the threaded lugs (4) of the first nut part (2) are arranged projecting radially outward, and that in a second position—closed position (202)—, the threaded lugs (4) of the first nut part (2) are pressed radially inward by means of the second nut part (3) for engaging with a matching male thread (50a) of the component (50).

2. The nut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first (2) and second nut parts (3) are secured to each other by means of a securing device (6, 7), which in particular is designed to be detachable.

3. The nut (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the securing device (6, 7) comprises a latching, clipping or snapping device.

4. The nut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a return device (8) is arranged to exert a return force in the direction of the open position (201).

5. The nut (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the return device (8) comprises a spring device having at least one spring (9) arranged between the first nut part (2) and the second nut parts (3).

6. The nut (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the return device (8) comprises mutually matching surfaces (20, 21) on first and second nut parts (2, 3), which surfaces can slide along other and are beveled at a second angle (92) with respect to the axial direction (101).

7. The nut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second angle (92) is greater than the first angle (91).

8. The nut (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second angle (92) relative to the axial direction (101) is at least 5 degrees, in particular at least 10 degrees, preferably at least 15 degrees, in particular at least 30 degrees.

9. The nut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first angle (91) of the threaded lugs (4) relative to the axial direction (101) is at least 0.1 degrees, in particular at least 0.5 degrees, preferably at least 1 degree, in particular at least 3 degrees.

10. The nut (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the number of threaded lugs (4) is less than 30, preferably less than 15, in particular less than 8, preferably 4.

11. The nut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that thread flanks (10) of the thread (5) of at least one of the threaded lugs (4), in particular of each threaded lug (4), are shortened in the area facing away from the end area (4b) of the at least one thread lug (4), in particular wherein the area (4a) comprises more than one thread flank (10) and/or less than 5 thread flanks (10), preferably 2 thread flanks (10) of the thread (5).

12. The nut (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that guide devices (6, 7) are arranged for the defined guidance of first and second nut parts (2, 3) along each other, in particular wherein the guide devices (6, 7) are designed as locating devices.

13. The nut (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the guide device (6, 7) comprises a link device having at least one link (6) and one link element (7), in particular wherein the link element (7) is arranged on the first nut part (2).

14. The nut (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that a plurality of links (6) having link elements (7) are arranged, in particular wherein the number is more than 3 each and less than 6 each, preferably 4 each.

15. The nut (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one link element (7) and the link (6) are each rounded (6a, 7a).

16. system (100) for securing a component (50) to a support (51), comprising a nut (1) according to claim 1, wherein the component (50) has a male thread (50a) matching the thread (5) of the nut (1) such that in its closed position (202) the nut (1) can be screwed onto the male thread (50a), and wherein, in its open position (201), the thread (5) has, at least in one area (4b), an internal diameter that is greater than the external diameter of the male thread (50a).

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, in the open position of the nut (1), the thread has, at least in one area (4a), an inner diameter that is smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the male thread (50a).

18. A method of securing a component (50) to a support (51), comprising the steps of providing (S1) a nut (1) according to claim 1 in the open position (201), providing (S2) the component (50), wherein the component (50) has a male thread (50a) matching the thread (5) of the nut (1) such that in its closed position (202) the nut (1) can be screwed onto the male thread (50a), arranging (S3) the component (50) at the support (51), sliding (S4) the nut (1) in its open position (201) over the male thread (50a) of the component (50) until the second nut part (3) of the nut (1) rests against the support (51), actuating (S5) the first nut part (2) until the nut (1) is in its closed position (202) to engage with the thread (5) in the male thread (50a) of the component (50), and actuating (S6) the thread (5) of the nut (1) by turning the nut (1) to secure the component (50) to the support (51).

19. A method for removing a component (50) secured to a support (51), comprising the steps of providing (T1) a nut (1) according to claim 1 in its closed position (202) at the component (50), wherein the component (50) has a male thread (50a) matching the thread (5) of the nut (1), and wherein the thread (5) of the nut (1) engages with the male thread (50a) of the component (50), actuating (T2) the thread (5) of the nut (1) by rotating the nut (1) to remove the component (50) from the support (51) until the nut (1) is in its open position (201), and sliding (T3) the nut in its open position (201) over the male thread (50a) of the component (50) to remove the component (50) from the support (51).

Description

[0047] In the Figures

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position;

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the nut according to FIG. 1 in a closed position;

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second nut part of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a first nut part of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position;

[0053] FIG. 6 shows a system according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention; and

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position and FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the nut according to FIG. 1 in a closed position.

[0057] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a nut 1 is shown in its open position 201—FIG. 1—and in its closed position 202—FIG. 2. To this end, the nut 1 comprises a first nut part 2 and a second nut part 3. Both nut parts 2, 3 are circular in cross-section. The first nut part 2 further has threaded lugs 4 that are formed to protrude in the radial direction 102 by a first angle 91. Essentially, in cross-section this results in a triangular shape of the threaded lugs 4, wherein an initial area 4a of a threaded lug 4 is disposed mainly directly on the surface of the first nut part 2 and an end area 4b is spaced apart from the surface of the first nut part 2.

[0058] In the end area 4b of the relevant threaded lug 4, a sliding surface 21 is arranged on the radially outer surface of the latter, which is inclined radially outward with respect to the axial direction 101 by a second angle 92, which is greater than the first angle 91.

[0059] The second nut part 3—like the first nut part 2—is essentially formed as a hollow cylinder, wherein the inner diameter of the second nut part 3 is such that the second nut part 3 can be arranged above the first nut part 2. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the second nut part 3 has a circumferential projection 3a projecting radially inward on its upper rim, which is used as a stop for the upper rim surface 2a of the first nut part 2 (see FIG. 2). Further, the second nut part 3 has a surface 20 on its radially inner face matching the surface 21 of the first nut part 2, wherein the surfaces 20, 21 are arranged relative to each other such that they can slide along each other when the two nut parts 2, 3 move relative to each other in the axial direction 101.

[0060] If the first nut part 2 is now pushed further into the second nut part 3, in other words if the upper rim surface 2a moves towards the projection 3a, the surfaces 20, 21 slide along each other. The angle 92 of the surfaces 20, 21 relative to each other thus presses the threaded lugs 4 radially inward, for the thread 5 of the threaded lugs 4 to come into engagement with a male thread of a component arranged in the first nut part 2. In the closed position 202, the upper rim surface 2a is directly at the projection 3a and the threaded lugs 4 are pressed inward. The angle 91 of the threaded lugs 4, due to the force exerted by the second nut part 3, is then at least 0 degrees, and is in particular even negative, for instance −1.3 degrees, to compensate for spring effects of the materials, depending on the material of the nut parts.

[0061] The thread 5 of the threaded lugs 4 may be abraded in the area adjacent to the initial area 4a, i.e., one or more threads 10 are shortened to provide little overlap with a male thread of a component, which makes it easier to slide the nut 1 onto a matching male thread of a component.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second nut part of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention, and FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a first nut part of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a second nut part 3 having an upper rim 3a. Inside the second nut part 3, an elongated recess 6 is shown in the axial direction 101, the end areas of which are rounded (reference numeral 6a). The recess 6 is used here as a link for a link element 7, which is also rounded (reference numeral 7a) and is designed, for instance, in the form of a cylinder extending in the radial direction 102, as shown in FIG. 4. The links 6 and link elements 7 are arranged in areas outside the threaded lugs 4 and surfaces 20, 21, respectively. By means of the link guide 6, 7, a defined motion in the axial direction 101 of the two nut parts 2, 3 along each other is possible. For this purpose, a total of four links 6 having link elements 7, which can be arranged symmetrically in the circumferential direction, are arranged.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a nut 1 having two nut parts 2, 3. Essentially, they have the same structure as the nut parts 2, 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In contrast to the nut parts 2, 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the return device 8 is not formed by beveled surfaces 20, 21. Instead, to provide a return force, a spring 9 is arranged between the axial inner face of the circumferential projection 3a of the second nut part 3 and the upper rim surface 2a (not shown) of the first nut part 2. The diameter of the spring 9 thus essentially matches the inner diameter of the second nut part 3.

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a system according to an embodiment of this invention.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a system 100. In this regard, the system 100 includes a sanitary faucet 50 to be secured to a countertop 51. For this purpose, an opening (not shown) is arranged in the countertop 51 through which a shaft of the sanitary faucet 50 having a male thread 50a projects.

[0068] To secure the sanitary faucet 50, a stabilizing triangle 52 and a rubber washer 53 and a metal washer 54 are first applied to the shaft in the usual manner. Subsequently, the nut 1 is pushed onto the shaft in its open position in the assembly direction 103 up to the metal washer 54, wherein the rim surface 2a and projection 3a are still spaced apart. The thread 5 of the threaded lugs 4 covers part of the male thread, even when it is being slid onto the shaft. In this way, when the nut 1 is subsequently actuated, a force is generated in the assembly direction 103 and the nut 1 is brought into its closed position 202. In other words, the second nut part 3 is moved relative to the first nut part 2 and the rim surface 2a and the projection 3a move towards each other until they are then brought into contact with each other by further actuation of the nut 1. Thus, the threads of the nut 1 engage with the male threads 50a and the nut 1 can be screwed onto the male threads 50a of the shaft of the sanitary faucet 50.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention.

[0070] FIG. 7 shows steps of a method for securing a component to a support.

[0071] The method comprises the steps: [0072] providing S1 a nut according to any one of the claims 1-15 in the open position, [0073] providing S2 the component, wherein the component has a male thread matching the thread of the nut such that in its closed position the nut can be screwed onto the male thread, [0074] arranging S3 of the component at the support, [0075] sliding S4 the nut in its open position over the male thread of the component until the second nut part of the nut is in contact with the support, [0076] actuating S5 the first nut part until the nut is in its closed position to engage with the thread in the male thread of the component, and [0077] actuating S6 the thread of the nut by turning the nut to secure the component to the support.

[0078] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention.

[0079] FIG. 8 shows steps of a method for removing a component secured to a support.

[0080] The method comprises the steps: [0081] providing T1 a nut according to any one of the claims 1-15 in its closed position at the component, wherein the component has a male thread matching the thread of the nut, and wherein the thread of the nut engages with the male thread of the component, [0082] actuating T2 the thread of the nut by rotating the nut to remove the component from the support until the nut is in its open position, and [0083] sliding T3 the nut in its open position over the male thread of the component to remove the component from the support.

[0084] In summary, at least one embodiment of this invention has at least one of the features listed below and/or provides at least one of the advantages listed below: [0085] Simple, inexpensive and quick assembly and disassembly. [0086] simple, inexpensive manufacture. [0087] Few components for the nut. [0088] “Self-locking” nut.

[0089] Although this invention has been described with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto and can be modified in a variety of ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND TERMS

[0090] 1 nut [0091] 2 first nut part [0092] 2a rim surface [0093] 3 second nut part [0094] 3a projection [0095] 4 threaded lug [0096] 4a initial area threaded lug [0097] 4b end area threaded lug [0098] 5 thread [0099] 6 link [0100] 6a rounding link [0101] 7 link element [0102] 7a rounding link element [0103] 8 return device [0104] 9 spring [0105] 10 thread flanks [0106] 20, 21 areas [0107] 50 component/sanitary faucet [0108] 50a male thread [0109] 51 support/countertop [0110] 52 intermediate element/stabilization [0111] triangle [0112] 53 elastic element/rubber disk [0113] 54 solid element/metal disk [0114] 91 first angle [0115] 92 second angle [0116] 100 system [0117] 101 axial direction [0118] 102 radial direction [0119] 103 direction of determination [0120] 201 open position [0121] 202 closed position [0122] S1-S6 steps of a method [0123] T1-T3 steps of a method