U.S. patent application number 12/176042 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for retaining device for retaining a built-in appliance on a worktop.
This patent application is currently assigned to BLANCO GmbH + Co KG. Invention is credited to Bernd Elsinger, Frank Merkel, Michael Osterroth.
Application Number | 20080313804 12/176042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37909506 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080313804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osterroth; Michael ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
RETAINING DEVICE FOR RETAINING A BUILT-IN APPLIANCE ON A
WORKTOP
Abstract
In order to provide a retaining device for retaining a built-in
appliance, in particular a built-in sink unit, on a worktop,
comprising at least one appliance-side retaining element, at least
one worktop-side retaining element and at least one tensioning
element for bracing the worktop-side retaining element and the
appliance-side retaining element relative to one another, wherein
the tensioning element comprises a threaded portion, a retaining
portion and a reduced-diameter portion, which is disposed between
the threaded portion and the retaining portion and the diameter of
which is smaller than the diameter of the retaining portion, and
wherein the appliance-side retaining element has at least one
through-opening, through which in the fitted state of the retaining
device the reduced-diameter portion of the tensioning element
extends, that has increased stability, it is proposed that the
retaining portion of the tensioning element and/or the threaded
portion of the tensioning element in the fitted state of the
retaining device is supported at its periphery against the
appliance-side retaining element.
Inventors: |
Osterroth; Michael;
(Waghausel, DE) ; Merkel; Frank; (Ditzingen,
DE) ; Elsinger; Bernd; (Sulzfeld, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
BLANCO GmbH + Co KG
Oberderdingen
DE
|
Family ID: |
37909506 |
Appl. No.: |
12/176042 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP07/00767 |
Jan 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
12176042 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/695 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/33 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/695 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/042 20060101
E03C001/042 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 11, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 006 403.8 |
Claims
1. Retaining device for retaining a built-in appliance, in
particular a built-in sink unit, on a worktop, comprising at least
one appliance-side retaining element, at least one worktop-side
retaining element and at least one tensioning element for bracing
the worktop-side retaining element and the appliance-side retaining
element relative to one another, wherein the tensioning element
comprises a threaded portion, a retaining portion and a
reduced-diameter portion, which is disposed between the threaded
portion and the retaining portion and the diameter of which is
smaller than the diameter of the retaining portion, and wherein the
appliance-side retaining element has at least one through-opening,
through which in the fitted state of the retaining device the
reduced-diameter portion of a tensioning element extends, wherein
the retaining portion of the tensioning element and/or the threaded
portion of the tensioning element in the fitted state of the
retaining device is supported at its periphery against the
appliance-side retaining element.
2. Retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning
element in the fitted state of the retaining device is supported
against the appliance-side retaining element at least two support
points that are mutually spaced apart along the longitudinal axis
of the tensioning element.
3. Retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the
appliance-side retaining element has a fastening region, by which
the appliance-side retaining element in the fitted state of the
retaining device can be positioned against an edge region of the
built-in appliance.
4. Retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the
appliance-side retaining element in the fitted state of the
retaining device can be positioned by the fastening region against
a portion of the edge region that is oriented substantially
horizontally in the fitted state of the built-in appliance.
5. Retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the
through-opening comprises at least one retaining portion, through
which the reduced-diameter portion of the tensioning element passes
in the fitted state of the retaining device, and at least one
introduction portion, through which the retaining portion of the
tensioning element can be introduced during fitting of the
retaining device in order to bring the tensioning element and the
appliance-side retaining element into engagement with one
another.
6. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the introduction
portion is disposed on a region of the appliance-side retaining
element that is oriented substantially vertically in the fitted
state of the retaining device.
7. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the introduction
portion of the through-opening is disposed on a region of the
appliance-side retaining element that is oriented substantially
horizontally in the fitted state of the retaining device.
8. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the retaining
portion of the through-opening is disposed on a region of the
appliance-side retaining element that is oriented substantially
horizontally in the fitted state of the retaining device.
9. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the introduction
portion of the through-opening is so configured that the retaining
portion of the tensioning element can be introduced through the
introduction portion when the built-in appliance has already been
inserted into a cut-out of the worktop.
10. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the area of
passage of the introduction portion of the through-opening is
larger than the cross-sectional area of the retaining portion of
the tensioning element.
11. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the area of
passage of the introduction portion of the through-opening is
larger than the area of a longitudinal section through the
retaining portion of the tensioning element along a longitudinal
axis of the tensioning element.
12. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the retaining
portion of the through-opening extends, starting from the
introduction portion of the through-opening, in a longitudinal
direction of the edge region of the built-in appliance.
13. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the
through-opening comprises two retaining portions that extend from
the introduction portion of the through-opening in mutually
opposite directions.
14. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one
retaining portion of the through-opening extends substantially
parallel to a longitudinal direction of the edge region of the
built-in appliance.
15. Retaining device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one
retaining portion of the through-opening extends transversely of,
preferably substantially perpendicularly to, a longitudinal
direction of the edge region of the built-in appliance.
16. Retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the
through-opening opens out at an edge of the appliance-side
retaining element.
17. Retaining device according to claim 16, wherein the
through-opening comprises a bent path that leads from an edge of
the appliance-side retaining element to a retaining portion of the
through-opening, through which retaining portion the
reduced-diameter portion of the tensioning element passes in the
fitted state of the retaining device.
18. Retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the
appliance-side retaining element comprises the fastening region, a
retaining region, against which is disposed a retaining portion of
the through-opening, through which retaining portion the
reduced-diameter portion of the tensioning element passes in the
fitted state of the retaining device, and a connecting region that
connects the fastening region to the retaining region, wherein the
connecting region merges at folds into the fastening region and
into the retaining region.
19. Retaining device according to claim 18, wherein the
appliance-side retaining element further comprises an additional
bent region that merges at a further bend into the retaining
region.
20. Retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the additional
bent region lies against a side wall of the built-in appliance in
the fitted state of the retaining device.
21. Retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the additional
bent region is bent from the retaining region towards the same side
of the retaining region as the connecting region.
22. Retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the additional
bent region is bent from the retaining region towards the side of
the retaining region remote from the connecting region.
23. Retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the additional
bent region is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the
retaining region.
24. Retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the additional
bent region is oriented at an acute angle to the retaining
region.
25. Retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the tensioning
element in the fitted state of the retaining device is supported
against the additional bent region of the appliance-side retaining
element.
26. Retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the worktop-side
retaining element in the fitted state of the retaining device is
supported against the built-in appliance.
27. Retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the worktop-side
retaining element is provided with at least one claw for digging
into the worktop.
28. Combination of a built-in appliance, in particular a built-in
sink unit, and at least one retaining device according to claim
1.
29. Combination according to claim 28, wherein the built-in
appliance takes the form of a built-in sink unit and comprises at
least one sink, wherein an edge region of the built-in sink unit
projects out from the sink towards an outer edge of the built-in
sink unit.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
PCT/EP2007/000767 filed Jan. 30, 2007, the entire specification of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates to a retaining device for
retaining a built-in appliance, in particular a built-in sink unit,
on a worktop, comprising the following:
at least one appliance-side retaining element, at least one
worktop-side retaining element and at least one tensioning element
for bracing the worktop-side retaining element and the
appliance-side retaining element relative to one another, wherein
the tensioning element comprises a threaded portion, a retaining
portion and a reduced-diameter portion, which is disposed between
the threaded portion and the retaining portion and the diameter of
which is smaller than the diameter of the retaining portion, and
wherein the appliance-side retaining element has at least one
through-opening, through which in the fitted state of the retaining
device the reduced-diameter portion of a tensioning element
extends.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Such a retaining device for retaining a built-in sink unit
on a worktop is known from the Canadian patent specification No. 1
246 805.
[0004] With this known retaining device, during the operation of
fitting the retaining device an end face of the retaining portion
of the tensioning element facing the reduced-diameter portion is
pulled towards a horizontally oriented support surface of the
appliance-side retaining element, with the result that the
tensioning element in the fitted state of the retaining device is
supported only by means of this end face of the retaining portion
against the appliance-side retaining element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The underlying object of the present invention is to provide
a retaining device for retaining a built-in appliance on a worktop
of the initially described type that has increased stability.
[0006] In a retaining device having the features of the preamble of
claim 1, this object is achieved according to the invention in that
the retaining portion of the tensioning element and/or the threaded
portion of the tensioning element in the fitted state of the
retaining device is supported at its periphery against the
appliance-side retaining element.
[0007] By virtue of the fact that the retaining portion and/or the
threaded portion of the tensioning element in the fitted state are
supported at support points disposed on the periphery of the
retaining portion and/or of the threaded portion against the
appliance-side retaining element, a tilting of the tensioning
element relative to the appliance-side retaining element is
effectively prevented and the stability of the retaining device in
the fitted state is markedly increased compared to the retaining
device of the Canadian patent specification No. 1 246 805, in which
the tensioning element in the fitted state of the retaining device
is supported merely be means of an end face of the retaining
portion against a horizontal support surface of the appliance-side
retaining element, this however not providing any adequate support
against a tilting movement of the tensioning element in a direction
transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tensioning element.
With the retaining device according to the invention, on the other
hand, the tensioning element is secured against a tilting movement
transversely of its longitudinal axis.
[0008] It is particularly advantageous if the tensioning element in
the fitted state of the retaining device is supported against the
appliance-side retaining element at least two support points that
are mutually spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the
tensioning element.
[0009] In a preferred development of the retaining device according
to the invention it is further provided that the appliance-side
retaining element has a fastening region, with which the
appliance-side retaining element in the fitted state of the
retaining device can be positioned against an edge region of the
built-in appliance.
[0010] In contrast thereto, in the retaining device known from the
Canadian patent specification No. 1 246 805, the appliance-side
retaining element is welded to a sink side wall of a sink of the
built-in sink unit. The welding of the appliance-side retaining
element to the sink side wall produces visible spot welds in the
visible region of the sink.
[0011] If the fastening region of the appliance-side retaining
element is then disposed, not on a vertical visible surface of the
built-in appliance, but instead on the edge region of the built-in
appliance, the production of visible spot welds on the vertical
visible surfaces of the built-in appliance, in particular on a sink
side wall, is prevented.
[0012] If the appliance-side retaining element is disposed on the
edge region of the built-in appliance, the retaining device is
situated at the best position for pulling the outer edge of the
built-in appliance with the greatest possible application force
towards the upper side of the worktop.
[0013] An effect achieved by the retaining device according to the
invention acting directly upon the edge region of the built-in
appliance is that particularly the corners of the edge region of
the built-in appliance do not protrude in an upward direction from
the worktop in the fitted state of the built-in appliance.
[0014] Especially if the built-in appliance is a built-in sink unit
with a tap ledge, the region of the tap ledge may also be pulled
with a high application force towards the worktop, this being
impossible if the appliance-side retaining element of the retaining
device is disposed on a sink side wall.
[0015] This development of the retaining device according to the
invention offers the further advantage that the cut-out in the
worktop may follow the external contour of the built-in appliance
and not the course of central, vertical visible surfaces of the
built-in appliance, in particular of sink side walls of a built-in
sink unit. This offers advantages for the freedom of configuration
when designing the respective built-in appliance.
[0016] In particular, given the use of a retaining device, the tap
ledge of a built-in sink unit may be situated lower than the sink
unit edge.
[0017] With such a retaining device it is possible to achieve a
particularly low gap dimension between the built-in appliance and
the upper side of the worktop.
[0018] The edge region of the built-in appliance is stabilized
particularly well by means of such a retaining device.
[0019] The appliance-side retaining element disclosed in the
Canadian patent specification No. 1 246 805 is totally unsuitable
for being disposed on the edge region of the built-in sink unit.
Furthermore, according to this published specification the edge
region of the sink unit is to remain flexible to allow the sink
unit edge to be pulled towards the worktop even if the upper side
of the worktop is uneven. This teaching of the Canadian patent
specification No. 1 246 805 leads precisely away from the solution
according to the invention of disposing the appliance-side
retaining element on the edge region of the built-in appliance in
order to mechanically stabilize this edge region.
[0020] In a preferred development of the retaining device according
to the invention it is provided that the appliance-side retaining
element in the fitted state of the retaining device can be
fastened, in particular by welding or gluing, by the fastening
region to the edge region of the built-in appliance.
[0021] In particular it may be provided that the appliance-side
retaining element in the fitted state of the retaining device can
be positioned by the fastening region against a portion of the edge
region that is oriented substantially horizontally in the fitted
state of the built-in appliance.
[0022] The through-opening of the appliance-side retaining element
preferably comprises at least one retaining portion, through which
the reduced-diameter portion of the tensioning element passes in
the fitted state of the retaining device, and at least one
introduction portion, through which the retaining portion of the
tensioning element can be introduced during fitting of the
retaining device in order to bring the tensioning element and the
appliance-side retaining element into engagement with one
another.
[0023] Such an introduction portion may be disposed in particular
on a region of the appliance-side retaining element that is
oriented substantially vertically in the fitted state of the
retaining device.
[0024] As an alternative to this, it may also be provided that the
introduction portion of the through-opening is disposed on a region
of the appliance-side retaining element that is oriented
substantially horizontally in the fitted state of the retaining
device.
[0025] The retaining portion of the through-opening of the
appliance-side retaining element is disposed preferably on a region
of the appliance-side retaining element that is oriented
substantially horizontally in the fitted state of the retaining
device.
[0026] The sequence of the operation of fitting the built-in
appliance on the worktop may be made particularly flexible if the
introduction portion of the through-opening is so configured that
the retaining portion of the tensioning element can be introduced
through the introduction portion when the built-in appliance has
already been inserted into a cut-out of the worktop.
[0027] If the area of passage of the introduction portion of the
through-opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of the
retaining portion of the tensioning element, this allows the
tensioning element to be pushed along its longitudinal axis into
the introduction portion of the through-opening.
[0028] If the area of passage of the introduction portion of the
through-opening is larger than the area of a longitudinal section
through the retaining portion of the tensioning element along a
longitudinal axis of the tensioning element, this allows the
retaining portion of the tensioning element to be pushed
transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tensioning element
through the introduction portion.
[0029] The retaining portion of the through-opening may in
particular be so configured that it extends, starting from the
introduction portion of the through-opening, in a longitudinal
direction of the edge region of the built-in appliance.
[0030] The through-opening may in particular comprise two retaining
portions that extend from the introduction portion of the
through-opening in mutually opposite directions.
[0031] In a special development of the retaining device according
to the invention it is provided that the at least one retaining
portion of the through-opening extends substantially parallel to a
longitudinal direction of the edge region of the built-in
appliance.
[0032] As an alternative to this, it may also be provided that the
at least one retaining portion of the through-opening extends
transversely of, preferably substantially perpendicularly to, a
longitudinal direction of the edge region of the built-in
appliance.
[0033] Furthermore, in a special development of the retaining
device according to the invention it may be provided that the
through-opening of the appliance-side retaining element opens out
at an edge of the appliance-side retaining element.
[0034] In this case, it may in particular be provided that the
through-opening comprises a bent path that leads from an edge of
the appliance-side retaining element to a retaining portion of the
through-opening, through which retaining portion the
reduced-diameter portion of the tensioning element passes in the
fitted state of the retaining device.
[0035] In a particularly preferred development of the retaining
device according to the invention, the appliance-side retaining
element comprises the fastening region, a retaining region, against
which is disposed a retaining portion of the through-opening,
through which retaining portion the reduced-diameter portion of the
tensioning element passes in the fitted state of the retaining
device, and a connecting region that connects the fastening region
to the retaining region, wherein the connecting region merges at
folds into the fastening region and into the retaining region.
[0036] In this case, the fastening region, the connecting region
and the retaining region may together have a substantially Z-shaped
cross section.
[0037] In order to increase the rigidity of the appliance-side
retaining element, it is advantageous if the appliance-side
retaining element further comprises an additional bent region that
merges at a further bend into the retaining region.
[0038] A tilting of the appliance-side retaining element relative
to the built-in appliance is prevented in a particularly effective
manner if the additional bent region in the fitted state of the
retaining device abuts a side wall of the built-in appliance.
[0039] This additional bent region may be bent from the retaining
region towards the same side of the retaining region as the
connecting region.
[0040] As an alternative to this, it may also be provided that the
additional bent region is bent from the retaining region towards
the side of the retaining region remote from the connecting
region.
[0041] The additional bent region may be oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the retaining region.
[0042] As an alternative to this, it may also be provided that the
additional bent region is oriented at an acute angle to the
retaining region. Such a development of the additional bent region
is particularly suitable for supporting the threaded portion of the
tensioning element against the additional bent region of the
appliance-side retaining element in the fitted state of the
retaining device.
[0043] If the tensioning element in the fitted state of the
retaining device is supported against the additional bent region of
the appliance-side retaining element, this effectively prevents a
tilting of the tensioning element relative to the appliance-side
retaining element.
[0044] A tilting of the worktop-side retaining element relative to
the built-in appliance is effectively prevented if the worktop-side
retaining element in the fitted state of the retaining device is
supported against the built-in appliance.
[0045] In order to secure the worktop-side retaining element in its
angular position relative to the tensioning element during the
bracing of the worktop-side retaining element and the
appliance-side retaining element towards the worktop, it is
advantageous if the worktop-side retaining element is provided with
at least one claw for digging into the worktop.
[0046] Claim 28 is directed to a combination of a built-in
appliance, in particular a built-in sink unit, and at least one
retaining device according to the invention.
[0047] In a preferred development of such a combination, the
built-in appliance takes the form of a built-in sink unit and
comprises at least one sink, wherein the edge region of the
built-in sink unit projects out from the sink towards an outer edge
of the built-in sink unit. The appliance-side retaining element of
the retaining device according to the invention is then disposed on
this edge region of the built-in sink unit that projects towards
the outer edge of the built-in sink unit.
[0048] Further features and advantages of the invention are the
subject matter of the following description and the graphical
representation of embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 a diagrammatic section through a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as through a
retaining device comprising an appliance-side retaining element,
which is fastened to the edge region of the built-in sink unit, and
a worktop-side retaining element, which has a through-opening with
internal thread, into which a tensioning element of the retaining
device is screwed, wherein the tensioning element is not yet in
engagement with the appliance-side retaining element;
[0050] FIG. 2 a diagrammatic sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1
of the retaining device after a retaining portion of the tensioning
element has been introduced through an introduction portion of a
through-opening of the appliance-side retaining element;
[0051] FIG. 3 a diagrammatic sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2
of the retaining device after the built-in sink unit has been
inserted into a cut-out of a worktop;
[0052] FIG. 4 a diagrammatic sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3
of the retaining device after the worktop-side retaining element
has been rotated from the insertion position shown in FIG. 3
through an angle of 90.degree. into the support position shown in
FIG. 4;
[0053] FIG. 5 a diagrammatic perspective view of the edge region of
the built-in sink unit having the retaining device of FIGS. 1 to 4
disposed thereon;
[0054] FIG. 6 a diagrammatic exterior view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIGS. 1 to 5, viewed in the direction of the
arrow 6 in FIG. 7;
[0055] FIG. 7 a diagrammatic side view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0056] FIG. 8 a diagrammatic top view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 7, viewed in the direction of the arrow 8
in FIG. 7;
[0057] FIG. 9 a diagrammatic side view of the tensioning element of
the retaining device of FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0058] FIG. 10 a diagrammatic side view of the worktop-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0059] FIG. 11 a diagrammatic front view of the worktop-side
retaining element of FIG. 10, viewed in the direction of the arrow
11 in FIG. 10;
[0060] FIG. 12 a diagrammatic top view of the worktop-side
retaining element of FIG. 10, viewed in the direction of the arrow
12 in FIG. 10;
[0061] FIG. 13 a diagrammatic section through a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as a second
embodiment of a retaining device, in which the worktop-side
retaining element lies against the sink side wall in the fitted
state of the retaining device;
[0062] FIG. 14 a diagrammatic section through a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as a third
embodiment of a retaining device, the appliance-side retaining
element of which has an additional, upwardly bent region;
[0063] FIG. 15 a diagrammatic exterior view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 14, viewed in the direction of the arrow
15 in FIG. 16;
[0064] FIG. 16 a diagrammatic side view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 14;
[0065] FIG. 17 a diagrammatic top view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 16, viewed in the direction of the arrow
17 in FIG. 16;
[0066] FIG. 18 a diagrammatic section through a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as a fourth
embodiment of a retaining device, the appliance-side retaining
element of which has an additional, upwardly bent region that lies
against the outside of the sink side wall in the fitted state of
the retaining device;
[0067] FIG. 19 a diagrammatic section through a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as a fifth
embodiment of a retaining device, the appliance-side retaining
element of which has a through-opening with an introduction
portion, which is so configured that the retaining portion of the
tensioning element, when the built-in sink unit has already been
inserted into the cut-out of the worktop, may be moved in
substantially horizontal direction through the introduction
portion, wherein the tensioning element and the appliance-side
retaining element in the initial state shown in FIG. 19 are not yet
in engagement with one another;
[0068] FIG. 20 a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 19 of the
retaining device after the retaining portion of the tensioning
element has been moved through the introduction portion of the
through-opening;
[0069] FIG. 21 a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 20 of the
retaining device after the retaining portion of the tensioning
element has been brought into abutment with a retaining region of
the appliance-side retaining element;
[0070] FIG. 22 a diagrammatic exterior view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 19 to 21, viewed
in the direction of the arrow 22 in FIG. 23;
[0071] FIG. 23 a diagrammatic side view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 19 to 21;
[0072] FIG. 24 a diagrammatic top view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 23, viewed in the direction of the arrow
24 in FIG. 23;
[0073] FIG. 25 a diagrammatic exterior view of a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as a sixth
embodiment of a retaining device, the appliance-side retaining
element of which has for the tensioning element a through-opening
extending in the longitudinal direction of the edge region of the
built-in sink unit, in an initial state in which the appliance-side
retaining element and the tensioning element are not yet in
engagement with one another;
[0074] FIG. 26 a diagrammatic section through the through-opening
of the appliance-side retaining element of the retaining device of
FIG. 25;
[0075] FIG. 27 a diagrammatic exterior view corresponding to FIG.
25 of the retaining device after the retaining portion of the
tensioning element has been introduced through the introduction
portion of the through-opening;
[0076] FIG. 28 a diagrammatic section through the through-opening
of the appliance-side retaining element of the retaining device of
FIG. 27;
[0077] FIG. 29 a diagrammatic exterior view corresponding to FIG.
27 of the retaining device after the reduced-diameter portion of
the tensioning element has been displaced into a retaining portion
of the through-opening of the appliance-side retaining element;
[0078] FIG. 30 a diagrammatic section through the through-opening
of the appliance-side retaining element of the retaining device of
FIG. 29;
[0079] FIG. 31 a diagrammatic exterior view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 25 to 30, viewed
in the direction of the arrow 31 in FIG. 32;
[0080] FIG. 32 a diagrammatic side view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 25 to 30;
[0081] FIG. 33 a diagrammatic top view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 32, viewed in the direction of the arrow
33 in FIG. 32;
[0082] FIG. 34 a diagrammatic section through a sink side wall and
an edge region of a built-in sink unit as well as a seventh
embodiment of a retaining device, the appliance-side retaining
element of which has an additional, downwardly bent region;
[0083] FIG. 35 a diagrammatic exterior view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIG. 34, viewed in the
direction of the arrow 35 in FIG. 36;
[0084] FIG. 36 a diagrammatic side view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIG. 34;
[0085] FIG. 37 a diagrammatic top view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 36, viewed in the direction of the arrow
37 in FIG. 36;
[0086] FIG. 38 a diagrammatic section through an eighth embodiment
of a retaining device, the appliance-side retaining element of
which has an angled through-opening for the tensioning element
comprising an introduction slot, a retaining portion and a
connecting channel between the introduction slot and the retaining
portion as well as an obliquely downwardly bent region, in an
initial state, in which the tensioning element passes through the
introduction slot of the through-opening of the appliance-side
retaining element;
[0087] FIG. 39 a diagrammatic top view of the retaining device of
FIG. 38;
[0088] FIG. 40 a diagrammatic sectional view corresponding to FIG.
38 of the retaining device after the reduced-diameter portion of
the tensioning element has been displaced from the introduction
slot to the opposite end of the connecting channel;
[0089] FIG. 41 a diagrammatic top view of the retaining device of
FIG. 40;
[0090] FIG. 42 a diagrammatic sectional view corresponding to FIG.
40 of the retaining device after the tensioning element has been
pivoted into a vertical tensioning position;
[0091] FIG. 43 a diagrammatic top view of the retaining device of
FIG. 42;
[0092] FIG. 44 a diagrammatic exterior view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 38 to 43, viewed
in the direction of the arrow 44 in FIG. 45;
[0093] FIG. 45 a diagrammatic side view of the appliance-side
retaining element of the retaining device of FIGS. 38 to 43;
[0094] FIG. 46 a diagrammatic top view of the appliance-side
retaining element of FIG. 45, viewed in the direction of the arrow
46 in FIG. 45; and
[0095] FIG. 47 a diagrammatic perspective view of the retaining
device of FIGS. 38 to 45 after the tensioning element has been
moved into the vertical tensioning position.
[0096] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted in
all of the figures by the same reference characters.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0097] A built-in appliance for example in the form of a built-in
sink unit 100, a detail of which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5,
comprises a circumferential edge region 102 having an, in the
fitted state of the built-in sink unit 100, substantially
horizontally oriented, substantially flat horizontal edge portion
104 that at its outer edge merges into an outer edge portion 106,
which extends obliquely relative to the horizontal and terminates
at an outer edge 108 of the built-in sink unit 100, and at its
inner edge merges into a (viewed from above the built-in sink unit
100) concavely curved inner edge portion 110, which adjoins a
substantially horizontal sink unit surface 112. A substantially
horizontally oriented circumferential upper edge 114 of a sink 116
of the built-in sink unit 100 is fastened to the underside of the
sink unit surface 112 and projects out from a sink side wall 118 of
the sink 116.
[0098] In the embodiment shown here, the sink 116 is manufactured
separately from the edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100
and fastened--for example by welding--to the edge region 102. As an
alternative to this, it would however also be possible to
manufacture the sink 116 integrally with the edge region 102 of the
built-in sink unit 100.
[0099] The sink unit 100 may in principle be manufactured from any
desired material.
[0100] Preferably, the sink unit 100 is formed from a metal
material, preferably from a steel material, in particular from a
nickel chromium steel.
[0101] As may be seen from FIG. 4, the built-in sink unit 100 in
the fitted state is inserted from above into a cut-out 120 in a
worktop 122 that is adapted to the external contour of the built-in
sink unit 100, wherein the edge region 102 of the built-in sink
unit 100, via a sealing element 124, for example a microcellular
rubber seal glued onto the underside of the edge region 102, abuts
an upper side 126 of the worktop 122 in a substantially
liquid-proof manner.
[0102] The worktop 122 is carried for example by side walls 128 of
a kitchen base unit.
[0103] In order to fasten the built-in sink unit 100 to the worktop
122 in such a way that it is no longer removable in an upward
direction from the cut-out 120, on the edge region 102 of the
built-in sink unit 100 a plurality of appliance-side retaining
elements 132 extending in each case in the longitudinal direction
130 of the edge region 102 are fastened and interact with in each
case one or more worktop-side retaining elements 134 and in each
case one or more tensioning elements 136 in such a way that the
built-in sink unit 100 is braced towards the worktop 122.
[0104] An appliance-side retaining element 132 therefore together
with one or more worktop-side retaining elements 134 and one or
more tensioning elements 136 forms a retaining device 138 for
retaining the built-in sink unit 100 on the worktop 122.
[0105] As may be seen from FIG. 5, it may for example be provided
that in each case one appliance-side retaining element 132 in the
form of a retaining strip extends substantially over in each case
one longitudinal side of the built-in sink unit 100.
[0106] It is however also possible for a plurality of
appliance-side retaining elements 132 that are mutually spaced
apart in the longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region 102 of
the built-in sink unit 100 to be provided along each longitudinal
side of the built-in sink unit 100.
[0107] As may best be seen from FIGS. 6 to 8, each of the
appliance-side retaining elements 132 has a substantially constant
cross section along the longitudinal direction 130 and comprises in
each case a fastening region 140 that in the fitted state of the
retaining device 138 is horizontally oriented, a connecting region
144 that along a first bend 142 adjoins the fastening region 140
and extends vertically downwards from the fastening region 140, as
well as a retaining region 148 that along a second bend 146 adjoins
the connecting region 144 and extends from the connecting region
144 in a horizontally inward direction (i.e. towards the sink 116
of the built-in sink unit 100).
[0108] The fastening region 140 and the retaining region 148
therefore project in different directions from the connecting
region 144.
[0109] The appliance-side retaining element 132 lies with the
fastening region 140 against the underside of the horizontal edge
portion 104 of the edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100
and is fastened--for example by welding--to the edge region 102 of
the built-in sink unit 100.
[0110] In order to be able to bring the appliance-side retaining
element 132 into engagement with the tensioning element 136, the
appliance-side retaining element 132 is provided with at least one
through-opening 150 for the tensioning element 136.
[0111] As may best be seen from FIG. 9, the tensioning element 136
takes the form of a fastening screw and comprises a screw head 152,
a threaded portion 154 having an outside diameter D, a
reduced-diameter portion 156, which adjoins the threaded portion
154 and the smallest outside diameter d of which is smaller than
the outside diameter D of the threaded portion 154, and a retaining
portion 158, which adjoins the reduced-diameter portion 156 and has
a larger outside diameter than the reduced-diameter portion 156 and
in particular may have the same outside diameter D as the threaded
portion 154.
[0112] The retaining portion 158 may also, like the threaded
portion 154, be provided with an external thread.
[0113] The external thread of the threaded portion 154 and of the
retaining portion 158 may in particular take the form of a
left-hand thread.
[0114] The reduced-diameter portion 156 takes the form of a relief
groove between the threaded portion 154 and the retaining portion
158 and preferably has a curved outer surface in order to avoid
notch effects.
[0115] The screw head 152 preferably takes the form of a Robertson
screw head, i.e. a screw head having a central recess 160 with a
substantially square cross section for receiving the tip of a
Robertson screwdriver.
[0116] The external contour of the screw head 152 may for example
be of a hexagonal design in order to allow the tensioning element
136 to be rotated by means of a spanner.
[0117] The through-opening 150 of the appliance-side retaining
element 132 is of a keyhole-shaped design and comprises an
approximately circular introduction portion 162, which is disposed
on the connecting region 144 and the diameter of which exceeds the
outside diameter D of the retaining portion 158, and a retaining
portion 164, which extends from the bottom edge of the introduction
portion 162 into the retaining region 148 of the appliance-side
retaining element 132 and the width b of which (i.e. the extent
thereof in the longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region 102 of
the built-in sink unit 100) is smaller than the outside diameter D
of the retaining portion 158 of the tensioning element 136 and
slightly larger than the smallest outside diameter d of the
reduced-diameter portion 156.
[0118] The tensioning element 136 may therefore be introduced by
the retaining portion 158 through the introduction portion 162 of
the through-opening 150, until the reduced-diameter portion 156
passes into the region of the through-opening 150, and is then
moved in such a way relative to the appliance-side retaining
element 132 that the reduced-diameter portion 156 passes into the
retaining portion 164 of the through-opening 150 and the retaining
portion 158 of the tensioning element 136 is supported against the
region of the appliance-side retaining element 132 that surrounds
the retaining portion 164 of the through-opening 150.
[0119] The worktop-side retaining element 134 is shown individually
in FIGS. 10 to 12 and in this embodiment takes the form of a
retaining bracket comprising a coupling region 166 and a support
region 168 extending at an obtuse angle to the coupling region
166.
[0120] The support region 168 is provided at its upper end with two
sharp-spiked claws 170 that are able to dig into the underside 172
of the worktop 122.
[0121] The coupling region 166 of the worktop-side retaining
element 134 is provided with a tapped hole 174, the internal thread
of which is of a complementary design to the external thread of the
tensioning element 136, so that the tensioning element 136 may be
screwed by its threaded portion 154 into the tapped hole 174 of the
worktop-side retaining element 134, in the manner shown in FIG.
1.
[0122] The operation of fitting the built-in sink unit 100 on the
worktop 122 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0123] In the initial state shown in FIG. 1, the built-in sink unit
100 has not yet been inserted into the cut-out 120 of the worktop
122. In this state, the tensioning element 136 with the
worktop-side retaining element 134 disposed thereon is inserted in
such a way into the introduction portion 162 of the through-opening
150 of the appliance-side retaining element 132 that the
longitudinal axis 176 of the tensioning element 136 extends at an
angle .beta. of ca. 0.degree. to ca. 30.degree. to the upper side
of the retaining region 148 and to the upper side of the horizontal
edge portion 104 of the built-in sink unit 100.
[0124] In this case, the tensioning element 136 is inserted far
enough through the introduction portion 162 for the
reduced-diameter portion 156 of the tensioning element 136 to be
situated in the introduction portion 162 (see FIG. 2).
[0125] The tensioning element 136 is then pivoted into the
vertical, with the result that the reduced-diameter portion 156
moves from the introduction portion 162 of the through-opening 150
into the retaining portion 164 thereof (see FIG. 3). In this
position, the tensioning element 136 is prevented from moving out
of the through-opening 150 of the appliance-side retaining element
132 because the retaining portion 158 of the tensioning element 136
has the diameter D, which is larger than the width b of the
retaining portion 158 of the through-opening 150.
[0126] The worktop-side retaining element 134 is moreover rotated
in such a way that the coupling region 166 and the support region
168 are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal
direction 130 of the edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100
and hence also substantially parallel to the boundary wall 178 of
the cut-out 120 in the worktop 122.
[0127] In this position, the built-in sink unit 100 with the
retaining devices 138 disposed thereon may be inserted from above
into the cut-out 120 of the worktop 122, thereby achieving the
state shown in FIG. 3.
[0128] The worktop-side retaining element 134 is then rotated
(through an angle of ca. 90.degree.) from the insertion position
shown in FIG. 3 into the support position shown in FIG. 4, thereby
allowing the claws 170 of the support region 168 to dig into the
underside 172 of the worktop 122.
[0129] The tensioning element 136 is then rotated by means of a
suitable tool, for example a Robertson screwdriver, about its
longitudinal axis 176 in such a way that the worktop-side retaining
element 134 in engagement with the threaded portion 154 and the
appliance-side retaining element 132 in engagement with the
reduced-diameter portion 156 are moved towards one another and
hence braced towards one another and towards the worktop 122.
[0130] During the bracing operation the retaining portion 158 of
the tensioning element 136 lies with its periphery against a first
support point 180 on the connecting region 144 of the
appliance-side retaining element 132, and the reduced-diameter
portion 156 lies with its periphery against a second support point
182 on the edge of the retaining portion 164 of the through-opening
150 of the appliance-side retaining element 132, with the result
that the tensioning element 136 is supported against the
appliance-side retaining element 132 at two, in relation to the
longitudinal axis 176 of the tensioning element 136, diametrically
opposite support points 180, 182 and is therefore prevented from
tilting relative to the appliance-side retaining element 132.
[0131] After the appliance-side retaining element 132 and hence
also the edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100 have been
pulled towards the upper side 126 of the worktop 122, the fitting
of the built-in sink unit 100 on the worktop 122 is complete.
[0132] Disassembly of the built-in sink unit 100 is effected by
reversing the previously described operations.
[0133] The tensioning element 136 is formed preferably from a metal
material, in particular from a steel material.
[0134] The appliance-side retaining element 132 and the
worktop-side retaining element 134 are likewise formed preferably
from a metal material, in particular from a sheet steel, by means
of cutting and folding operations.
[0135] A second embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in FIG.
13 differs from the previously described first embodiment merely in
that the coupling region 166 of the worktop-side retaining element
134 is of such a length that it is supported, in the fitted state
of the retaining device 138 shown in FIG. 13, against the outside
of the sink side wall 118 of the built-in sink unit 100. This
prevents a tilting of the worktop-side retaining element 134 and of
the tensioning element 136 relative to the built-in sink unit 100
and hence relative to the appliance-side retaining element 132.
[0136] Otherwise the second embodiment of a retaining device 138
shown in FIG. 13 is identical in construction and function to the
first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, to the previous
description of which reference is made in this respect.
[0137] A third embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in FIGS.
14 to 17 differs from the previously described first embodiment in
that the appliance-side retaining element 132 in addition to the
connecting region 144 and the retaining region 148 has an
additional bent region 184, which along a third bend 186 adjoins
the inner edge of the retaining region 148 remote from the
connecting region 144 and extends in a substantially vertically
upward direction from the retaining region 148, substantially
parallel to the connecting region 144.
[0138] By virtue of the additional bend an additional stiffening of
the appliance-side retaining element 132 is simultaneously
achieved.
[0139] Otherwise the third embodiment of a retaining device 138
shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is identical in construction and function
to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, to the previous
description of which reference is made in this respect.
[0140] A fourth embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in FIG.
18 differs from the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 merely
in that the width of the retaining region 148, i.e. the extent
thereof at right angles to the longitudinal direction 130 of the
edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100, is increased to such
an extent that the additional bent region 184 in the fitted state
of the retaining device 138 lies against the outside of the sink
side wall 118 of the built-in sink unit 100, with the result that
the appliance-side retaining element 132 is supported against the
sink side wall 118, thereby preventing a tilting of the
appliance-side retaining element 132 and hence of the entire
retaining device 138 relative to the built-in sink unit 100.
[0141] Otherwise the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is
identical in construction and function to the third embodiment
shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, to the previous description of which
reference is made in this respect.
[0142] A fifth embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in FIGS.
19 to 24 differs from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12
in the development of the introduction portion 162 of the
through-opening 150 of the appliance-side retaining element
132.
[0143] As may best be seen from FIG. 22, in this embodiment this
introduction portion 162 is not of a circular design but
substantially of a rectangular design, wherein the area of passage
of this rectangular introduction portion 162 is slightly larger
than the area of a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis
176 of the tensioning element 136 through the retaining portion 158
of the tensioning element 136.
[0144] As is shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the retaining portion 158 may
therefore be moved laterally, in substantially horizontal
direction, through the introduction portion 162 in order to suspend
the tensioning element 136 from the appliance-side retaining
element 132.
[0145] FIG. 19 shows the initial state before the retaining portion
158 of the tensioning element 136 passes through the introduction
portion 162.
[0146] FIG. 20 shows the state after the retaining portion 158 of
the tensioning element 136 has been moved through the introduction
portion 162. In this state, the reduced-diameter portion 156 of the
tensioning element 136 is in engagement with the retaining portion
164 of the appliance-side retaining element.
[0147] FIG. 21 shows the final state of assembly of this fifth
embodiment of the retaining device 138, in which the retaining
portion 158 as a result of the bracing of the appliance-side
retaining element 132 and of the worktop-side retaining element 134
has been pulled down towards the retaining region 148 of the
appliance-side retaining element 132. In this position, the
retaining portion 158 lies with its periphery against a first
support point 180 on the connecting region 144 of the
appliance-side retaining element 132, while at the diametrically
opposite side of the tensioning element 136 the reduced-diameter
portion 156 lies with its periphery against a second support point
182 on the edge of the retaining portion 164 of the through-opening
150 of the appliance-side retaining element 132. The tensioning
element 136 is therefore supported at two mutually diametrically
opposite support points 180, 182 against the appliance-side
retaining element 132, thereby preventing a tilting of the
tensioning element 136 relative to the appliance-side retaining
element 132.
[0148] The length of the reduced-diameter portion 156 in this
embodiment is greater than in the previously described
embodiments.
[0149] This embodiment of the retaining device 138, in which the
tensioning element 136 is not inserted into the through-opening 150
of the appliance-side retaining element 132 in a horizontal
orientation or an orientation only slightly inclined relative to
the horizontal but is fitted from below into the gap between the
appliance-side retaining element 132, on the one hand, and the
boundary wall 178 of the worktop 122, on the other hand, before
then passing laterally through the through-opening 150 of the
appliance-side retaining element, offers the advantage that the
tensioning element 136 does not have to be already suspended from
the appliance-side retaining element 132 prior to insertion of the
built-in sink unit 100 into the cut-out 120 of the worktop 122,
rather the suspension of the tensioning element 136 from the
appliance-side retaining element 132 may alternatively be effected
from underneath the worktop 122 after insertion of the built-in
sink unit 100 into the cut-out 120 of the worktop 122.
[0150] Otherwise the fifth embodiment of a retaining device 138
shown in FIGS. 19 to 24 is identical in construction and function
to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, to the previous
description of which reference is made in this respect.
[0151] A sixth embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in FIGS.
25 to 33 differs from the previously described fifth embodiment in
that the introduction portion 162 of the through-opening 150 in the
appliance-side retaining element 132 is disposed, not in the
connecting region 144 of the appliance-side retaining element 132,
but in the retaining region 148 of the appliance-side retaining
element 132.
[0152] As may best be seen from FIG. 33, the through-opening 150 of
the appliance-side retaining element 132 in this embodiment
comprises a circular introduction portion 162, the diameter of
which is slightly larger than the outside diameter D of the
retaining portion 158 of the tensioning element 136, as well as two
narrower retaining portions 164 that extend away from the
introduction portion 162 in mutually opposite directions,
substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 130 of the
edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100. The width b of both
retaining portions 164, i.e. the extent thereof at right angles to
the longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region 102, is in this
case smaller than the outside diameter D of the retaining portion
158 of the tensioning element 136 but slightly larger than the
smallest diameter d of the reduced-diameter portion 156 of the
tensioning element 136, with the result that the retaining portion
158 of the tensioning element 136 may be pushed from below in
vertical direction through the introduction portion 162 until the
reduced-diameter portion 156 is situated in the introduction
portion 162 (see FIGS. 25 to 28).
[0153] By displacing the tensioning element 136 in horizontal
direction, the reduced-diameter portion 156 may then be moved into
one of the two retaining portions 164 (see FIGS. 29 and 30). In
this position the tensioning element 136 is secured against a
moving of the retaining portion 158 out through the through-opening
150 of the appliance-side retaining element 132 because the
retaining portion 158 as a result of the tightening of the
tensioning element 136 is pulled towards the regions of the
retaining region 148 of the appliance-side retaining element 132
that surround the retaining portion 164 of the through-opening 150
and is held fast by these regions.
[0154] The through-opening 150 of the appliance-side retaining
element 132 in this embodiment therefore has the shape of an
elongate hole that extends in the longitudinal direction 130 of the
edge region 102 of the built-in sink unit 100.
[0155] In this embodiment of the retaining device 138 too, the
tensioning element 136 may be suspended from the appliance-side
retaining element 132 after the built-in sink unit 100 has already
been inserted into the cut-out 120 of the worktop 122.
[0156] Otherwise the sixth embodiment of a retaining device 138
shown in FIGS. 25 to 33 is identical in construction and function
to the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 24, to the previous
description of which reference is made in this respect.
[0157] A seventh embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in
FIGS. 34 to 37 differs from the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 14
to 17 in that the additional bent region 184 extends, not upwards
from the retaining region 148, but rather downwards from the
retaining region 148, substantially parallel to the connecting
region 144.
[0158] In this embodiment, in the fitted state of the retaining
device 138 the retaining portion 158 of the tensioning element 136
lies with its periphery against a first support point 180 on the
connecting region 144 of the appliance-side retaining element 132,
while the threaded portion 154 of the tensioning element 136 lies
with its periphery against a second support point 182 on the
additional bent region 184 of the appliance-side retaining element
132.
[0159] In the fitted state of the retaining device 138, the
tensioning element 136 is therefore supported against the
appliance-side retaining element 132 at two support points 180,
182, which lie in relation to the longitudinal axis 176 of the
tensioning element 136 diametrically opposite one another and are
markedly spaced apart from one another in vertical direction,
thereby achieving particularly good support of the tensioning
element 136 and in a particularly effective manner preventing a
tilting of the tensioning element 136 relative to the
appliance-side retaining element 132.
[0160] By virtue of the additional bend on the appliance-side
retaining element 132, the appliance-side retaining element 132 is
moreover additionally stiffened.
[0161] Otherwise the seventh embodiment of a retaining device 138
shown in FIGS. 34 to 37 is identical in construction and function
to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, to the previous
description of which reference is made in this respect.
[0162] An eighth embodiment of a retaining device 138 shown in
FIGS. 38 to 47 differs from the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS.
34 to 37 in that the introduction portion 162 of the
through-opening 150 of the appliance-side retaining element 132 is
disposed, not in the connecting region 144, but partly on the
additional bent region 184 and partly on the retaining region 148
of the appliance-side retaining element 132.
[0163] As may best be seen from FIG. 47, the introduction portion
162 in this embodiment takes the form of an introduction slot 190,
which opens out at the bottom edge 188 of the additional bent
region 184 and the width B of which (i.e. the extent thereof in the
longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region 102 of the built-in
sink unit 100) is at least slightly greater than the outside
diameter D of the retaining portion 158 and of the threaded portion
154 of the tensioning element 136. The introduction slot 190
extends from the bottom edge 188 of the additional bent region 184
right into the retaining region 148 of the appliance-side retaining
element 132. The retaining portion 164 of the through-opening 150
extends substantially parallel to the introduction slot 190, i.e.
transversely of the longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region
102 of the built-in sink unit 100, through the retaining region 148
and is spaced apart from the introduction slot 190 in the
longitudinal direction 130.
[0164] The retaining portion 164, the width b of which is smaller
than the outside diameter D of the retaining portion 158 of the
tensioning element 136, is connected to the introduction slot 190
by a connecting channel 192 that extends substantially parallel to
the longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region 102 of the
built-in sink unit 100.
[0165] The width of this connecting channel 192, i.e. the extent
thereof at right angles to the longitudinal direction 130, is
likewise smaller than the outside diameter D of the retaining
portion 158 of the tensioning element 136.
[0166] In this embodiment, moreover, the additional bent region 184
is not oriented substantially vertically but forms with the
vertical an acute angle and in the fitted state of the retaining
device 138 is inclined towards the tensioning element 136.
[0167] In this embodiment the procedure for suspending the
tensioning element 136 from the appliance-side retaining element
132 is as described below with reference to FIGS. 38 to 43.
[0168] First the tensioning element 136 is inserted obliquely
relative to the horizontal and obliquely relative to the vertical
into the introduction slot 190 until the retaining portion 158 of
the tensioning element 136 has passed through the introduction slot
190 and the reduced-diameter portion 156 comes to lie in the region
of the introduction slot 190 (see FIGS. 38 and 39).
[0169] Then the tensioning element 136 is displaced parallel to the
longitudinal direction 130 of the edge region 102 of the built-in
sink unit 100, wherein the reduced-diameter portion 156 of the
tensioning element 136 moves from the introduction slot 190 to the
opposite end of the connecting channel (see FIGS. 40 and 41).
[0170] Finally the tensioning element 136 is pivoted from the
oblique position into the vertical position in order to achieve the
tensioning position shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, in which the
reduced-diameter portion 156 of the tensioning element 136
penetrates the retaining portion 164 of the through-opening 150 in
the appliance-side retaining element 132.
[0171] In this position, the retaining portion 158 of the
tensioning element 136 moreover lies with its periphery against a
first support point 180 on the connecting region 144 of the
appliance-side retaining element 132, while the threaded portion
154 of the tensioning element 136 lies with its periphery against a
second support point 182 on the bottom edge 188 of the additional
bent region 184.
[0172] Thus, in the fitted position of the retaining device 138 the
tensioning element 135 is supported by the appliance-side retaining
element 132 at two support points 180, 182 that lie in relation to
the longitudinal axis 176 of the tensioning element 136
diametrically opposite one another and are markedly spaced apart
vertically from one another, thereby in a particularly effective
manner preventing a tilting of the tensioning element 136 relative
to the appliance-side retaining element 132.
[0173] Otherwise the eighth embodiment of a retaining device 138
shown in FIGS. 38 to 47 is identical in construction and function
to the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, to the previous
description of which reference is made in this respect.
* * * * *