Patent Publication Number: US-2023134740-A1

Title: Nut for securing a component to a support

Description:
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. 
     The invention further relates to a system for securing a component to a support, comprising a nut. 
     The invention further relates to a method of securing a component to a support. 
     The invention also relates to a method for removing a component secured to a support. 
     Although applicable to any component, this invention is described with respect to components in the form of sanitary faucets. 
     Although applicable to any support, this invention is described with respect to supports in the form of countertops. 
     Sanitary faucets have become known in a variety of ways. They are typically secured to a countertop by having a suitable faucet shaft of the sanitary faucet extend partially through a countertop mounting hole. To secure the sanitary faucet, the faucet shaft has a male thread onto which a nut is screwed. 
     The problem here is that the faucet shaft is often long, so that it may also be used with different thicknesses of the countertop. When installing the sanitary faucet, for thin countertops, it is then laborious and time-consuming to apply the nut to the male thread of the threaded shaft up to the final secured position. 
     From EP 3 786 374 A1, a nut has become known that has yielding threaded lugs that permit the nut to be pushed up to its final position and in that way permit the sanitary faucet to be secured to the support more quickly. The problem here, however, is that the nut has a complicated design and once the sanitary faucet has been secured in place, it is very difficult or time-consuming to remove it, if at all, because it is not possible to simply slide it over the shaft in the direction of disassembly. 
     Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a nut for securing a component to a support and a system for securing a component to a support, which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, permit the component to be secured and removed easily and quickly, and reduce the operating space required for an assembler to install the component. 
     A further object of this invention is to specify an alternative nut for securing a component to a support and an alternative system for securing a component to a support. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a method for securing a component to a support and a method for removing a component secured to a support, which can be performed easily, quickly and reliably with reduced operating space required for assembly for an installer. 
     A further object of this invention is to disclose an alternative method for securing a component to a support and an alternative method for removing a component secured to a support. 
     In an embodiment, this invention solves the above-mentioned problems using 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. 
     In a further embodiment, this invention solves the above problems using a system for securing a component to a support, comprising a nut according to any one of the claims  1 - 15 , wherein the component has a male thread, which matches the thread of the nut, such that in its closed position the nut can be screwed onto the male thread, and wherein in its open position the thread has, at least in one area, an internal diameter that is greater than the external diameter of the male thread. 
     In a further embodiment, this invention solves the problems listed above using a method for securing a component to a support, comprising the steps
         providing a nut according to any one of the claims  1 - 15  in the open position,   providing 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,   arranging of the component on the support,   sliding 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,   actuating 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   actuating the thread of the nut by turning the nut to secure the component to the support.       

     In a further embodiment, this invention solves the problems listed above using a method for removing a component secured to a support, comprising the steps
         providing a nut according to any one of the claims  1 - 15  in its closed position at the component, wherein the component has male threads matching the threads of the nut, and wherein the threads of the nut engage with the male threads of the component,   actuating 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   sliding the nut in its open position over the male thread of the component to remove the component from the support.       

     One of the advantages achieved in this way is a simplified assembly of components on supports by means of the nut. Another advantage is that during assembly, the nut is forced from its open position to its closed position in a substantially self-locking manner, and that in this way rapid assembly is made possible using a few simple steps. Another advantage is the simple and inexpensive production of the two nut parts, for instance from plastic, preferably by injection molding. 
     Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or may be disclosed in that way. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second nut parts are secured to each other by means of a securing device, which in particular is designed to be detachable. The advantage is a flexible and simple securing of the two nut parts to each other, for instance to provide limited axial displacement. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the securing device comprises a latching, clipping or snapping device. The advantage thereof is a simple and quick securing of the two nut parts to each other. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, a return device is arranged, which exerts a return force in the direction of the open position. This ensures that the nut can be easily loosened, for instance if the component is to be replaced for maintenance purposes. If the nut is actuated accordingly, the nut “automatically” moves to its open position for it to be pulled off quickly and easily, for instance from a sanitary faucet shaft. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the return device comprises a spring device having at least one spring arranged between the first nut part and the second nut part. The advantage thereof is a simple and reliable provision of a return force. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the return device comprises matching surfaces at the first and second nut parts, which can slide along each other and are beveled at a second angle with respect to the axial direction. The advantage thereof is that no additional component, such as a spring, is required, reducing the manufacturing costs of the nut. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the second angle is greater than the first angle. This provides sufficient return force without the threaded lugs having to project far radially outward. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the second angle relative to the axial direction is at least 5 degrees, in particular at least 10 degrees, preferably at least 15 degrees, in particular at least 30 degrees. This provides a sufficiently large return force without significantly increasing the installation space for the nut. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the first angle of the threaded lugs relative to the axial direction is at least 0.1 degrees, in particular at least 0.5 degrees, preferably at least 1 degree, in particular at least 3 degrees. This provides sufficient spacing of the thread to slide the nut over a matching male thread, while at the same time keeping radial installation space to a minimum. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the number of threaded lugs is less than 30, preferably less than 15, in particular less than 8, preferably 4. This provides a sufficient number of threaded lugs while maintaining a reliable engagement in the closed position. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, thread flanks of the thread of at least one of the threaded lugs, in particular of every threaded lug, are shortened in the area facing away from the end area of the at least one threaded lug, in particular wherein the area comprises more than one thread flank and/or less than 5 thread flanks, preferably 2 thread flanks of the thread. This makes for improved sliding of the nut over a matching male thread. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, a guide device is arranged for the defined guidance of the first and second nut parts along each other, in particular wherein the guide device is designed as a locating device. The advantage thereof is a defined guidance of the two nut parts along each other, which simplifies the handling of the nut, in particular during assembly. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide device comprises a link device having at least one link and one link element, in particular wherein the link element is arranged at the first nut part. In this way, provision is made for a simple and at the same time reliable guidance of the two nut parts. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, several links having link elements are arranged, in particular wherein the number is more than 3 and less than 6, preferably 4. This provides adequate guidance for the two nut parts. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one link element and the link are each rounded. The advantage thereof is less wear on the guide device and improved handling of the nut. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment, in the open position of the nut the thread has, at least in one area, an inside diameter which is smaller than or equal to the outside diameter of the male thread. The advantage thereof is that, on the one hand, the nut can be slid on easily without turning, because the thread can essentially slide over the male thread, but at the same time it ensures that in the final assembly position of the nut, the thread can engage directly with the male thread. No additional axial forces to be exerted from the outside in the mounting direction are required, simplifying installation overall. 
     Further important features and advantages of the invention are described in more detail in the dependent claims, in the drawings, and in the accompanying figure description based on the drawings. 
     It should be understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     Preferred embodiments and embodiments of this invention are shown in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components or elements. 
    
    
     
       In the Figures 
         FIG.  1    shows a cross-section of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position; 
         FIG.  2    shows a cross-section of the nut according to  FIG.  1    in a closed position; 
         FIG.  3    shows a perspective view of a second nut part of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG.  4    shows a perspective view of a first nut part of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position; 
         FIG.  6    shows a system according to an embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG.  7    shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention; and 
         FIG.  8    shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention. 
     
    
    
       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. 
     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  4   a  of a threaded lug  4  is disposed mainly directly on the surface of the first nut part  2  and an end area  4   b  is spaced apart from the surface of the first nut part  2 . 
     In the end area  4   b  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 . 
     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  3   a  projecting radially inward on its upper rim, which is used as a stop for the upper rim surface  2   a  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 . 
     If the first nut part  2  is now pushed further into the second nut part  3 , in other words if the upper rim surface  2   a  moves towards the projection  3   a , 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  2   a  is directly at the projection  3   a  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. 
     The thread  5  of the threaded lugs  4  may be abraded in the area adjacent to the initial area  4   a , 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. 
       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. 
       FIG.  3    shows a second nut part  3  having an upper rim  3   a . 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  6   a ). The recess  6  is used here as a link for a link element  7 , which is also rounded (reference numeral  7   a ) 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. 
       FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of a nut according to an embodiment of this invention in an open position. 
       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  3   a  of the second nut part  3  and the upper rim surface  2   a  (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 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a system according to an embodiment of this invention. 
       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  50   a  projects. 
     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  2   a  and projection  3   a  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  2   a  and the projection  3   a  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  50   a  and the nut  1  can be screwed onto the male threads  50   a  of the shaft of the sanitary faucet  50 . 
       FIG.  7    shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention. 
       FIG.  7    shows steps of a method for securing a component to a support. 
     The method comprises the steps:
         providing S 1  a nut according to any one of the claims  1 - 15  in the open position,   providing S 2  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,   arranging S 3  of the component at the support,   sliding S 4  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,   actuating S 5  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   actuating S 6  the thread of the nut by turning the nut to secure the component to the support.       

       FIG.  8    shows a schematic representation of steps of a method according to an embodiment of this invention. 
       FIG.  8    shows steps of a method for removing a component secured to a support. 
     The method comprises the steps:
         providing T 1  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,   actuating T 2  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   sliding T 3  the nut in its open position over the male thread of the component to remove the component from the support.       

     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:
         Simple, inexpensive and quick assembly and disassembly.   simple, inexpensive manufacture.   Few components for the nut.   “Self-locking” nut.       

     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 
     
         
         
           
               1  nut 
               2  first nut part 
               2   a  rim surface 
               3  second nut part 
               3   a  projection 
               4  threaded lug 
               4   a  initial area threaded lug 
               4   b  end area threaded lug 
               5  thread 
               6  link 
               6   a  rounding link 
               7  link element 
               7   a  rounding link element 
               8  return device 
               9  spring 
               10  thread flanks 
               20 ,  21  areas 
               50  component/sanitary faucet 
               50   a  male thread 
               51  support/countertop 
               52  intermediate element/stabilization 
             triangle 
               53  elastic element/rubber disk 
               54  solid element/metal disk 
               91  first angle 
               92  second angle 
               100  system 
               101  axial direction 
               102  radial direction 
               103  direction of determination 
               201  open position 
               202  closed position 
             S 1 -S 6  steps of a method 
             T 1 -T 3  steps of a method