DE102021106655A1 - Actuating device for actuating valves - Google Patents

Abstract

In summary, to simplify the operation of a valve arrangement (2) comprising a plurality of valves (3), it is proposed that respective actuating elements (8), which are used for the respective manual opening of the valves (3), be temporarily closed with the aid of at least one blocking part (6). block that an actuation of at least one of the other valves (3) of the valve assembly (2) is just excluded.

Description

The invention relates to an actuating device for actuating at least two valves in a valve arrangement.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a further actuating device for actuating at least two valves of a valve arrangement, each having an actuating element for opening a respective one of the at least two valves, with the valves each being designed to be self-closing. The first-mentioned actuating device can also be designed with these features.

Such actuating devices are already known per se in the prior art and are used in particular to switch various waterways on and off by means of the valves. Such a task arises, for example, in shower rooms, where various shower outlets of a sanitary fitting are to be supplied with water by means of an actuating device as explained at the outset.

In such applications, there is often a legal or normative requirement that two valves of the valve arrangement can or may not be opened at the same time by means of the actuating device.

Proceeding from this, the invention is based on the object of enabling improved handling or actuation of valves of a valve arrangement which, on the one hand, is user-friendly and, on the other hand, complies with the statutory or normative specifications.

To solve this problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention in an actuating device. In particular, it is therefore proposed according to the invention to achieve the object of an actuating device of the type mentioned at the outset that a blocking element of the actuating device can be moved into a blocking position by actuating one of the at least two valves in an actuating device. Furthermore, it is proposed that an actuation of at least one, but preferably all the others, of the at least two valves is blocked as soon as the blocking element is in the blocking position.

The actuating device can preferably be configured as a manual device that can be actuated manually. The blocking element, on the other hand, can be composed of several parts (in the simplest case two) blocking parts. As a result, the blocking element on each of the valves can be individually subdivided or separable, for example in order to block adjacent valves in each case.

The advantage of such an embodiment is that the actuating device can reliably prevent a plurality of the valves from opening at the same time.

In other words, according to the invention, it is therefore proposed that a blocking element can be moved into different blocking positions, wherein in each of these blocking positions a respective valve of the valve arrangement can still be actuated, i.e. in particular can be opened, while at least one, but preferably all the remaining valves of the valve arrangement are currently blocked in this blocking position and therefore cannot be actuated or opened. The same then applies analogously to the other possible blocking positions, the number of possible blocking positions naturally increasing with the number of valves in the valve arrangement.

According to the invention, the object can also be achieved by further advantageous embodiments according to the dependent claims.

For example, at least one blocking part of the blocking element can be configured as a sliding part and/or can be displaced into the blocking position.

In addition or as an alternative, it can also be provided that at least one blocking part of the blocking element is designed as a pivoting part and/or can be pivoted into the blocking position. In such a case, the at least one pivoting part can be mounted in particular in such a way that it can pivot on a circular path.

The invention also proposes an actuating device that is designed for a valve arrangement with at least three valves. Here, the blocking element has at least two blocking parts, which can be moved into a respective blocking position by a respective actuation of a respective one of the at least three valves. It is also provided here that an actuation of at least one, but preferably all the others, of the at least three valves is blocked as soon as one of the blocking parts is in its blocking position.

As already mentioned, actuation of one of the valves of the valve assembly can cause that valve to open. In this way it can be achieved in particular that a flow of water can flow through the open valve from a common inlet which supplies all valves.

Thus, it can be provided that each of the at least two valves by means of the actuator, ie in particular by means of associated respective actuators, individually opened, preferably and closed, can be.

It can also be provided that each of the at least two valves can be blocked by means of the blocking element. This can preferably be done in such a way that each of the at least two valves can be blocked by means of each of the at least two blocking parts.

If one of the valves is blocked, this blocked valve can thus be prevented from being opened by actuating the actuating element belonging to this valve. In this way it can be achieved that only one of the valves can be opened at any given time, i.e. in particular actuated by a user. Because opening one of the valves causes a blockage of all the other valves, specifically by means of the blocking element.

In other words, the blocking of the non-actuated valves of the valve arrangement can be canceled or can be canceled by closing a valve of the valve arrangement that is currently open.

The blocking element, i.e. in particular the blocking parts, can each be movable in a direction of blocking movement into the (respective) blocking position. This direction of locking movement can run transversely to the direction of actuation, i.e. in particular to a respective direction of actuation in which the actuation elements of the actuation device can be actuated, both when the locking parts are designed as sliding parts and when the locking parts are designed as pivoting parts. This means that the valves can be opened by means of respective actuating elements and that the actuating elements move (either push or pivot) the blocking element, i.e. in particular at least one respective blocking part of the blocking element, into the blocking position. Here, the actuating elements can be designed, for example, as a push button. When the actuating elements are pressed, they pivot or move a respective associated blocking part of the blocking element.

In such a configuration, it is preferred if a respective deflection element, for example in the form of an inclined surface, is formed on each of the actuating elements. This deflection element can in each case convert a linear actuation of the respective actuation element in the actuation direction (for example pressing) into a respective blocking movement of at least one of the blocking parts. Here, the blocking movement of one of the blocking parts can be transferred to the other of the blocking parts of the blocking element, for example by the blocking part actuated with the actuating element pushing or pivoting the other blocking parts. This means that a respective blocking part, which is currently being actuated via an actuating element, then actuates the other blocking parts.

A situation can arise in which, for example, when one of the valves in the middle is actuated, the blocking movements of at least two of the blocking parts take place in opposite directions, namely, for example, when the actuating element associated with the valve presses the two blocking parts apart. A situation can also arise in which when an outermost valve (i.e. a valve which is arranged in an outer position of the valve arrangement) is actuated, the blocking movements of all blocking parts take place in the same direction (e.g. all blocking parts move from left to right, since the leftmost blocking part also moves from left to right), in particular due to an actuation by one of the actuators.

Furthermore, in particular all locking parts can be designed with the same shape and/or all actuating elements with the same shape, which means that manufacturing costs can be saved.

A further embodiment provides that the blocking parts can each be moved into two blocking positions, which are used to block a respective adjacent valve. Thus, a blocking part can block, for example, a valve to the left of the blocking part and another valve to the right of the blocking part, specifically by moving to the left or to the right. The same applies analogously to pivoting a blocking part clockwise or counterclockwise.

The actuating elements can, for example, each be guided linearly, so that movements of the actuating elements transverse to the direction of actuation are excluded.

With such a configuration, it is preferable if the blocking element, i.e. in particular the at least two blocking parts of the blocking element, are also guided linearly, so that movements of the blocking parts or the blocking element in the actuating direction are precisely excluded. This is possible with locking sliding parts as well as locking pivoting parts.

The aforementioned configurations can in particular ensure that when any two of the actuating elements are actuated at the same time, all the valves are actuated by means of the locking element ments are blocked. In this way it can be achieved that two valves cannot be opened at the same time. It is preferred here if the blocking element establishes an operative connection between the actuating elements. This can therefore mean that the blocking element transmits blocking forces originating from one of the actuating elements to the other actuating elements, for example in order to hold these other actuating elements in a respective blocking position.

A further possible embodiment provides that the actuating elements, mediated by respective associated intermediate elements, only actuate a respective actuating element, which is designed to open the respective valve, from a second section of an actuating movement. In such a case, provision can be made for the actuating elements to be relatively displaceable in relation to the respective associated intermediate element in a first section of the actuating movement. This can ensure that the other valves are blocked during the first section of the actuating movement, i.e. even before a valve to be opened is opened by the actuating movement of one of the actuating elements (which can only happen in a second section of the actuating movement). In the second section of the respective actuation movement, a respective actuation element and the associated intermediate element can thus move together. For this purpose, a respective driver can be formed on each actuating element, for example, which takes the intermediate element with it from the second section of the actuating movement and thus actuates it.

Another possible embodiment of the locking parts of the locking element provides that the at least two locking parts touch each other (at least temporarily in certain positions) and can thus be actuated, for example when one of the locking parts is shifted or pivoted or moved into a respective locking position. Alternatively or additionally, provision can also be made for the locking parts to reach through the actuating elements, in particular in such a way that the locking parts can just touch one another.

Furthermore, the at least two locking parts can each be guided in a guide along the locking movement direction. This guide can be formed straight from the actuators. Here, the guide can continue to allow displacement of the actuating elements in the direction of actuation relative to the respective blocking part, for example if the guide in the direction of actuation is longer than the height of the blocking parts.

Provision can furthermore be made for the at least two locking parts to each have a bearing surface, by means of which the respective locking part is mounted such that it can be displaced or pivoted on a displacement surface without tilting.

According to a further aspect of the present invention of possibly independent inventive character, a further actuating device for actuating at least two valves of a valve arrangement is proposed to solve the initially mentioned object, which can be configured as explained above. As already mentioned at the outset, this actuating device has an actuating element for opening each of the at least two valves, with the valves each being designed to be self-closing. This actuating device can in particular be designed as already described above or according to one of the claims directed to an actuating device. In order to achieve the object mentioned at the outset, it is now proposed that the actuating device has a holding mechanism with which the valves can be held individually in a respective open position. In this case, the holding mechanism can have a separate release element, which is characterized in that the release element can release each of the valves by means of a release movement. Configurations are also possible in which the release element can be actuated with each of the actuating elements for the release movement (i.e. up to a release position), so that in this case the release element does not have to be actuated itself.

As an alternative or in addition to the design of a separate release element, it can also be provided that the holding mechanism (22) can be released with the, preferably with each of the, actuating elements (which serve to open a respective valve). Thus, the holding mechanism can in particular be configured such that by actuating one of the actuating elements of a valve which is still closed, a valve which is currently being held in the open position by the holding mechanism can be released. By releasing the open valve can close automatically. On the other hand, the actuation that triggered the release can transfer the valve, which was previously still closed, into the open position in order to be held there again by the holding mechanism.

By such a holding mechanism according to the invention can thus be achieved that one of the valves, which is currently being held in the open position by the holding mechanism, by actuating another, just closed valve and / or by means of the release element, ie more precisely by means the release movement of the release element, can be released. As a result, the valve can automatically move from the open position to a closed position due to the fact that the valves are each designed to be self-closing. Corresponding restoring elements, for example in the form of compression springs, can be provided for this purpose, which bring about the automatic closing.

If said release element is in a release position, it can act on the holding mechanism in such a way that it releases the valve held in the open position to automatically return to a closed position.

It can thus be provided that the valves can be held in a respective open position by means of at least one locking element of the holding mechanism.

In particular, it can be provided that the valves can be held in the respective open position by means of respective locking elements of the holding mechanism. These locking elements are designed in a variety of ways, with a variety of exemplary embodiments being known in the prior art.

The at least one locking element can either be configured as a sliding part and/or can be moved into a locking position, or the at least one locking element can be configured as a pivoting part and/or can be pivoted into a locking position. In the second alternative, the at least one locking element can be pivoted, for example, on a circular path.

A locking movement of the locking element (which conveys this into the locking position) can thus be a linear movement or a rotary movement. If several locking elements are designed, linear and rotary movements can also be used to lock the valves.

At the end of its release movement, however, the release element can transmit an actuation force from one of the actuating elements to a locking element of a specific valve. This can happen in particular when this particular valve is being held in the open position by the holding mechanism.

The release element can preferably transfer each of the designed locking elements from a respective locking position to a releasing position in which the associated valve is just released (and can thus automatically return to the closed position).

A possible embodiment provides that individual or each of the locking elements forms a self-locking pawl mechanism. For example, this pawl mechanism can have a pawl that can be deflected against the restoring force of a restoring element. The pawl can also be brought into engagement with a rotatably mounted ratchet wheel of the ratchet mechanism by means of a return element.

The release element itself can also be deflected against the restoring force of a restoring element. In this case, it can be provided in particular that the release element has to be actuated manually in order to release one of the valves for automatic closing. It can thus be achieved that the release element returns automatically due to the restoring force in a return movement to a starting position in which the release element is at a distance from the locking elements, specifically as soon as this return movement is released.

The locking elements can preferably be arranged in a common plane. Furthermore, each of the locking elements can act on an associated valve via a respective form fit in order to lock this valve in the open position.

The at least one locking element can preferably be deflectable against the restoring force of a restoring element. In this case, the locking element must therefore be manually actuated in order to lock one of the valves in the open position.

According to a further possible configuration, both the blocking element and the release element can each be configured by means of at least one sliding part.

A further embodiment provides that the valves can be held or locked in the respective open position by means of at least one sliding part and/or by means of at least one pivoting part of the holding mechanism (which acts as a locking element). Provision can be made here for the at least one sliding part (which serves as a locking element) to be displaceable in a locking plane transversely to an actuation direction of the actuating elements into a respective locking position and/or for the at least one pivoting part to be displaceable in a pivoting plane (= locking plane) which is aligned transversely to the direction of actuation, is pivotable. In such configurations, it is also preferable if the at least a sliding part can be displaced in the locking plane in the actuating direction by actuating one of the actuating elements and/or the pivoting part can be pivoted in the locking plane in the actuating direction by actuating one of the actuating elements. In this case, the respective sliding or pivoting part is actuated directly by one of the actuating elements in the locking plane.

In addition or as an alternative, provision can also be made for the at least one sliding or pivoting part to engage in the respective recesses in the respective locking position, which are formed in the actuating elements. It can thereby be achieved that the actuating elements can be locked in an ON position in which an associated one of the valves is held in the open position.

If, on the other hand, the at least one sliding or pivoting part is mounted linearly, it is possible to prevent movements of the at least one sliding part in the direction of actuation, so that this type of movement is ruled out.

With the previously presented actuation devices it can thus be achieved that an actuation of at least one of the actuation elements, but preferably all of the other actuation elements, is blocked as soon as the at least one sliding part of one of the actuation elements is arrested. In this situation, the at least one sliding or pivoting part can in particular block a respective reach-through window of the blocked actuating elements. If, on the other hand, the access window is released, the respective actuating element can be actuated through the access window in order to open an associated one of the valves of the valve arrangement.

In general, all the actuating devices presented so far can be further developed by the following features: the valves of the valve arrangement can be designed, for example, as touch valves and/or self-closing, i.e. in particular actuated by means of a respective reset element. A touch valve can be understood to mean a valve which has a button as an actuating element for operating the valve. This button can then be actuated with one of the actuating elements.

Furthermore, the valves of the valve arrangement can be arranged, for example, along a curve, in particular a circular line or an ellipse, or else along a straight line. The arrangement on a circular line is appropriate, for example, if the blocking parts are designed as pivoting parts and/or if the release element is designed as a pivoting part. The arrangement along a straight line, on the other hand, makes sense if either the blocking parts are designed as sliding parts and/or the release element is designed as a sliding part.

The actuating elements can also each have their own restoring element. It can thereby be achieved that the respective confirmation element has to be actuated against the restoring force of the associated restoring element if the respectively assigned valve is to be opened. As a result, the respective actuating element returns automatically due to the restoring force to an initial position in which the associated valve is not actuated by the actuating element.

According to the invention, an actuating device as described above can be used particularly advantageously for actuating valves of a sanitary installation, in particular a shower and/or bath fitting. Therefore, to solve the problem, a sanitary installation, in particular a shower and/or bath fitting, with an actuating device according to one of the claims directed to an actuating device, and the use of an actuating device according to one of the claims directed to an actuating device in such a sanitary installation are also proposed.

The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further developments of the invention can be obtained from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the general description, the claims and the drawings.

In the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, elements that have the same function are given the same reference numbers, even if their design or shape differs.

• 1 die Bestandteile einer ersten erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung samt zugehöriger Ventilanordnung,
• 2 die Vorrichtung aus 1 in zusammengebautem Zustand,
• 3 eine seitliche Querschnittsansicht der Vorrichtung aus 1 und 2,
• 4 bis 10 weitere seitliche Querschnittsansichten der Vorrichtung aus 1 und 2 in unterschiedlichen Betätigungszuständen,
• 11 eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung samt zugehöriger Ventilanordnung,
• 12 die Vorrichtung aus 11 von unten gesehen,
• 13 und 14 die Bestandteile der zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung,
• 15 die zweite Betätigungsvorrichtung der 11 in teilweiser Schnittansicht,
• 16 eine Schrägsicht auf einen Querschnitt durch die Vorrichtung aus 11 ,
• 17 die Bestandteile einer dritten Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung samt zugehöriger Ventilanordnung,
• 18 die Vorrichtung aus 17 in zusammengebautem Zustand,
• 19 Betätigungselemente und Sperrteile der Betätigungsvorrichtung aus 17,
• 20 bis 27 seitliche Querschnittsansichten der Vorrichtung aus 17 in unterschiedlichen Betätigungszuständen und
• 28 ein Anwendungsbeispiel der Verwendung einer erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung zum Ansteuern mehrerer Wasserauslässe in einer Duschkabine.

It shows:

• 1 the components of a first actuating device according to the invention together with the associated valve arrangement,
• 2 the device off 1 in assembled condition,
• 3 Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of the device 1 and 2 ,
• 4 until 10 further cross-sectional side views of the device 1 and 2 in different operating states,
• 11 a second embodiment of an actuating device according to the invention together with the associated valve arrangement,
• 12 the device off 11 seen from below
• 13 and 14 the components of the second actuating device according to the invention,
• 15 the second actuator 11 in partial sectional view,
• 16 an oblique view of a cross section through the device 11 ,
• 17 the components of a third embodiment of an actuating device according to the invention together with the associated valve arrangement,
• 18 the device off 17 in assembled condition,
• 19 Actuating elements and locking parts of the actuating device 17 ,
• 20 until 27 side cross-sectional views of the device 17 in different operating states and
• 28 an application example of the use of an actuating device according to the invention for controlling a plurality of water outlets in a shower stall.

the 1 , 11 and 17 each show actuating devices 1 according to the invention, which serve to actuate at least two valves 3a, 3b of a valve arrangement 2. Such devices can be used, for example, to direct water from a central water connection via the individual valves to different water outlets, as is shown in 28 is illustrated.

For example, the configuration according to 1 a linear arrangement of three valves 3a, 3b, 3c, each of which is designed as a self-closing touch valve 9, with a respective actuating element 8a, 8b, 8c being provided for each of the three valves 3, with which the respective valve 3 can be opened so that Water from a common inlet, which supplies all valves 3, can flow through the open valve 3, for example to get to a water outlet from there.

The three actuating elements 8a, 8b, 8c (as well as the further actuating element 8d) are each designed as a push button 15 and can be deflected against the restoring force of a respective restoring element 10. By pressing one of the actuating elements 8a, 8b, 8c in the in 4 Illustrated actuating direction 11, an actuating force can be transmitted or exerted on a respective actuating element 21 of the associated valve 3a, 3b, 3c, so that the actuated valve 3 can be converted into an open position 24, in which water can flow through the valve 3.

The actuator 1 of 1 also has a locking element 4, which in the example of 1 consists of three separate locking parts 6a, 6b, 6c, which are each designed as a sliding part 34. In addition, the actuating device 1 also includes a locking element 23 which is also designed as a sliding part 34 . Both the locking element 23 and the blocking parts 6a, 6b, 6c are guided in respective guides of a guide device 45 of the actuating device 1. Therefore, these elements can be linearly displaced on respective displacement surfaces 41 in respective planes that are orthogonal to the common direction of actuation 11 of the actuation elements 8 .

As in 1 As can be seen, the individual blocking parts 6a, 6b, 6c have corresponding contact surfaces 44, via which actuation forces can be transmitted, so that each of the three blocking parts 6a to 6c can push a respective adjacent blocking part 6a to 6c. So about pushes in 5 the blocking part 6a the blocking part 6b and the blocking part 6b in turn the blocking part 6c, so that, driven by the actuating movement 17 of the actuating element 8a, in 5 move the three blocking parts 6a to 6c together to the right in the direction of blocking movement 12 into their respective blocking positions 5a', 5b', 5c'. This locking movement direction 12 runs straight across to the direction of actuation of the actuation elements 8.

The three blocking parts 6a, 6b, 6c are also guided linearly by the guide device 45 in such a way that movements of the blocking parts 6a to 6c in the actuating direction 11 are precisely excluded.

Like the view of 2 shows, both the locking element 23 and the blocking parts 6 form respective reach-through windows 38 through which the actuating elements 8 can be actuated and can thus act on the actuating elements 21 of the respective valves 3 . Furthermore, in 2 to recognize that the locking element 23 can be deflected against the restoring force of the restoring element 10e.

The actuating device 1 is designed in such a way that each of the three valves 3a, 3b, 3c can be opened individually by means of the respectively associated actuating element 8a, 8b, 8c. Furthermore, each of the three valves 3a, 3b, 3c can be blocked by means of the blocking element 4, a momentarily blocked valve 3 no longer being able to be blocked by pressing of the associated actuating element 8 can be opened, as will be explained in more detail.

The functioning of the actuating device 1 can be illustrated using the 3 until 10 illustrate: 3 shows the initial situation in which all four return elements 10a - 10d are fully deflected, so that the respective actuating elements 8a to 8d are in a respective uppermost position.

In 4 the actuating element 8a is now actuated by means of an actuating movement 17 in the actuating direction 11 shown. The actuating element 8a, which is designed identically to the other actuating elements 8b and 8c, has a cylindrical basic shape with a circumferential inclined surface 16 at the lower end, which forms a deflection element 13 in order to deflect the actuating force exerted during actuation into the plane in which the locking parts 6 move. Furthermore, in 4 it can be seen that a circumferential groove, which forms a recess 36, is formed in a middle section of the actuating element 8a.

As the 4 shows, the sloping surface 16 of the actuating element 8a first encounters a corresponding sloping surface 16, which is formed on the upper edge of a reach-through window 38, which in turn is formed in the locking element 23 (cf. 1 ). By means of the deflection element 13, the actuating element 8a thus transmits the actuating force to the locking element 23 and thus displaces it to the right (cf. the block arrow in 4 ), so that the locking element 23 is deflected to the right against the restoring force of the restoring element 10e.

During the further downward movement of the actuating element 8a, which is now made possible (i.e. released) by the sideways movement of the locking element 23, the deflection element 13 next comes up against another inclined surface 16, which is formed on the upper left edge of the locking part 6a (cf. 1 ). As a result, the first locking part 6a is pushed to the right (in 5 ) is displaced, as a result of which the reach-through window 38 formed in the guide device 45 (far left in 5 ) is released. As a result, the actuating element 8a can now transmit the actuating force to the actuating element 21 of the first valve 3a in order to open this valve 3a.

In other words, by actuating the valve 3a with the aid of the actuating element 8a in the actuating direction 11, a blocking element 4 of the actuating device 1 is pushed into the in 5 blocking position shown 5 moves. Because the displacement of the first locking part 6a causes a further displacement of the locking parts 6b and 6c in the in 5 blocking positions 5b' and 5c' shown. in the in 5 In the situation shown, the first blocking part 6a blocks the access window 38b assigned to the second actuating element 8b and the second blocking part 6b blocks the access window 38c assigned to the actuating element 8c. This means that actuation of the two remaining valves 3b and 3c is blocked as soon as the blocking element 4, i.e. its blocking parts 6a, 6b, 6c, is in the position shown in 5 illustrated locking position 5 is / are.

In 5 it can also be seen that by pressing the first actuating element 8a downwards, its recess 36 (cf. 4 ) has been transported to the level of the locking element 23. Driven by the return element 10e, the locking element 23 therefore moves in the 5 situation shown automatically to the left and engages in the recess 36 a. Through this holding mechanism 22, the valve 3a in the in 5 shown open position 24 are held. Because the actuating element 8a is prevented from automatically returning to the top position as long as the locking element 23 is in the 5 illustrated locking position 26 remains.

In order to move the locking element 23 into the in 4 illustrated releasing position 27, in which the actuating element 8a was still displaceable along the actuating direction 11, can now, as in FIG 7 illustrated, the fourth actuating element 8d can be actuated: This actuating element 8d also has an inclined surface 16 at its lower end and can therefore, when actuated along the actuating direction 11, push the locking element 23 back to the right into the in 7 shown position.

By actuating the first valve 3a using the actuating element 8a in the situation of 5 thus the blocking parts 6a, 6b, 6c are shifted into their respective blocking positions 5a', 5b', 5c'. In this case (cf. 5 ) actuation of the other two valves 3b and 3c is blocked, since even when the actuation element 8b is actuated, for example, this can only be pushed forward as far as the first blocking part 6a, in which case a displacement of the first blocking part 6a to the left is prevented, since this movement of the blocking part 6a is blocked by the first actuating element 8a (namely exactly when the blocking part 6a is in the in 5 shown ON position 37, in which the valve 3a is open).

In 5 can also be seen that not only the lower inclined surface 16 of the fourth actuating element 8d at a corresponding Inclined surface 16 of the locking element 23 abuts, but also the lower inclined surface 16 of the third actuating element 8c. The same applies to the lower inclined surface 16 of the second actuating element 8b. The locking element 23 can therefore also be transferred into the releasing position 27 by actuating the actuating element 8c or the actuating element 8b in the actuating direction 11 . As a result, as in 6 illustrated, the first actuating element 8a automatically return to the upper position (by means of the restoring force of the restoring element 10a), as a result of which the first valve 3a can just close automatically again.

If the third actuating element 8c is now pressed further down in the direction of actuating direction 11, the in 6 illustrated situation in which the locking element 23, driven again by the restoring element 10e, engages in the recess 36 of the actuating element 8c and thus holds the valve 3c in the open position 24 shown. The actuating device 1 is thus designed in such a way that by actuating a valve which has just closed (here the valve 3c) a valve (here the valve 3a) which is currently held in the open position 24 by the holding mechanism 22 (cf. 5 ), is releasable. Each of the four actuating elements 8a to 8d can be actuated as a release element 25 in order to release a valve 3 of the valve arrangement 2 that has just been locked in the open position 24 by means of a respective release movement 33 .

In 8th it can be seen that by actuating the actuating element 8d (ie the release element 25 - cf. 7 ) the locking of the actuating element 8c (cf. 6 ) could be released so that the actuating element 8c is now in 8th , driven by the restoring element 10c, moves upwards and thus enables the valve 3c to close automatically. Will now - as in 9 illustrated - the actuating element 8d is released, this also returns to the upper position, whereby an initial situation similar to that in 3 illustrated is reached.

the 10 once again shows a complete series of updates, where 10a shows the initial situation and in 10b first the actuating element 8a is actuated. After this has moved both the locking element 23 and the first blocking part 6a to the right, the first actuating element 8a opens the valve 3a (cf. 10d ). Here again the holding mechanism 22 ensures that in 10d the locking element 23 locks the actuating element 8a in the ON position 37 shown. This detent is used in 10e released by actuating the actuating element 8c, since this moves the locking element 23 back to the right into the releasing position 27. Here, the actuation force exerted on the actuating element 8c is deflected with the aid of the deflection element 13 and used to compress the compression spring 10e. By releasing the locking of the actuating element 8a, this again automatically moves upwards ( 10f) and after further downward movement of the operating member 8c, the locking member 23 returns to the locking position 26 to, as in FIG 10f shown now to fix the actuating element 8c in the ON position 37. The fixing of the actuating element 8c is then released by actuating the actuating element 8d, as in FIG 10g shown. This allows the valve 3c to close again automatically, as in 10 a.m shown. Finally, the actuating element 8d also returns to its starting position, driven by the restoring element 10d—cf. 10i .

the 11 shows a further possible embodiment of an actuating device 1 according to the invention, in which case - unlike in 1 - three valves 3 are no longer arranged linearly, but on a circular line (cf. also 12 ). This second embodiment also has three separate locking parts 6a, 6b, 6c, which, however, are each designed as pivoting parts 42, as in FIGS 13 and 14 you can see. The actuating device 1 also has a pivotable locking element 23 in the form of a disc with three access windows 38, one for each of the three actuating elements 8a/8b/8c.

The locking parts 6a, 6b, 6c as well as the disk-shaped locking element 23 can each be pivoted/rotated about a center of rotation 49, ie about a common axis of rotation 50. For this purpose, the associated guide device 45 comprises the stationary parts 45a, 45b, 45c and 45d as well as the likewise stationary fixing means 46, which fixes the entire arrangement by means of a lock nut 51 (cf. 13 ).

The fixing means 46 also holds a restoring element 10e in the form of a torsion spring, which is used for the rotational restoring of the disk-shaped locking element 23 .

Projections 47b and 47c are formed on the stationary parts 45b and 45c, as shown in FIG 14 engage in the recesses 36a of the stationary part 45a, so that the movements of the locking parts 6a, 6b, 6c and the locking element 23 in the actuating direction 11 are limited. The part 45d also forms three limiters 48, which limit the movements of the parts 6a, 6b, 6c and 23 in the respective pivoting plane.

Part 45b offers three access windows 38; on the other hand, a recess 36b, which is formed larger than the associated projection 47e, which the locking element 23 has. The interaction of the projection 47e and the recess 36b means that the rotational movement of the locking element 23 is limited to a narrow angular range, for example less than 15°. By actuating one of the three actuating elements 8a/8b/8c, the locking element 23 can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise in this angular range, in each case against the restoring force of the restoring element 10e. As a result, the locking element 23 can automatically engage in the respective recesses 36 of the actuating elements 8a/8b/8c (cf. 14 and 16 ) in order to lock the actuating elements and to hold the respective actuated valve 3 in the open position 24, analogously to the explained holding mechanism 22 of the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG 10 .

Pushes a respective one of the three actuating elements 8a/8b/8c according to the embodiment 11 in the event of an actuation by pressing/actuating on one of the locking parts 6a/6b/6c, the corresponding locking part is pivoted about the center 49 of the arrangement (cf. 13 ), the associated axis of rotation 50 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the fixing means 46.

The guide device 45, more precisely its stationary part 45d, of the actuating device 1 forms a surface 41 on which the respective blocking parts 6 can be pivoted in relation to the center of rotation 49 of the actuating device 1. The three actuating elements 8a to 8c are also each designed as pushbuttons 15, which can be deflected against a respective restoring element 10a, 10b, 10c.

the 17 and 18 show a third possible embodiment of an actuating device 1 according to the invention. This has a total of 4 separate actuating elements 8a/8b/8c/8d, with which a total of four valves 3a/3b/3c/3d of a linear valve arrangement 2 can be manually actuated or opened. With this actuating device 1, for example - as in 28 illustrated as an example - four different water outlets can be controlled.

As the 19 shows, the design of the actuators 8a-8d differ from those of 1 . Because in 19 each of the actuating elements 8a to 8d forms a respective guide 39 for guiding a respective one of the three locking parts 6a to 6c. The guide 39 is designed in such a way that the actuating elements 8 can each be moved in the actuating direction 11 relative to the respective blocking part 6, even when the respective blocking part 6 is currently engaging in the respective actuating element 8, as is the case with the actuating element, for example 8b in 19 you can see.

The operation of the actuator 1 according to the 20 until 27 is analogous to that with reference to the 3 until 10 explained mechanics. However, the valve assembly 2, according to the third embodiment 17 is used, four valves 3a to 3d, the fourth valve 3d being openable with the aid of the fourth actuating element 8d. For example, if the actuating element 8c is located, as in 24 can be seen, in the ON position 37, by actuating any of the three remaining actuating elements 8a, 8b and 8d, the locking element 23 can be moved into the in 25 illustrated releasing position 27 are transferred. If, for example, the second actuating element 8b, as in 25 and 26 shown used as a release element 25, so the initial situation at any time 26 or the 20 , in which all four valves 3a to 3d are closed, can be reached again.

The sequence of actuation of the individual valves can be as in 27 illustrated: Starting from the in 27a The initial situation shown is first actuated the actuating element 8a (cf. 27b) and up to the in 27d shown ON position 37 transferred, in which the first valve 3a is held in the open position 24. Then, by actuating the actuating element 8c, the valve 3a can be closed again and the valve 3c can be moved to the open position 24, as is shown in 27h is shown. After actuating the actuating element 8b (cf. 27i ) can then also lock the actuating element 8c (which is still in 27h prevailed) be lifted again, so that in 27k again the starting position of 27a is reached.

In summary, to simplify the operation of a valve arrangement 2, which comprises a plurality of valves 3, it is proposed that the respective actuating elements 8, which are used to open the valves 3 manually, be temporarily blocked with the aid of at least one blocking part 6 in such a way that actuation of at least one of the remaining valves 3 of the valve assembly 2 is just excluded.

Reference List

1

Actuator (to operate 3)

2

valve assembly

3

valve (of 2)

4

Blocking element (for blocking individual valves of 2)

5

locked position

6

locking part (part of 4)

7

Reset element (for automatic closing of 3)

8th

Actuating element (to actuate, in particular to open 3)

9

sensing valve

10

return element

11

operating direction

12

locking movement direction

13

Deflection element (to convert 11 to 12)

14

locking movement

15

push button

16

bevel

17

actuation movement

18

first section (of 17)

19

second section (of 17)

20

Intermediate element (arranged between 8 and 21)

21

Actuator (to open 3)

22

hold mechanic

23

locking element

24

Open position (of 3)

25

release element

26

locked position (of 23)

27

releasing position (of 23)

28

Fork

29

Starting position (of 25)

30

ratchet mechanism

31

pawl

32

ratchet wheel

33

locking movement (of 23)

34

sliding part

35

Lock level (in this moves 34)

36

recess (in 8)

37

ON position (of 8)

38

Push-through window (through which 8 is actuable unless blocked by 4/6)

39

Lead (in 8 to lead 6 towards 12)

40

Bearing surface (from 6 to slide to 41)

41

sliding surface

42

swivel part

43

Pin code

44

touch surface

45

guiding device

46

fixer

47

head Start

48

limiter

49

center of rotation

50

axis of rotation

51

locknut

Claims (17)

Actuating device (1) for actuating at least two valves (3) of a valve arrangement (2), characterized in that - by actuating one of the at least two valves (3) in an actuating direction (11), a blocking element (4) of the actuating device (1) can be moved into a blocking position (5) and - that actuation of at least one, preferably all the others, of the at least two valves (3) is blocked as soon as the blocking element (4) is in the blocking position (5). Actuating device (1) according to claim 1 , - wherein at least one blocking part (6a, 6b, 6c) of the blocking element (4) is designed as a sliding part (34) and/or can be displaced into the blocking position (5), and/or - wherein at least one blocking part (6a, 6b , 6c) of the blocking element (4) is designed as a pivoting part (42) and/or can be pivoted into the blocking position (5), - in particular wherein the at least one pivoting part (42) is pivotably mounted on a circular path. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , but designed for a valve arrangement (2) with at least three valves (3a, 3b, 3c), - the blocking element (4) having at least two blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) which can be actuated by a respective actuation of a respective one of the at least three Valves (3a, 3b, 3c) can be moved into a respective blocking position (5a, 5b, 5c) and - wherein an actuation of at least one, preferably all the others, of the at least three valves (3a, 3b, 3c) is blocked as soon as one the locking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) is in its locked position (5a, 5b, 5c). Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation of one of the valves (3) causes this valve (3) to open, - in particular so that a flow of water from a common inlet serving all valves (3) can flow through the opened valve (3). Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two valves (3) can be individually opened, preferably and closed, by means of the actuating device (1), in particular by means of associated respective actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c), and /or - Wherein each of the at least two valves (3) can be blocked by means of the blocking element (4), preferably by means of each of the at least two blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c). Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein if one of the valves (3a) is blocked, this blocked valve (3a) is prevented from opening by actuating an actuating element (8a) associated with the blocked valve (3a), - Preferably so that only one of the valves (3) can be opened/actuated at any given time, since opening one of the valves (3a) causes a blockage of all the other valves (3b, 3c) by means of the blocking element (4). Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the blocking of the non-actuated valves (3) can be canceled by closing a valve (3) of the valves (3) that has just been opened. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (4), in particular the blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) are each movable in a blocking movement direction (12) into the blocking position (5) which runs transversely to the or a respective direction of actuation (11). Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valves (3) are actuated by means of respective - Actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c), preferably each designed as a push button (15), can be opened and the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c) the blocking element (4), in particular at least one respective blocking part (6a, 6b, 6c) , can move into the locked position (5), - Preferably, a respective deflection element (13), for example in the form of an inclined surface (16), is formed on each of the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c) for this purpose, which linear actuation of the actuating element (8a) in the actuating direction (11) converted into a respective blocking movement (14) of at least one of the blocking parts (6a, 6b). Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) can be moved into two blocking positions (5a/5a', 5b/5b', 5c/5c'), which correspond to the blocking of a respective adjacent valve (3) serve. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c) are each guided linearly, so that movements of the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c) transverse to the actuating direction (11) are excluded, - preferably wherein the blocking element (4), in particular the at least two blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c), are linearly guided, so that movements of the blocking element (4) / the blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) in the direction of actuation (11) are excluded are. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when any two of the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c) are actuated simultaneously, all the valves (3) are blocked by means of the blocking element (4), - in particular so that two valves (3) cannot be opened at the same time, - Preferably, for this purpose the blocking element (4) produces an operative connection between the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c). Actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two locking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) - Can touch and actuate each other when one of the blocking parts (6a, 6b, 6c) is moved into a respective blocking position (5a, 5b, 5c) and/or - reach through the actuating elements (8), in particular to be able to touch one another, and/or - are each guided in a guide (39) along the locking movement direction (12), which is formed by the actuating elements (8), - in particular wherein the guide (39) allows a displacement of the actuating elements (8) in the actuating direction (11) relative to the respective blocking part (6), and/or - each have a bearing surface (40), by means of which the respective blocking part (6a, 6b, 6c) is mounted on a displacement surface (41) such that it can be displaced or pivoted without tilting. Actuating device (1) for actuating at least two valves (3) of a valve arrangement (2), in particular according to one of the preceding claims - one actuating element (8a, 8b, 8c) each for opening one of the at least two valves (3), - the valves (3) each being designed to be self-closing, characterized in that - the actuating device has a holding mechanism (22). , with which the valves (3) can be held individually in a respective open position (24). Actuating device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the valves (3a), which is currently held in the open position (24) by the holding mechanism (22), can be released by actuating another, just closed valve (3b). is or - Wherein the holding mechanism (22) has a release element (25) which can release each of the valves (3) by means of a release movement (33). Actuating device (1) according to one of Claims 14 or 15 , wherein the valves (3) can be locked in the respective open position (24) by means of at least one sliding part (34) and/or by means of at least one pivoting part (42) of the holding mechanism (22), - in particular wherein the at least one Displacement part (34) can be displaced in a locking plane (35) transversely to an actuating direction (11) of the actuating elements (8) into a respective locking position (26), - preferably with the at least one displacement part (34) - by actuating one of the actuating elements (8th ) can be displaced in the actuating direction (11) in the locking plane (35), and/or - engages in the respective locking position (26) in the respective recesses (36) of the actuating elements (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), - in particular by to lock the actuating elements (8) in an ON position (37), in which an associated one of the valves (3) is held in the open position (24), and/or - is linearly mounted, in particular so that movements of the at least one en sliding part (34) in the direction of actuation (11) are excluded. Actuating device (1) according to one of Claims 14 until 16 , wherein actuation of at least one of the actuating elements (8), but preferably of all the remaining actuating elements (8), is blocked as soon as the at least one sliding part (34) locks one of the actuating elements (8), - in particular wherein in this situation the at least one Sliding or pivoting part (8) blocks a respective reach-through window (38) of the blocked actuating elements (8).

Images