EP1895067B1 - Device for actuating a WC tank mounted flush with the wall with dual amount flushing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has operating units protruding forward in starting position opposite to a frame-shaped screen (4) and provided with pressure plates (5.2, 5.1). The plate (5.2) has an operating surface that is smaller than the plate (5.1), where the plates are separated from each other by a joint (F). Each plate laterally protrudes opposite to a lateral surface of its assigned operating unit. The distance of narrow sides (5.11, 5.12) of the respective plates to the lateral surface is larger than the distance of a rear side of the plates to a front side (4.1) of the screen in the starting position.

Description

The invention relates to an actuating device for running in two-volume flushing toilet concealed cistern, comprising a revision opening of the concealed cistern associated cover with fasteners, a first movable on the cover held control element for triggering a small flush volume, a second on the cover movably held control for triggering a Vollspülmenge and releasably connected to the cover frame-shaped screen, wherein the first and the second control element penetrate the screen in the mounted state.

Toilet concealed cisterns are usually operated via actuation plates, which are arranged on the concealed cistern covering wall covering. Conventional actuator plates consist of a screen with an integrated, movably held on the screen control, which is designed for example as a push button or swivel push button. The screen normally covers with considerable oversize the inspection opening, which serves to maintain and optionally repair internal components of the concealed cistern, such as valves or seals. Such actuator is for example from the document EP-A-1039050 known.

With regard to the dimensions of such actuation plates, smaller actuation plates are desired by many customers. However, the minimum size of such actuation plates is determined by the size of the inspection opening through which components of the concealed cistern must be removable if necessary. In addition, there is a general desire in the sanitary sector for hygienically designed actuator plates.

Also known in toilet cisterns the so-called "two-quantity technology", which serves to reduce water consumption. This actuator plates are used, which have a large flush button to trigger a full flush and a small flush button to trigger a small flush. The small flush is usually set to, for example, 3 liters; the full flush, on the other hand, can be variably adjusted on the drain valve to, for example, 9 liters, 6 liters or 5 liters flush volume.

Against this background, the present invention seeks to provide an actuating device of the type mentioned, on the one hand has relatively small circumferential dimensions, on the other hand, at the same time easy to use and easy to clean.

According to the invention this object is achieved by an actuating device having the features specified in claim 1.

The actuating device according to the invention essentially comprises a cover associated with an inspection opening of the concealed cistern with fastening elements, a first on the cover movably held control element for triggering a Kleinspülmenge, a second movable on the cover held control element for triggering a Vollspülmenge and detachably connected to the cover frame-shaped screen, wherein the first and the second control element penetrate the screen in the mounted state and in their normal position against the screen project forward. According to the invention, the first and the second operating element are each provided on their front side with a pusher plate, wherein the pusher plate assigned to the first operating element has a smaller actuating surface than the pusher plate assigned to the second operating element. The two pusher plates are separated by a joint, each of the pusher plates projecting laterally relative to the lateral surface of their associated control element and the distance between the not limiting the gap narrow sides of the respective pusher plate to the lateral surface of its associated control element in its normal position is greater than the distance Rear of the pusher plate to the front of the screen.

The invention thus provides an actuator for running in two-volume flushing toilet concealed cisterns ready for a small front surface, which is not or only slightly larger than the access opening of the associated toilet concealed cistern, nevertheless relatively large pusher surfaces to trigger a small flush or full flush offers. The pusher plates "float" in front of the screen and the wall paneling and are thus particularly easy to use. In addition, the purification of the invention Actuation device simple, as the pusher surfaces are easily accessible.

With regard to a simple cleaning, the invention provides in particular that the front sides of the pusher plates are smooth and flat. The pusher plates can be made of metal, ceramic, wood or inexpensive plastic. However, an embodiment in which the pusher plates are made of a glass plate or mirror glass plate is particularly preferred. Glass offers a hygienically optimal surface that is easy to clean and is not susceptible to bacterial growth.

Preferably, the diameter or the diagonal of the entire front surface, which form the pusher plate of the first operating element and the pusher plate of the second operating element together, is equal to or greater than the diameter or the diagonal of the screen. The actuating device according to the invention then offers an optimum of pusher surface (operating surface) in relation to the size of the predetermined inspection opening.

In order to keep the projection of the actuating device in the space low and thus to minimize a possible risk of injury to abutting edges, is provided according to a further embodiment of the invention that the screen is flat and has a flat front. The screen can be run very flat, if according to a preferred embodiment, which can be used in the inspection cover, which carries the screen, directly on a flush unit can be attached and the screen, not as usual hooked, resulting in a corresponding thickness of the screen presupposes, but by means of locking elements, magnets, screws or frictionally held clamping pins with the frame-shaped cover latched or connected and this is only placed from the front on this.

A further advantageous embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention is characterized in this context in that the cover is formed in two parts, wherein one part is releasably connected to the other part by latching elements. The one part of the cover is preferably formed frame-shaped and fasteners, such as mounting holes, directly connectable to the sub-cleaning unit, while the other part has guide elements for a linear guidance of the controls and is provided with fasteners for the screen.

A further preferred embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention is that the pusher plates are detachably attached to the controls. The detachable connection can be made for example of a screw, locking connection or magnetic connection. The entire actuator is also preferably modular, so that pusher plates of different size, shape and type of material applied, in particular screwed or glued, without this costly new tools requires, but each gives the front of the actuator a different appearance.

Another advantageous embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention provides that the respective control element via a damping element, is coupled in particular via a spring, a silicone brake or a rubber buffer with the cover. As a result, a pleasant feel is achieved when the device is actuated and a rattling which often occurs in conventional actuating plates is prevented.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsvorrichtung, wobei sich die Bedienelemente in ihren Ausgangsstellungen (Normalstellungen) befinden;

Fig. 2

eine Schnittansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung entlang der Linie B-B der Fig. 1, von oben betrachtet;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend Fig. 2, wobei sich das untere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung der Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht entsprechend Fig. 4, wobei sich aber das obere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht entsprechend Fig. 4, wobei sich das untere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 7

eine Schnittansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung entlang der Linie A-A der Fig. 1, von links betrachtet;

Fig. 8

eine Schnittansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung entlang der Linie C-C der Fig. 1, von links betrachtet;

Fig. 9

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend Fig. 7, wobei sich aber das obere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 10

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend Fig. 8, wobei sich aber wieder das obere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 11

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend Fig. 7, wobei sich das untere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 12

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend Fig. 8, wobei sich das untere Bedienelement in einer Betätigungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Rückansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung der Fig. 1;

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung der Fig. 1, jedoch ohne die obere Drückerplatte;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht entsprechend Fig. 14, jedoch ohne das obere Bedienelement;

Fig. 16

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht entsprechend Fig. 15, jedoch ohne Gleitstangen und Befestigungselemente für das obere Bedienelement;

Fig. 17

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Betätigungsvorrichtung der Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Vorderansicht; und

Fig. 18

eine Explosionsdarstellung der Betätigungsvorrichtung der Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Rückansicht.

Further preferred and advantageous embodiments of the actuating device according to the invention are specified in the subclaims. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

a front view of an actuating device according to the invention, wherein the controls are in their initial positions (normal positions);

Fig. 2

a sectional view of the actuator along the line BB of Fig. 1 viewed from above;

Fig. 3

a sectional view accordingly Fig. 2 , wherein the lower control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 4

a front perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

a perspective front view accordingly Fig. 4 , but with the upper control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 6

a perspective front view accordingly Fig. 4 , wherein the lower control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 7

a sectional view of the actuator along the line AA of Fig. 1 viewed from the left;

Fig. 8

a sectional view of the actuator along the line CC of Fig. 1 viewed from the left;

Fig. 9

a sectional view accordingly Fig. 7 , but with the upper control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 10

a sectional view accordingly Fig. 8 , but again the upper control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 11

a sectional view accordingly Fig. 7 , wherein the lower control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 12

a sectional view accordingly Fig. 8 , wherein the lower control element is in an operating position;

Fig. 13

a rear perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 14

a front perspective view of the actuator of Fig. 1 but without the upper pusher plate;

Fig. 15

a perspective front view accordingly Fig. 14 but without the upper control;

Fig. 16

a perspective front view accordingly Fig. 15 but without slide bars and fasteners for the upper control;

Fig. 17

an exploded view of the actuator of the Fig. 1 in a perspective front view; and

Fig. 18

an exploded view of the actuator of the Fig. 1 in perspective rear view.

The actuator shown in the drawing is intended for operation of running in two-volume flushing concealed cistern. The actuator is modular. It initially has a cover of the concealed cistern associated cover 1 as a platform. The cover 1 is frame-shaped and can therefore also be referred to as a base frame. It consists of a flange-shaped section 1.1, on which a rear projecting collar 1.2 is integrally formed. On the collar 1.2 vertically extending transverse webs 1.3 and a central web 1.4 are integrally formed integrally. The transverse webs 1.3 are provided with fastening elements 1.5 in the form of apertures (holes) for the passage of fastening screws or clip elements (not shown). About their fasteners 1.5, the cover 1 can be fastened directly to a sub-plastering unit.

The transverse webs 1.3 are further provided with recesses (openings) 1.6, 1.7 for receiving centering elements 2.6 or for latching locking tongues 2.7 a second cover 2. The second cover 2 has a shell-shaped section 2.2, to which in turn a flange-shaped section 2.1 is formed. The flange-shaped portion 2.1 carries the latched in the recesses 1.7 of the first cover 1 locking tongues 2.7 and bolt-shaped centering 2.6, which are inserted into the cylindrical recesses 1.6 of the cover 1. The second cover 2 is inserted from the front into the base frame, ie the first cover 1. The transverse webs 1.3 with the cylindrical recesses 1.6 of the first cover jump back relative to the front side of the flange-shaped section 1.1 so far that the second cover 2 terminates flush with the front side of the flange-shaped section 1.1 of the first cover in the installed state (cf. FIGS. 2 and 3 ).

The central web 1.4 has two openings 1.8, are locked in the (not shown) brackets in which a small flush or full flush triggering actuation pins or the like are held displaceably. The openings 1.8 are in overlap with openings formed in the cup-shaped section 2.2 of the second cover 2 2.8 (see. FIGS. 15 and 18 ).

On the cup-shaped portion 2.2, which projects from the rear side opposite the flange-shaped portion 2.1, four cylindrical sleeves 2.3 project from the back, which are closed at the end and along a rear axial region of a reduced inner diameter and Have outer diameter. In the sleeves 2.3 sliding bushes 2.11 are used, which abut with their rear end face on the inner shoulder of the respective sleeve 2.3 2.3. In the sliding bushings 2.11 slide rods 3.3 are introduced, which are connected to button-shaped controls 3.1, 3.2.

The front ends of the slide rods 3.3 are held in sockets 3.4, which are provided with integrally molded brackets 3.5. The brackets 3.5 are formed box-shaped or box-shaped and have on their front two openings 3.6 for the positive reception of the control elements 3.1, 3.2 rear-shaped locking elements 3.61. Between the two apertures 3.6, a hole 3.7 for receiving a countersunk screw 3.8 is arranged, which is screwed into a threaded bore at the front end of the associated slide bar 3.3. Further, a tongue-shaped barb 3.9 is formed on the box-shaped bracket 3.5, which engages behind a formed on the cover 2 stop positively.

The cover 2 has for this purpose the barbs 3.9 associated slot-shaped apertures 2.9, project through the barbs 3.9 with play and are linearly displaceable, the outer edge of the respective aperture 2.9 serves as a stop for the outwardly angled end of the associated barb 3.9. The slot-shaped apertures 2.9 are arranged in the region of two opposite paragraphs 2.10 of the cup-shaped portion 2.2 of the cover 2 (see. Figures 2 . 7 and 16 ).

Through the sleeves 2.3, bushings 2.11 and 3.3 sliding rods, the controls 3.1 and 3.2, with which a full flush or small flush is triggered in the two-part cover 1, 2 linearly out. Further, the controls are 3.1, 3.2 each biased by supported on the cover 2 coil springs 3.31 in the direction of its normal position (initial position) resiliently biased.

In the FIGS. 15 and 16 It can be seen that the sleeves 2.3 integrally formed on the cup-shaped section 2.2 of the second cover 2 project somewhat into the cup-shaped section 2.2, with the projection 2.32 thus provided serving as a centering element or radial holder for the respective coil spring 3.31. On the opposite side of the sliding rods 3.3 holding bushings 3.4 projecting with the controls 3.1, 3.2 releasably connected brackets 3.5 into the coil springs 3.31 in.

Furthermore, 3.5 toothed racks 3.10 are integrally formed on the box-shaped brackets, each meshing with a gear which is rotatably connected to a silicone brake 3.12. The silicone brakes 3.12 cause a delayed, gentle return movement of the associated key-shaped operating element 3.1, 3.2 from the respective operating position to the normal position (initial position), wherein the return movement is effected by the restoring force of the compressed when operating the operating element 3.1, 3.2 coil springs. The silicone brakes 3.12 with the gears 3.10 associated gears are mounted on brackets 3.13, which are latched via locking lugs 3.20 window-shaped recesses 2.20 of the cover 2.

The operating elements 3.1, 3.2 each have a flat, substantially rectangular front side 3.14, 3.15, which laterally merges into a peripheral, rearwardly projecting edge web 3.16, 3.17. The edge webs 3.16, 3.17, ie the lateral surfaces of the controls 3.1, 3.2 are formed as closed surfaces (see FIGS. 9, 11 . 14 . 17 and 18 ). Both in the normal position and in an operating position, the controls 3.1, 3.2 cover with their edge webs 3.16, 3.17 the cup-shaped portion 2.2 of the cover 2, so that in particular the sliding rods 3.3, racks 3.10, silicone brakes 3.12 and coil springs are not visible from the outside ( see in particular FIGS. 9, 11 and 14 ).

The two-part cover 1, 2 is provided with a frame-shaped screen 4, which is very flat or thin and has a flat front 4.1. Laterally, the screen 4 has a small, rearwardly projecting edge web 4.2, the depth of the thickness of the flange-shaped portion 1.1 of the base frame, i. of the first part 1 of the two-part cover 1, 2 corresponds. In the mounted state of the actuator, the narrow side of the flange-shaped portion 1.1 of the cover 1 is thus completely covered by the screen 4.

In the embodiment shown here, the screen 4, which preferably consists of plastic or metal, is formed substantially rectangular. It has four sleeves 4.3 on its rear side, which are assigned to the bolt-shaped centering elements 2.6 of the second cover 2 and can be inserted into them. In the sleeves 4.3 can be screwed from the back of the cover 2 forth fastening screws (not shown).

The bore of the centering element 2.6 is offset at the rear end, so that the bore there has a reduced diameter (see. Fig. 8 ). The sleeves 4.3 of the screen 4 preferably have an internal thread, in the corresponding bolt (not shown) can be screwed.

The maximum displacement of the controls 3.1, 3.2 in the direction of the cover 2 is limited by the depth of its edge webs and the depth of the inner shoulder in the cup-shaped portion 2.2 of the cover 2. As in the Figures 3 . 9 and 11 can be seen, the depth of the respective edge web 3.16, 3.17 dimensioned so that when the edge web on the inner shoulder 2.10 of the cup-shaped portion 2.2 of the cover 2, the front of the control element 3.1, 3.2 still slightly beyond the front of the frame-shaped screen 4 addition protrudes outwards.

According to the invention, the two operating elements 3.1, 3.2 are provided on their front side with pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 which protrude laterally relative to the lateral surfaces of the operating elements 3.1, 3.2 defined by the edge webs 3.16, 3.17 in such a way that in the in Fig. 4 shown normal position of the impression arises as if the pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 would float in front of the wall or screen 4. The larger control element 3.1 with the larger pusher plate 5.1 is intended to trigger a full flush, while the smaller control 3.2 is determined with the smaller pusher plate 5.2 to trigger a small flush.

The pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 are flat and each have a maximum thickness of 10 mm. Preferably, its thickness is in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm. The front of the pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 is smooth and flat.

The pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 are fixed in the illustrated embodiment by an inside screw on the controls 3.1 and 3.2. However, the attachment can also be realized by a bond.

Preferably, the pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 made of a glass plate or mirror glass plate, which may be in particular a surface-treated plate, such as a frosted or satin-finished and / or coated glass plate or mirror glass plate. In particular, it can be provided that the glass plate is frosted from behind or front and pasted behind with an opaque material. Likewise, the pressure plates 5.1, 5.2 can be frosted as mirror glass plates from the rear or front. As a result, the impression of floating is enhanced because the back-side attachment of the glass plate or mirror glass plate to the associated control 3.1 or 3.2 for the user or viewer is visually unrecognizable.

In the Figures 2 . 4 and 7 , which represent the normal position (initial position) of the controls 3.1, 3.2, it can be seen that the pusher plates are separated by a joint F and each of the pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 relative to the lateral surface (3.16, 3.17) of their associated control 3.1 or 3.2 laterally protrudes, wherein the distance of not the joint F bounding narrow sides 5.11, 5.12; 5.21, 5.22 of the respective pusher plate 5.1 or 5.2 to the lateral surface of its associated control element 3.1 or 3.2 in its normal position is greater than the distance of the back of the pusher plate 5.1 and 5.2 to the front 4.1 of the screen 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height and width of the defined by the two substantially rectangular pusher plates 5.1 and 5.2 overall front surface (total operating area) the height or width of the screen 4. The diagonal d of the total front surface, which the pusher plate 5.2 of the control element 3.2 and the pusher plate 5.1 However, it is also encompassed by the invention to dimension the pusher plates 5.1 and 5.2 such that the diagonal d of the overall front surface defined by them (total operating area) is greater than the diagonal of the screen 4.

The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, different variants are possible, which make use even with fundamentally different design of the invention specified in the claims. For example, it is within the scope of the invention, the controls 3.1, 3.2 not via springs, but via rubber buffers or other damping elements with the cover 2 to couple. Also, instead of screws, clip elements or magnets can be provided for the detachable connection of the screen 4 to the cover 2. Furthermore, the pusher plates 5.1, 5.2 alternatively be attached by means of magnets to the controls 3.1, 3.2. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to rectangular shaped screens 4 and rectangular shaped pusher plates 5.1, 5.2. Because also other shapes can be selected for the screen 4 and the pushers 5.1, 5.2, for example, a trapezoidal or semi-circular shape.

Claims (16)

1. An operating device for a flush-mounted toilet flush box adapted for dual amount flushing technique, comprising a cover (1, 2) associated with an inspection opening of the flush-mounted flush box having mounting elements (1.5), a first operating element (3.2) for releasing a reduced flushing volume which is movably supported on the cover, a second operating element (3.1) for releasing a full flushing volume which is movably supported on the cover, and a frame-shaped cover screen (4) which is removable attached to the cover, wherein the first (3.2) and the second operating element (3.1) penetrate the cover screen (4) in their mounted state, characterized in that the first operating element (3.2) and also the second operating element protrude forward relative to the cover screen (4) in their normal position, each being provided at its front with a push plate (5.1, 5.2), wherein the push plate (5.2) associated with the first operating element (3.2) has a smaller operating surface than the push plate (5.1) associated with the second operating element (3.1), and wherein the push plates are separated by a gap (F) and each of the push plates (5.1, 5.2) laterally projects with respect to the surrounding surface of the associated operating element (3.1, 3.2), and wherein the distance of the narrow sides (5.11, 5.12; 5.21, 5.22) which are not bordering the gap (F) of the respective push plate to the surrounding surface of the operating element (3.1; 3.2) associated thereto in its normal position is larger than the distance of the backside of the push plate (5.1; 5.2) to the front (4.1) of the cover screen (4).
2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter or the diagonal (d) of the total front area which is formed jointly by the push plate (5.2) of the first operating element (3.2) and the push plate (5.1) of the second operating element (3.1) is equal in size or larger than the diameter or the diagonal of the cover screen (4).
3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating elements (3.1; 3.2) are linearly guided in the cover (1, 2).
4. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover (1, 2) includes slide bushes (2.11) into which sliding rods (3.3) connected to the operating elements (3.1, 3.2) are inserted.
5. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the respective operating element (3.1; 3.2) is resiliently biased in the direction of its normal position by means of at least one spring supported by the cover (2).
6. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the respective operating element (3.1; 3.2) is provided with at least one barb (3.9) protruding from its backside which in its normal position engages in a form-fit behind a catch formed on the cover (2).
7. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that the front side of the respective push plate (5.1; 5.2) is formed smooth and plane.
8. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the push plates (5.1, 5.2) are made of glass plates.
9. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the push plates (5.1; 5.2) are formed flat and have a thickness of maximally 10 mm each.
10. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the respective push plate (5.1; 5.2) is mounted to the operating element (3.1; 3.2) associated therewith by means of a detachable connection.
11. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cover screen (4) is formed flat and has a plane front (4.1).
12. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the respective operating element (3.1; 3.2) is connected to the cover (2) via a damping element, in particular a spring, a silicone damper (3.12) or a rubber buffer.
13. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the surrounding surface of the respective operating element (3.1; 3.2) is formed as a closed surface.
14. Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cover (1) is formed as a frame in such a way that it can be mounted by means of its fastening elements (1.3) directly to a flush-mounting unit.
15. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the cover (1, 2) is formed in two parts, one part (1) being detachably connected to the other part (2) by means of locking elements (2.7).
16. The operating device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the cover screen (4) is detachably connected to the cover (2) by means of screws, clip elements or magnets.

Images