EP2489795B1 - Plate-like actuation member for rinsing initiation - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an actuating device for a drain valve of a cistern according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Actuation plates with actuation buttons for triggering a flush in a cistern are known from the prior art. In many cases, access to the cistern disposed behind the actuating plate is provided by removing the actuating buttons, such as by folding them up. Thus, the installer gets access to the cistern for auditing purposes. Such actuator plate is used for example in the EP 2 226 437 shown.

Next is from the EP 0 779 397 a cover assembly has become known in which a cover plate with a release unit via a locking element to a arranged in a masonry frame can be locked. The locking element locked while the trip unit as a whole to the frame.

Next shows the EP 1 889 978 an actuator with a fixed stop for the operation buttons.

At the operation buttons increased demands are made in this regard, because they should be movable not only in the triggering of a rinse from a starting position to an end position along an operating direction, but also against the operating direction in a revision position.

One problem which arises in the prior art actuation plates is the release of the actuation plates for movement thereof in the revision position.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the present invention has for its object to provide an actuator, the actuating element (s) are easier to move into a revision position.

This object is achieved by an actuating device according to claim 1. Accordingly, an actuating device for a drain valve of a cistern comprises an actuating plate in which at least one actuating button is mounted for a Spülauslösung, the at least one actuating button is movable in the Spülauslösung along an actuating direction from a starting position to an end position and wherein the at least one actuating button along a Movement against the actuating direction of the starting position in a revision position is movable. The actuating device further comprises at least one locking element, which provides for the at least one actuating button a stop against movement from the starting position to the revision position, wherein the locking element of the at least one actuating button with respect to the movement in the revision position blocking position in the at least one actuating button with respect to the movement in the revision position releasing position is movable. Consequently, the at least one actuating key can be released via the at least one locking element so that it can be moved from the starting position into the revision position. The arrangement of such a locking element, a particularly advantageous and easy for the installer to use solution can be provided.

Furthermore, the at least one actuating button has a stop element, in particular in the form of a locking cam, which is in the initial position with the locking element, which is in the blocking position, in communication or abuts against this or abuts and so movement in the direction of Auditing prevented.

The locking element preferably comprises an actuating portion, by means of which the locking element is movable from the blocking position into the position releasing the actuating key.

Preferably, in the blocking position, the actuating portion provides a portion of the wall of the actuator plate. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the installer with mounted actuator from outside the actuator, the locking element can recognize well.

Further, the locking element is movably mounted in a guide track in the actuator plate. The guideway is preferably arranged so that it is not visible when mounted actuator plate. The guideway is therefore on the back of the actuator plate.

Preferably, the locking element is arranged such that it is accessible from the outside when mounted on a wall actuating device and in particular without the aid of a tool is actuated. This allows the installer in case of a revision especially easy release the operation buttons. In addition, the inexperienced installer can already see from the outside, as the operation buttons are to be released, which prevents him from using a wrong tool and thus damage the device.

Preferably, the locking element has a return element, with which the locking element is movable after actuation from the releasing position to the blocking position.

Preferably, the locking element is arranged between two actuating buttons and these actuating buttons are connected to the respective stop element with a common locking element in connection. As a result, two operation keys can be released in a single operation of the locking element.

Preferably, the at least one actuating button is arranged by a arranged between the actuating button and the actuating plate spring element, in particular by a leaf spring, pressed against the locking element and is thus held in the starting position. In addition, the spring element acts to support when the actuating plates are moved to the revision position.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Betätigungsvorrichtung für ein Ablaufventil eines Spülkastens mit Betätigungselementen in der Ausgangsstellung;

Fig. 2

die Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Figur 1 mit den Betätigungselementen in der Revisionsstellung;

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Figuren 1 und 2 von hinten;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Betätigungsvorrichtung nach Figuren 1 und 2 von hinten;

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht nach Figur 4;

Fig. 6

eine Schnittansicht durch ein Verriegelungselement der Betätigungsvorrichtung nach den vorhergehenden Figuren;

Fig. 7

eine Schnittansicht durch die Führung eines Verriegelungselementes der Betätigungsvorrichtung nach den vorhergehenden Figuren;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform Betätigungsvorrichtung für ein Ablaufventil eines Spülkastens mit Betätigungselementen in der Ausgangsstellung; und

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht von hinten der Figur 8.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of an actuator for a drain valve of a cistern with actuators in the starting position;

Fig. 2

the actuator after FIG. 1 with the actuators in the revision position;

Fig. 3

a view of the actuator after Figures 1 and 2 from the back;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the actuator according to Figures 1 and 2 from the back;

Fig. 5

a detailed view after FIG. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a sectional view through a locking element of the actuator according to the preceding figures;

Fig. 7

a sectional view through the guide of a locking element of the actuating device according to the preceding figures;

Fig. 8

a perspective view of a second embodiment actuating device for a drain valve of a cistern with actuators in the starting position; and

Fig. 9

a view from behind the FIG. 8 ,

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the FIG. 1 an actuator for a drain valve of a cistern is shown. The actuating device serves to trigger a flushing process of a cistern, which communicates with, for example, a urinal or a toilet.

The actuating device comprises at least one actuating element, here a small actuating button 1 and a large actuating button 2, and an actuating plate 3, in which the operating buttons 1, 2 are stored. Upon actuation of the at least one actuating element 1, 2, a movement is provided, which is transmitted to a pusher rod of the cistern. The drain valve is then raised above this handlebar and the flushing process is triggered.

The actuation buttons 1, 2 are movable in the rinsing release along an actuating direction from a starting position to an end position. In the Fig. 1 are the actuators 1, 2 shown in the starting position and at Spülauslösung the actuators 1, 2 are moved substantially perpendicular to the drawing surface to the actuator plate 3 out.

In the FIG. 2 are the two actuators 1, 2 shown in the revision position, in which case the at least one actuating element 1, 2 is moved along a movement against the actuating direction of the starting position in the revision position.

The actuating plate 3 comprises a wall 5, with a front side 6 and a rear side 7. About the rear side 7, the actuator plate 3 is located on a wall in front of the cistern. Seen from the rear 7, the wall 5 provides an interior space 8. Seen from the front side 6, the wall 5 defines at least one receiving space, here two receiving spaces 9 and 10, for receiving the actuating elements 1, 2.

The operating buttons 1, 2 are connected by hinges 11 with the actuating plate 3 and are in the corresponding receiving space 9, 10. Thus, the operation keys 1, 2 perform a pivoting movement about the hinge 11 from. For each actuating button 1, 2 two hinges 11 are provided. In the region of the receiving spaces 9, 10 apertures 12 are arranged, through which the presser bar can be passed.

The actuating device further comprises a locking element 4, which provides for the at least one actuating element 1, 2 a stop against movement from the starting position to the revision position. Accordingly, the locking element 4 prevents the actuating element 1, 2 from being movable from the starting position into the revision position without the locking element 4 correspondingly is pressed. For moving the actuators 1, 2 in the revision position, the locking element 4 is movable from a blocking position to a releasing position. In the blocking position, the locking element 4 is positioned such that abuts the at least one actuating element 1, 2 with respect to the movement in the revision position on the locking element 4, in which case no movement in revision position is executable. In the releasing position, the locking element 4 with respect to the at least one actuating element 1, 2 so that a movement from the starting position is made possible in the revision position.

In the FIG. 1 is the locking element 4 in the blocking position, wherein it is flat or flush with the front 6 of the wall 5 of the actuator plate 3. In other words, it can be said that in this position, the locking element 4 is a part of the wall 5. In the FIG. 2 the locking element 4 is shown in the releasing position, wherein the locking element 4 is pushed into the interior 8 of the actuator plate 3, in which case the actuators or operating buttons 1, 2 are movable to the revision position.

In the FIG. 3 the actuator is shown from the rear, in which case the rear side 7 of the wall 5 can be well recognized. Here it can also be clearly recognized that the locking element 4 is mounted in a guide track 13. The guideway 13 is provided here by the side walls of the receiving space 9, 10. In the guide track 13, the locking element 4 is movably mounted and can be moved from the blocking position to the releasing position. In the FIG. 3 the locking element 4 is in the blocking position.

In the FIG. 4 a perspective view of the actuating device is shown, wherein the locking element 4 is shown outside the guideway 13. In the FIG. 5 will be a detailed view of the FIG. 4 shown.

The locking element 4 essentially comprises an actuating portion 14, a bearing portion 15, a stopper portion 16 and a return portion 17.

About the operating portion 14, the user or the installer, the locking member 4 to move from the blocking position to the releasing position. The actuating portion 14 also provides the area which is flat or flush with the wall 5. The actuating portion 14 is accessible from outside the actuator plate 3.

The storage section 15 here has two support webs 18, which are formed sprung. In the FIG. 7 a sectional view through the storage section 15 is shown through. The guide track 13 has recesses 19 extending parallel thereto into which the bearing webs 18 engage with their end region 20. Due to the resilient design of the bearing webs 18 and the chamfer 21 in the end region 20, the locking element can be in a direction R, which is perpendicular to the operating direction of the locking element 4, insert into the guideway 13. The bearing webs 18 are pressed against each other and finally snap into the recesses 19 a.

The stopper portion 16, which in the FIGS. 4 and 5 is well shown, provides the stop for the actuator plates 1, 2 ready. The abutment portion 16 has at least one locking tab 22, here two locking tabs 22, which project laterally from the locking element 4. The locking tabs 22 are in contact with a stop element, here a locking cam 23 which is formed on the actuating element 1, 2. For this purpose, the locking tab 22 projects through an opening 29 in the actuator plate 3 in the receiving space 9, 10 into it. The locking cam 23 is moved away at a Spülauslösung of the locking tab 22 towards the end position and occurs in the return movement after flushing again with the locking tab 22 into contact, which then provides a stop against a possible movement in the direction of the revision position. When the locking element 4 in which the actuators 1, 2 are in the blocking position for movement into the revision, the locking cam 23 is in contact with the locking tab 22 so that said movement is prevented.

Now, if the locking element 4 from the blocking position in the releasing Position is moved, so the locking plate 22 moves relative to the locking cam 23 such that the contact between the locking tab 22 and locking cam 23 is released. Consequently, the locking cam 23, the locking tab 22 happen and the actuator 1, 2 can be moved to the revision position. This movement can be assisted by a spring means not shown in the figures, wherein the spring means with respect to the rinsing process serves as a return spring which move the actuators 1, 2 from the end position to the starting position.

In the FIG. 6 is a sectional view through the locking portion 16, in particular by the locking tabs 22 and the locking cam 23, shown. The actuating element 1, 2 are here in the starting position and thus the locking cam 23 is at the respective locking tab 22 at. The locking cam 23 includes a tapered surface 24. If now the installer after the revision, the actuators 1, 2 would like to move from the revision position to the starting position, the locking tab 22 is elastically slightly deformed in the sense of a snap connection, so that they skip the locking cam 23 can. The locking tab 22 is therefore advantageously formed slightly resilient. In order to ensure the elastic deformation, the locking tab 22 may be connected to a spring portion 26, which slightly tapers the cross section of the locking tab 22 with the locking element 4.

Opposite the tapered surface 24, the locking cam 23 has a stop surface 25, which preferably extends perpendicular or at a small angle to the movement in the direction of the revision position S.

Like in the FIG. 3 can be recognized, the locking tabs 22 with respect to the direction of movement of the locking element 4 can be arranged offset from each other. An arrangement at the same height would also be conceivable.

The locking cam 23 is here formed on the respective actuating button 1, 2 via a connecting portion 31.

The return portion 17 essentially comprises a spring element 27 which rests against a wall 26 of the actuating plate 3. The spring element 27 provides a force in the direction of the guideway 13 and ensures that the locking element 4 is in the blocking position without actuating force. In the blocking position of the support web 18 is in the recess 19 at a rear abutment surface 28, whereby the position of the locking element 4 in the guideway 13 is defined.

The actuating device can via fastening openings 30, which in the FIG. 3 are clearly recognizable, connected to a cistern or a building wall.

In the FIGS. 8 and 9 a second embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention is shown. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals and the operation is in principle identical to that of FIGS. 1 to 7 ,

Different here is the shape of the operation buttons 1, 2. While in the FIGS. 1 to 7 rectangular or square actuating keys 1, 3 are shown, the second embodiment has round or polygonal actuating keys 1, 3.

Of the FIG. 9 can also be recognized that the locking element 4, in particular the return portion 17 is formed differently than in the first embodiment. Here, the return portion 17 comprises two integrally formed return arms 32 which abut against a corresponding wall 26.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Actuator, small operation button

2

Actuator, big button

3

operating plate

4

locking element

5

wall

6

front

7

back

8th

inner space

9

accommodation space

10

accommodation space

11

hinge

12

breakthrough

13

guideway

14

actuating section

15

storage section

16

locking section

17

Returning section

18

storage Steg

19

recess

20

end

21

bevel

22

locking tab

23

locking cam

24

beveled surface

25

stop surface

26

wall

27

spring element

28

stop surface

29

opening

30

mounting holes

31

connecting portion

32

return arm

Claims (9)

1. Actuating device for a discharge valve of a flushing cistern, comprising an actuating plate (3) in which at least one actuating button (1, 2) for triggering flushing is mounted, wherein, when flushing is triggered, the at least one actuating button (1, 2) can be moved in an actuating direction from a starting position into an end position relative to the actuating plate and wherein the at least one actuating button (1, 2) can be moved counter to the actuating direction from the starting position into an inspection position, wherein the actuating device further comprises at least one locking element (4) which provides for the at least one actuating button (1, 2) a stop for preventing movement from the starting position into the inspection position, wherein the locking element (4) can be moved from a position in which the at least one actuating button (1, 2) is blocked with regard to moving into the inspection position into a position in which the at least one actuating button (1, 2) is released with regard to moving into the inspection position and wherein the at least one actuating button (1, 2) has a stop element (31, 23) which, in the starting position, is connected to the locking element (4) and thus prevents movement in the direction of the inspection position, characterized in that the locking element (4) is mounted such that it can move in a guide path (13) in the actuating plate (3).
2. Actuating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (4) comprises an actuating portion (14), via which the locking element (4) can be moved from the blocking position into the position in which it releases the actuating button (1, 2).
3. Actuating device according to Claim 2, characterized in that, in the blocking position, the actuating portion (14) constitutes part of the wall of the actuating plate (5).
4. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (4) is arranged such that, when the actuating device is fitted on a wall, said locking element (4) can be accessed from the outside and can be actuated in particular without the aid of a tool.
5. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (4) has a restoring element (17, 26) with which the locking element (4) can be moved from the releasing position into the blocking position once actuation has taken place.
6. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device comprises tweo actuating buttons (1, 2) and in that the locking element (4) is arranged between two actuating buttons (1, 2), and in that these actuating buttons (1, 2) are connected to the respective stop element (23, 31) by way of a common locking element (4).
7. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (4) comprises a locking tab (22) which is connected to the stop element (23, 31), wherein the stop element (23, 31) and the locking tab (22) are designed such that, in the case of movement from the inspection position into the starting position, the stop element (23, 31) ends up located in the starting position by way of elastic deformation of the stop element (23, 31) and/or of the locking tab (22).
8. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one actuating button (1, 2) is pressed against the locking element (4) by a spring element, in particular by a leaf spring, arranged between the actuating button (1, 2) and the actuating plate (3).
9. Actuating device according to one of the claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the restoring element (17, 26) presses the locking element (4), in the blocking position, against a stop, in particular against a stop surface (28).

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