EP2746472B1 - Actuation device for a discharge fitting - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an actuating device for an outlet fitting according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

From the EP 1 995 386 is a generic actuator for actuating a spout in a cistern known. The actuating device has a key housing, in which two keys are mounted. The keys are thereby moved downwards during the flushing release, whereby the spout for triggering the flushing action is actuated by this movement.

Although with the actuator after the EP 1 995 386 Exceptionally good results were obtained, the need arose that the keys should be aligned with respect to the cistern lid, so that, for example, a logo printed on the key to the cistern lid can be aligned.

From the pamphlets FR 2 657 372 . EP 2 336 433 . EP 1 498 553 and EP 0 727 533 Further actuators have become known. A disadvantage of these documents is the lack of alignability for cistern lid.

document FR 2657372 corresponds to the preamble of claim 1, and is considered to be the closest prior art.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has for its object to provide an actuator whose key is aligned with respect to a cistern lid, in which the actuator is installed.

Such a problem is solved by the actuating device according to claim 1. Accordingly For example, an actuator for an outlet fitting of a flushing cistern comprises a housing which is insertable into an opening of a cistern lid, with at least one button mounted in this housing along an axis movable to the housing and a pusher element which is movable to Spülauslösung by pressing the at least one button to Auslaufgarnitur is. The housing comprises a mounting housing, with which the actuating device with the spout and / or the cistern is connectable and adjustable on the mounting housing, in particular pivotable or rotatable, mounted key housing, wherein the at least one key is mounted on the key housing. With the mounting housing, the actuator is mounted in the cistern. The key housing is thus pivotable or rotatable relative to the mounting housing, as a result of which the key mounted in the key housing can be aligned.

Due to the adjustability between key housing and mounting housing, the key housing can be adjusted relative to the mounting housing. Thus, the position of the key housing and the keys can be adjusted relative to the cistern lid. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, two buttons are present or if an imprint or embossment arranged on the button is to be aligned, for example the logo of the manufacturer of the actuating device.

Preferably, the key housing is exclusively on the mounting housing with the cistern or the outlet fitting in contact.

Further, between the mounting housing and the key housing, a clutch, in particular a one-way clutch with a toothing and at least one engaging in the toothing pawl arranged. The freewheel clutch ensures that the relative movement between the key housing and mounting housing can only be done in one direction. In the other direction, the relative movement between the mounting housing and key housing is locked, and upon application of a force in this other direction, both the mounting housing and the key housing is moved. The one-way clutch may also be referred to as a one-way clutch.

The said pawl cooperates with the toothing, wherein the relative movement between the mounting housing and the key housing in a freewheeling direction, in particular, after overcoming a frictional force provided by the clutch, is made possible and wherein the relative movement between the mounting housing and key housing in a direction of freeance direction opposite locking direction is made impossible. The movement preferably takes place about said axis.

Upon a reverse movement of the button or key housing, both the key housing and the mounting housing are moved together. When exposed to a movement in the freewheeling direction, the key housing can move relative to the mounting housing, especially if the latter is fixed.

In other words, the clutch allows the relative movement between the key housing and mounting housing when a movement on the key housing in the freewheeling direction and in the action of a movement on the key housing in the opposite direction, ie the reverse direction, the movement is blocked, wherein the movement then transferred from the key housing to the mounting housing. This allows on the one hand align the key housing to the mounting housing and on the other hand, the mounting housing can be acted upon with a rotation, which rotation can be used for example for the separation of the connection between the mounting housing and outlet fitting. For assembly, however, the clutch provides a frictional force, which ensures that even with a movement of a freewheeling direction, a movement of key housing is transferred to the mounting housing. If this friction force is overcome, it comes to the said freewheel.

Preferably, a plurality of pawls are arranged uniformly distributed over the circumference. The toothing comprises a plurality of teeth, which are also distributed uniformly around the circumference. The number of teeth is preferably greater than the number of pawls.

Preferably, the teeth on the mounting housing and the at least one pawl on the key housing is arranged. The reverse arrangement is also conceivable.

Preferably, the freewheeling direction is a clockwise movement and the reverse direction is a counterclockwise movement. The direction of rotation defines itself in the direction of view along the axis of the externally visible surface of the button from above. Consequently, so the key housing can be aligned with a movement in a clockwise direction to the mounting housing. In a counterclockwise movement, the clutch disengages and movement is transferred from the key housing to the mounting housing.

In a further development of the invention, the mounting housing comprises a circular base plate and a side wall extending from the base plate along a central axis, wherein the side wall terminates with an at least partially circumferential flange. The flange preferably extends outwardly from the side wall. Preferably, the key housing comprises a cylindrical side wall having a collar portion projecting from the side wall.

Particularly preferably, the collar portion extends over the flange, wherein between the collar portion and the flange, the overrunning clutch is arranged. The collar portion thus covers the flange portion, whereby this is not visible from outside.

Preferably, the base plate and the side wall of the mounting housing provide an interior, in which the key housing at least partially protrudes. Consequently, therefore, the key housing is mounted in the interior of the mounting housing.

Preferably, the key housing is rotatably mounted in the mounting housing, wherein a fuse element is provided between the key housing and mounting housing, which prevents axial displacement between the key housing and mounting housing. The securing element can be designed in various ways. Particularly preferably, it is a groove and comb connection, wherein the comb protrudes into the groove.

Preferably, the at least one key is held with a return element, in particular a compression spring, in the starting position, wherein the return element is preferably mounted between the base plate and key.

In a further development of the invention, the mounting housing comprises a threaded portion with a thread, in particular with an external thread, with which thread the mounting housing can be connected to an outlet fitting.

Preferably, the pitch direction of the thread of the threaded portion is equal to the freewheeling direction of the clutch. In a right-handed thread, the freewheeling direction is clockwise and the reverse direction counterclockwise. With a left-handed thread reversed. This causes that when the coupling locks the relative movement between the mounting housing and key housing, a rotation on the two housings, the separation between the thread and outlet fitting is made possible. The threaded portion can therefore be rotated out of the counterpart in the outlet fitting. Furthermore, it is ensured that when the coupling permits the relative movement between the mounting housing and the key housing, the assembly between the thread and the outlet fitting can be produced. During assembly, the force is transferred from the key housing on the present in the clutch friction on the mounting housing and once the thread is screwed in the outlet fitting, there is a major grinding of the clutch, so that still the position of the key housing relative to the now fixed mounting housing becomes adjustable.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer Betätigungsvorrichtung vor dem Einbau in einen Spülkastendeckel;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer Betätigungsvorrichtung nach der Figur 1 im eingebauten Zustand;

Fig. 3

eine Schnittdarstellung durch die Betätigungsvorrichtung nach den vorhergehenden Figuren;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht entlang des Pfeils IV der Figur 3, wobei die Freilaufkupplung der Betätigungsvorrichtung gezeigt wird; und

Fig. 5

eine Detailansicht des Details V der Figur 4.

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 schematic view of an actuator before installation in a cistern lid;

Fig. 2

a schematic view of an actuating device according to the FIG. 1 in the installed state;

Fig. 3

a sectional view of the actuator of the preceding figures;

Fig. 4

a view along the arrow IV of FIG. 3 showing the one-way clutch of the actuator; and

Fig. 5

a detailed view of the detail V of FIG. 4 ,

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the FIG. 1 an actuator 1 is shown for a spout 9 a cistern. The cistern and the spout 9 are essentially known from the prior art. With the actuating device 1, a force or a movement can be provided to the outlet fitting 9, which then leads to Spülauslösung. When Spülauslösung a valve body of the spout 9 is raised by a valve on the cistern and the water can flow through this valve from the cistern to a toilet or urinal.

The actuating device 1 comprises a housing 2 which can be inserted into an opening 3 of a cistern lid 4. Furthermore, the actuating device comprises at least one button 5 movably mounted in this housing 2 along an axis M to the housing 2. Via the button 5, said movement for triggering the flushing onto the outlet fitting 9 can be provided. The user moves the key 5 by hand. In particularly preferred embodiments, there are two keys, namely a subset purge key and a full rate purge key. Furthermore, the outlet fitting 9 comprises a pusher element 6, which is movable for purging by operating the at least one button 5 with respect to the outlet fitting 9 and with respect to the housing 2. About the trigger element 6, the flushing is triggered by the outlet fitting 9 in a known manner.

In the FIG. 1 the actuator 1 is shown in a mounting position. About a rotation D about the central axis M, the actuator 1 can be connected to the thread 21 with the outlet fitting 9. The thread is preferably a thread with a right-hand slope 25, so that the actuator can be screwed by a movement in a clockwise direction.

In the FIG. 2 the actuator 1 is shown in the assembled position. Here the actuator 1 is located in the opening 3 of the cistern lid 4 and is also in contact with the surface 23 of the cistern lid 4. With a collar portion 17, the actuating device projects beyond the opening 3 and thus secures the cistern lid 4 to the cistern.

In the FIG. 3 a sectional view through the central axis M of the actuator 1 is shown. Here it can be well recognized that the housing 2 comprises a mounting housing 7 and a key housing 8. With the mounting housing 7, the actuator 1 is connected to the outlet fitting 9 and the cistern lid 4. The mounting housing 7 is thus in contact with the cistern lid 4 or with the outlet fitting 9. The key housing 8 is mounted on or in the mounting housing 7 adjustable. In the present embodiment, the key housing 8 is pivoted to the mounting housing 7 about the central axis M or rotatable. At the key housing 8, the at least one key 5 is mounted.

Between the mounting housing 7 and the key housing 8, a clutch 10 is present. The clutch 10 is preferably an overrunning clutch 10 with a toothing 11 and with at least one engaging in the toothing 11 pawl 12. The overrunning clutch 10 may also be referred to as a one-way clutch.

The teeth 11 and the pawl 12 are in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown accordingly. The coupling has the function that is permitted in a first direction or freewheeling direction, here in a clockwise direction UZ, the relative movement between the key housing 8 and mounting housing 7 in an action of a movement on the key housing 8. The relative movement is allowed in particular after overcoming the friction provided by the teeth 11 and pawl 12. The actual freewheel thus only sets in when a sufficiently large force acts between the key housing 8 and mounting housing 7 and the pawl 12 is moved out of the toothing 11. Consequently, the installer can adjust the position of the key housing 8 to the mounting housing 7 with a rotation in the freewheeling direction. Upon the action of a movement on the key housing 8 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, indicated here with GUZ, the relative movement between the key housing 8 and mounting housing 7 is not allowed or blocked. The second direction can be as Reverse direction can be called. Consequently, the movement is transmitted from the key housing 8 to the mounting housing 7 accordingly.

Of the FIG. 4 can be seen that a plurality of pawls 12 are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference. In the present embodiment, twelve pawls 12 are arranged. But it is also conceivable to arrange less than or more than twelve pawls 12. The toothing 11 has a plurality of teeth, which are also distributed at regular intervals around the circumference of the mounting housing 7. The finer the division of the teeth of the toothing 11, the more accurate the position of the key 5 and the key housing 8 can be adjusted to the mounting housing 7.

The toothing 11 is thus preferably on the mounting housing 7 and the at least one pawl 12 is preferably arranged on the key housing 8. The arrangement can also be reversed.

The freewheeling direction UZ is preferably a clockwise movement and the reverse direction GUZ is preferably a counterclockwise movement. The movements can also be counter-directed.

Of the FIG. 3 It can be seen that the mounting housing 7 comprises a circular base plate 13 and a side wall 14 extending from the base plate 13 along a central axis M. The side wall 14 ends here with a flange 15, which is at least partially arranged circumferentially around the central axis M. Preferably, the flange 15 extends completely around the central axis M around. Base plate 13 and side wall 14 define an interior space 18.

The key housing 8 in the present embodiment comprises a cylindrical side wall 16 which includes a collar portion 17 projecting from the side wall 16. The side wall 16 defines an interior 24 in which the key 5 is mounted. The button 5 is movably mounted in the interior along the central axis M. Next, the key 5 rotatably to the key housing 8. A rotation on the key 5 thus affects in a rotation of the key housing 8. For this purpose, the button 5 via suitable means, as guide elements, with the key housing 8 in conjunction.

Of the FIG. 3 can be seen that the collar portion 17 of the key housing 8 extends over the flange 15 of the mounting housing 7. The said clutch 10, in particular the one-way clutch 10, is arranged between the collar portion 17 and the flange 15. In other embodiments, however, the coupling can also be arranged in other locations. Here, the toothing 10 is arranged on the outside of the flange 15 and the pawls 12 are arranged on the inside of the collar portion 17.

Due to the overlap of the flange 15 with the collar portion 17, the flange 15 can not be recognized from the outside, as shown in the FIG. 2 will be shown. The user sees from outside only the collar portion 17 and the key 5.

The key housing 8 projects at least partially into the interior 18 of the mounting housing 7. In other words, it can be said that the key housing 8 is mounted in the mounting housing 7. The bearing is rotatable or pivotable, so that the key housing 8 can be rotated or pivoted to the mounting housing 7 around the central axis. In the present embodiment, a securing element 19 is provided between the key housing 8 and the mounting housing 7, which prevents axial displacement between the key housing 8 and mounting housing 7. The securing element 19 here has the shape of a groove and comb connection, wherein the groove extends into the side wall 14 of the mounting housing 7 and wherein the comb of the side wall 16 of the key housing 8 extends away. Of course, other types of connections are also conceivable.

The present embodiment of the actuating device 1 also comprises a return element 20, with which the at least one key 5 is held in the initial position or is moved back from the flushing position to the starting position. The restoring element 20 is preferably arranged between base plate 13 and button 5. Here, the return element 20 has the shape of a compression spring.

The mounting housing 7 further comprises a threaded portion 21 with a thread, the extends here from the base plate 13 of the mounting housing 7 along the central axis M with respect to the interior 18 wegerstreckt. The threaded portion 21 comprises an external thread and an opening 26 extending along the central axis, in which the pusher element 6 is movably mounted. With the threaded portion 21, the mounting housing 7 can connect to the outlet fitting 9, as in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown. For this purpose, the outlet fitting 9 also has a matching thread.

The thread 21 has a pitch direction, which is directed to the freewheeling direction. In a right-handed thread, the freewheeling direction is clockwise and the reverse direction counterclockwise. The assembly will thus take place in a clockwise rotation, wherein the rotational movement is transmitted via the key housing 8 on the mounting housing 7 until said frictional force of the clutch 10 is overcome. For disassembly this means that when the clutch 10, the relative movement between the mounting housing 7 and key housing 8 blocks rotation on the two housings 7, 8 a separation between the thread 21 and outlet fitting 9 is possible. With a left-handed thread, which could also be used, the directions of rotation are reversed accordingly.

The button 5 is connected to the pusher element 6 via a contact surface 22 in connection. The contact surface 22 is oriented perpendicular to the central axis M, so that the key 5 can be moved relative to the pusher element 6 in the adjustment of the position of the key 5.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 actuator 17 collar section 2 casing 18 inner space 3 opening 19 fuse element 4 cistern 20 Return element 5 button 21 threaded portion 6 pusher element 22 contact area 7 mounting housing 23 surface 8th key housing 24 inner space 9 drain fitting 25 pitch direction 10 Overrunning clutch 26 opening 11 gearing 12 pawl M central axis 13 baseplate GUZ reverse direction 14 Side wall UZ Freewheeling direction 15 flange 16 Side wall

Claims (14)

1. Actuating device (1) for a drain fitting (9) of a flushing cistern, comprising a housing (2), which is insertable into an opening (3) of a cistern lid (4), at least one push button (5), which is mounted in said housing (2) so as to be movable along an axis (M) in relation to the housing (2), and a pusher element (6), which is movable towards the drain fitting (9) to trigger flushing by actuating the at least one push button (5), wherein the housing (2) comprises an assembly housing (7), with which the actuating device (1) is mounted in the cistern lid (4), and a push-button housing (8), which is adjustably, in particular pivotably or rotatably mounted in the assembly housing (7) in relation to said assembly housing (7), the at least one push button (5) being mounted on the push-button housing (8), characterized in that a clutch (10), in particular an overrunning clutch (10) having a toothing (11) and at least one blocking latch (12) which engages in the toothing (11), is located between the assembly housing (7) and the push-button housing (8).
2. Actuating device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the blocking latch (12) interacts with the toothing (11), the relative movement between the assembly housing (7) and the push-button housing (8) being enabled in an overrunning direction (UZ), in particular after overcoming a friction force made available by the clutch, and the relative movement between the assembly housing (7) and the push-button housing (8) being disabled in a blocking direction (GUZ), which is opposite to the overrunning direction.
3. Actuating device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that, in the event of a movement in the blocking direction (GUZ) acting on the push button (5) or the push-button housing (8), both the push-button housing (8) and also the assembly housing (7) are moved.
4. Actuating device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a multiplicity of blocking latches (12) are located at uniform spacing along the circumference and/or in that the toothing (11) has a multiplicity of teeth, which are located at uniform spacing along the circumference, and/or in that the toothing (11) is located on the assembly housing (7) and the at least one blocking latch (12) is located on the push-button housing (8).
5. Actuating device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the blocking direction (GUZ) is a movement in the anticlockwise direction and the overrunning direction (UZ) is a movement in the clockwise direction.
6. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly housing (7) comprises a circular base plate (13) and a side wall (14), which extends from the base plate (13) along a central axis (M), the side wall (14) terminating with an at least partially encircling flange (15).
7. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push-button housing (8) comprises a cylindrical side wall (16) having a collar portion (17), which projects from the side wall (16).
8. Actuating device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the collar portion (17) extends over the flange (15), the clutch (10) being located between the collar portion (17) and the flange (15).
9. Actuating device (1) according to one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the base plate (13) and the side wall (14) of the assembly housing (7) make available an interior space (18), into which the push-button housing (8) at least partially protrudes.
10. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the push-button housing (8) is rotatably mounted in the assembly housing (7), a securing element (19), which prevents an axial displacement between the push-button housing (8) and the assembly housing (7), being provided between the push-button housing (8) and the assembly housing (7).
11. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one push-button (5) is held in the starting position by a restoring element (20), in particular a compression spring, the restoring element (20) being mounted preferably between the base plate (13) and the push button (5).
12. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly housing (7) comprises a threaded portion (21) having a thread, in particular having an external thread, with which the assembly housing (7) is connectable to a drain fitting (9).
13. Actuating device (1) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the pitch direction of the thread of the threaded portion (21) is identical to the overrunning direction (UZ).
14. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized
    in that the at least one push button (5) is mounted in the push-button housing (8) in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner and/or
    in that the pusher element (6) is mounted in the assembly housing (7) so that it is movable along the central axis (M) and/or
    in that the push button (5) and the pusher element (6) each comprise a contact face (22), the push button (5) and the pusher element (6) being in connection with one another via said contact face (22).

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