EP4353917A1 - Actuating unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An actuating unit (1) for actuating a flush valve comprises
a bearing plate (2),
at least one actuating element (3) movable relative to the bearing plate (2), and
at least one return element (4) acting on the actuating element (3), with which the at least one actuating element (3) can be moved back into an initial position after actuation,
wherein the at least one actuating element (3) is pivotably connected to the bearing plate (2) via at least one hinge (5),
wherein the at least one hinge (5) has at least one first hinge part (6) and at least one second hinge part (7), wherein the hinge parts (6, 7) are pivotably engaged with one another, and wherein the at least one return element (4) is arranged such that it opposes a separating movement between the first hinge part (6) and the second hinge part (7)

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to an actuating unit for actuating a flush valve according to claim 1 and a method for assembling an actuating unit according to claim 13.

STATE OF THE ART

Actuating units or actuating plates for flushing are known from the prior art. The actuating units each comprise at least one actuating element which acts on a push rod with which a flush valve can be actuated.

The EP2 045 405 shows an actuating plate for a flush activation. The actuating plate has a bearing plate which has a bearing on the rear side on which at least one actuating element for a flush activation is pivotably mounted. The bearing is formed by at least one spring element which is connected at a first end to the bearing plate and at a second end to the at least one actuating element.

From the EP3 192 931 Another operating unit has become known.

The EP2 226 437 discloses another actuating plate whose actuating buttons are reset via a spring element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of specifying an actuating unit which is structurally simple, in particular the interchangeability of the operating elements.

These and other objects are achieved by the object according to claim 1. Accordingly, an actuating unit for actuating a flush valve comprises a bearing plate, at least one actuating element that can be moved relative to the bearing plate, and at least one return element acting on the actuating element, with which the at least one actuating element can be moved back to an initial position after actuation. The at least one actuating element is pivotably connected to the bearing plate via at least one hinge. During actuation, the actuating element is pivoted relative to the bearing plate from an initial position to an actuating position. The at least one hinge has at least one first hinge part and at least one second hinge part. The two hinge parts are engaged with one another in such a way that the two hinge parts can be pivoted relative to one another. The at least one return element is arranged in such a way that it opposes a separating movement between the first hinge part and the second hinge part.

The use of the return element to prevent the two hinge parts from separating from each other has the advantage that an existing element can be used as a type of stop and that the use of an additional element can be prevented. This can simplify the mechanical structure.

In the assembled state, i.e. when the two hinge parts are in engagement with each other, the return element opposes the separating movement into an unassembled state.

The return element thus acts as a stop element so that when assembled, the first hinge part cannot be separated from the second hinge part.

There are preferably two hinges and two return elements per actuating element. Preferably, two actuating elements are arranged in a bearing plate. Preferably, the at least one actuating element and the bearing plate are made of the same material, namely plastic. Preferably, the return element is made of spring steel. Preferably, the bearing plate for the at least one actuating element has an opening which is surrounded all around by an edge region of the bearing plate.

Preferably, two first hinge parts are arranged at a distance from one another such that a first intermediate space is provided between the first hinge parts. Furthermore, two second hinge parts are arranged at a distance from one another such that a second intermediate space is provided between the second hinge parts. In the assembled state, the second hinge parts engage into the respective first hinge part from the first intermediate space. In the assembled state, the return element protrudes into the second intermediate space such that the second hinge parts are prevented from moving out of the first hinge parts. This means that the second hinge parts cannot be moved against one another.

The second hinge parts therefore extend into the first gap. The return element blocks the second hinge part when it moves out of the first hinge part. The return element acts as a stop element in the gap.

Preferably, the restoring element in the section located in the second intermediate space has a width that substantially corresponds to the width of the intermediate space. This means that the restoring element extends from one of the second hinge parts completely across the width of the second intermediate space to the other of the second hinge parts.

The width of the return element is preferably selected such that it comes into contact with both second hinge parts when mounted.

Preferably, the first hinge part is a pin receptacle and the second hinge part is a hinge pin. When assembled, the hinge pin engages in the pin receptacle.

The pin receptacle and the hinge pin each have a circular cylindrical cross-section so that the hinge pin can be pivoted in the pin receptacle.

Preferably, the hinge pin is formed on an arm that extends away from the at least one actuating element or from the bearing plate. The arm projects laterally away from the actuating element or from the bearing plate.

Preferably, the hinge pin is arranged at the free end of the arm. Preferably, the arm is designed to be elastically springy so that the arm can be easily bent during assembly and that the arm returns to its original position after assembly so that the hinge pin can slide into the pin receptacle.

Preferably, the hinge pin has a bevelled surface on the front side, which facilitates sliding into the first gap.

Preferably, the pin receptacle is arranged in a bearing extension extending away from the at least one actuating element or the bearing plate.

Preferably, the return element is mounted on a bearing mount on the at least one actuating element or on the bearing plate. The bearing mount is preferably integrally formed on the at least one actuating element or on the bearing plate.

Preferably, the bearing receptacle connects two first hinge parts to one another. This means that the bearing receptacle extends from one of the first hinge parts to the other of the first hinge parts.

The return element preferably has a bearing section and a spring section, wherein the bearing section is mounted on the bearing receptacle. The bearing section and the bearing receptacle are preferably designed such that a locking connection can be provided between the bearing section and the bearing receptacle.

In one variant, the bearing holder is formed on the bearing plate and the spring section acts on the actuating element. In another variant, the bearing holder is mounted on the actuating element and the spring section acts on the bearing plate.

Preferably, the bearing section of the return element has two bearing webs that run parallel to one another and are connected to one another via a connecting web. The bearing webs and the connecting web surround the bearing receptacle. The bearing webs and the connecting web form a U-shaped space that surrounds the bearing receptacle.

The spring portion is preferably designed as a leaf spring.

A locking element is connected to one of the bearing webs and the spring section is connected to the other bearing web. The locking element forms a locking connection with the bearing holder.

In one variant, the at least one first hinge part is arranged on the bearing plate and the at least one second hinge part is arranged on the actuating element. In another variant, the at least one second hinge part is arranged on the bearing plate and the at least one first hinge part is arranged on the actuating element.

Preferably, the hinge parts are integrally formed on the bearing plate or the actuating plate.

A method for assembling an actuating unit as described above is characterized in that in a first step the two hinge parts are brought into engagement with each other and that in a second step the return element is assembled.

Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Betätigungseinheit;

Fig. 2

eine Detailansicht von Fig. 1

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Betätigungseinheit vor der Montage von mindestens einem Betätigungselement;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Betätigungseinheit vor der Montage eines Rückstellelements;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Explosionsansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Betätigungseinheit nach der Montage eines Rückstellelements;

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht der Figur 5;

Fig. 7a

eine erste Schnittdarstellung durch ein Scharnier; und

Fig. 7b

eine zweite Schnittdarstellung durch die Lagerstelle des Rückstellelements;

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings:

Fig.1

an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention;

Fig.2

a detailed view of Fig.1

Fig.3

an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention before the assembly of at least one actuating element;

Fig.4

an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention before mounting a return element;

Fig.5

an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention after assembly of a return element;

Fig.6

a top view of the Figure 5 ;

Fig. 7a

a first sectional view through a hinge; and

Fig. 7b

a second sectional view through the bearing point of the return element;

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The figures show a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit 1 for actuating a flush valve. The actuating unit 1 comprises a bearing plate 2, at least one actuating element 3 and at least one return element 4. In the embodiment shown, two actuating elements 3 are arranged.

The bearing plate 2 has an opening 20 which is surrounded by an edge 21 of the bearing plate 2. The at least one actuating element 3 is located in said opening 20.

The actuating element 3 can be pivoted relative to the bearing plate 2 from a starting position to an end position and back again. The return element 4 acts on the actuating element 3 in such a way that the actuating element 3 can be moved back from the end position to the starting position after it has been actuated.

The actuating element 3 is pivotably connected to the bearing plate 2 via at least one hinge 5. In the embodiment shown, there are two hinges 5 per actuating element 3. The hinge 5 has at least one first hinge part 6 and at least one second hinge part 7. The two hinge parts 6, 7 are pivotably connected to one another in such a way that the two hinge parts 6, 7 can be pivoted relative to one another. The return element 4 is arranged in such a way that it opposes a separating movement between the first hinge part 6 and the second hinge part 7. The return element 4 provides a stop.

One reset element 4 is arranged per hinge 5. In the embodiment shown, there are therefore two reset elements 4 per actuating element 2.

In the Figure 1 The actuating unit is shown before assembly, whereby the actuating elements 3 and the return element 4 are not yet connected to the bearing plate 2. In the Figure 3 the actuating elements 3 are located shortly before assembly, that is, shortly before the hinge parts 6, 7 engage with each other. In the Figure 4 the hinge parts are in engagement with each other and the actuating unit 1 is shown here before the assembly of the return elements 4. In the Figures 5 and 6 the reset elements 4 are in the assembled state.

In the embodiment shown, the first hinge parts 6 are arranged on the bearing plate 2 and the second hinge parts 7 are arranged on the actuating element. A reverse arrangement would also be conceivable.

Of the Figure 2 it can be seen that two first hinge parts 6 are arranged at a distance from each other. The spaced arrangement is such that a first intermediate space 8 is provided between the first hinge parts 6. Two second hinge parts 7 are also arranged at a distance from each other. The spaced arrangement is such that a second intermediate space 9 is provided between the second hinge parts 7. In the assembled state, the second hinge parts 7 protrude into the first intermediate space 8. Furthermore, the second hinge parts 7 engage from the first intermediate space 9 into the respective first hinge part 6. From the Figure 5 and 6 it becomes apparent that the return element 4 protrudes into the second intermediate space 9. As a result, the return element 4 in the second intermediate space 9 acts as a stop element for the second hinge parts 7, which prevents movement from the first hinge parts 6 back into the second intermediate space 9.

In the embodiment shown, the first hinge part 6 is a pin receptacle 10 and the second hinge part 7 is a hinge pin 11. The hinge pin 11 engages in the pin receptacle 10. In the case of several hinge parts, as in the embodiment shown, all hinge pins 11 lie on the same axis and all pin receptacles 10 also lie on the same axis. In the assembled state, the axis of the hinge pins 11 runs collinearly to the axis of the pin receptacles 10.

The restoring element 4 has a width in the section located in the second gap 9 which essentially corresponds to the width of the gap 9. The width of the second gap 9 is the width when the second hinge parts 7 are in the first Engage hinge parts 6.

In the embodiment shown, the hinge pin 11 is formed on an arm 12. The arm 12 extends away from the actuating element 3. Here, two arms 12 are arranged at a distance from one another. The distance between the arms 12 forms the second intermediate space 9. The hinge pins 11 protrude from the arms 12 on opposite surfaces, with the surfaces facing away from the second intermediate space 9. During assembly, the two arms 12 spring against one another so that the hinge pins 11 and the arms can slide into the first intermediate space 8. As soon as the hinge pins 11 engage in the pin receptacles 10, the arms 12 spring away from one another again.

The pin receptacle 10 is arranged in a bearing extension 13 extending away from the bearing plate 2. Here, two bearing extensions 13 are arranged at a distance from one another, which delimit the first intermediate space 8.

The return element 4 is mounted on a bearing holder 14. The bearing holder 14 is formed on the bearing plate 2. In the embodiment shown, the bearing holder extends from one bearing extension 13 to the other bearing extension 13.

The return element 4 has a bearing section 15 and a spring section 16. The bearing section 15 is mounted on the bearing holder 14. The spring section 16 is designed like a leaf spring and acts on the back of the actuating element 3.

As reported by the Figures 7a and 7b As can be seen, the bearing section 15 has two bearing webs 17 running parallel to one another, which are connected to one another via a connecting web 18. The bearing webs 17 and the connecting web 18 surround the bearing receptacle 14. A locking element 19 is connected to one of the bearing webs 17, here the upper bearing web 17. The locking element 19 engages a rear edge 22 on the bearing receptacle 14. The spring section 16 is connected to the other bearing web 17. The locking element 19 forms a locking connection with the bearing receptacle 14.

The hinge pins 11 are preferably slightly bevelled on their front surface 23 with an inclined surface 24 so that the hinge pins 11 can slide more easily into the first intermediate space 8.

On the back, each of the actuating elements 3 has at least one stop element 24. The stop element 24 rests on the back of the bearing plate 2.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1

Actuator unit

2

Bearing plate

3

Actuator

4

Reset element

5

hinge

6

first hinge part

7

second hinge part

8th

first space

9

second space

10

Tenon holder

11

Hinge pin

12

poor

13

Bearing extension

14

Stock recording

15

Storage section

16

Spring section

17

Bearing bars

18

Connecting bridge

19

Locking element

20

breakthrough

21

edge

22

Trailing edge

23

Frontal area

24

Stop element

Claims (14)

Actuating unit (1) for actuating a flush valve comprising a bearing plate (2), at least one actuating element (3) movable relative to the bearing plate (2), and at least one return element (4) acting on the actuating element (3), with which the at least one actuating element (3) can be moved back into an initial position after actuation, wherein the at least one actuating element (3) is pivotably connected to the bearing plate (2) via at least one hinge (5), wherein the at least one hinge (5) has at least a first hinge part (6) and at least a second hinge part (7), wherein the hinge parts (6, 7) are pivotably engaged with each other relative to each other, and wherein the at least one return element (4) is arranged such that it opposes a separating movement between the first hinge part (6) and the second hinge part (7). Actuating unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that two first hinge parts (6) are arranged at a distance from one another, such that a first intermediate space (8) is provided between the first hinge parts (6); and that two second hinge parts (7) are arranged at a distance from one another such that a second intermediate space (9) is provided between the second hinge parts (7), wherein the second hinge parts (7) engage from the first intermediate space (8) into the respective first hinge part (6) and the return element (4) projects into the second intermediate space (9) and prevents the second hinge parts (7) from moving out of the first hinge parts (6). Actuating unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the return element (4) in the section which lies in the second intermediate space (9) has a width which substantially corresponds to the width of the intermediate space (9). Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the first hinge part (6) is a pin receptacle (10) and that the second hinge part (7) is a hinge pin (11), wherein the hinge pin (11) engages in the pin receptacle (10). Actuating element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the hinge pin (11) is formed on an arm (12) which extends away from the at least one actuating element (3) or from the bearing plate (2). Actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the pin receptacle (10) is arranged in a bearing extension (13) extending away from the at least one actuating element (3) or the bearing plate (2). Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return element (4) is mounted on a bearing holder (14) on at least one actuating element (3) or on the bearing plate (2). Actuating unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the bearing holder (14) connects two first hinge parts (6) to one another. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the return element (4) has a bearing section (15) and a spring section (16), wherein the bearing section (15) is mounted on the bearing receptacle (14). Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the bearing holder (14) is formed on the bearing plate (2) and the spring section (16) acts on the actuating element; or that the bearing holder (14) is mounted on the actuating element (3) and the spring section (16) acts on the bearing plate (2). Actuating unit (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the bearing section (15) has two bearing webs (17) which run parallel to one another and are connected to one another via a connecting web (18), the bearing webs (17) and the connecting web (18) enclosing the bearing receptacle (14). Actuating unit (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that a locking element (19) is connected to one of the bearing webs (17) and that the spring section (16) is connected to the other bearing web (17), wherein the locking element (19) forms a locking connection with the bearing receptacle (14). Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first hinge part (6) is arranged on the bearing plate (2) and that the at least one second hinge part (7) is arranged on the actuating element (3); or that the at least one second hinge part (7) is arranged on the bearing plate (2) and that the at least one first hinge part (6) is arranged on the actuating element (3). Method for assembling an actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a first step the two hinge parts (6, 7) are brought into engagement with one another, and that in a second step the return element (4) is assembled.

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