Operating unit

Abstract

An operating unit (1) for operating a flush valve, comprising: a support plate (2); and at least one operating element (3) which can be moved relative to the support plate (2) and has a front face (4) and a rear face (5); the at least one operating element (3) is pivotally connected to the support plate (2) via at least one hinge (6); the at least one hinge (6) has a bolt receptacle (7) and a bolt (8) which is mounted in the bolt receptacle (7) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S); the bolt holder (7) has a continuous through-hole (9) through which the bolt (8) can be inserted into the bolt holder (7) in a direction transverse to the pivot axis (S); the bolt receptacle (7) has a retaining lug (11) on at least one of the edges (10) delimiting the through-hole (9), which retaining lug provides a stop for the removal of the bolt (8) from the bolt receptacle (7) when the bolt (8) is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an operating unit for operating a flush valve according to claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] Operating devices for flushing tanks of toilets or urinals are known in the prior art. For example, EP1 491690 discloses an operating device for an outlet valve of a flushing tank. The operating device comprises an operating plate in which at least one operating button for triggering flushing is supported. The operating button is connected to the operating plate via a hinge. A disadvantage is that when a large force is applied to the operating button, the hinge bolt can be pressed out of the hinge receptacle. Summary of the invention

[0003] On the basis of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an operating unit which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide an operating unit whose operating element has an improved hinge structure, in particular when a large force acts on the front of the operating element, the hinge structure prevents the operating element from being pressed out.

[0004] The operating unit for operating a flush valve according to claim 1 achieves the above and other objects. Therefore, the operating unit comprises a support plate and at least one operating element, which can be moved relative to the support plate, in particular can be pivoted relative to the support plate, and has a front and a rear face. At least one operating element is pivotably connected to the support plate via at least one hinge. At least one hinge has a bolt receiving portion and a bolt, which is pivotably supported in the bolt receiving portion about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is defined by the center axis of the bolt or the center axis of the bolt receiving portion. The bolt receiving portion has a continuous through hole, through which the bolt can be inserted into the bolt receiving portion in a direction transverse to the pivot axis. The bolt receiving portion has a retaining lug at at least one of the edges that delimit the through hole, which retaining lug provides a stop for the bolt to move out of the bolt receiving portion in the case of an inserted bolt.

[0005] The advantage of the arrangement of the retaining lugs is that when a large force is applied to at least one operating element, the bolt cannot be pressed out of the bolt receiving portion. The bolt abuts against the retaining lugs. In other words, the retaining lugs provide a stop for the bolt so that it cannot be moved out of the hinge receiving portion.

[0006] Preferably, each operating element is arranged with at least two hinges.

[0007] The retaining lug is arranged so that the clear width of the through hole is reduced. This means that the retaining lug extends into the through hole from the edge that delimits the through hole.

[0008] Preferably, the retaining lug is constructed in the manner of an elastic spring and / or supported in the manner of an elastic spring, so that when the bolt is inserted into the bolt receiving portion, the retaining lug moves in the manner of an elastic spring. The retaining lug is in such a form that it provides a resistance or stop against the bolt being pressed out after the bolt is inserted into the bolt receiving portion.

[0009] The elastic mobility is such that when a bolt is inserted, the clear width of the through hole increases and, with the bolt inserted, the clear width of the through hole assumes the original position again.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining lug has a retaining surface which is oriented in such a way that it blocks the screw as a stop when it is removed from the screw receptacle.

[0011] Preferably, the retaining lug projects into the bolt receptacle, viewed from the through-opening.

[0012] Preferably, the retaining lug extends over a sub-region of the length of the edge or over a sub-region of the length of the through hole, as viewed in the direction of the pivot axis. Alternatively, the retaining lug extends over the entire length of the edge or over the entire length of the through hole, as viewed in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0013] Preferably, only one of the two edges has the retaining lug, wherein the edge of the through-hole opposite the retaining lug preferably has a concave rounding.

[0014] Alternatively, both edges have said retaining lugs.

[0015] Preferably, the wall region of the bolt receiving portion adjacent to the through hole is designed as an elastic spring lug, wherein the wall region protrudes from the support plate. This means that when the bolt is inserted into the bolt receiving portion, the wall region can be elastically deformed. The through hole or the edge facing the through hole is located at the free end of the corresponding wall region or in the free end region.

[0016] When inserting the bolt, the wall region formed as the spring lug is radially repelled from the bolt when the bolt is observed. When the bolt is fully inserted, the spring lug is rebounded back to the original position again.

[0017] Preferably, the bolt has at least one cylindrically designed bearing section, which bears pivotably against an inner wall delimiting the bolt receptacle. The inner wall is also cylindrically designed in the region against which the at least one cylindrically designed bearing section bears. The cylindrical design of the bearing section and the inner wall is preferably circular cylindrical.

[0018] Preferably, the bolt has at least one retaining section, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing section.The retaining lug acts on the retaining section, in particular, wherein the retaining lug acts only on the retaining section and not on the bearing section.

[0019] Preferably, the holding section is arranged adjacent to at least one supporting section. Particularly preferably, the holding section is arranged between two supporting sections. This means that the holding element extends inwardly between the two sections of the inner wall.

[0020] Preferably, the holding section has a cylindrical cross section, from which at least one rib projects radially. Preferably, two ribs are arranged.

[0021] The ribs provide a reinforcement of the cross section of the retaining section.

[0022] Preferably, when the bolt is located in the bolt receiving portion, the rib or at least one of the ribs is substantially opposite to the retaining lug. Thus, when a force is applied, the rib presses against the inner wall of the bolt receiving portion and the cylindrical cross section presses against the retaining element.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the ribs and the retaining lug have the same length and / or the same position, viewed in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0024] Preferably, at least one of the ribs is opposite the through hole, viewed with respect to the pivot axis.

[0025] Preferably, there are two ribs. The two ribs can be at an angle of 75° to 135°, in particular 80° to 100°, particularly preferably 90°, relative to one another. Other angles are also conceivable.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the edges delimiting the through hole has an entry surface. Preferably, the retaining lug has an entry surface opposite to the bolt receiving portion. Through the arrangement of the entry surface, it is easier to insert the bolt into the bolt receiving portion.

[0027] Preferably, the screw is supported on the at least one actuating element via two supporting lugs.

[0028] Preferably, the bolt receiving portion is molded on the support plate, and the bolt is molded on the operating element. Alternatively, the bolt receiving portion can be molded on the operating element, and the bolt is molded on the support plate.

[0029] Preferably, the operating unit further comprises a reset element, which acts on the operating element via an action surface. With the reset element, at least one operating element can be moved back to a starting position after being operated. Preferably, the reset element is supported in a support portion located below the hinge receiving portion.

[0030] Preferably, the support plate has a fastening structure on its rear side, with which the support plate can be fastened to a fastening element, in particular a fastening frame.

[0031] Preferably, the support plate has at least one through hole which is bounded by a plate edge. At least one operating element is located in the at least one through hole. During operation, the operating element can be pivoted out of the through hole on one side of the rear side. The spring section at least partially extends from the plate edge into the clear width of the through hole.

[0032] The rear side of the support plate is formed by the plate edge.

[0033] A device comprises a flushing tank with a flushing valve and an actuator, wherein at least one operating element acts on the actuator and operates the actuator. The actuator can be, for example, a push rod that acts directly or indirectly on the flushing valve. Alternatively, the actuator can also be an electromechanical actuator (e.g., an electric motor).

[0034] Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are only used for explanation and should not be interpreted as limiting. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 It shows a perspective exploded view of an operating unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A perspective view of an assembled operating unit;

[0038] Figure 3a Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of

[0039] Figure 3b Shows Figure 3a Detailed view of

[0040] Figure 4 A detailed view of the hinge bolt is shown;

[0041] Figure 5 shows a section through the hinge during installation of an operating unit according to the above figures;

[0042] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the hinge of the operating unit according to the above figures after installation;

[0043] Figure 7 shows another cross-sectional view through the hinge of the operating unit according to the above figures after installation;

[0044] Figure 8 The following diagram shows the relationship between the force acting on the operating element and the Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of

[0045] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 6 to Figure 7 Detailed stereoscopic view of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The drawing shows an embodiment of an operating unit 1 according to the invention. The operating unit 1 serves to operate a flushing valve arranged in a flushing tank.

[0047] The operating unit 1 comprises a support plate 2 and at least one (here two) operating element 3, which can be moved relative to the support plate 2. At least one operating element 3 is pivotably connected to the support plate 2 via at least one hinge 8. At least one operating element 3 can be pivoted relative to the support plate 2 via a pivot axis S.

[0048] Figure 1 The operating unit 1 is shown before at least one operating element 3 is installed. Figure 1 It can be clearly seen that the hinge 8 has a bolt receptacle 7 and a bolt 8 which is pivotably supported in the bolt receptacle 7 about a pivot axis S. The bolt receptacle 7 is part of the support plate 2 and the bolt 8 is part of the operating element 3. In other embodiments, it is also possible that the bolt receptacle 7 is part of the operating element 3 and the bolt 8 is part of the support plate 2. Two hinges 8 are arranged for each operating element 3.

[0049] Figure 2 The operating unit 1 is shown after assembly, wherein at least one operating element 2 is connected to the carrier plate 2 by means of at least one hinge 6 .

[0050] Figure 3a as well as Figure 3b The detailed view of FIG. 7 shows that the bolt receiving portion 7 has a continuous through hole 9. Through this continuous through hole 9, the bolt 8 can be inserted into the bolt receiving portion 7. Here, the bolt 8 is inserted into the bolt receiving portion 7 along the arrow P. The bolt receiving portion 7 has a retaining lug 11 at at least one of the edges 10, which delimits the through hole 9. Viewed in cross section, the retaining lug 11 here protrudes into the through hole 9, so that the clear width W of the through hole 9 is reduced. In addition, the retaining lug 11 protrudes into the bolt receiving portion 7 when viewed from the through hole 9. When the bolt 8 is inserted, the retaining lug 11 provides a stop for the bolt 8 to move out of the bolt receiving portion 7.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, only one of the two edges 10 has the retaining lug 11 . The other edge 10 of the through-opening 9 , which is opposite the retaining lug 11 , has a concave rounding 13 here.

[0052] Figure 5The bolt 8 is shown during its insertion into the bolt receiving portion 7. The bolt 8 is located in the through hole 9, and the retaining lug 11 is designed in the manner of an elastic spring. The wall region 14 of the bolt receiving portion 7 adjacent to the through hole 9 is designed as an elastic spring lug 15. This wall region 14 protrudes from the support plate 2. The retaining lug 11 is arranged at the front end of the wall region 14. Therefore, when the bolt 8 is inserted into the bolt receiving portion 7, the retaining lug 11 moves in the manner of an elastic spring. This is on the one hand relative to the wall region 14, and on the other hand together with the wall region 14 relative to the support plate 2.

[0053] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bolt 8 is shown in a state in which the through hole 9 is completely located in the bolt receptacle 7. Finally, Figure 8 The position assumed by the screw 8 is shown when a greater force is applied to the operating element 3 . The screw 8 then presses against the retaining lug 11 in the region of its play in the support receptacle 7 , and the retaining lug 11 prevents the screw 8 from moving further out of the screw receptacle 7 .

[0054] The retaining lug 11 has a retaining surface 12 for contacting the bolt 8 under the above-mentioned force. The retaining surface 12 is oriented so that it blocks the bolt 8 as a stop when it is moved out of the bolt receiving portion 7. Preferably, the retaining surface is slightly higher than the pivot axis S.

[0055] from Figure 4 and Fig. 9 It can be seen that the bolt has at least one bearing section 16 and a retaining section 18. Two bearing sections 16 are arranged here, and the retaining section 18 is located between the two bearing sections 16. The bearing section 16 is cylindrical and can be pivoted against an inner wall 17 that delimits the bolt receptacle. The inner wall 17 is also cylindrical in this case. This Figure 4 and Figure 7 , which extends through the support section 16. The holding section 18 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the support section 16. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8, which extends through the retaining segment 18. The retaining lug 11 acts on the retaining segment 18 and is located between the two bearing segments 16. Here, the retaining segment 18 extends between the two bearing segments 16 and contacts the retaining segment 18. Laterally, the retaining segment 18 can contact an annular surface that forms a diameter jump from the bearing segment 16 to the retaining segment 18. In the embodiment shown, the retaining lug 11 acts only on the retaining segment 18 and not on the bearing segment 16. Viewed in the direction of the pivot axis S, the retaining lug 11 preferably has the same width as the retaining segment 18. This means that the retaining lug 11 radially engages in the retaining segment 11 and is located between the two bearing segments 16 and provides a stop for its movement in the direction of the pivot axis S.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the holding section 18 has a cylindrical cross section. At least one (here two) ribs 19 protrude radially from the cylindrical cross section. The at least one rib 19 provides a reinforcement of the cross section of the holding section.

[0057] from Figure 6 and Figure 8 It can be seen that, when the bolt is located in the bolt receptacle, at least one of the ribs 19 is substantially opposite the retaining lug 11. Another of the ribs 19 projects rearwardly to the inner wall 17 opposite the through hole 9. In the preferred embodiment shown, the two ribs 19 are at an angle of 75° to 135°, in particular 80° to 100°, particularly preferably 90°, relative to each other.

[0058] It can also be seen from the figure that at least one of the edges 10 delimiting the through-opening 9 has an entry surface 20 and that the retaining lug 11 has an entry surface 20 opposite the screw receptacle 7 .

[0059] Preferably, the bolt 8 is supported on at least one operating element via two retaining lugs 21. Fig. 9 As shown, the retaining lug 11 projects from a web 23 which forms the front end of the wall region 14 .

[0060] Preferably, the operating unit 1 further comprises a restoring element 24, which acts on the operating element via an action surface 25. With the restoring element 24, at least one operating element 3 can be moved back to the starting position after being operated. Preferably, the restoring element 24 is supported in a bearing position 26 located below the screw receptacle 7.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 1 Operation unit

[0063] 2 Support plate

[0064] 3 Operating elements

[0065] 4Front

[0066] 5. Back

[0067] 6 Hinge

[0068] 7 Bolt receiving part

[0069] 8 Bolts

[0070] 9 Through Holes

[0071] 10 Edge

[0072] 11 Retaining lug

[0073] 12 Keep surface

[0074] 13 Concave rounded part

[0075] 14 Wall Area

[0076] 15 Spring lug

[0077] 16 Cylindrical support section

[0078] 17 Inner wall

[0079] 18 Holding section

[0080] 19 rib

[0081] 20 Enter the surface

[0082] 21 Support lug

[0083] 23 belly plate

[0084] 24 Reset element

[0085] 25 Action surface

[0086] 26 Supporting parts

[0087] S pivot axis

[0088] W Clear Width

[0089] P Arrow

Claims

1. An operating unit (1) for operating a flushing valve, the operating unit comprising: a support plate (2), and at least one operating element (3) which is movable relative to the support plate (2) and has a front face (4) and a rear face (5), wherein the at least one operating element (3) is pivotably connected to the support plate (2) via at least one hinge (6). The at least one hinge (6) comprises a bolt receptacle (7) and a bolt (8), which is mounted in the bolt receptacle (7) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S). The bolt receiving portion (7) has a continuous through hole (9), through which the bolt (8) can be inserted into the bolt receiving portion (7) in a direction transverse to the pivot axis (S). It is characterized in that The bolt receptacle (7) has a retaining lug (11) on at least one of the edges (10) delimiting the through-opening (9), which retaining lug, when a bolt (8) is inserted, provides a stop for the bolt (8) to be moved out of the bolt receptacle (7).

2. The operating unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The retaining lug (11) reduces the clear width (W) of the through hole (9).

3. The operating unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The retaining lug (11) is designed in the manner of an elastic spring and / or is supported in the manner of an elastic spring, so that when the bolt (8) is inserted into the bolt receptacle (7), the retaining lug (11) is displaced in the manner of an elastic spring.

4. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The retaining lug (11) has a retaining surface (12) which is oriented such that it blocks the screw (8) as a stop when it is removed from the screw receptacle.

5. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Viewed from the through-opening (9), the retaining lug (11) projects into the screw receptacle (7).

6. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The retaining lug (11) extends over a sub-region of the length of the edge (10) or over a sub-region of the length of the through hole (9); or, the retaining lug (11) extends over the entire length of the edge (10) or over the entire length of the through hole (9).

7. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Only one of the two edges (10) has the retaining lug (11), wherein the edge (10) of the through hole (9) opposite the retaining lug (11) preferably has a concave rounding (13); or Both edges have said retaining lugs (11).

8. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A wall region (14) of the screw receptacle (7) which adjoins the through-opening (9) is designed as an elastic spring lug (15), wherein the wall region (14) protrudes from the support plate (2).

9. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The bolt (8) has at least one cylindrically designed bearing section (16), which is pivotably mounted against an inner wall (17) delimiting the bolt receptacle (7), and the bolt (8) has at least one retaining section (18), the outer diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing section (16), wherein the retaining lug (11) acts on the retaining section (18), in particular, wherein the retaining lug (11) acts only on the retaining section (18) and not on the bearing section (16).

10. The operating unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that At least one holding section (18) is arranged adjacent to at least one supporting section (16), in particular, the holding section (18) is arranged between two supporting sections (16).

11. The operating unit (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The retaining section (18) has a cylindrical cross section, from which at least one rib (19) protrudes radially.

12. The operating unit (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that When the bolt is located in the bolt receiving portion, at least one of the ribs (19) is substantially opposite to the retaining lug (11); and / or Viewed in the direction of the pivot axis, at least one of the ribs (19) and the retaining lug (11) have the same length and / or the same position; and / or At least one of the ribs (19) is opposite the through hole (9) viewed with respect to the pivot axis (S); and / or There are two ribs ( 19 ) which are at an angle of 75° to 135°, in particular 80° to 100°, particularly preferably 90°, to one another.

13. The operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one of the edges (10) delimiting the through-opening (9) has an entry surface (20); and / or the retaining lug (11) has an entry surface (20) opposite the screw receptacle (7).

Images