USE OF A MOUNTING FRAME FOR AN ACTUATOR DEVICE OR FOR AN IMITATION OF AN ACTUATOR DEVICE FOR ACTUATORING A SANITARY INSTALLATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the use of a mounting frame for an actuating device or for an imitation of an actuating device, in particular for an actuating plate or for an imitation of an actuating plate, wherein the actuating device or actuating plate serves to actuate at least one valve of a sanitary installation, in particular a flush valve of a concealed cistern, wherein the mounting frame has at least two receiving openings for the detachable connection of the mounting frame with fastening means, wherein the receiving openings are arranged essentially symmetrically to a vertical center line of the mounting frame, wherein the at least two receiving openings each have a first, preferably substantially elongated recess and a recess adjoining the first recess, which is wider than the first recess, in particular wider.wherein the mounting frame is designed for a detachable snap connection with the actuating device or actuator plate, wherein the mounting frame defines a rear mounting plane with which it can be placed against a wall, in particular a building wall or partition wall, such that it touches the wall in the intended installed state, wherein the receiving openings open in the mounting plane or at a distance in front of the mounting plane. The imitation is a display variant of the actuating device or actuator plate. It is an optically equivalent imitation of the actuating device or actuator plate, but the imitation is non-functional or does not have all the functional properties of the imitated actuating device or actuator plate.

[0002] Mounting frames for actuators used to operate one or more valves in sanitary installations are available in a wide variety of designs. These actuators include, in particular, flush plates for toilets or urinals to trigger a flushing flow, and also fittings for adjusting water temperature and flow rate.

[0003] Mounting frames are known in the art that can be connected to a wall or partition wall by means of a screw connection or, more commonly, an adhesive connection. However, it is unsatisfactory that screwing a mounting frame to a wall is no longer possible if the mounting frame is equipped with an actuating device, in particular an actuating plate.

[0004] To replace a mounting frame attached to a wall and connected to an operating device, the operating device must first be removed, the mounting frame unscrewed, a new mounting frame screwed to the wall, and then the operating device or a new operating device connected to the new mounting frame.

[0005] Alternatively, the mounting frame, which is already equipped with the operating device, can be glued to a wall. However, such gluing is disadvantageous, especially when it comes to replacing individual mounting frames or operating devices.

[0006] Particularly for the display of mounting frames and operating devices attached to mounting frames at trade fairs or in retail stores, the aforementioned options of screwing or gluing have proven to be disadvantageous, as replacing individual mounting frames and / or operating devices is very time-consuming and impractical.

[0007] EP-A-1 816 269 discloses an actuation plate for a concealed cistern with a support frame. The actuation plate is detachably connected to the support frame by a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection comprises a tooth, a seat associated with the tooth, and a flexible locking element with a projection. When the actuation plate is mounted on the support frame, the tooth presses against the projection of the flexible locking element during a predetermined horizontal sliding movement, causing the locking element to disengage. After the tooth has overcome the projection, it engages in the seat, with the locking element returning to its initial position and securing the tooth in the seat against displacement. On the rear side of the support frame, a plate-shaped projection is formed, on which another, smaller, plate-shaped projection with pneumatic valve actuation means is integrally formed or arranged.

[0008] EP-A-2 735 659 discloses an actuator plate for a concealed cistern, the plate body of which has a rim that, when installed, rests against an outer surface of a wall. Fasteners are associated with the plate body, designed to attach the plate body directly to a cover plate inserted into an access opening of the cistern when the actuator plate is installed. The fasteners comprise two clamps designed to connect to the actuator plate, each clamp receiving the head of a screw that protrudes from the cistern cover plate towards the outer surface of the wall when the actuator plate is installed. The clamps are equipped with feet that engage in recesses formed in the plate body.These cavities in the plate body are designed as indentations that also accommodate the operating buttons of the flush plate, with the indentations projecting into the inspection opening of the cistern. The cover plate inserted into the inspection opening is not intended for mounting on the exterior surface of a wall and is not readily suitable for this purpose.

[0009] Based on this, the present invention aims to create a mounting frame of the type mentioned at the outset, which can be advantageously and flexibly attached to a wall, and to specify an advantageous use for such a mounting frame.

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by using the device with the features specified in claim 1. Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the use according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] The use according to the invention is characterized in that the mounting frame is used for the detachable fastening of an actuating device or actuating plate, which serves for at least one valve of a sanitary installation, in particular the drain valve of a concealed cistern, to a wall for exhibition purposes, wherein the actuating device or actuating plate is detachably fastened directly to the mounting frame, and wherein the actuating device or actuating plate, in the intended installation state, surrounds the mounting frame and ends at the rear in the plane of contact of the mounting frame.

[0012] Regarding the variable mounting of the mounting frame with an actuating device, the mounting frame is detachable and can be connected to the actuating device by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. A detachable connection via a snap-fit ​​connection allows for convenient mounting and dismounting of the actuating device.

[0013] The first recess and the subsequent recess, which is wider than the first recess, in particular wider, can also be referred to as the first recess section and second recess section of the respective receiving opening, wherein the second recess section adjoins the first recess section and is wider than it.

[0014] The mounting frame used according to the invention offers a flexible and time-saving way to attach mounting frames or mounting frames equipped with actuating devices to a wall or partition wall. It is preferred that fastening means, in particular in the form of fastening screws, are arranged on the wall or partition wall, wherein the distance between the fastening screws arranged on the wall essentially corresponds to the distance between the receiving openings.

[0015] This allows mounting frames, especially those equipped with an actuating device such as an actuating plate, to be replaced flexibly and conveniently. By providing the aforementioned mounting recesses, in addition to flexible and convenient installation of the mounting frame, a secure hold and precise alignment can also be ensured. The first, preferably elongated, recess can, for example, be designed as a slotted hole. The extended recess adjoining the first, preferably elongated, recess is, in particular, wider than the first, preferably elongated, recess, so that a fastener mounted on a wall, for example, a screw with a diameter opposite the screw shank, can be inserted.The screw thread with its diameter-enlarged screw head can first be conveniently engaged with the enlarged recess and then engaged with the first, preferably elongated, recess to fix the mounting frame. Preferably, the fastener can be brought into engagement with the first recess by a substantially vertical movement of the mounting frame.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the enlarged recess is substantially circular. It is preferred that the width of the first, preferably elongated, recess is less than the diameter of the circular recess. This allows the mounting frame to be connected to wall-mounted fasteners in a convenient and secure manner. The fasteners preferably consist of screws, so that the head of a screw can first engage with the substantially circular recess and then, by means of a substantially vertical movement of the mounting frame, engage with and be fixed in the first, preferably elongated, recesses.

[0017] An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the enlarged recess is essentially oval, rectangular, or polygonal. The enlarged recess is, for example, designed such that the head of a fastening element, in particular a fastening screw, can be arranged in the enlarged recess.

[0018] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the first, preferably elongated, recess is bounded by a circular arc-shaped section, wherein the circular arc-shaped section is arranged at the end of the first, preferably elongated, recess furthest from the circular recess.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the first, preferably elongated, recess is configured such that it has a narrower width than the head of a fastener, particularly the head of a fastening screw. It is also preferred that the first, preferably elongated, recess has a wider width than the shank of a fastener, particularly the shank of a fastening screw.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the enlarged recess is arranged below the first, preferably elongated, recess in the intended installed state of the mounting frame. In its installed state, the mounting frame is connected to a wall or a partition wall. By arranging the enlarged recess below the first recess, fasteners can first be conveniently brought into engagement with the enlarged recesses and then, by means of a substantially vertical movement of the mounting frame, brought into engagement with the first, preferably elongated, recesses, thereby fixing the mounting frame in place.

[0021] For secure mounting of the mounting frame, it is advantageous if, according to a preferred embodiment, the mounting frame has a basic shape with at least two parallel sides, preferably two parallel narrow sides and / or two parallel wide sides, wherein a longitudinal axis of the respective receiving opening, for example, a longitudinal axis of the substantially elongated recess, runs substantially parallel to two of the parallel sides of the mounting frame. The longitudinal axis of the respective receiving opening or the substantially elongated recess preferably corresponds to the vertical center line of the receiving opening or the vertical center line of the elongated recess.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the receiving openings are designed as through holes. For example, the enlarged recesses of the receiving openings can be formed as through holes, and the first, preferably substantially elongated, recesses can be produced by drilling, milling, cutting, sawing, and / or filing. This is particularly advantageous from a manufacturing perspective. It also allows the head of a fastener to be reliably engaged with the receiving openings.

[0023] Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention that the receiving openings of the mounting frame are produced by punching using punching tools or, in the primary forming process, e.g. injection molding, of the mounting frame by using core elements corresponding to the receiving openings.

[0024] In the mounting frame used according to the invention, the receiving openings are formed essentially symmetrically to the vertical center line of the mounting frame. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first, essentially elongated recess runs essentially parallel to the vertical center line of the mounting frame. Furthermore, it is preferred that the receiving openings are located at a greater distance from the vertical center line of the mounting frame than from the side of the mounting frame nearest them, preferably the narrow side of the mounting frame.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the mounting frame used according to the invention, the receiving openings each have a further recess, i.e., at least one additional recess, wherein the further recess extends transversely to the first recess, and wherein the further recess is arranged above the first recess in the intended installed state of the mounting frame. The further recess (additional recess) also adjoins the first recess. The further recess can be wider, at least in sections, than the first recess, so that when mounting the mounting frame on a wall, the mounting frame can also be installed if the actual distance between the fasteners arranged on the wall deviates from the originally intended distance, in particular from the distance between the first recesses of the receiving openings.Particularly at trade fairs, it can happen that the actual distance between the fasteners deviates from the originally intended distance (target distance), for example if the exhibition stand is set up in a particular hurry.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment of the mounting frame used according to the invention, the additional recess is designed in the form of an elongated hole or slot. This design of the additional recess as an elongated hole or slot makes it possible to attach the mounting frame to the wall even with a different distance between the fastening elements, without altering the originally intended mounting height. In particular, this allows vertically aligned mounting frames arranged one above the other and the actuating devices attached to them, especially actuating plates, or imitations of such actuating devices, to be aligned vertically with each other if the fastening elements arranged one above the other on the wall are not exactly vertically aligned.

[0027] The length of the additional recess, designed as an elongated hole or slot, is preferably greater than the internal dimension or diameter of the recess that is enlarged compared to the first recess. For example, the length of the additional recess is at least 1.1 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, the internal dimension or diameter of the recess that is enlarged compared to the first recess. The upper limit of the length of the additional recess can, for example, be approximately 3 times or 2 times the internal dimension or diameter of the recess that is enlarged compared to the first recess.

[0028] Preferably, the center point of the further recess is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the first recess, and the further recess extends symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the first recess. Such a design offers the advantage that, for example, if several mounting frames are to be arranged vertically centered one below the other or one above the other for presentation purposes in the intended installation state, and the mounting means provided for this purpose are not exactly vertically aligned with each other, a lateral offset between the mounting frames or the actuating plates attached to the mounting frames can be eliminated or minimized by shifting one or more of the mounting frames parallel to the wall in the direction of the extension of the further recess.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the mounting frame used according to the invention, the width of the second recess varies with increasing distance from the longitudinal axis of the first recess, preferably decreasing. For example, when mounting the mounting frame, the mounting frame is first arranged parallel to the wall, with the fastening means engaging at least partially in the second recess and being brought into engagement with a first area near the longitudinal axis of the first recess by a substantially vertical movement.By a substantially horizontal movement parallel to the wall, the fasteners, for example the screw shaft, can be brought into engagement with the areas of the further recess, which have a greater distance to the longitudinal axis of the first recess and whose width decreases compared to the width in the area of ​​the longitudinal axis, so that the fasteners are clamped with the further recess and the mounting frame is securely fixed to the wall.

[0030] The mounting frame used according to the invention defines a rear mounting surface with which it can be attached to a wall, in particular a building wall or partition wall, such that it touches the wall in the intended installation state, wherein the receiving openings open into the mounting surface or at a distance in front of the mounting surface, and wherein the actuating device or actuating plate or a corresponding imitation surrounds the mounting frame in the intended installation state. Thus, no further parts need to be arranged between the mounting frame and the wall, and an attractive presentation of the actuating device or actuating plate or the imitation thereof is achieved.

[0031] In the application of the mounting frame according to the invention, the actuating device or the actuating plate terminates at the rear in the mounting plane of the mounting frame when installed as intended. This advantageously allows the unit consisting of the mounting frame and the actuating device or actuating plate to be positioned as close as possible to the wall.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the mounting frame has at least one web on its rear side, preferably a circumferential web, which defines the contact plane with which the mounting frame can be attached to a wall, in particular a building wall or partition wall, such that it touches the wall in its intended installed state. This allows the use of short fasteners and results in a space-saving fixing of the mounting frame to the wall. The circumferential web can be a collar-shaped section of the mounting frame or at least a section of the collar-shaped section of the mounting frame.

[0033] By using the mounting frame according to the invention on a wall for exhibition purposes, a wide variety of actuating devices or actuating plates or imitations of said actuating devices or actuating plates can be displayed by conveniently fixing them to a wall using the mounting frame and, if necessary, removing them in a very short time and exchanging them for other actuating devices or actuating plates or corresponding imitations.

[0034] According to the invention, the actuating device or actuator plate, or an imitation thereof, is attached directly to the mounting frame. This results in a particularly convenient and cost-effective presentation of the actuating device or actuator plate, or said imitation. This eliminates the need for accessories, such as a protective frame, which is often used in installations between the actuating device or actuator plate and the mounting frame. Furthermore, this design allows for a more space-saving and stable display arrangement.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing illustrating several exemplary embodiments. The drawing schematically shows: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a mounting frame in a perspective view; Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of a receiving opening of the frame. Fig. 1 The mounting frame shown; Fig. 3 a further embodiment of a mounting frame in a perspective view; Fig. 4 a detail view of a receiving opening of the Fig. 3 the mounting frame shown; and Fig. 5 a perspective view of a section of a wall that can be connected to a mounting frame.

[0036] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a mounting frame 1, which serves to mount an actuator plate for operating a valve in a sanitary installation, for example, a flush valve of a concealed cistern, or to mount a display version of such an actuator plate. The display version is a visually equivalent imitation of the actuator plate. The imitation has no technical function or does not possess all the functional properties of the actuator plate.

[0037] The mounting frame 1 has a substantially rectangular base shape with two narrow sides 2 and two wide sides 4. Furthermore, the mounting frame 1 has a collar-shaped section 6 that defines a substantially flat surface 8 of the mounting frame 1. The collar-shaped section 6 can be inserted into an access opening formed in a wall during the installation of the mounting frame 1. The mounting frame 1 is designed such that the collar-shaped section 6 is preferably arranged between the wall and an actuating plate that is detachably attached to the mounting frame 1. The collar-shaped section 6, or at least a portion of the collar-shaped section 6, which can also be referred to as a circumferential web 6, defines a contact plane with which the mounting frame 1 contacts the wall when installed.

[0038] The flat surface 8 of the mounting frame 1 has two spaced-apart receiving openings 10, which open at a distance in front of the mounting surface. In addition, the flat surface 8 contains four further circular recesses 12 and one substantially rectangular recess 14, which can be used, for example, for further securing the mounting frame 1 or through which a connection between the actuating device and the valve of the sanitary installation is enabled. Furthermore, a connecting element 15 for connecting the mounting frame 1 to the actuating device is provided in the area of ​​the flat surface 8.

[0039] Preferably, the receiving openings 10 are essentially mirror-symmetrical to the vertical center line 16 of the mounting frame 1. If required, the mounting frame 1 can also have additional receiving openings 10. The receiving openings 10 are located closer to the nearest narrow side 2 of the mounting frame 1 than to the vertical center line 16 of the mounting frame 1.

[0040] Examples of actuator plates that can be combined with the mounting frame 1 are not shown; however, actuator plates known from the prior art can be used for this purpose. An actuator plate is detachably mounted to the mounting frame 1 by means of the connecting element 15 as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0041] In Fig. 2 is a detailed view of an aperture 10 of the in Fig. 1 The mounting frame 1 is shown. The receiving opening 10 is designed as a through-hole, with the receiving opening 10 having a substantially circular recess 10.1 and a substantially elongated recess 10.2 adjoining the circular recess 10.1. The circular recess 10.1 is located below the elongated recess 10.2 and is wider than the elongated recess 10.2. The diameter of the substantially circular recess 10.1 is therefore larger than the width of the elongated recess 10.2.

[0042] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 Show a further embodiment of a mounting frame 1 or a detailed view of this further embodiment. In contrast to the one in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving openings 10 each have a further recess 10.3 designed as an elongated hole, which extends transversely to the first recess 10.2 and is located above the first recess 10.2 in the intended installed state of the mounting frame 1. The further recess 10.3 can also be referred to as an additional recess. It adjoins the first recess 10.2. The substantially circular recess 10.1, which is larger than the first recess 10.2, and the further recess 10.3 merge into the first recess 10.2. The recesses 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 together thus form the receiving opening 10. Preferably, a center point of the further recess 10.3 is located on the longitudinal axis of the first recess 10.2, and the further recess 10.3 extends symmetrically to this longitudinal axis.

[0043] Regarding the remaining items in the Figuren 3 and 4The elements and sections of the mounting frame 1 shown, in particular the elements designated by reference numerals 6, 12, 14 and 15, are described in the preceding description to avoid repetition. Figuren 1 and 2 referred.

[0044] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of a wall 18 that can be connected to a mounting frame 1. The wall 18 is provided with fasteners 20 in the form of fastening screws, by means of which a previously described mounting frame 1 can be detachably attached to the wall 18.

Claims

1. Use of a mounting frame (1) for an actuating device or for an imitation of an actuating device, in particular for an actuating plate or for an imitation of an actuating plate, wherein the actuating device or actuating plate is used to actuate at least one valve of a sanitary installation, in particular a drain valve of a concealed cistern, wherein the mounting frame (1) has at least two receiving openings (10) for releasably connecting the mounting frame (1) to fastening means (20), wherein the receiving openings (10) are arranged essentially mirror-symmetrically to a vertical center line (16) of the mounting frame (1), wherein the at least two receiving openings (10) each have a first, preferably substantially elongated recess (10.2) and a recess (10.1) adjoining the first recess (10.2) and widened, in particular widened in width, relative to the first recess (10.2), wherein the mounting frame (1) is designed for a detachable snap-fit connection with the actuating device or actuating plate, wherein the mounting frame (1) defines a rear contact plane with which it can be placed against a wall, in particular a building wall or pre-wall, in such a way that it contacts the wall in the intended installation state, wherein the receiving openings (10) open into the abutment plane or at a distance in front of the abutment plane, wherein the mounting frame (1) is used for the detachable mounting of an actuating device or actuating plate, which serves for at least one valve of a sanitary installation, in particular a drain valve of a concealed cistern, on a wall for display purposes, wherein the actuating device or actuating plate is detachably fastened directly to the mounting frame (1), and wherein the actuating device or actuating plate, in the intended installation state, surrounds the mounting frame and ends at the rear in the plane of the mounting frame (1).

2. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that the extended recess (10.1) is essentially circular in shape.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the extended recess (10.1) is arranged below the first recess (10.2) in the intended installation state of the mounting frame (1).

4. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mounting frame (1) has a basic shape with at least two sides running parallel to each other, preferably two parallel narrow sides (2) and / or two parallel wide sides (4), wherein a longitudinal axis of the respective receiving opening (10) or a longitudinal axis of the first, preferably substantially elongated recess (10.2) runs substantially parallel to two of the parallel sides (2 or 4).

5. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving openings (10) are designed as through holes.

6. Use according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving openings (10) each have a further recess (10.3), wherein the further recess (10.3) extends transversely to the first recess (10.2) and is arranged above the first recess (10.2) when the mounting frame (1) is installed as intended.

7. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that the further recess (10.3) is designed in the form of a slotted hole or slot.

8. Use according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a center point of the further recess (10.3) is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the first recess (10.2), wherein the further recess (10.3) extends mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the first recess (10.2).

9. Use according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the width of the further recess (10.3) varies, preferably decreases, with increasing distance from the longitudinal axis of the first recess (10.2).

10. Use according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mounting frame (1) has at least one web (6) on the rear side, preferably a circumferential web (6), which defines the contact plane with which the mounting frame (1) can be placed against a wall, in particular a building wall or a pre-wall, in such a way that it contacts the wall in the intended installation state.