ACTUATOR UNIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating unit for actuating a flushing valve according to claim 1 and a method for assembling an actuating unit according to claim 13. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Actuating units or actuating plates for flushing are known from the prior art. The actuating units each comprise at least one actuating element that acts on a push rod, which can be used to operate a flush valve.

[0003] EP 2 045 405 shows an actuating plate for a flushing mechanism. The actuating plate has a bearing plate with a bearing on its rear side, on which at least one actuating element for a flushing mechanism is pivotably mounted. The bearing is formed by at least one spring element that is connected at a first end to the bearing plate and at a second end to the at least one actuating element.

[0004] Further actuating units have become known from EP 3 192 931, WO2018203858A and CN202039431 U.

[0005] EP 2 226 437 discloses another actuating plate whose actuating buttons are reset via a spring element. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing an actuating unit which is structurally simple, in particular with regard to the interchangeability of the actuating elements.

[0007] These and other objects are achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Accordingly, an actuating unit for actuating a flush valve comprises a bearing plate, at least one actuating element movable 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 into an initial position after actuation. The at least one actuating element is pivotally 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 into 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.

[0008] The use of a return element to prevent the two hinge parts from separating has the advantage of allowing an existing element to serve as a kind of stop and preventing the need for an additional element. This simplifies the mechanical design.

[0009] In the assembled state, i.e. when the two hinge parts are engaged with each other, the return element opposes the separating movement into an unassembled state.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Preferably, two hinges and two return elements are provided 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 has an opening for the at least one actuating element, which is surrounded on all sides by an edge region of the bearing plate.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The second hinge parts thus protrude into the first gap. The return element blocks the second hinge part from moving out of the first hinge part. The return element acts as a stop element in the gap.

[0014] Preferably, the return element has a width in the section located in the second intermediate space that substantially corresponds to the width of the intermediate space. This means that, viewed from one of the second hinge parts, the return element extends completely across the width of the second intermediate space to the other of the second hinge parts.

[0015] The width of the return element is preferably selected such that, when mounted, it comes into contact with both second hinge parts.

[0016] Preferably, the first hinge part is a pivot mount and the second hinge part is a hinge pin. When assembled, the hinge pin engages the pivot mount.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 the bearing plate.

[0019] Preferably, the hinge pin is located at the free end of the arm. The arm is preferably designed to be elastically springy, allowing the arm to be easily bent during assembly and returning to its original position after assembly, allowing the hinge pin to slide into the pin receptacle.

[0020] Preferably, the hinge pin has a bevelled surface on the front side, which facilitates sliding into the first space.

[0021] Preferably, the pin receptacle is arranged in a bearing extension extending away from the at least one actuating element or the bearing plate.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Preferably, the bearing mount connects two first hinge parts to each other. This means that the bearing mount extends from one of the first hinge parts to the other of the first hinge parts.

[0024] The return element preferably has a bearing portion and a spring portion, wherein the bearing portion is mounted on the bearing receptacle. The bearing portion and the bearing receptacle are preferably configured such that a locking connection can be provided between the bearing portion and the bearing receptacle.

[0025] In one variant, the bearing mount is molded onto the bearing plate, and the spring section acts on the actuating element. In another variant, the bearing mount is mounted on the actuating element, and the spring section acts on the bearing plate.

[0026] Preferably, the bearing section of the return element has two parallel bearing webs that are connected to each other 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.

[0027] The spring section is preferably designed as a leaf spring.

[0028] 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 mount.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Preferably, the hinge parts are integrally formed on the bearing plate or the actuating plate.

[0031] A method for assembling an actuating unit according to the above description is characterized in that in a first step the two hinge parts are brought into engagement with each other and in that in a second step the return element is assembled.

[0032] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of Fig. 1Fig. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention before the assembly of at least one actuating element; Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention before the assembly of a return element; Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of an actuating unit according to the invention after the assembly of a return element; Fig. 6 is a top view of the Figure 5 ; Fig. 7a shows a first sectional view through a hinge; and Fig. 7b shows a second sectional view through the bearing point of the return element; DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The actuating element 3 can be pivoted relative to the bearing plate 2 from an initial 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 initial position after actuation.

[0037] The actuating element 3 is pivotably connected to the bearing plate 2 via at least one hinge 5. In the embodiment shown, two hinges 5 are present per actuating element 3. The hinge 5 has at least a first hinge part 6 and at least one second hinge part 7. The two hinge parts 6, 7 are pivotally connected to one another such that the two hinge parts 6, 7 can be pivoted relative to one another. The return element 4 is arranged such 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.

[0038] One return element 4 is arranged per hinge 5. In the embodiment shown, two return elements 4 are therefore present per actuating element 2.

[0039] In the Figure 1The actuating unit is shown before assembly, with the actuating elements 3 and the return element 4 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 engagement of the hinge parts 6, 7 into each other. Figure 4 the hinge parts are engaged 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 return elements 4 are in the assembled state.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Of the Figure 2It can be seen that two first hinge parts 6 are arranged at a distance from one another. 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 one another. 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. Figure 5 and 6It can be seen that the return element 4 protrudes into the second intermediate space 9. As a result, the return element 4 acts in the second intermediate space 9 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.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the first hinge part 6 is a pivot receptacle 10, and the second hinge part 7 is a hinge pivot 11. The hinge pivot 11 engages in the pivot receptacle 10. With multiple hinge parts, as in the embodiment shown, all hinge pivots 11 are located on the same axis, and all pivot receptacles 10 are also located on the same axis. In the assembled state, the axes of the hinge pivots 11 are collinear with the axes of the pivot receptacles 10.

[0043] The return element 4 has a width in the section located in the second intermediate space 9 that substantially corresponds to the width of the intermediate space 9. The width of the second intermediate space 9 is the width when the second hinge parts 7 engage with the first hinge parts 6.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the hinge pin 11 is integrally 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 each other 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 the pin receptacles 10, the arms 12 spring away from each other again.

[0045] The pin receptacle 10 is arranged in a bearing extension 13 extending away from the bearing plate 2. Here, two spaced-apart bearing extensions 13 are arranged, which delimit the first intermediate space 8.

[0046] The return element 4 is mounted on a bearing support 14. The bearing support 14 is integrally formed on the bearing plate 2. In the embodiment shown, the bearing support extends from one bearing extension 13 to the other bearing extension 13.

[0047] 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 rear side of the actuating element 3.

[0048] As reported by the Figures 7a and 7bAs can be seen, the bearing section 15 has two parallel bearing webs 17, which are connected to one another via a connecting web 18. The bearing webs 17 and the connecting web 18 encompass 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.

[0049] The hinge pins 11 are preferably slightly bevelled on their end face 23 with an inclined surface 24 so that the hinge pins 11 can slide more easily into the first intermediate space 8.

[0050] On the rear side, each of the actuating elements 3 has at least one stop element 24. The stop element 24 rests against the rear side of the bearing plate 2. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0051] 1 Actuating unit 2 Bearing plate 3 Actuating element 4 Return element 5 Hinge 6 First hinge part 7 Second hinge part 8 First gap 9 Second gap 10 Pin receptacle 11 Hinge pin 12 Arm 13 Bearing extension 14 Bearing receptacle 15 Bearing section 16 Spring section 17 Bearing webs 18 Connecting web 19 Locking element 20 Opening 21 Edge 22 Rear edge 23 End face 24 Stop element

Claims

1. 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 has taken place, 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) comprises at least one first hinge part (6) and at least one second hinge part (7), wherein the hinge parts (6, 7) are relative to each other pivotably engaged with each other, and wherein the at least one 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).

2. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that two first hinge parts (6) are arranged at a distance from each other in such a way that a first intermediate space (8) is provided between the first hinge parts (6); and in that two second hinge parts (7) are arranged at a distance from one another in such a way that a second intermediate space (9) is provided between the second hinge parts (7), wherein the second hinge parts (7) engage into the respective first hinge part (6) from the first intermediate space (8) 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).

3. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the return element (4) in the section located in the second intermediate space (9) has a width which essentially corresponds to the width of the intermediate space (9).

4. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first hinge part (6) is a pin receiver (10) and that the second hinge part (7) is a hinge pin (11), wherein the hinge pin (11) engaging in the pin receiver (10).

5. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the hinge pin (11) is formed on an arm (12) extending away from the at least one actuating element (3) or from the bearing plate (2).

6. Actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the pin receiver (10) is arranged in a bearing extension (13) extending away from the at least one actuating element (3) or the bearing plate (2).

7. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return element (4) is mounted on a bearing receiver (14) on the at least one actuating element (3) or on the bearing plate (2).

8. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 7, thereby dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the bearing receiver (14) connects two first hinge parts (6) to one another.

9. 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), the bearing section (15) being mounted on the receiver (14).

10. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, that the bearing receiver (14) is formed on the bearing plate (2) and the spring section (16) acts on the actuating element; or that the bearing receiver (14) is mounted on the actuating element (3) and the spring section (16) acts on the bearing plate (2).

11. 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) engaging around the bearing receiver (14).

12. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that a locking element (19) adjoins one of the bearing webs (17) and in that the spring section (16) adjoins the other bearing web (17), the locking element (19) forming a locking connection with the bearing receiver (14).

13. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, 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 in that the at least one second hinge part (7) is arranged on the bearing plate (2) and in that the at least one first hinge part (6) is arranged on the actuating element (3).

14. Method for mounting 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 in that, in a second step, the return element (4) is mounted.