ACTIVATION UNIT

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

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

[0002] Actuating devices for toilet or urinal cisterns are known in the prior art. For example, EP 1 491 690 discloses an actuating device for a flush valve of a cistern. The actuating device comprises an actuating plate in which at least one actuating button for flushing is mounted. The actuating button is connected to the actuating plate via a hinge. A disadvantage arises when large forces are applied to the actuating button, as the hinge pin can be forced out of the hinge receptacle. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing an actuating unit that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an actuating unit is to be provided whose actuating elements have an improved hinge configuration, specifically that the hinge configuration prevents the actuating element from being pushed out when a greater force is applied to the front surface of the actuating element.

[0004] The actuating unit for operating a flushing valve according to claim 1 solves these and other tasks. Accordingly, the actuating unit comprises a bearing plate and at least one actuating element, movable relative to the bearing plate, in particular pivotable, with a front surface and a rear surface. The at least one actuating element is pivotably connected to the bearing plate via at least one hinge. The at least one hinge has a bolt receptacle and a bolt pivotably mounted in the bolt receptacle about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is defined by the central axis of the bolt or by the central axis of the bolt receptacle. The bolt receptacle has a through opening through which the bolt can be inserted into the bolt receptacle in a direction transverse to the pivot axis.The bolt receptacle has a retaining tab on at least one of the edges that limit the opening, which, when the bolt is inserted, provides a stop to prevent the bolt from moving out of the bolt receptacle.

[0005] The arrangement of the retaining tab offers the advantage that, even when a large force is applied to at least one actuating element, the bolt cannot be forced out of the bolt receptacle. The bolt rests against the retaining tab. In other words, the retaining tab provides a stop for the bolt, preventing it from being moved out of the hinge receptacle.

[0006] Preferably, at least two hinges are arranged per actuating element.

[0007] The retaining tab is positioned in such a way that the clear opening width is reduced. This means that the retaining tab projects from the edge that borders the opening into the opening itself.

[0008] Preferably, the retaining tab is elastically resilient and / or elastically mounted such that it moves elastically when the bolt is inserted into the bolt receptacle. The shape of the retaining tab is such that, after the bolt has been inserted into the bolt receptacle, it provides resistance or a stop to prevent the bolt from being pushed out.

[0009] The elastic movement is such that the clear width of the opening increases when the bolt is inserted and returns to its original position when the bolt is in place.

[0010] Preferably, the retaining tab has a retaining surface which is oriented in such a way that it acts as a stop against the bolt when it moves out of the bolt receptacle.

[0011] Preferably, the retaining tab projects into the bolt receptacle when viewed from the opening.

[0012] Preferably, the retaining tab extends, viewed in the direction of the pivot axis, over a portion of the length of the edge or over a portion of the length of the opening. Alternatively, the retaining tab extends, viewed in the direction of the pivot axis, over the entire length of the edge or over the entire length of the opening.

[0013] Preferably, only one of the two edges has said retaining tab, wherein the edge of the opening has a concave rounding opposite the retaining tab.

[0014] Alternatively, both edges have the aforementioned retaining tab.

[0015] Preferably, the wall sections of the bolt receptacle adjoining the opening are designed as elastic spring tabs, with the wall sections projecting away from the bearing plate. This means that the wall sections can deform elastically when the bolt is inserted into the bolt receptacle. The opening, or the edge facing the opening, is located at or near the free end of the respective wall section.

[0016] When the bolt is inserted, the wall sections designed as spring tabs flex radially away from the bolt. Once the bolt is fully inserted, the spring tabs spring back to their original position.

[0017] Preferably, the bolt has at least one cylindrical bearing section which pivotably rests against the inner wall that defines the bolt receptacle. The inner wall is also cylindrical in the area where the at least one cylindrical bearing section rests. The cylindrical shape of the bearing section and the inner wall is preferably circular.

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

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

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

[0021] The ribs stiffen the cross-section of the retention section.

[0022] Preferably, when the bolt is in the bolt receptacle, at least one of the ribs, or the rib itself, is positioned substantially opposite the retaining tab. This ensures that when force is applied, the rib is pressed against the inner wall of the bolt receptacle and the cylindrical cross-section is pressed against the retaining element.

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

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

[0025] Preferably, two ribs are present. The two ribs can be positioned at an angle of 75° to 135°, particularly 80° to 100°, and most preferably 90° to each other. Other angles are also conceivable.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the edges defining the opening has a lead-in surface. Preferably, the retaining tab opposite the bolt receptacle has a lead-in surface. The arrangement of lead-in surfaces facilitates the insertion of the bolt into the bolt receptacle.

[0027] Preferably, the bolt is mounted on at least one actuating element via two bearing lugs.

[0028] Preferably, the bolt receptacle is integrally formed on the bearing plate and the bolt is integrally formed on the actuating element. Alternatively, the bolt receptacle can be integrally formed on the actuating element and the bolt is integrally formed on the bearing plate.

[0029] Preferably, the actuating unit further comprises a return element which acts on the actuating element via an effective surface. The return element allows the at least one actuating element to be moved back to its initial position after actuation. Preferably, the return element is mounted in a bearing located below the hinge receptacle.

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

[0031] Preferably, the bearing plate has at least one opening, which is bounded by a plate edge. The at least one actuating element is located in the at least one opening. When actuated, the actuating element can be pivoted out of the opening on the rear side. The spring section projects at least partially from the plate edge into the clear width of the opening.

[0032] The aforementioned back side of the bearing plate is formed by the plate edge.

[0033] An arrangement comprises a cistern with a flush valve and an actuator, wherein the at least one actuating element acts on and actuates the actuator. The actuator can, for example, be a push rod that acts directly or indirectly on the flush valve. Alternatively, the actuator can also be an electromechanical actuator, such as a motor.

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

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of the actuating unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the assembled actuating unit according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 3a a sectional view of the Figure 1 ; Fig. 3-legged detail view of the Figure 3aFig. 4 a detailed view of the hinge pin; Fig. 5 a sectional view through the hinge of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures during assembly; Fig. 6 a sectional view through the hinge of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures after assembly; Fig. 7 another sectional view through the hinge of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures after assembly; Fig. 8 the sectional view after Figure 6 when a force is applied to the actuating element; and Fig. 9 a perspective detail view of the Figures 6 to 7 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0036] The figures show an embodiment of an actuating unit 1 according to the invention. The actuating unit 1 serves to actuate a flushing valve which is arranged in a cistern.

[0037] The actuating unit 1 comprises a bearing plate 2 and at least one, here two, actuating elements 3, which are movable relative to the bearing plate 2. The at least one actuating element 3 is pivotably connected to the bearing plate 2 via at least one hinge 6. The at least one actuating element 3 can be pivoted relative to the bearing plate 2 via a pivot axis S.

[0038] In the Figure 1 The actuating unit 1 is shown before the assembly of at least one actuating element 3. From the Figure 1It can be clearly seen that the hinge 6 has a bolt receptacle 7 and a bolt 8 pivotably mounted in the bolt receptacle 7 about a pivot axis S. Here, the bolt receptacle 7 is part of the bearing plate 2 and the bolt 8 is part of the actuating element 3. In other embodiments, it is also possible that the bolt receptacle 7 is part of the actuating element 3 and that the bolt 8 is part of the bearing plate 2. Two hinges 6 are arranged per actuating element 3.

[0039] In the Figure 2 The assembled actuating unit 1 is shown, wherein the at least one actuating element 3 is connected to the bearing plate 2 with the at least one hinge 6.

[0040] In the Figure 3a and in the detailed view of the Figure 3bIt is shown that the bolt receptacle 7 has a through opening 9. The bolt 8 can be inserted into the bolt receptacle 7 through this through opening 9. The bolt 8 is inserted into the bolt receptacle 7 along the direction of arrow P. The bolt receptacle 7 has a retaining tab 11 on at least one of the edges 10 that define the opening 9. In cross-section, the retaining tab 11 projects into the opening 9, thus reducing its clear width W. Furthermore, the retaining tab 11 projects into the bolt receptacle 7 from the opening 9. When the bolt 8 is inserted, the retaining tab 11 provides a stop to prevent the bolt 8 from moving out of the bolt receptacle 7.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, only one of the two edges 10 has the aforementioned retaining tab 11. The other edge 10 of the opening 9 opposite the retaining tab 11 has a concave curve 13.

[0042] In the Figure 5 The bolt 8 is shown during its insertion into the bolt receptacle 7. The bolt 8 is located in the opening 9. The retaining tab 11 is elastically resilient. The wall sections 14 of the bolt receptacle 7, which adjoin the opening 9, are designed as elastic spring tabs 15. These wall sections 14 project from the bearing plate 2. The retaining tab 11 is located at the front end of the wall sections 14. Consequently, the retaining tab 11 can move elastically when the bolt 8 is inserted into the bolt receptacle 7. This movement occurs both relative to the wall section 14 and with the wall section 14 relative to the bearing plate 2.

[0043] In the Figure 6and 7 The bolt 8 is shown in the state in which the bolt 8 is completely inserted into the bolt receptacle 7. In the Figure 8 Finally, the position that bolt 8 assumes when a large force is exerted on the actuating element 3 is shown. Within its play, bolt 8 is then pressed against the retaining tab 11 in the bolt receptacle 7, and the retaining tab 11 blocks further movement of bolt 8 out of the bolt receptacle 7.

[0044] The retaining tab 11 has a retaining surface 12 for contact with the bolt 8 during the aforementioned force action. The retaining surface 12 is oriented such that it acts as a stop against the bolt 8 when it moves out of the bolt receptacle 7. Preferably, the retaining surface is located slightly above the pivot axis S.

[0045] Of the Figure 4 and the Figure 9It becomes apparent that the bolt has at least one bearing section 16 and one retaining section 18. Here, two bearing sections 16 are arranged, and the retaining section 18 lies between these two bearing sections 16. The bearing section 16 is cylindrical and pivotably rests against an inner wall 17 that defines the bolt receptacle. The inner wall 17 is also cylindrical. This is shown in the Figure 4 and in the cross-section of Figure 7 shown, which extends through the bearing section 16. The retention section 18 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing section 16. This is shown in the cross-sections of the Figures 5, 6 and 8The retaining tab 11 is shown, extending through the retaining section 18. It acts on the retaining section 18 and is positioned between the two bearing sections 16. The retaining section 18 projects between the two bearing sections 16 and comes into contact with the retaining section 18. Laterally, the retaining section 18 can be in contact with the annular surfaces that form the diameter transition from the bearing section 16 to the retaining section 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining tab 11 acts exclusively on the retaining section 18 and not on the bearing section 16. Preferably, the retaining tab 11 has the same width, viewed in the direction of the pivot axis S, as the retaining section 18. This means that the retaining tab 11 engages radially in the retaining section 18 and lies between the two bearing sections 16, providing a stop for their movement in the direction of the pivot axis S.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining section 18 has a cylindrical cross-section. At least one, here two, ribs 19 project radially from the cylindrical cross-section. The at least one rib 19 stiffens the cross-section of the retaining section.

[0047] Of the Figure 6 and 8 It becomes apparent that when the bolt is in the bolt receptacle, at least one of the ribs 19 is located substantially opposite the retaining tab 11. The other of the ribs 19 projects rearward toward the inner wall 17 opposite the opening 9. The two ribs 19, which are shown in the preferred embodiment, are at an angle of 75° to 135°, in particular 80° to 100°, and most preferably 90°, to each other.

[0048] The figures also show that at least one of the edges 10, which define the opening 9, has an inlet surface 20, and that the retaining tab 11 has an inlet surface 20 opposite the bolt receptacle 7.

[0049] Preferably, the bolt 8 is mounted on the at least one actuating element via two bearing lugs 21. The retaining lug 11 is positioned as shown in the Figure 9 shown, from a bridge 23, which forms the front end of the wall areas 14.

[0050] Preferably, the actuating unit 1 further comprises a return element 24, which acts on the actuating element via an effective surface 25. The return element 24 allows the at least one actuating element 3 to be moved back to its initial position after actuation. Preferably, the return element 24 is mounted in a bearing point 26, which is located below the bolt receptacle 7. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0051] 1 Actuating unit 2 Bearing plate 3 Actuating element 4 Front surface 5 Rear surface 6 Hinge 7 Bolt receptacle 8 Bolt 9 Opening 10 Edge 11 Retaining tab 12 Retaining surface 13 Concave curve 14 Wall areas 15 Spring tab 16 Cylindrical bearing section 17 Inner wall 18 Retaining section 19 Rib 20 Inlet surface 21 Bearing tabs 23 Web 24 Return element 25 Working surface 26 Bearing point S Swivel axis W Clear width PP Arrow

Claims

1. Actuating unit (1) for actuating a flushing valve, comprising a bearing plate (2), and at least one actuating element (3) which is movable relative to the bearing plate (2) and comprises a front surface (4) and a rear surface (5), wherein the at least one actuating element (3) is pivotably connected to the bearing plate (2) via at least one hinge (6), wherein 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), wherein the bolt receptacle (7) comprises a continuous breakthrough (9) by way of which the bolt (8) is able to be inserted into the bolt receptacle (7) in a direction transverse to the pivot axis (S), characterized in that, on at least one of the edges (10) which delimit the breakthrough (9), the bolt receptacle (7) comprises a retaining tab (11) which, with a bolt (8) inserted, provides a stop for a movement of the bolt (8) out of the bolt receptacle (7).

2. Actuating unit (1)according to Claim 1, characterized in that the retaining tab (11) reduces the clear width (W) of the breakthrough (9).

3. Actuating unit (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining tab (11) is formed in an elastically resilient manner and / or is mounted in an elastically resilient manner in such a way that, when the bolt (8) is being inserted into the bolt receptacle (7), the retaining tab (11) is moved in an elastically resilient manner.

4. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining tab (11) comprises a retaining surface (12) which is oriented in such a way that it opposes the bolt (8) as a stop during a movement out of the bolt receptacle.

5. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when viewed from the breakthrough (9), the retaining tab (11) projects into the bolt receptacle (7).

6. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining tab (11) extends over a sub-region of the length of the edge (10) or over a sub-region of the length of the breakthrough (9), respectively; or in that the retaining tab (11) extends over the full length of the edge (10) or over the full length of the breakthrough (9), respectively.

7. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only one of the two edges (10) comprises said retaining tab (11), wherein the edge (10) of the breakthrough (9) opposite the retaining tab (11) preferably comprises a concave rounding (13); or in that both edges comprise said retaining tab (11).

8. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall regions (14) of the bolt receptacle (7) which adjoin the breakthrough (9) are designed as elastic spring tabs (15), wherein the wall regions (14) protrude from the bearing plate (2).

9. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bolt (8) comprises at least one cylindrical bearing portion (16) which abuts pivotably against the inner wall (17) which delimits the bolt receptacle (7), and in that the bolt (8) comprises at least one retention portion (18) whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing portion (16), wherein the retaining tab (11) acts on the retention portion (18), in particular wherein the retaining tab (11) acts exclusively on the retention portion (18) and not on the bearing portion (16).

10. Actuating unit (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that at least one retention portion (18) is arranged adjacent to at least one bearing portion (16), in particular in that the retention portion (18) is arranged between two bearing portions (16).

11. Actuating unit (1) according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the retention portion (18) comprises a cylindrical cross section from which at least one rib (19) protrudes radially in relation to the cylindrical cross section.

12. Actuating unit (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that, when the bolt is situated in the bolt receptacle, at least one of the ribs (19) is situated substantially opposite the retaining tab (11); and / or in that at least one of the ribs (19) and the retaining tab (11) have the same length and / or are at the same position when viewed in the direction of the pivot axis; and / or in that, when viewed in relation to the pivot axis (S), at least one of the ribs (19) is situated opposite the breakthrough (9); and / or in that two ribs (19) are provided which are arranged at an angle of 75° to 135°, in particular of 80° to 100°, particularly preferably of 90°, to one another.

13. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the edges (10) delimiting the breakthrough (9) comprises a run-in surface (20); and / or in that the retaining tab (11) comprises a run-in surface (20) opposite the bolt receptacle (7).