Actuating device for triggering a flushing of a sanitary article

Abstract

An actuating device (1) for triggering a flush of a sanitary article comprises an actuating plate (2) having at least one actuating element (3) and a bearing frame (4), wherein the actuating plate (3) and the bearing frame (4) can be connected via a fastening structure (5);wherein the fastening structure (5) has at least a first fastening point (6) and a second fastening point (7), wherein the first fastening point (6) has a first receptacle (6a) and a first pin (6b) engaging in the first receptacle (6a), wherein the first receptacle (6a) and the first pin (6b) are designed such that the first pin (6b) is guided in the first receptacle (6a) without locking, and wherein the second fastening point (7) has a second receptacle (7a) and a second pin (7b) engaging in the second receptacle (7a), wherein the second receptacle (7a) and the second pin (7b) are designed such that the second pin (7b) is firmly locked in the second receptacle (7a) with respect to a movement transverse to the pin axis (Z7) of the second pin (7b).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating device for triggering a flush of a sanitary article according to claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Actuating devices for triggering the flush of a sanitary article, such as a toilet or urinal, are known from the prior art. EP 2 388 380 discloses such an actuating device as an example. The actuating device disclosed here comprises an actuating plate with at least one button for triggering the flush.

[0003] Another actuating device is known from DE 86 177 85 U. Here, a support frame is arranged in front of a wall opening, and the actuating plate is connected to this support frame. The support frame is supported on a wall surface of a wall panel, and the actuating plate covers the support frame. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of providing an actuating device with an actuating plate and a bearing frame, which provides a good and permanent connection between the actuating plate and the bearing frame. This is particularly true under the condition of simple assembly of the actuating plate on the bearing frame.

[0005] These and other objects are achieved by the actuating device according to claim 1. The actuating device serves to trigger the flushing of a sanitary article. The actuating device comprises an actuating plate which has at least one actuating element, and a bearing frame. The actuating plate and the bearing frame can be connected to one another via a fastening structure. The fastening structure has at least a first fastening point and a second fastening point. The first fastening point has a first receptacle and a first pin engaging in the first receptacle. The first receptacle and the first pin are designed such that the first pin is guided in the first receptacle without locking. The second fastening point has a second receptacle and a second pin engaging in the second receptacle.The second receptacle and the second pin are designed such that the second pin is firmly locked in the second receptacle with respect to a movement transverse to the pin axis of the second pin.

[0006] This type of bearing has the advantage that during installation, the first pin can be positioned in the area of ​​the first receptacle, and that as the actuator plate moves progressively toward the bearing frame, the actuator plate performs a pivoting movement around the pin that slides into the first receptacle. This type of bearing also has the advantage that both bearing pins can be brought into contact with their respective receptacles simultaneously, resulting in a kind of parallel movement between the bearing plate and the actuator plate. This provides the installer with several installation options.

[0007] Because the locking mechanism between the pin and the receptacle is provided at only one of the two mounting points, and the pin is non-locking in the other mounting point, large tolerances can be accommodated. This is especially true because the pins do not have to lock into both receptacles.

[0008] The actuating element is preferably an actuating button movably mounted in the actuating plate. Alternatively, the actuating element can also be an electronic sensor, such as an infrared sensor.

[0009] Preferably, the actuating element is arranged so that it can move, in particular pivot, relative to the actuating plate. For this purpose, the actuating element is connected to the actuating plate via a hinge.

[0010] The bearing frame is preferably connected to a cistern or parts of a cistern.

[0011] The tenon axis extends centrally through the respective tenon.

[0012] Preferably, the first receptacle is designed such that the first pin can be pivoted about the pin axis of the first pin.

[0013] Preferably, said receptacles are arranged on the actuating plate, and said pins are arranged on the bearing frame. Alternatively, said pins are arranged on the actuating plate, and said receptacles are arranged on the bearing frame.

[0014] Preferably, the shape of the first receptacle is different from the shape of the second receptacle. This prevents, for example, the first pin from sliding past the first receptacle when the second pin engages in the second receptacle when the actuator plate is mounted on the bearing frame. The secure sliding or locking of the pins in the receptacles ensures secure attachment of the actuator plate to the bearing frame.

[0015] Preferably, the first pin and the second pin are substantially identical or identical to one another. Alternatively, the pins may also be configured differently from one another.

[0016] Preferably, the first pin and / or the second pin have a cylindrical portion and a recessed portion. The cylindrical portion extends partially around a pin axis, and the recessed portion provides a recess in the respective pin.

[0017] This design allows the cross-section of the pin to be made smaller, thus saving material. Furthermore, the pin can be designed to be more stable against deformation under force compared to pins with a smaller diameter.

[0018] In other words, the recess section extends as a recess from the outside into the cylinder, such that the lateral surface of the cylinder section extends only partially around the central axis.

[0019] Preferably, the fit between the first receptacle and the first pin is designed as a clearance fit. Alternatively, the fit between the first receptacle and the first pin is designed as a clearance fit at least in the vertical direction. The vertical direction is the direction that runs vertically in the installed position, i.e., in the perpendicular direction.

[0020] Preferably, the clearance fit is a fit with a clearance of maximum 0.2 millimeters, in particular maximum 0.1 millimeters.

[0021] Preferably, a first guide section is assigned to the first receptacle, wherein the first pin can be moved through the guide section via an assembly movement in a direction transverse to its pin axis and is inserted into the first receptacle via this movement.

[0022] The first guide section is formed with a free passage opposite the receptacle, through which the first pin can be inserted into the first guide section. The free passage can have a clear width that is larger or smaller than the corresponding extension of the pin. If the clear width is smaller than the extension of the pin, a constriction is created that prevents the pin from sliding uncontrollably into the first receptacle during assembly. However, the constriction is dimensioned in such a way that it does not provide a true locking mechanism, but merely a slight resistance.

[0023] Preferably, the first guide section is designed such that the first pin can pivot in the guide section when moving through the first guide section.

[0024] Preferably, the first guide section is designed such that the first pin is guided on the top and bottom sides.

[0025] Preferably, a second guide section is associated with the second receptacle. At least one locking cam is arranged at the transition from the second guide section to the second receptacle, providing said locking. The second pin can be moved through the second guide section via an assembly movement in a direction transverse to its pin axis, and is inserted into the second receptacle via this movement.

[0026] The second guide section preferably has an upper guide surface and a lower guide surface. Preferably, the lower guide surface extends further from the second receptacle than the upper guide surface, as viewed from the second receptacle. Alternatively, the upper guide surface extends further from the second receptacle than the lower guide surface. The longer design of one guide surface allows the pin to be guided over a longer distance.

[0027] Preferably, the upper guide surface and / or the lower guide surface is oriented such that when the second pin is inserted into the second receptacle, the first pin is moved into the first receptacle.

[0028] Preferably, the upper guide surface and / or the lower guide surface is oriented such that when the second pin is inserted into the second receptacle, the actuating plate is moved towards the bearing frame and from top to bottom with respect to the bearing frame.

[0029] Preferably, the bearing frame is formed with a frame recess, wherein the frame recess is laterally delimited by side walls and wherein the first pin and the second pin protrude into the frame recess away from the side walls.

[0030] Preferably, the first fastening points and the second fastening points are arranged in pairs. This means that there are two first fastening points and two second fastening points. Particularly preferably, the two first fastening points are located on opposite side walls of the bearing frame, and the two second fastening points are also located on opposite side walls of the bearing frame.

[0031] Preferably, the first receptacle and the second receptacle each have a stop surface, wherein when a force is applied during actuation of the at least one actuating element, the stop surface is pressed against the first pin and the second pin.

[0032] In a method for assembling an actuating device as described above, the first receptacle is brought into contact with the first pin, the actuating plate being pivoted about the pin axis of the first pin as the first pin slides into the first receptacle, and the second receptacle being brought into contact with the second pin during the pivoting movement. After contact between the second receptacle and the second pin, the actuating plate is displaced further toward the bearing frame until the respective pins are fully seated in the respective receptacle.

[0033] In an alternative method, the first receptacle is brought into contact with the first pin and the second receptacle is brought into contact with the second pin, the actuating plate being moved towards the bearing frame and from top to bottom with respect to the bearing frame as the first pin slides into the first receptacle and as the second pin slides into the second receptacle.

[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 are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an actuating device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an actuating plate of the actuating device according to Figure 1 from behind; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a bearing plate of the actuating device according to Figure 1 from behind; Fig. 4a a sectional side view of the actuating device according to Figure 1 from the side before assembly; Fig. 4b sectioned side view of the actuating device after Figure 1 from the side during assembly; Fig. 4c a sectional side view of the actuating device according to Figure 1 from the side during assembly; and Fig. 4 shows a sectional side view of the actuating device after Figure 1 from the side after assembly. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the Figure 1An exploded view of the actuating device 1 for triggering a flush of a sanitary article according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The actuating device 1 comprises an actuating plate 2 and a bearing frame 4. The actuating plate 2 can be connected to the bearing frame 4. The actuating plate 2 and the bearing frame 4 are connectable to one another via a fastening structure 5. The bearing frame 4 is connected to another sanitary article, such as a cistern.

[0037] The actuating plate 2 comprises at least one actuating element 3, which here as shown in the Figure 2 As can be seen, it is mounted on the actuating plate 2 via at least one hinge 18. In other embodiments, the actuating element can also be an electronic sensor.

[0038] The fastening structure 5 has at least one first fastening point 6 and at least one second fastening point 7. Here, two first fastening points 6 and two second fastening points 7 are arranged.

[0039] The first fastening point 6 has a first receptacle 6a and a first pin 6b engaging in the first receptacle 6a. The first receptacle 6a is arranged on the actuating plate 2, and the first pin 6b is arranged on the bearing frame 4. The first pin 6b engages in the first receptacle 6a. The first receptacle 6a and the first pin 6b are designed such that the first pin 6b is guided in the first receptacle 6a without locking. The fit between the first receptacle 6a and the first pin 6b is preferably designed as a clearance fit.

[0040] The second fastening point 7 has a second receptacle 7a and a second pin 7b engaging in the second receptacle 7a. The second receptacle 7a is arranged on the actuating plate 2, and the second pin 7b is arranged on the bearing frame 4. The second pin 7b engages in the second receptacle 7a. The second receptacle 7a and the second pin 7b are designed such that the second pin 7b is firmly locked in the second receptacle 7a with respect to a movement transverse to the pin axis Z7 of the second pin 7b.

[0041] Of the Figures 1 to 3 It can be seen that the shape of the first receptacle 6a is different from the shape of the second receptacle 7a and that the first pin 6b and the second pin 7b are essentially of the same type or identical to one another.

[0042] From all figures, it can be seen that the first pin 6b and the second pin 7b have a cylindrical portion 8 and a recessed portion 9 on their circumference. The cylindrical portion 8 extends partially around a pin axis Z6, Z7. The recessed portion 9 provides a recess in the respective pin 6b, 7b.

[0043] In the embodiment according to the figures, receptacles 6a, 7a are arranged on the actuating plate 2 and the pins 6b, 7b are arranged on the bearing frame 4.

[0044] Based on the Figure 4a the preferred designs of recordings 6a and 7a are explained in more detail.

[0045] A first guide section 10 is assigned to the first receptacle 6a. Viewed in the insertion direction of the first pin 6b, the first guide section 10 is located in front of the first receptacle 6a. This means that when the first pin 6b is inserted into the first receptacle 6a, the first pin 6b is guided by the first receptacle 6a. The first pin 6b can be moved through the guide section via an assembly movement in a direction transverse to its pin axis, and via this movement, the first pin 6b can be inserted into the first receptacle 6a.

[0046] The first guide section 10 is designed such that the first pin 6b can pivot within the guide section 10 during movement through the guide section 10. Preferably, the guide section 10 is designed such that the first pin 6b is guided on the top and bottom sides.

[0047] A second guide section 12 is assigned to the second receptacle 7a. Viewed in the insertion direction of the second pin 7b, the second guide section 12 lies in front of the second receptacle 7a. This means that when the second pin 7b is inserted into the second receptacle 7a, the second pin 7b is guided into the second receptacle 7a by the guide section 12. The second pin 7b can be moved through the guide section via an assembly movement in a direction transverse to its pin axis, and via this movement the second pin 7b can be inserted into the second receptacle 7a. At least one locking cam 13 is arranged in the transition from the second guide section 12 to the second receptacle 6a. The at least one locking cam 13 ensures the aforementioned locking of the second pin 7b in the second receptacle 7a.

[0048] The second guide section 12 here has an upper guide surface 14 and a lower guide surface 15. The lower guide surface 15 protrudes further from the second receptacle 7a than the upper guide surface 14, as viewed from the second receptacle 7a. Preferably, the upper guide surface 14 protrudes further from the second receptacle 7a than the lower guide surface 15, as viewed from the second receptacle 7a.

[0049] Preferably, the upper guide surface 14 and / or the lower guide surface 15 is oriented such that when the second pin 7b is inserted into the second receptacle 7a, the first pin 6b is moved into the first receptacle 6a. Particularly preferably, the upper guide surface 14 and / or the lower guide surface 15 is oriented such that when the second pin 7b is inserted into the second receptacle 7a, the actuating plate 2 is moved toward the bearing frame 4 and from top to bottom with respect to the bearing frame 4.

[0050] Both guide sections 10, 12 have a free passage 11, 19 through which the respective pin 6b, 7b slides into the respective guide section 10, 12.

[0051] In the Figure 4a The actuator plate 2 is shown spaced from the bearing frame 4 before the assembly process. In a first step of the assembly, the first receptacle 6a is brought into contact with the first pin 6b. The actuator plate 2 is thereby Figure 4b shown, oriented at an angle to the bearing frame 4. During further movement, the actuating plate 2 is further pivoted relative to the bearing frame 4. This is shown in the Figure 4c shown. The first pin 6b is pivoted in the area of ​​the first guide section 10. At the same time, the second pin 7b slides into the second guide section 12. Here, the second pin 7b comes into contact with the lower guide surface 15. The actuating plate 2 is moved from the position according to the Figure 4cfurther pivoted until the actuating plate 2 is parallel to the bearing frame 4 and the pins 6b, 7b are completely in the respective receptacle 6a, 7a, which is Figure 4d is shown.

[0052] In an assembly method for assembling the actuating device 1, the first receptacle 6a is brought into contact with the first pin 6b, the actuating plate 2 being pivoted about the pin axis of the first pin 6b as the first pin 6b slides into the first receptacle 6a, and the second receptacle 7a is brought into contact with the second pin 7b during the pivoting. After the contact between the second receptacle 7a and the second pin 7b, the actuating plate 2 is displaced further in the direction of the bearing frame 4 until the respective pins 6b, 7b are fully seated in the respective receptacle 6a, 7a.

[0053] Of the Figure 3It can be seen that the bearing frame 4 is formed with a frame recess 16. The frame recess 16 is laterally delimited by side walls 17. The first pin 6b and the second pin 7b protrude from the side walls 17 into the frame recess 16.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, two first fastening points 6 and two second fastening points 7 are arranged. Each first fastening point 6 and each second fastening point 7 are located on the same side wall 17, and each first fastening point 6 and each second fastening point 7 are located on a side wall 17 opposite the frame recess.

[0055] The first fastening point 6 on one side wall 17 is at the same height as the first fastening point 6 on the other side wall 17. Thus, the respective pin axes of the respective first pins 6b are collinear with each other.

[0056] The first receptacle 6a and the second receptacle 7a each have a stop surface 20, wherein when a force is applied during the actuation of the at least one actuating element 3, the stop surface 20 is pressed against the first pin 6b and the second pin 7b.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the first receptacle 6a is open on the side from which the first pin 6b protrudes, and opposite said side, a wall region 21 extends across the cross section of the first receptacle 6a. The second receptacle 7a is open on the side from which the second pin 7b protrudes, and opposite said side, the second receptacle 7a is also open. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0058] 1 Actuating device 2 Actuating plate 3 Actuating element 4 Bearing frame 5 Fastening structure 6 First fastening point 6a First receptacle 6 First pin 7 Second fastening point 7a Second receptacle 7b Second pin 8 Cylinder section 9 Recess section 10 First guide section 11 Free passage 12 Second guide section 13 Locking cam 14 Upper guide surface 15 Lower guide surface 16 Frame recess 17 Side walls 18 Hinge 19 Free passage 20 Stop surface Z6 Pin axis Z7 Pin axis

Claims

1. Actuating device (1) for triggering a flush of a sanitary article, comprising an actuating plate (2) having at least one actuating element (3) and a bearing frame (4), wherein the actuating plate (3) and the bearing frame (4) are connectable via a fastening structure (5);wherein the fastening structure (5) has at least a first fastening point (6) and a second fastening point (7), wherein the first fastening point (6) has a first receptacle (6a) and a first pin (6b) engaging in the first receptacle (6a), wherein the first receptacle (6a) and the first pin (6b) are designed such that the first pin (6b) is guided in the first receptacle (6a) without locking, and wherein the second fastening point (7) has a second receptacle (7a) and a second pin (7b) engaging in the second receptacle (7a), wherein the second receptacle (7a) and the second pin (7b) are designed such that the second pin (7b) is firmly locked in the second receptacle (7a) with respect to a movement transverse to the pin axis (Z7) of the second pin (7b).

2. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of the first receptacle (6a) is different from the shape of the second receptacle (7a).

3. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pin (6b) and the second pin (7b) are essentially of the same type or identical to one another.

4. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pin (6b) and / or the second pin (7b) have a cylinder section (8) and a recess section (9), wherein the cylinder section (8) extends partially around a pin axis and wherein the recess section (9) provides a recess in the respective pin (6b, 7b).

5. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fit between the first receptacle (6a) and the first pin (6b) is designed as a clearance fit; or that the fit between the first receptacle (6a) and the first pin (6b) is designed as a clearance fit at least in the vertical direction.

6. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first guide section (10) is assigned to the first receptacle (6a), wherein the first pin (6b) can be moved through the guide section (10) via an assembly movement in a direction transverse to its pin axis and is inserted into the first receptacle (6a) via this movement.

7. Actuating device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the first guide section (10) is designed such that the first pin (6b) is pivotable in the guide section (10) when moving through the first guide section (10); and / or that the first guide section (10) is designed such that the first pin (6b) is guided on the top and bottom sides.

8. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata second guide section (12) is assigned to the second receptacle (7a), wherein at least one locking cam (13) is arranged in the transition from the second guide section (12) to the second receptacle (7a), which locking cam provides said locking; and wherein the second pin (7b) is movable through the second guide section (12) via an assembly movement in a direction transverse to its pin axis (Z) and is inserted into the second receptacle (7a) via this movement.

9. Actuating device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the second guide section (12) has an upper guide surface (14) and a lower guide surface (15), wherein the lower guide surface (15) projects further away from the second receptacle (7a) than the upper guide surface (14), as viewed from the second receptacle (7a); or wherein the upper guide surface (14) projects further away from the second receptacle (7a) than the lower guide surface (15), as viewed from the second receptacle (7a).

10. Actuating device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the upper guide surface (14) and / or the lower guide surface (15) is oriented such that when the second pin (7b) is inserted into the second receptacle (7a), the first pin (6b) is moved into the first receptacle (6a); and / or that the upper guide surface (14) and / or the lower guide surface (15) is oriented such that when the second pin (7b) is inserted into the second receptacle (7a), the actuating plate (2) is moved relative to the bearing frame (4) towards the bearing frame (4) and from top to bottom.

11. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing frame (4) is formed with a frame recess (16), wherein the frame recess (16) is laterally delimited by side walls (17) and wherein the first pin (6b) and the second pin (7b) protrude into the frame recess (16) away from the side walls (17).

12. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two of the first fastening points (6) and two of the second fastening points (7) are arranged.

13. Actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first receptacle (6a) and the second receptacle (7a) each have a stop surface (20), wherein when a force is applied during the actuation of the at least one actuating element (3), the stop surface is pressed against the first pin (6b) and the second pin (7b).

14. A method for assembling an actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first receptacle (6a) is brought into contact with the first pin (6b), wherein the actuating plate (2) is pivoted about the pin axis (Z) of the first pin (6b) as the first pin (6b) slides into the first receptacle (6a), and during the pivoting, the second receptacle (7a) is brought into contact with the second pin (7b), and wherein the actuating plate (2) is displaced further in the direction of the bearing frame (4) after the contact between the second receptacle (7a) and the second pin (7b) until the respective pins (6b, 7b) lie completely in the respective receptacle (6a, 7a);or wherein the first receptacle (6a) is brought into contact with the first pin (6b) and the second receptacle (7a) is brought into contact with the second pin (7b), wherein the actuating plate (2) is moved towards the bearing frame and from top to bottom with respect to the bearing frame (4) during the sliding of the first pin (6b) into the first receptacle (6a) and during the sliding of the second pin (7b) into the second receptacle (7a);

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