Actuating unit

Abstract

Actuating unit (1) for actuating a flushing valve comprising a support element (2) with at least one fastening element (3) for fastening the support element (2) and with at least one bearing point (4) on the support element side, a front plate (5) with at least one bearing point (7) on the plate side, and at least one actuating element (6), wherein the at least one bearing point (4) on the support element side can be brought into engagement with the at least one bearing point (7) on the plate side along an assembly movement (M), wherein the actuating unit (1) further comprises a locking structure (8) with a first locking element (9) and a second locking element (10), wherein the first locking element (9) can be moved from a release position to a locking position, wherein in the release position the two locking elements (9, 10) are spaced apart from each other such thatthat the front panel (5) is displaceable along the assembly movement (M) relative to the support element (2), wherein in the locking position the two locking elements (9, 10) are engaged with each other, such that a separation movement (T) between the front panel (5) and the support element (2) contrary to the assembly movement (M) is prevented, and wherein the first locking element (9) furthermore has an indicator section (11) which in the release position projects laterally beyond an edge (12) of the front panel (5), and which in the locking position lies completely behind the front panel (5).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

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

[0002] A variety of actuating units or actuator plates for flushing are known from the prior art. Such actuating units typically comprise one or two actuating buttons. The actuating buttons typically actuate push rods, which then mechanically actuate a flush valve in a cistern, thus triggering the flush. Actuating units with sensors for user detection are also known. Furthermore, pneumatically actuated actuating units are known from the prior art. Pneumatically actuated actuating units can be arranged directly on the cistern or remotely from it. Actuating units with detection sensors are also known. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Based on this prior art, the present invention aims to provide an actuating unit that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide an actuating unit that facilitates the assembly of the front panel in the sense of ensuring secure completion or complete assembly.

[0004] The subject matter of claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, an actuating unit for actuating a flushing valve comprises a support element with at least one fastening element for fastening the support element and with at least one bearing point on the support element side, a front plate with at least one bearing point on the plate side, and at least one actuating element. Preferably, the at least one bearing point on the support element side can be brought into engagement with the at least one bearing point on the plate side during an assembly movement. The actuating unit further comprises a locking structure with a first locking element and a second locking element. The first locking element can be moved from a release position to a locking position. In the release position, the two locking elements are spaced apart from each other such that the front plate can be displaced relative to the support element during the assembly movement.In the locked position, the two locking elements are engaged in such a way that a separation movement between the front panel and the support element opposite to the assembly movement is prevented. The first locking element also has an indicator section which, in the release position, projects laterally beyond an edge of the front panel, and which, in the locked position, lies completely behind the front panel.

[0005] In the release position, the first locking element protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the front panel, such that the indicator section is visible when viewing the front of the panel. In the locked position, the first locking element lies completely behind the front panel, such that the first locking element, and in particular the indicator section, is not visible when viewed from the front or is covered by the front panel.

[0006] The indicator element has the advantage that, after positioning the actuator on the support element, the installer can see that the indicator section protrudes laterally from the front panel and that the first locking element needs to be moved. This ensures that the installer performs the locking step using the locking element.

[0007] The fact that the indicator section protrudes laterally from the front panel indicates to the installer that the installation is incomplete or unfinished and needs to be rectified.

[0008] The actuating element is preferably part of the front panel. However, it can also be arranged on the support element. The actuating element can take the form of one or more push buttons. Alternatively, the actuating element can also be designed as a sensor.

[0009] In a first embodiment, the first locking element is slidably mounted on the support element, and the second locking element is arranged on the front panel. Preferably, the second locking element is fixedly arranged on the front panel.

[0010] In a second embodiment, the first locking element is slidably mounted on the front panel, and the second locking element is arranged on the support element. Preferably, the second locking element is fixedly arranged on the support element.

[0011] Preferably, the first locking element in the locking position can be locked to the support element and / or to the front panel via a locking structure in such a way that the first locking element is held in the locking position.

[0012] Preferably, the first locking element in the release position can be locked to the support element and / or to the front panel via a locking structure in such a way that the first locking element is held in the release position.

[0013] The locking structure is designed in such a way that it can be released when a force is applied which is intended to move the locking element from the locking position to the release position.

[0014] Preferably, the fixed engagement between the locking element and the locking receptacle is such that a separation movement between the bearing element and the support element is prevented.

[0015] In one variant, the aforementioned locking structure has a locking lug and at least one locking recess. In the locked state, the locking lug engages in the at least one locking recess. In another variant, the aforementioned locking structure has at least one locking lug and one locking recess. In the locked state, the locking lug engages in the at least one locking recess.

[0016] Preferably, exactly one locking lug and two locking recesses are provided, wherein the locking lug engages in one of the two locking recesses in the release position and engages in the other of the two locking recesses in the locking position.

[0017] Preferably, exactly one detent recess and two detent lugs are provided, wherein in the release position one of the two detent lugs engages in the detent recess and in the locking position the other of the two detent lugs engages in the detent recess. Preferably, the first locking element has a guide section which is mounted in a longitudinal guide, wherein the first locking element with the guide section is displaceable in the longitudinal guide from the release position to the locking position.

[0018] The longitudinal guide is located either on the support element and / or on the front panel.

[0019] Preferably, the guide section has a locking hook which engages a locking surface on the longitudinal guide, wherein the locking hook with a hook surface slides along the locking surface during the movement of the locking element.

[0020] Preferably, the locking hook is part of a locking tab, wherein the front plate and / or the support element have a mounting opening. The locking tab is designed to fit the mounting opening such that it can slide into it. The locking tab and the mounting opening are arranged relative to each other such that the guide section can only be inserted into the longitudinal guide when the first locking element is to be moved into its release position. A stop surface is arranged adjacent to the mounting opening, wherein, when the first locking element is in the locked position, the locking tab is positioned opposite the stop surface, and the stop surface provides a stop against the locking tab springing back.

[0021] In a first variant, the at least one bearing point on the support element side is a bearing receptacle, and the at least one bearing point on the plate side is a bearing journal, wherein the bearing journal can be inserted into the bearing receptacle along the assembly direction. In a second variant, the plate-side bearing point is a bearing receptacle, and the bearing point on the support element side is a bearing journal, wherein the bearing journal can be inserted into the bearing receptacle along the assembly direction. A third variant is a combination of the first and second variants.

[0022] Preferably, the bearing journal extends along a journal axis, with the assembly direction running transversely to the journal axis.

[0023] The bearing receptacle preferably has a snap-in section which allows the bearing pin to snap into the bearing receptacle.

[0024] Preferably, two bearing points are provided on each of two opposite sides of the front panel or support element, resulting in a total of four bearing points.

[0025] Preferably, the first locking element has a first stop surface and the second locking element has a second stop surface. In the locked position, the two stop surfaces are engaged or in contact with each other. The two stop surfaces abut each other in the locked position.

[0026] Preferably, at least one of the aforementioned stop surfaces is inclined at an angle to the direction of movement of the first locking element. The angle is inclined such that, when the first locking element moves into the locked position, the two bearing points can be moved towards each other by the contact of the two stop surfaces. In other words, the angled design of the stop surfaces clamps the front plate to the support element.

[0027] Preferably, the first locking element has at least one hook section which hooks onto a corresponding hook section on the front panel and / or on the support element when the first locking element is in the locked position.

[0028] Preferably, two attachment sections are arranged opposite each other on the securing element.

[0029] A method for assembling an actuating unit according to the above description is characterized by the fact that In a first step, the at least one bearing point on the plate side of the front panel is connected to the at least one bearing point on the support element side, wherein during the connection the front panel is moved in the direction of assembly relative to the support element, and wherein, when the two bearing points are in full engagement with each other, the front panel is connected to the support element, and that in a second step the first locking element is moved from the release position to the locking position and is brought into engagement with the second locking element, such that the separation movement between the front panel and the support element is prevented in the opposite direction to the assembly movement.

[0030] Preferably, the first locking element is moved into the release position before the first step, provided it is in the locking position.

[0031] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] 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 an actuating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention from the rear; Fig. 2 the perspective exploded view according to Figure 1from the front; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the assembled actuating unit according to the preceding figures; Fig. 4 a front view of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures during assembly; Figs. 5 / 6 perspective views of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures during assembly; Fig. 7 a front view of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures after assembly; Figs. 8 / 9 perspective views of the actuating unit according to the preceding figures after assembly; Fig. 10 a perspective view of a first locking element of an actuating unit according to the preceding figures from the front; and Fig. 11 a perspective view of the first locking element after Figure 10 from behind. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0033] The figures show a particularly preferred embodiment of an actuating unit 1 for actuating a flushing valve. The actuating unit 1 can be a mechanical actuating unit in which movement of an actuating button causes the flushing valve to lift. The actuating unit 1 can also be an electronic actuating unit in which a sensor detects use and then provides a control signal for opening the flushing valve. The actuating unit 1 can also be a pneumatically driven actuating unit, wherein an actuating button acts on a pneumatic trigger, which is then connected via a pneumatic line to an actuator for lifting the flushing valve.

[0034] In the Figures 1 and 2 Exploded views of actuating unit 1 are shown from different perspectives.

[0035] The actuating unit 1 comprises a support element 2 and a front panel 5. The front panel 5 is attached to the support element 2. Furthermore, the actuating unit 1 comprises at least one actuating element 6. The actuating element 6 can be an actuating button mounted on the front panel 5. Alternatively, the actuating element 6 can be a sensor mounted, for example, on the front panel 5 or on the support element 2.

[0036] The support element 2 comprises at least one fastening element 3 for securing the support element 2. Four fastening elements 3 are arranged here. The fastening elements 3 engage, for example, in bearing points on an element that is fixedly mounted to the wall of a sanitary room. For example, the fastening elements engage in bearing points on a cistern, a rough-in box, or a mounting frame. The fastening elements 3 can have threaded sections or snap-fit ​​sections for locking with a counterpart. Preferably, the fastening elements 3 are rotatably mounted in openings 32 on the support element 2.

[0037] Furthermore, the support element 2 includes at least one support element-side bearing point 4. The support element-side bearing points 4 are separated from the Figure 2As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment four support element-side bearing points 4 are arranged. Two support element-side bearing points 4 are located opposite each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element-side bearing points 4 have the form of bearing journals 21, which extend along a central axis.

[0038] The front panel 5 has at least one panel-side bearing point 7. The at least one panel-side bearing point 7 is from the Figure 1 As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment four plate-side bearing points 7 are arranged. Two plate-side bearing points 7 are opposite each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate-side bearing points 7 have the form of bearing receptacles 20.

[0039] The at least one bearing point 4 on the support element side can be brought into engagement with the at least one bearing point 7 on the plate side during an assembly movement M. When the bearing point 4 on the support element side is engaged with the bearing point 7 on the plate side, the front plate 5 is attached to the support element 2. In the embodiment shown, the bearing pins 21 engage in the bearing receptacles 20. The engagement is shown in the sectional view of the Figure 3 shown. The sectional view of the Figure 3 shows a section along the section line S, which is located in the Figure 2 The assembly movement M is oriented transversely to the central axis of the bearing journals 21.

[0040] It can be seen from all figures that the actuating unit 1 further comprises a locking structure 8 with a first locking element 9 and a second locking element 10. The first locking element 9 is movable from a release position to a locking position and back. In the release position, the two locking elements 9 and 10 are spaced apart from each other such that the front plate 5 is displaceable along the assembly movement M relative to the support element 2. The front plate 5 is also displaceable along a separation movement T. In the locking position, the two locking elements 9 and 10 are engaged with each other in such a way that a separation movement T between the front plate 5 and the support element 2 opposite to the assembly movement M is prevented. The preferred design and function of the two locking elements 9 and 10 are explained in more detail below.

[0041] In the Figures 4 to 6The locking elements 9 and 10 are shown in the release position. Figures 7 to 9 The locking elements 9 and 10 are shown in the locked position. The first locking element 9 also has an indicator section 11. In the released position, the indicator section 11 projects laterally beyond an edge 12 of the front plate 5. This is shown in the Figure 4 shown. During installation, the installer sees the view according to the Figure 4 and will easily recognize that the assembly is not yet complete as long as the indicator section 11 protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the front panel 5. The installer will recognize from this lateral protrusion that the first locking element 9 still needs to be actuated, that is, that it must be moved from the release position to the locked position. In the Figure 7 will change the view of Figure 4The first locking element 9 is shown in the locked position and is completely behind the front panel 5. The first locking element 9 is therefore no longer visible when looking at the front panel 5.

[0042] Of the Figure 2 It is evident that the first locking element 9 is slidably mounted on the support element 2. The second locking element 10 is arranged on the front panel 5. The second locking element 10 is designed as a rigid locking element that projects from the rear of the front panel 5.

[0043] In the Figure 3 The effect of the two locking elements 9, 10 in the locking position is shown. The support element-side bearing points 4 and the plate-side bearing points 7 are, as in the Figure 3The first locking element 9 has a first stop surface 22, and the second locking element 10 has a second stop surface 23. In the locked position, the two stop surfaces 22 and 23 are engaged with each other. This means that the two stop surfaces 22 and 23 are in contact with each other. The separation movement between the front panel 5 and the support element 2 is blocked by this engagement or contact. To separate the front panel 5 from the support element 2, the front panel 5 must be in the Figure 3 The movement is to be moved upwards towards the stationary support element 2. This movement is prevented by the engagement or contact between the two stop surfaces 22, 23. When the first locking element 9 is in the release position, the movement can be carried out accordingly.

[0044] Of the Figure 11It is evident that at least one of the aforementioned stop surfaces 22, 23 is oriented at an angle α, alpha relative to the direction of movement of the first locking element 9. The angle α, alpha is inclined such that, when the first locking element 9 moves into the locked position, the two bearing points can be moved towards each other by the contact of the two stop surfaces 22, 23.

[0045] The first locking element 9 has a guide section 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element has a longitudinal guide 16. The longitudinal guide 16 is visible in various figures. The guide section 15 projects into the longitudinal guide and can be moved within the longitudinal guide 16 from the release position to the locking position.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the guide section 15 has a locking hook 17.

[0047] The locking hook 17 engages a locking surface 18 on the longitudinal guide. The locking hook 17 slides along the locking surface 18 with a hook surface 19 as the locking element moves. This sliding motion can be compared to the Figures 5 / 6 with the Figures 8 / 9 be easily recognized.

[0048] In the Figures 5 / 6 and the Figures 8 / 9It is shown that here the locking hook 17 is part of a locking tab 26. The front plate 5 and / or the support element 2 have a mounting opening 27. The locking tab 26 is designed to fit the mounting opening 27. During assembly or disassembly, the locking tab 26 can slide into the mounting opening 27. During assembly or disassembly, the locking tab 26 is lifted over the locking surface 18 so that the locking hook 17 can be guided against the locking surface 18. The locking tab 26 and the mounting opening 27 are arranged relative to each other such that the guide section 15 can only be inserted into the longitudinal guide 16 when the first locking element 9 is to be inserted into its release position. A stop surface 28 is arranged adjacent to the mounting opening, whereby, when the first locking element 9 is inserted, as shown in the Figures 8 / 9The first locking element 9 is shown in the locked position, with the locking tab 26 positioned opposite the stop surface 28, and the stop surface 28 providing a stop against the spring-up of the locking tab 26. Thus, the connection between the first locking element 9 and the support element 2 cannot be released when the first locking element 9 is in the locked position.

[0049] Of the Figures 5 and 8It is further evident that the first locking element 9 can be locked in the locked position via a locking structure 13, 14a, 14b with the support element 2, such that the first locking element is held in both the locked and released positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking structure has a locking lug 13 and at least one locking recess 14a, 14b, wherein the locking lug 13 engages in the at least one locking recess 14a, 14b when locked. Here, two locking recesses 14a, 14b are arranged. When the locking lug 13 engages with the locking recess 14a, the first locking element 9 is in the released position. When the locking lug 13 engages with the locking recess 14b, the first locking element 9 is in the locked position.

[0050] Furthermore, from the Figures 5 and 8It is evident that the first locking element 9 has at least one hook section 24 which hooks onto a corresponding hook section 25 on the support element 2 when the first locking element 9 is in the locking position.

[0051] In the Figures 10 and 11 The first locking element 9 is shown in isolation. A tab section 29 connects to the guide section 15. The indicator section 11 extends from the tab section 29 to one side. On the other side, that is, opposite the indicator section 11, an additional section 30 projects from the tab section 29. Both the indicator section 11 and the additional section 30 feature the aforementioned mounting section 24. Additionally, a symbol 31 is arranged on the tab section 29, which indicates the direction of movement of the first locking element 9 to the installer.

[0052] A method for assembling an actuating unit 1 according to the above description essentially comprises two steps. In a first step, the at least one bearing point 7 on the plate side of the front plate 5 is connected to the at least one bearing point 4 on the support element side of the support element 2. During this connection, the front plate 5 is displaced relative to the support element 2 in the direction of the assembly direction M. When the two bearing points 7 and 4 are fully engaged with each other, the front plate 5 is connected to the support element 2. In a second step, the first locking element 9 is moved from the release position to the locking position and engaged with the second locking element 10. The engagement is such that, as explained above, the separation movement T between the front plate 5 and the support element 2 is prevented in the opposite direction to the assembly movement M. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0053] 1 Actuating unit 2 Support element 3 Fastening element 4 Support element-side bearing point 5 Front panel 6 Actuating element 7 Panel-side bearing point 8 Locking structure 9 First locking element 10 Second locking element 11 Indicator section 12 Edge of 5 13 Detent lug 14a, b Detent recess 15 Guide section 16 Longitudinal guide 17 Detent hook 18 Detent surface 19 Hook surface 20 Bearing receptacle 21 Bearing pin 22 First stop surface 23 Second stop surface 24 Mounting section 25 Mounting section 26 Detent tab 27 Mounting opening 28 Stop surface 29 Tab section 30 Additional section 31 Symbolism 32 Openings M Mounting movement T Separation movement S Section line

Claims

1. Actuating unit (1) for actuating a flushing valve comprising a support element (2) with at least one fastening element (3) for fastening the support element (2) and with at least one bearing point (4) on the support element side, a front plate (5) with at least one bearing point (7) on the plate side, and at least one actuating element (6), wherein the at least one bearing point (4) on the support element side can be brought into engagement with the at least one bearing point (7) on the plate side along an assembly movement (M), wherein the actuating unit (1) further comprises a locking structure (8) with a first locking element (9) and a second locking element (10), wherein the first locking element (9) can be moved from a release position to a locking position, wherein in the release position the two locking elements (9, 10) are spaced apart from each other such thatthat the front panel (5) is displaceable along the assembly movement (M) relative to the support element (2), wherein in the locking position the two locking elements (9, 10) are engaged with each other, such that a separation movement (T) between the front panel (5) and the support element (2) contrary to the assembly movement (M) is prevented, and wherein the first locking element (9) furthermore has an indicator section (11) which in the release position projects laterally beyond an edge (12) of the front panel (5), and which in the locking position lies completely behind the front panel (5).

2. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first locking element (9) is slidably mounted on the support element (2) and the second locking element (10) is arranged on the front panel (5); or thatthe first locking element (9) is slidably mounted on the front panel (5) and the second locking element (10) is arranged on the support element (2).

3. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first locking element (9) can be locked in the locking position via a locking structure (13, 14a, 14b) with the support element (2) and / or with the front plate (5) such that the first locking element is held in the locking position; and / or that the first locking element (9) in the release position can be locked to the support element (2) and / or to the front plate (5) via a locking structure (13, 14a, 14b) in such a way that the first locking element (9) is held in the release position.

4. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatthe locking structure has a locking lug (13) and at least one locking recess (14a, 14b), wherein the locking lug (13) engages in the at least one locking recess (14a, 14b) when locked; or the locking structure has at least one locking lug (13) and a locking recess (14a, 14b), wherein the locking lug (13) engages in the at least one locking recess (14a, 14b) when locked.

5. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first locking element has a guide section (15) which is mounted in a longitudinal guide (16), wherein the first locking element with the guide section (15) is displaceable in the longitudinal guide (16) from the release position to the locking position.

6. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact thatthe guide section (15) has a locking hook (17) which engages a locking surface (18) on the longitudinal guide (16), wherein the locking hook (17) slides along the locking surface (18) with a hook surface (19) during the movement of the locking element.

7. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe locking hook (17) is part of a locking tab (26), wherein the front plate (5) and / or the support element (2) have a mounting opening (27), wherein the locking tab (26) is designed to fit the mounting opening (27) such that the locking tab (26) can slide into the mounting opening (27), and wherein the locking tab (26) and the mounting opening (27) are arranged relative to each other such that insertion of the guide section (15) into the longitudinal guide (16) is only possible when the first locking element (9) is to be inserted into its release position, and wherein a stop surface (28) is arranged adjacent to the mounting opening, wherein, when the first locking element (9) is in the locking position, the locking tab (26) is opposite the stop surface (28), and wherein the stop surface (28) provides a stop against the spring-up of the locking tab (26).

8. Actuating unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe at least one support element-side bearing point (4) is a bearing receptacle (20) and the at least one plate-side bearing point (7) is a bearing pin (21), wherein the bearing pin (21) can be inserted into the bearing receptacle (20) along the assembly direction (M); and / or that the plate-side bearing point (7) is a bearing receptacle (20) and the support element-side bearing point (4) is a bearing pin (21), wherein the bearing pin (21) can be inserted into the bearing receptacle (20) along the assembly direction (M).

9. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first locking element (9) has a first stop surface (22) and the second locking element (10) has a second stop surface (23), wherein the two stop surfaces (22, 23) are engaged with each other in the locking position.

10. Actuating unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatat least one of the aforementioned stop surfaces (22, 23) is oriented at an angle (α, alpha) to the direction of movement of the first locking element (9), wherein the angle (α, alpha) is inclined such that when the first locking element (9) moves into the locking position, the two bearing points can be moved towards each other by contact of the two stop surfaces (22, 23).

11. Actuating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first locking element (9) has at least one hook section (24) which hooks onto a corresponding hook section (25) on the front panel (5) and / or on the support element (2) when the first locking element (9) is in the locking position.

12. Method for assembling an actuating unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatIn a first step, the at least one bearing point (7) on the plate side of the front plate (5) is connected to the at least one bearing point (4) on the support element side of the support element (2), wherein during the connection the front plate (5) is moved in the direction of the assembly direction (M) relative to the support element (2), and wherein when the two bearing points (7, 4) are in full engagement with each other, the front plate (5) is connected to the support element (2), and that in a second step the first locking element (9) is moved from the release position to the locking position and is brought into engagement with the second locking element (10), such that the separation movement (T) between the front plate (5) and the support element (2) is prevented in the opposite direction to the assembly movement (M).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by the fact thatthe first locking element (9) is moved into the release position before the first step, provided it is in the locking position.

Images