Arrangement for actuating a flush valve

Abstract

Proposed is an arrangement for actuating a flush valve, comprising: a bearing element (1); a lever element (2) which is mounted on the bearing element (1) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S), has a first lever portion (3) for acting on a flush valve and has a second lever portion (4) having at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5) arranged on the second lever portion (4); and a push rod (6) which extends along a central axis (M), has at least one push-rod-side bearing point (7) by which the push rod (6) is mounted on the at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5), and has an actuating portion (8) via which an actuating movement (B) can be applied to the push rod (6); wherein the push rod (6), when actuated, can be moved in the direction of its central axis (M) along a longitudinal direction, and wherein the at least one push-rod-side bearing point (7) and the at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5) are designed such that, as the push rod (6) moves, a pivoting movement is permitted about a further pivot axis (L) between the at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5) and the at least one push-rod-side bearing point (7).

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATION OF A FLUSH VALVE

[0003] TECHNICAL AREA

[0004] The present invention relates to an arrangement for actuating a flushing valve according to claim 1.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] DE 31 39 834 A1 discloses an actuating device for a flush valve of a toilet cistern. The actuating device comprises a lever assembly with two lever arms. One of the two lever arms engages a tab on the flush valve, and a nut with an internal thread is pivotally mounted on the other lever arm. A push rod with an external thread can be screwed into the nut. When actuated, the push rod is moved along its central axis, thereby pivoting the lever assembly to actuate the flush valve.

[0007] Due to the articulated mounting of the nut, it is possible that during installation the center axis of the nut's internal thread will not be collinear with the center axis of the external thread of the push rod. Installation can still proceed, however, by using a tool or manipulating the push rod to pivot the nut until the screw connection can be re-established.

[0008] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement for actuating a flushing valve that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a particularly preferred objective of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for actuating a flushing valve that is easier to install.

[0010] The arrangement for actuating a flushing valve according to claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, the arrangement comprises a bearing element, a lever element pivotably mounted on the bearing element about a pivot axis, the lever element having a first lever section for acting on a flushing valve and a second lever section with at least one bearing point on the lever element side of the second lever section, and a push rod extending along a central axis with at least one bearing point on the push rod side, by which the push rod is supported at the at least one bearing point on the lever element side. The push rod further has an actuating section via which the push rod can be subjected to an actuating movement. When actuated, the push rod is movable along a longitudinal direction in the direction of its central axis.The at least one bearing point on the push rod side and the at least one bearing point on the lever element side are designed in such a way that, when the push rod is moved, a pivoting movement about a further pivot axis is allowed between the at least one bearing point on the lever element side and the at least one bearing point on the push rod side.

[0011] By arranging the bearing point on the lever element and designing the two bearing points to allow pivoting relative to each other, a simple structure can be created. In particular, the need for a separate element, such as the nut known from the prior art, can be eliminated. Furthermore, the structure is easy to assemble, as the alignment of the individual elements during assembly is unnecessary.

[0012] The pivoting movement between the two bearing points occurs about a pivot axis that runs parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis of the lever element. During this pivoting movement, the at least one bearing point on the lever element side and the at least one bearing point on the push rod side are pivoted relative to each other about this further pivot axis. In other words, the at least one bearing point on the push rod side and the at least one bearing point on the lever element side are designed such that, when the push rod is moved, a pivoting movement of the at least one bearing point on the lever element side relative to the at least one bearing point on the push rod side is permitted. The pivoting movement is performed about the aforementioned pivot axis.

[0013] The bearing element is positioned in a fixed location relative to the cistern and the actuating unit when installed. The actuating unit operates the push rod, which moves towards the cistern and thus activates the lever element.

[0014] Preferably, at least one bearing point on the lever element side is in direct engagement with at least one bearing point on the push rod side. This direct engagement eliminates the need for an additional element between the push rod and the lever element.

[0015] Preferably, a large number of bearing points on the push rod side are arranged spaced apart from each other along the central axis.

[0016] Preferably, two bearing points on the pushrod side are arranged opposite each other with respect to the central axis, each forming a bearing pair. A plurality of bearing pairs are arranged at intervals along the central axis.

[0017] The bearing points or pairs of bearing points are preferably arranged at regular intervals. The spacing can be chosen such that the bearing points or pairs of bearing points are adjacent to each other. Preferably, the bearing points or pairs of bearing points are arranged directly one after the other when viewed along the central axis. That is, one bearing point or pair of bearing points follows directly and immediately another bearing point or pair of bearing points.

[0018] Preferably, two of the aforementioned lever-element bearing points are arranged, with the two lever-element bearing points being arranged opposite each other and the push rod being positioned between the two bearing points. This means that the two bearing points are located to the left and right of the push rod.

[0019] Preferably, the lever element has a passage with side walls on the second lever section. The push rod extends through the passage, and the at least one bearing point on the lever element side is arranged on one of the side walls. In one embodiment, the side surfaces preferably extend completely around the circumference of the push rod. The passage is thus closed on its circumference. In another embodiment, the side surfaces do not extend completely around the circumference of the push rod. For example, a U-shaped passage is conceivable.

[0020] Preferably, two, and in particular exactly two, of the aforementioned lever-element-side bearing points are arranged opposite each other with respect to the passage. Preferably, the at least one lever-element-side bearing point projects into the passage.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the at least one bearing point on the lever element side is designed as a bearing journal with a circular cylindrical cross-section, and the at least one bearing point on the push rod side is designed as a bearing receptacle. The bearing receptacle preferably also has a circular cylindrical cross-section. The bearing journal projects into the bearing receptacle.

[0022] In a second embodiment, the at least one bearing point on the push rod side is designed as a bearing journal with a circular cylindrical cross-section, and the at least one bearing point on the lever element side is designed as a bearing receptacle. The bearing receptacle preferably also has a circular cylindrical cross-section. The bearing journal projects into the bearing receptacle.

[0023] Preferably, the outer diameter of the bearing journal is smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing receptacle, so that the bearing journal lies in the bearing receptacle with play transverse to the further pivot axis.

[0024] Preferably, the bearing journal and the bearing receptacle are designed such that axial play in the direction of the further pivot axis is present between the bearing journal and the bearing receptacle.

[0025] Preferably, the bearing receptacle is laterally surrounded by a side wall that extends around the circular cylindrical cross-section. The side wall has an opening through which the bearing journal can be moved into the bearing receptacle. In other words, the side wall provides a circular cylindrical circumferential surface, the circular cylindrical circumferential surface being interrupted by the opening.

[0026] Preferably, at least one snap element is formed on the side wall in the area of ​​the opening, which prevents the bearing pin from sliding out of the bearing receptacle through the opening transversely to the further pivot axis.

[0027] In a first variant, the openings of the bearing receptacle on one side of the actuator rod are arranged opposite to the openings of the bearing receptacles on the other side of the actuator rod, such that the bearing journals and the bearing receptacles can be connected by a pivoting movement of the actuator rod around its central axis. In other words, the bearing receptacle on one side is open at the top with the opening, and the bearing receptacle on the other side is open at the bottom with the opening.In other words, this means that in the first variant, with two bearing mounts opposite each other with respect to the central axis, the openings of the bearing mounts on one side of the central axis are arranged on opposite sides from the openings of the bearing mounts on the other side of the central axis in such a way that the bearing journals and the bearing mounts can be connected by a pivoting movement of the push rod around the central axis of the push rod.

[0028] In a second variant, the openings of the bearing receptacles on one side of the actuator rod are arranged in the same position as the openings of the bearing receptacles on the other side of the actuator rod, such that the bearing journals and the bearing receptacles can be connected by moving the actuator rod transversely to its central axis. In other words, if two bearing receptacles are opposite each other with respect to their central axis, the openings are arranged on the same side, such that the bearing journals and the bearing receptacles can be connected by moving the actuator rod transversely to its central axis.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one bearing point on the lever element side is rigidly formed or arranged on the second lever section.

[0030] The bearing point on the lever element side is preferably integrally formed on the second lever section.

[0031] Preferably, the actuating section has an actuating surface, wherein the actuating surface is arranged to be displaceable relative to the push rod in the direction of the central axis. The actuating surface is fixedly arranged on the push rod.

[0032] A flushing arrangement comprises an arrangement as described above, a flushing valve and an actuating unit with an actuating button, wherein the actuating button acts on the push rod and wherein the flushing valve can be actuated by the movement of the lever element.

[0033] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0034] 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:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an arrangement for actuating a flushing valve according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of Figure 1, showing elements of the arrangement in an assembly position;

[0038] Fig. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of Figure 2, showing elements of the arrangement in an assembly position;

[0039] Fig. 4 shows the view according to Figure 2 in the assembled position;

[0040] Fig. 5 shows the view according to Figure 3 in the assembled position;

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a cutaway side view of the arrangement in its initial position; and

[0042] Fig. 7 shows a cutaway side view of the arrangement in the actuating position.

[0043] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0044] The figures show various views of an arrangement for actuating a flushing valve. Figure 1 shows a perspective view from which the elements of the arrangement are visible. The arrangement comprises a bearing element 1, a lever element 2 pivotably mounted on the bearing element 1 about a pivot bearing S, and a push rod 6 acting on the lever element 2.

[0045] In the installed position, the bearing element 1 is fixedly arranged with respect to a cistern not shown in the figures and with respect to an actuation button also not shown in the figures.

[0046] For the mounting of the lever element 2, the bearing element 1 has at least one, here two, bearing areas 17 in which the lever element 2 is pivotably mounted. The bearing areas 17 are bearing openings into which the lever element 2 engages with bearing section 18. The pivot axis S extends centrally through the bearing areas 17. In the illustrated embodiment, a bearing area 17 is arranged on each side of the lever element 2, and a bearing section 18 extends laterally from the lever element 2 on each side.

[0047] The lever element 2 has a first lever section 3, which is designed to act on a flushing valve, and a second lever section 4. The second lever section has at least one bearing point 5 located on the lever element side of the second lever section 4. The two lever sections 3 and 4 are inclined at an angle to each other. The first lever section 3 has a first subsection.

[0048] 19 and the second subsection 20, which follows the first subsection 19. The two subsections 19 and 20 run at an angle to each other. The second subsection

[0049] 20 has an actuator surface 21 with which the second subsection 20 acts on a flushing valve.

[0050] The push rod 6 extends along a central axis M and has at least one bearing point 7 on the push rod side. The push rod 6 is supported at the bearing point 7 on the push rod side at the at least one bearing point 5 on the lever element side. This means that the push rod 6 mentioned above is supported at the bearing point 5 on the lever element side, or articulated to the lever.

[0051] Furthermore, the push rod 6 has an actuating section 8, via which the push rod 6 can be subjected to an actuating movement B. For this purpose, an actuating plate acts on an actuating surface 16 of the push rod 6, causing the push rod 6 to be displaced in the direction of its central axis M. The actuating surface 16 can be fixed or rigid. However, the actuating surface 16 can also be adjustable, in which case the actuating surface 16 is displaceable in the direction of the central axis.

[0052] The at least one bearing point 7 on the push rod side and the at least one bearing point 5 on the lever element side are designed such that, when the push rod 6 is moved, a pivoting movement about a further pivot axis L is permitted between the at least one bearing point 5 on the lever element side and the at least one bearing point 7 on the push rod side. The pivot axis L is shown in Figure 1. The pivoting movement can be seen in Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 6, the lever element 2 is shown in the unactuated state, and in Figure 7, the lever element 2 is shown in the actuated state.

[0053] Figures 2 and 3 show the arrangement before the connection of the push rod 6 with the lever element 2. In the embodiment shown, the push rod 6 can be pivoted about the central axis M from this position, whereby the bearing points 5, 7 are brought into engagement with each other during the pivoting movement.

[0054] Figures 4 and 5 show the same views as Figures 2 and 3, with the push rod 6 connected to the lever element 2.

[0055] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate particularly preferred features of the arrangement.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that a plurality of bearing points 7 are arranged on the push rod 6. These bearing points are distributed at regular intervals next to each other along the central axis M of the push rod 6. Corresponding bearing points 7 are arranged on both sides of the push rod 6. Specifically, two bearing points 7 are arranged opposite each other with respect to the central axis M. Two opposing bearing points 7 form a pair of bearing points. In Figure 4, a pair of bearing points is designated with the reference numeral P. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of pairs of bearing points are arranged at intervals along the central axis M.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 3, two of the aforementioned lever-element-side bearing points 5 are arranged. The two lever-element-side bearing points 5 are arranged opposite each other, and the push rod 6 lies between the two bearing points 5.

[0058] The lever element 2 has a passage 9 with side walls 10 at the second lever section 4. The push rod 6 extends through the passage 9, and the at least one bearing point 5 on the lever element side is arranged on one of the side walls 10. Here, two of the aforementioned bearing points 5 on the lever element side are arranged opposite each other with respect to the passage 9. The two bearing points 5 on the lever element side project into the passage 9.

[0059] The figures also show that the respective bearing point 5 on the lever element side is in direct engagement with the respective bearing point 7 on the push rod side. That is, the two bearing points 5 and 7 mesh directly with each other.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one bearing point 5 on the lever element side is designed as a bearing journal 11 with a circular cylindrical cross-section. The at least one bearing point 7 on the push rod side is designed as a bearing receptacle 12. The bearing receptacle 12 has a circular cylindrical cross-section.

[0061] The circular cylindrical cross-sections of bearing journal 11 and bearing receptacle 12 are complementary or matched to each other. The bearing journal 11 projects into the bearing receptacle 12. The bearing journal 11 and the bearing receptacle 12 are pivotable relative to each other.

[0062] Preferably, the outer diameter of the bearing journal 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing receptacle 12, so that the bearing journal 11 has play transversely to the further pivot axis L in the bearing receptacle 12. An axial play is also visible in Figure 5. The bearing journal 11 and the bearing receptacle 12 are designed such that axial play exists between the bearing journal 11 and the bearing receptacle 12 in the direction of the further pivot axis L. In other words, the push rod 6 can be displaced transversely to its central axis M within the aforementioned play.

[0063] The bearing receptacle 11 is laterally surrounded by a side wall 13 that extends around the circular cylindrical cross-section. The side wall 13 has an opening 14 through which the bearing journal 11 can be moved into the bearing receptacle 12. The movement of the bearing journal 11 into the bearing receptacle 12 occurs transversely to the further pivot axis L.

[0064] At least one snap element 15 is integrally formed on the side wall 13 in the area of ​​the opening 14. The snap element 15 prevents the bearing journal 11 from sliding out of the bearing receptacle 12 through the opening 14 transversely to the further pivot axis L. The snap element 15 can be designed such that the cross-section of the opening 14 is reduced.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 14 on one side of the central axis M are arranged opposite to the openings 14 on the other side of the central axis M. This means that, in the assembled position, the openings 14 on one side are open upwards and the openings 14 on the other side are open downwards. This allows the push rod 6 to be connected to the lever element 2 via a pivoting movement about the central axis M, as can be seen in Figures 2 to 5, as described above.

[0066] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0067] 1 bearing element

[0068] 2 lever element

[0069] 3 first lever section

[0070] 4 second lever section

[0071] 5 lever-side bearing point

[0072] 6 Push rod

[0073] 7. Bearing point on the push rod side

[0074] 8 Actuation section

[0075] 9th round

[0076] 10 side wall of 9

[0077] 11 bearing journals

[0078] 12 Bearing intake

[0079] 13 side wall of 12

[0080] 14 Breakthrough

[0081] 15 Snap-in elements

[0082] 16 operating area

[0083] 17 Storage area

[0084] 18 storage section

[0085] 19 first subsection

[0086] 20 second subsection

[0087] 21 actuator area

[0088] B Actuating movement

[0089] S swivel axis

[0090] L further swivel axis

[0091] M Central axis

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Arrangement for actuating a flushing valve comprising a bearing element (1), a lever element (2) pivotably mounted on the bearing element (1) about a pivot axis (S) with a first lever section (3) for acting on a flushing valve and a second lever section (4) with at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5) arranged on the second lever section (4), and a push rod (6) extending along a central axis (M) with at least one push rod-side bearing point (7) by which the push rod (6) is mounted at the at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5), and with an actuating section (8) by means of which the push rod (6) can be subjected to an actuating movement (B), wherein the push rod (6) is movable along a longitudinal direction in the direction of its central axis (M) when actuated.and wherein the at least one bearing point (7) on the push rod side and the at least one bearing point (5) on the lever element side are designed such that, when the push rod (6) is moved, a pivoting movement about a further pivot axis (L) is permitted between the at least one bearing point (5) on the lever element side and the at least one bearing point (7) on the push rod side.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one bearing point (5) of the at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5) is in direct engagement with at least one bearing point (7) of the at least one push-rod-side bearing point (7).

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of pushrod-side bearing points (7) are arranged spaced apart from each other along the central axis (M).

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two bearing points (7) on the push rod side are arranged opposite each other with respect to the central axis (M) and each bearing point pair forming a system in which a multitude of bearing pairs are arranged at intervals along the central axis (M).

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two of the aforementioned lever element-side bearing points (5) are arranged, wherein the two lever element-side bearing points (5) are arranged opposite each other and wherein the push rod (6) is positioned between the two bearing points (5).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (2) has a passage (9) with side walls (10) on the second lever section (4), wherein the push rod (6) extends through the passage (9) and wherein the at least one bearing point (5) on the lever element side is arranged on one of the side walls (10).

7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that two of the aforementioned lever-element-side bearing points (5) are arranged opposite each other with respect to the passage (9); and / or that the at least one lever-element-side bearing point (5) projects into the passage (9).

8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bearing point (5) on the lever element side is designed as a bearing pin (11) with a circular cylindrical cross-section, and that the at least one bearing point (7) on the push rod side is designed as a bearing receptacle (12), wherein the bearing receptacle (12) has a circular cylindrical cross-section, and wherein the bearing pin (11) projects into the bearing receptacle (12); or that the at least one bearing point (7) on the push rod side is designed as a bearing pin (11) with a circular cylindrical cross-section, and that the at least one bearing point (5) on the lever element side is designed as a bearing receptacle (12), wherein the bearing receptacle (12) has a circular cylindrical cross-section, and wherein the bearing pin (11) projects into the bearing receptacle (12).

9. Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the outer diameter of the bearing journal (11) is smaller than the inner diameter of the bearing receptacle (12), so that the bearing journal (11) has clearance transverse to the further pivot axis (L) lies in the bearing receptacle (12); and / or that the bearing journal (11) and the bearing receptacle (12) are designed such that axial play in the direction of the further pivot axis (L) is present between the bearing journal (11) and the bearing receptacle (12).

10. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the bearing receptacle (11) is laterally surrounded by a side wall (13) which extends around the circular cylindrical cross-section, wherein the side wall (13) has an opening (14) through which the bearing journal (11) can be moved into the bearing receptacle (12).

11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one snap element (15) is formed on the side wall (13) in the area of ​​the opening (14), which prevents the bearing pin (11) from sliding out of the bearing receptacle (12) through the opening (14) transversely to the further pivot axis (L).

12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the openings (14) of the bearing receptacle (12) on one side of the push rod (6) are arranged opposite to the openings (14) of the bearing receptacles (12) on the other side of the push rod (6) with respect to their position, such that the bearing journals (11) and the bearing receptacles (12) can be connected by a pivoting movement of the push rod (6) about the central axis (M) of the push rod (6); or that the openings (14) of the bearing receptacle (12) on one side of the push rod (6) are arranged in the same position as the openings (14) of the bearing receptacles (12) on the other side of the push rod (6) such that the bearing journals (11) and the bearing receptacles (12) can be connected by a movement of the push rod (6) transversely to the central axis (M) of the push rod (6).

13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bearing point (5) on the lever element side is rigidly formed or arranged on the second lever section (4).

14. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating section (8) has an actuating surface (16), wherein the actuating surface (16) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the push rod (6) in the direction of the central axis (M); or wherein the actuating surface (16) is arranged fixedly on the push rod (6).

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