Sanitary actuating arrangement

Abstract

An actuating arrangement (1) for a flushing valve comprises a pull rod (2) with a coupling section (3) for connection to a valve body of a flushing valve and with an actuating section (4); and an actuating lever (5) having a lever section (6) and a pivot axis (7), wherein, when an actuating force is applied to the actuating lever (5), the actuating lever (5) can be pivoted from a starting position into an actuating position, wherein the actuating section (4) has an actuating surface (8), on which the lever section (6) acts with a lever surface (9) in such a way that, during the movement of the actuating lever (5) from a starting position into an actuating position, the pull rod (2) can be raised, and wherein the actuating lever (5) and / or the actuating section (4) are designed in such a way that, when the actuating lever (5) is in the starting position, the lever surface (9) is in direct contact with the actuating surface (8).

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] SANITARY OPERATION ORDER

[0003] TECHNICAL AREA

[0004] The present invention relates to an actuating arrangement for a flushing valve according to claim 1 and a flushing valve arrangement according to claim 16.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Flushing valves built into cisterns for flushing sanitary ware, such as toilets and urinals, are known from the state of the art.

[0007] For example, WO 2018 / 087070 discloses such a flushing valve. The flushing valve has a valve body with actuating sections. These actuating sections are typically connected to actuating levers. The actuating levers engage the actuating sections with some play. This loose engagement is important to compensate for assembly and manufacturing tolerances and to prevent the valve body from being subjected to mechanical stress, which could lead to leaks between the valve body and the outlet. Leaks would result in a continuous outflow of flush water from the cistern, which must be avoided.

[0008] However, this loose engagement has the disadvantage that a user must apply varying degrees of force to the actuating button. First, the loose engagement must be compensated for by a short, initial stroke, and only then is the greater force required to lift the valve body. This initial stroke also results in a smaller stroke being available for the actual function.

[0009] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of providing an actuating arrangement for a flushing valve that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is a particularly preferred objective to provide an actuating arrangement in which the aforementioned free stroke of an actuating button can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0011] The actuating arrangement for a flushing valve according to claim 1 solves these and other problems. Accordingly, the actuating arrangement comprises a pull rod having a coupling section for connection to a valve body of a flushing valve and an actuating section, and an actuating lever with a lever section and a pivot axis. When an actuating force is applied to the actuating lever, the actuating lever can be pivoted from a starting position to an actuated position. The actuating section of the pull rod has an actuating surface on which the lever section engages with a lever surface such that the pull rod can be lifted when the actuating lever moves from the starting position to the actuated position. Viewed in the installed position, the pull rod is preferably lifted against the direction of gravity.The actuating lever and / or the actuating section are designed such that when the actuating lever is in the starting position, the lever surface is in direct contact with the actuating surface.

[0012] When the actuating force is applied, no free stroke occurs due to the existing contact between the lever surface and the actuating surface. This means that from the moment the actuating lever begins moving, motion is transferred to the pull rod without the need to first move the lever to the actuating surface.

[0013] The direct contact between the two surfaces is provided in such a way that no force is exerted from the actuating lever on the pull rod, which would lift the pull rod upwards.

[0014] The coupling section preferably has locking elements with which the pull rod can be connected to a valve body or another element connected to a valve body, so that when the pull rod is moved from the starting position to the actuating position, the valve body can be lifted from a closed position to a flushing position.

[0015] Preferably, the actuating surface is provided by a side wall of a bearing opening on the pull rod. The actuating lever projects into or through the bearing opening.

[0016] In a first embodiment, a spring element is provided which presses the actuating lever against the actuating surface. In a particularly preferred first embodiment, the spring element is arranged on the actuating lever. In a particularly preferred second embodiment, the spring element is arranged on the actuating section of the pull rod.

[0017] In the first further development, as mentioned, the lever section has the spring element. The spring element strikes a stop surface on the actuating lever and presses the first lever section with its lever surface against the actuating surface.

[0018] In other words, the spring element tensions itself and the lever section between the stop surface and the actuating surface. The stop surface and the actuating surface are spaced apart from each other.

[0019] The spring element and the clamping method have the advantage that the pressure of the two surfaces against each other occurs solely due to the spring action acting on the stop surface and the actuating surface of the actuator. Therefore, no force is applied to the pull rod that would move it.

[0020] Preferably, the stop surface is provided by a further side wall of the bearing opening, wherein the stop surface is located in the bearing opening opposite the actuating surface.

[0021] Preferably, the spring element has a spring arm with a first end. The first end of the spring arm is integrally formed with the lever section. The spring arm acts as a type of leaf spring. The spring arm and the lever section are formed integrally with each other.

[0022] Preferably, the spring arm has a second end opposite the first, wherein the second end is designed as a free end or wherein the second end is connected to the lever section. Preferably, the spring arm extends away from the stop surface on both sides in the direction of its extension. This enables a constant spring action or spring tension when the actuating lever is actuated. During this actuation, a relative movement component transverse to the lifting direction of the pull rod occurs. Furthermore, this has the advantage that any assembly tolerances can be compensated for.

[0023] Preferably, the spring arm is arranged in the region of the free end or at the free end of the lever section and extends in the direction of the lever section. The free end of the lever section is opposite the pivot axis. The spring arm runs at a distance from the lever section. The spring arm extends from the free end in the direction of the pivot axis. The spring arm and the lever section can be partially parallel or inclined to each other.

[0024] In the second further development, the spring element is, as mentioned, arranged on the actuating section of the pull rod. The spring element abuts a stop surface on the actuating lever.

[0025] Preferably, according to the second embodiment, the spring element has a spring arm with a first end, with which first end the spring arm is integrally formed on the actuating section.

[0026] Preferably, after the second further development, the spring element is arranged at least partially or completely in the bearing opening.

[0027] In a second embodiment, the actuating lever has a further lever section. This further lever section is designed and arranged such that a force can be applied to it, pressing the lever surface against the actuating surface.

[0028] The further lever section extends away from the pivot axis in a different direction than the lever section with the lever surface.

[0029] Preferably, the lever section and the further lever section are designed such that the torque about the pivot axis of the further lever section is greater than the torque of the lever section. A torque situation about the pivot axis is thus provided, so that the lever section is subjected to a force against the effect of gravity and is thus pressed with its lever surface against the actuating surface. The provided force is preferably dimensioned such that it is sufficient to lift the lever section to make contact between the lever surface and the actuating surface. In particular, the force is significantly, especially by a factor of several, smaller than the force that would be required to lift the weight of the pull rod. Preferably, the force is less than 1 Newton, especially less than 0.5 Newtons or less than 0.2 Newtons.

[0030] Preferably, the further lever section includes an additional weight, which additional weight is integrally formed on the further lever section; or which additional weight is mounted in a bearing point on the further lever section.

[0031] In a third embodiment, the actuating lever and the actuating section are connected to each other via a ferromagnetic attraction.

[0032] In a first variant, the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by a magnet located on the actuating lever and another on the actuating section. In a second variant, the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by a magnet located on the actuating lever and a magnetically attractive material section located on the actuating section. In a third variant, the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by a magnet located on the actuating section and a magnetically attractive material section located on the actuating lever.

[0033] Preferably, the magnet and / or the magnetically attractive material section is completely embedded in the respective element.

[0034] In a fourth embodiment, the features of the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment and / or the third embodiment can be combined.

[0035] Preferably, the operating lever and the pull rod are made of plastic.

[0036] A flushing valve assembly comprises at least one actuating assembly as described above and a flushing valve with at least one valve body. The pull rod is connected to the valve body, and the at least one valve body can be lifted from a closed position to a flushing position when the actuating lever is moved from its initial position to the actuating position.

[0037] Preferably, the flushing valve arrangement further comprises at least one actuating plate with an actuating button and a push rod which is articulated to the actuating lever, wherein when the actuating button is pressed, the push rod moves the actuating lever from a starting position to an actuating position.

[0038] Preferably, there is play between the actuation button and the push rod in the initial position. This play is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3 millimeters, particularly in the range of 0.1 to 2 millimeters.

[0039] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] 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:

[0042] Fig. 1a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an actuating arrangement according to the invention for the actuation of a flushing valve;

[0043] Fig. 1b is a sectional view of Figure 1a;

[0044] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an actuating arrangement according to the invention for the actuation of a flushing valve;

[0045] Fig. 2b is a sectional view of figure 2a;

[0046] Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an actuating arrangement according to the invention for the actuation of a flushing valve;

[0047] Fig. 3b is a sectional view of Figure 3a; and

[0048] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of parts of a flushing valve assembly. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED DESIGNS

[0049] The figures show different views of an actuating arrangement 1 for a flushing valve. The actuating arrangement 1 serves to redirect the movement resulting from the actuation of an actuating button onto a valve body of a flushing valve, such that the valve body is lifted.

[0050] The actuating arrangement 1 comprises a pull rod 2 and an actuating lever 5. The pull rod 2 comprises a coupling section 3 and an actuating section 4. In the installed position, the coupling section 3 is located below the actuating section 4. The coupling section 3 and the actuating section 4 are connected to each other via a rod section 20. The coupling section 3 can be connected to the valve body of the flushing valve or to another element that is connected to the valve body. The actuating lever 5 acts on the actuating section 4.

[0051] The actuating lever 5 comprises a lever section 6 and a pivot axis 7. The pivot axis 7 is provided here by two pivot pins 25. When an actuating force is applied to the actuating lever 5, the actuating lever 5 can be pivoted from a starting position to an actuated position.

[0052] The actuating section 4 has an actuating surface 8, on which the lever section 6 engages with a lever surface 9 such that the pull rod 2 can be lifted when the actuating lever 5 moves from its initial position to its actuated position. Viewed in its installed position, the pull rod 2 is lifted from its initial position to its actuated position against the vertical direction. The movement of the pull rod is preferably a linear movement in the direction of the axis of the rod section 20.

[0053] The actuating lever 5 and / or the actuating section 4 are designed such that when the actuating lever 5 is in its initial position, the lever surface 9 is in direct contact with the actuating surface 8. In all embodiments, the actuating surface 8, viewed in the installed position, lies above the lever surface 9, and the actuating lever 5, viewed against the perpendicular direction, is guided with its lever surface 9 against the actuating surface 8 and thus rests against it. In other words, the actuating lever 5 rests against the actuating section 4 without any play.

[0054] In all preferred embodiments, the actuating surface 8 is provided by a side wall of a bearing opening 10 on the pull rod 2. The actuating lever

[0055] 5 protrudes into the bearing opening 10. In the embodiment shown, the actuating lever 5 protrudes through the bearing opening 10.

[0056] In all embodiments, the actuating lever 5 further comprises a receiving structure 23, via which a push rod (not shown in the figures) can apply the actuating movement to the actuating lever 5. The receiving structure 23 is arranged here on a lever extension 24, which extends at an angle away from the lever section 6. The receiving structure 23 includes two opposing openings 25, into which a corresponding section of the push rod can engage in a latching manner.

[0057] Preferably, the actuating surface 8 has a convex curve and the lifting surface 9 has a concave curve. The curves are visible in the sectional views of Figures 1b, 2b and 3b.

[0058] In the first embodiment according to Figures 1a and 1b, a spring element 11 is arranged which presses the actuating lever 5 against the actuating surface 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever section 6 has the spring element 11. The spring element 11 abuts a stop surface 12 on the actuating lever 5 and presses the lever section 6 with a lever surface 9 against the actuating surface 8. The spring element 11 thus moves the lever section 6 between the stop surface and the actuating surface 8.

[0059] 12 and the actuation surface 8 are jammed or clamped.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface 12 is provided by a further side wall in the bearing opening 10. The stop surface 12 is located opposite the actuating surface 8. The stop surface 12 and the actuating surface 8 are connected to each other by further side walls 21.

[0061] The spring arm 13 is integrally formed at one end on the lever section 6. The lever section 6 and the spring arm 13 form a single, integral unit. The spring arm

[0062] 13 has a second end 15, which is designed as a free end. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end is free, that is, without connection to the lever section 6.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm 13 extends in a first section directly from the first end 14, inclined here with a curve, towards the lever section 6. In a second section, the spring arm 13 preferably extends substantially along a straight line. Another orientation would also be conceivable.

[0064] In another variant of the first embodiment, the spring element can alternatively be arranged on the actuating section 4 of the pull rod 2.

[0065] In a second embodiment, shown in Figures 2a to 2b, the actuating lever 5 comprises, in addition to the aforementioned lever section 6, a further lever section 16. The further lever section 16 is designed and arranged such that a force can be provided by the further lever section 16 on the lever section 6 such that the lever surface 9 is pressed against the actuating surface 8.

[0066] The lever section 6 and the further lever section 16 are designed such that the torque about the pivot axis 7 of the further lever section 16 is greater than the torque of the lever section 6. Consequently, the lever section 16 experiences a downward force in the installed position and the lever section 6 is pushed upwards in the installed position.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the further lever section 16 includes an additional weight 17. The additional weight 17 is mounted in a bearing point 18 on the further lever section 16. Instead of the additional weight 17, the further lever section 16 could also be provided with more material, resulting in the torque situation described above.

[0068] In a third embodiment, which is shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the actuating lever 5 and the actuating section 4 are connected to each other via a ferromagnetic attraction.

[0069] The ferromagnetic attraction can be provided in various ways. In a first variant, the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by one magnet 19 each located on the actuating lever 5 and on the actuating section 4. In a second variant, the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by one magnet 19 located on the actuating lever 5 and by a magnetically attractive material section located on the actuating section 4. In a third variant, the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by one magnet 19 located on the actuating section 4 and by a magnetically attractive material section located on the actuating lever 5.

[0070] Figure 4 shows the actuating arrangement according to Figures 1a and 1b in combination with an actuating plate. The other two embodiments shown in Figures 2a to 3b can be used in the same way with the actuating plate 26.

[0071] The actuating plate 26 has at least one actuating button 27, which is movable towards the actuating arrangement 1. A bearing element 28 is pivotably mounted on the receiving structure 23 of the lever arm 24. The bearing element 28 is connected to a push rod 29. The rear side 30 acts on a contact surface 31 on the push rod 29. When actuated, the rear side 30 of the actuating button 27 displaces the push rod 29 in the direction of its central axis M. This causes the actuating lever 5 to pivot about the pivot axis 7.

[0072] Preferably, a small clearance exists between the back surface 30 and the contact surface 31. This means that in the initial position, the back surface 30 is not in direct contact with the contact surface 31. The clearance is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3 millimeters, particularly in the range of 0.1 to 2 millimeters. In the initial position, the flushing valve rests in a closed position, sealing against a valve seat, and the pull rod 2 and the lever section 6 are in a lower position. When actuated, the pull rod 2 is raised by the lever section 6, simultaneously raising the flushing valve into the flushing position. This clearance has the advantage that when the flushing valve rests sealing against a valve seat and the pull rod 2 and the lever section 6 are in the lower position, no force is exerted on the actuating mechanism by the actuating button and the push rod.Consequently, there is no force acting on the flushing valve that could cause it to lift slightly from the valve seat, which in turn would lead to continuous water drainage. The play allows for further compensation of manufacturing and / or assembly tolerances. REFERENCE MARK LIST.

[0073] 1. Actuation arrangement

[0074] 2 pull rods

[0075] 3 Coupling section

[0076] 4 Actuation section

[0077] 5 operating levers

[0078] 6 Lever section

[0079] 7 Swivel axis

[0080] 8 operating area

[0081] 9 Lever surface

[0082] 10 Warehouse opening

[0083] 11 Spring element

[0084] 12 Stop surface

[0085] 13 Spring arm

[0086] 14 first end

[0087] 15 second end

[0088] 16 further lever section

[0089] 17 additional weight

[0090] 18 storage location

[0091] 19 Magnet

[0092] 20 bar sections

[0093] 21 side walls

[0094] 23 Recording structure

[0095] 24 Lever approach

[0096] 25 swivel pins

[0097] 26 Actuating plate

[0098] 27 Actuating button

[0099] 28 Bearing element

[0100] 29 Push rod

[0101] 30 Back

[0102] 31 Contact area M Central axis

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Actuating arrangement (1) for a flushing valve comprising a pull rod (2) with a coupling section (3) for connection to a valve body of a flushing valve and with an actuating section (4); and an actuating lever (5) with a lever section (6) and a pivot axis (7), wherein, when an actuating force is applied to the actuating lever (5), the actuating lever (5) is pivotable from a starting position to an actuating position, wherein the actuating section (4) has an actuating surface (8) on which the lever section (6) engages with a lever surface (9) such that the pull rod (2) can be lifted when the actuating lever (5) moves from a starting position to an actuating position, characterized in that the actuating lever (5) and / or the actuating section (4) are designed such that, when the actuating lever (5) is in the starting position, the lever surface (9) is in direct contact with the actuating surface (8).

2. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating surface (8) is provided by a side wall of a bearing opening (10) on the pull rod (2), wherein the actuating lever (5) projects into the bearing opening (10) or wherein the actuating lever (5) projects through the bearing opening (10).

3. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a spring element (11) is provided which presses the actuating lever (5) against the actuating surface (8).

4. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring element (11) is arranged on the lever section (6), in particular integrally formed, wherein the spring element (11) abuts a stop surface (12) on the actuating section (4).

5. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring element (11) has a spring arm (13) with a first end (14) with which first end (14) the spring arm (13) is integrally formed on the lever section (6).

6. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the spring arm (13) has a second end (15) opposite the first end (14), wherein the second end (15) is designed as a free end or wherein the second end (15) is connected to the lever section (6).

7. Actuating arrangement (1) according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the spring arm (13) extends away from the stop surface (12) on both sides in the direction of its extension; and / or that the lever section (6) has a free end, wherein the spring arm (13) is arranged in the region of the free end or at the free end and extends in the direction of the lever section (6).

8. Actuating arrangement (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the stop surface (12) is provided by a further side wall of the bearing opening (10), wherein the stop surface (12) is located in the bearing opening (10) opposite the actuating surface (8).

9. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring element is arranged on the actuating section (4) of the pull rod (2), in particular is integrally formed, wherein the spring element abuts a stop surface on the actuating lever (5).

10. Actuating arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the spring element has a spring arm with a first end, with which first end the spring arm is integrally formed on the actuating section (4) and / or that the spring element is arranged at least partially or completely in the bearing opening (10).

11. Actuating arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating lever (5) has a further lever section (16) which is designed and arranged such that the further lever section (16) can provide a force on the lever section (6) such that the lever surface (9) is pressed against the actuating surface (8).

12. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the lever section (6) and the further lever section (16) are designed such that the torque about the pivot axis (7) of the further lever section (16) is greater than the torque of the lever section (6).

13. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the further lever section (16) comprises an additional weight (17) which additional weight (17) is integrally formed on the further lever section (16); or which additional weight (17) is mounted in a bearing point (18) on the further lever section (16).

14. Actuating arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating lever (5) and the actuating section (4) are connected to each other via a ferromagnetic attraction.

15. Actuating arrangement (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by a magnet (19) arranged on the actuating lever (5) and a magnet (19) arranged on the actuating section (4); or that the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by a magnet (19) arranged on the actuating lever (5) and a magnetically attractive material section arranged on the actuating section (4); or that the ferromagnetic attraction is provided by a magnet (19) arranged on the actuating section (4) and a magnetically attractive material section arranged on the actuating lever (5).

16. Flushing valve arrangement comprising at least one actuating arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a flushing valve with at least one valve body, wherein the pull rod (2) is connected to the valve body and wherein the at least one valve body can be lifted from a closed position to a flushing position when the actuating lever (5) is moved from the initial position to the actuating position.

17. Flushing valve arrangement according to claim 16, further comprising an actuating plate (26) with at least one actuating button (27) and a push rod (29) which is articulated to the actuating lever (5), wherein when the actuating button (27) is pressed the push rod (29) moves the actuating lever (5) from a starting position to an actuating position.

18. Flushing valve arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that in the initial position there is play between the actuating button (27) and the push rod (29), wherein the play is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3 millimeters, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 2 millimeters.

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