WO2025186169A1 - Device for actuating a flushing mechanism of a toilet and flushing mechanism for a toilet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for actuating a flushing mechanism (2) of a toilet (3), having at least the following: - a housing (4); - a first compressed-air generator (5) for triggering the flushing mechanism (2); - a second compressed-air generator (6) for triggering the flushing mechanism (2); and - a shuttle valve (7) having a first valve inlet (8), a second valve inlet (9) and a valve outlet (10), the first valve inlet (8) being connected to the first compressed-air generator (5) and the second valve inlet (9) being connected to the second compressed-air generator (6). The invention further relates to a flushing mechanism (2) for a toilet (3) having such a device (1).

Description

Device for actuating a flush of a toilet and flush for a toilet

The present invention relates to a device for flushing a toilet and a flush for a toilet. Such toilets are used in particular for collecting bodily excretions.

Toilets typically have a toilet bowl that can be cleaned by flushing after use. The flush may, for example, have a cistern for holding a flushing fluid, with the outflow of the flushing fluid from the cistern into the toilet bowl being controlled by a pneumatically operated drain valve. Pneumatically operated drain valves are operated by compressed air generated by a compressed air generator of the device. Drain valves with only a single compressed air inlet can only be connected to the device with a single compressed air hose. Such single-hose drain valves can therefore only be operated with devices that have a single compressed air generator. For devices that have two actuating buttons for dispensing two different amounts of flushing fluid to flush the toilet, the two actuating buttons must be connected to the (single) compressed air generator via a complex mechanism. This means that the actuating buttons on the device cannot be arranged arbitrarily, which limits design freedom.

The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a device for actuating a toilet flush that allows for a high degree of design freedom. Furthermore, a flush for a toilet whose device for actuating the flush allows for a high degree of design freedom. These objects are achieved with a device and a flushing system according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically reasonable manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

A device for actuating a flush of a toilet contributes to this, which device has at least the following:

- a housing;

- a first compressed air generator for triggering the flushing;

- a second compressed air generator to trigger the flushing; and

- a shuttle valve having a first valve inlet, a second valve inlet and a valve outlet, wherein the first valve inlet is connected to the first compressed air generator and the second valve inlet is connected to the second compressed air generator.

The toilet can be designed, in particular, in the manner of a (sit-down) toilet or a urinal. Furthermore, the toilet can have a toilet bowl that can be cleaned by flushing. Cleaning is carried out, in particular, by means of a flushing fluid, the release of which into the toilet bowl can be activated by at least one actuating button of a device for actuating the flushing of the toilet. The flush can have a cistern for receiving the flushing fluid and/or a drain valve for controlling the release of the flushing fluid to the toilet bowl. The drain valve can be a pneumatically actuated drain valve. The drain valve can have a (single) compressed air inlet for compressed air. The drain valve can be a single-hose drain valve. The flush can be at least partially attached to a mounting frame of the toilet, via which the toilet can be attached to a wall of a building. Such Mounting frames are known, for example, as pre-wall elements. These are attached to the wall of the building and then covered with a pre-wall. Wall cladding elements, for example, in the style of tiles, can in turn be attached to the pre-wall. An inspection shaft or a wall opening can be formed in the wall and/or the pre-wall. The device or a housing of the device can in particular be arranged at least partially in the inspection shaft or in the wall opening. The cistern of the flushing system can in particular be arranged behind the device in the wall or in a cavity between the wall and the pre-wall.

The housing of the device can be made at least partially of plastic and/or metal. For example, the housing can be a plastic injection-molded part. An assembly space is formed in the housing of the device. The assembly space can extend from an assembly space opening in the housing to a base of the housing. When the device is assembled, the assembly space opening can be aligned, in particular, with the inspection shaft or with the wall opening in the wall and/or pre-wall. The assembly space opening can extend orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the housing or of the assembly space. The longitudinal axis of the housing can be a center axis of the housing or of the assembly space. The longitudinal axis of the housing can extend at least partially centrally and/or concentrically through the assembly space. The longitudinal axis of the housing can extend at least partially centrally and/or concentrically through the assembly space opening. The housing can have side walls that at least partially delimit the assembly space.

The device comprises a first compressed air generator for triggering the flushing or for actuating the flushing drain valve, and a second compressed air generator for triggering the flushing or for actuating the flushing drain valve. The device can have a first actuation cartridge comprising the first compressed air generator and a second actuation cartridge comprising the second compressed air generator. The actuation cartridges can comprise an actuating mechanism. The compressed air generators or the actuating cartridges can be arranged or fastened in particular in and/or on the housing or the mounting space of the housing. The first compressed air generator and/or the second compressed air generator can be a bellows or comprise a bellows. The first compressed air generator and/or the second compressed air generator can have a piston movable in a compressed air cylinder. The piston can be a push rod or comprise a push rod. The compressed air can be generated in particular by actuating or pressing the first compressed air generator, the second compressed air generator, the bellows or the piston.

The first compressed air generator can be actuated by a user of the device via a first actuation button on the device, and/or the second compressed air generator can be actuated via a second actuation button on the device. The drain valve can be actuated or controlled by the compressed air generators. The compressed air generators can be of the same or identical design.

The first actuating cartridge and/or the second actuating cartridge can each have a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing can extend along a cartridge longitudinal axis and/or be at least partially formed as a cylinder. The cartridge housing can at least partially have a round cross-section (in particular orthogonal to the cartridge longitudinal axis). The first actuating cartridge and/or the second actuating cartridge can each have a piston. The piston can, for example, be a push rod or a plunger. The piston can extend parallel to the cartridge longitudinal axis. The first compressed air generator can be pressed by the user of the device, in particular via the first actuating button. The second compressed air generator can be pressed by the user of the device, in particular via the second actuating button. By pressing the first compressed air generator and/or the second compressed air generator, the piston of the respective compressed air generator can be adjusted (in particular parallel to the cartridge's longitudinal axis) into the cartridge housing. By adjusting the piston into the cartridge housing, the compressed air can be generated. The first actuating cartridge and/or the second Actuating cartridges can each have a return spring by means of which the piston can be moved out of the cartridge housing or returned. The return spring can be a helical spring. The return spring can be arranged coaxially to the piston. A stroke of the piston can be adjustable, for example by means of a (particularly adjustable) stop for the piston and/or by means of a spacer (particularly attached to the piston). By adjusting the stroke of the piston, a generated volume flow of compressed air and/or a quantity of rinsing liquid can be adjusted. A large stroke can generate a large volume flow of compressed air and/or a large quantity of rinsing liquid can be released through the drain valve, and a small stroke can generate a small volume flow of compressed air and/or a small quantity of rinsing liquid can be released through the drain valve.

The first compressed air generator, the second compressed air generator, the first actuation cartridge, and/or the second actuation cartridge can each have a compressed air outlet for the compressed air. The compressed air outlet can be located, in particular, at a second longitudinal end of the compressed air generator or the actuation cartridges. A compressed air line can be connected to the compressed air outlet. The actuation cartridges can comprise all functionally relevant elements of an actuation mechanism.

The device comprises a, in particular pneumatic, shuttle valve. The shuttle valve can be arranged in the housing or in the assembly space of the housing. Alternatively, the shuttle valve can be arranged outside the housing. The shuttle valve comprises a first valve inlet for compressed air, a second valve inlet for compressed air and one, in particular a single, valve outlet for compressed air. The first valve inlet is connected to the first compressed air generator and the second valve inlet to the second compressed air generator (via compressed air conduction). The first valve inlet can be connected to the first compressed air generator via a first compressed air line and/or the second valve inlet can be connected to the second compressed air generator via a second compressed air line. The first valve inlet can have a first Connection nipple for the first compressed air line and/or the second valve inlet has a second connection nipple for the second compressed air line. The valve outlet can be connected to the drain valve (in a compressed air-conducting manner). The valve outlet can have a third connection nipple for the third compressed air line. The valve outlet can be connected to the drain valve via a third compressed air line. In particular, the device or the shuttle valve of the device is connected to the drain valve via a single third compressed air line. The shuttle valve enables the first compressed air generator and the second compressed air generator to be connected to the drain valve via a single third compressed air line. The first compressed air line, the second compressed air line and/or the third compressed air line can be designed at least partially as a compressed air hose, compressed air duct and/or compressed air pipe.

The shuttle valve is designed so that compressed air flowing into the shuttle valve via the first valve inlet can only flow out of the shuttle valve via the valve outlet (and not via the second valve inlet), and compressed air flowing into the shuttle valve via the second valve inlet can only flow out of the shuttle valve via the valve outlet (and not via the first valve inlet). When compressed air flows into the shuttle valve via the first valve inlet, the shuttle valve can close the second valve inlet (in particular with the help of the compressed air). When compressed air flows into the shuttle valve via the second valve inlet, the shuttle valve can close the first valve inlet (in particular with the help of the compressed air). The shuttle valve can connect either (only) the first compressed air generator (via compressed air) to the drain valve or (only) the second compressed air generator (via compressed air) to the drain valve.

The shuttle valve enables the use of two separate compressed air generators that can be flexibly arranged in the device or in the housing of the device, which increases the design freedom of the device, in particular with regard to the arrangement and/or design of the actuating buttons, for actuating or controlling a single-hose drain valve or a drain valve that has only a single compressed air inlet. The shuttle valve may comprise a valve housing with a control chamber, wherein in the control chamber a control element is adjustable between a first control position in which the first valve inlet is connected to the valve outlet of the shuttle valve, and a second control position in which the second valve inlet is connected to the valve outlet.

The valve housing can be made at least partially of plastic and/or metal. For example, the valve housing can be made at least partially of polyoxymethylene (POM). The valve housing can at least partially enclose the control chamber. The control chamber can extend along a control chamber longitudinal axis from a first longitudinal control chamber end to a second longitudinal control chamber end. The first valve inlet can open into the control chamber at the first longitudinal control chamber end, and the second valve inlet can open into the control chamber at the second longitudinal control chamber end. The first valve inlet and the second valve inlet can be opposite one another. The first valve inlet and/or the second valve inlet can open into the control chamber parallel or coaxial with the control chamber longitudinal axis and/or run at least partially parallel or coaxial with the control chamber longitudinal axis. The valve outlet can open into the control chamber, in particular exactly between the first valve inlet and the second valve inlet. The valve outlet can open into the control chamber orthogonally to the control chamber longitudinal axis and/or run at least partially orthogonally to the control chamber longitudinal axis. The first valve inlet, the second valve inlet and/or the valve outlet can each be designed in the manner of a bore in the housing. The control chamber can have (in particular parallel to the control chamber longitudinal axis) a control chamber length of, for example, 10 mm [millimeters] to 50 mm and/or (in particular orthogonal to the control chamber longitudinal axis) a control chamber diameter of, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm. The control chamber diameter can be constant (in particular along the control chamber longitudinal axis). The control chamber can have (in particular orthogonal to the control chamber longitudinal axis) a round control chamber cross-section. The control element can be made at least partially of plastic and/or metal. For example, the control element can be made at least partially of polyoxymethylene (POM). The control element can be a switching element or a slide. The control element can extend along a control element longitudinal axis from a first longitudinal control element end to a second longitudinal control element end. The control element longitudinal axis can run parallel or coaxially to the control chamber longitudinal axis. The control element can have (in particular parallel to the control element longitudinal axis) a control element length of, for example, 5 mm to 50 mm and/or (in particular orthogonal to the control element longitudinal axis) a control element diameter of, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm. The control element diameter can (substantially) correspond to the control chamber diameter.

The control element is adjustable in the control chamber, in particular parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the control chamber, between the first control position and the second control position (by means of the compressed air). If compressed air flows into the control chamber via the first valve inlet, the compressed air moves the control element into the first control position. If compressed air flows into the control chamber via the second valve inlet, the compressed air moves the control element into the second control position. In the first control position, the control element in the control chamber is in particular completely adjusted in the direction of the second longitudinal end of the control chamber, and in the second control position in the control chamber, in particular completely adjusted in the direction of the first longitudinal end of the control chamber. When the control element is in the first control position, the control element closes the second valve inlet (airtight) and opens a connection between the first valve inlet and the valve outlet, such that the first valve inlet is connected to the valve outlet (via compressed air) via the control chamber. When the control element is in the second control position, the control element closes the first valve inlet (airtight) and opens a connection between the second valve inlet and the valve outlet, so that the second valve inlet is connected to the valve outlet (compressed air-conducting) via the control chamber. The control element can be adjusted between the first control position and the second control position by compressed air with a compressed air pressure of less than 20 mbar [millibars]. In particular, the control element can be adjusted between the first control position and the second control position by compressed air with a compressed air pressure of 5 mbar to 20 mbar, preferably 5 mbar to 15 mbar, particularly preferably (essentially) 10 mbar. The control element can therefore be adjusted even with a low compressed air pressure. For this purpose, the control element can be designed with a low mass and/or friction between the control element and the control chamber can be low. In particular, the control element can be adjustable without a spring. In particular, no spring is arranged in the control chamber.

The control element can be (at least partially) piston-shaped or (at least partially) spherical. The control element can be designed as a control piston or as a control ball.

In the second control position of the control element, a first seal can seal the first valve inlet from the valve outlet, and in the first control position of the control element, a second seal can seal the second valve inlet from the valve outlet. The first seal and/or the second seal can be made at least partially of an elastomer, rubber, and/or silicone. The first seal can be arranged at the first longitudinal control chamber end of the control chamber, and/or the second seal can be arranged at the second longitudinal control chamber end of the control chamber. The first seal and/or the second seal can be annular and/or flat seal. The first seal can extend around a first opening of the first valve inlet, and/or the second seal can extend around a second opening of the second valve inlet. In the second control position, the control element can contact the first seal with its first longitudinal control element end and/or can be pressed against the first seal by the compressed air. In the first control position, the control element can contact the second seal with its second longitudinal control element end and/or be pressed against the second seal by the compressed air Alternatively, the first seal and/or the second seal can be arranged on the control element. For example, the first seal can be arranged in a first groove of the control element and/or the second seal can be arranged in a second groove of the control element. The first groove and/or the second groove can be formed on a circumferential surface of the control element, in particular in a circumferential or annular manner.

The control element can have a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface. The first sealing surface can be formed on the first longitudinal end of the control element and/or the second sealing surface can be formed on the second longitudinal end of the control element. The first sealing surface can be a first end face and/or the second sealing surface can be a second end face of the control element. With the first sealing surface, the control element can, in the first control position, in particular close the first valve inlet and/or bear against the first seal with the first sealing surface. With the second sealing surface, the control element can, in the second control position, in particular close the second valve inlet and/or bear against the second seal with the second sealing surface.

The first sealing surface and/or the second sealing surface can have a circumferential sealing contour. The first sealing surface can have a first circumferential sealing contour and the second sealing surface can have a second circumferential sealing contour. The first sealing surface and/or the second sealing surface can be annular and/or coaxial with the control element longitudinal axis. The first sealing surface and/or the second sealing surface can taper to a point and/or have sharp edges, in particular in the direction of the control element longitudinal axis. The first circumferential sealing contour can at least partially penetrate into the first seal when the control element is in the second control position. The second circumferential sealing contour can at least partially penetrate into the second seal when the control element is in the first control position. The circumferential sealing contours can improve the sealing effect of the seals. The control element can have at least one guide pin. The control element can have a first guide pin which extends from the first longitudinal control element end and/or from the first sealing surface, in particular parallel to the control element longitudinal axis. The control element can have a second guide pin which extends from the second longitudinal control element end and/or from the second sealing surface, in particular parallel to the control element longitudinal axis. The control element can extend with the first guide pin into the first valve inlet and/or with the second guide pin into the second valve inlet. The control element can be guided with the first guide pin in the first valve inlet and/or with the second guide pin in the second valve inlet.

The control element can have at least one venting channel. The at least one venting channel is designed in particular such that compressed air can flow back from the drain valve or from the valve outlet via the at least one venting channel to the first compressed air generator and/or the second compressed air generator when the control element in the control chamber is in a middle position between the first control position and the second control position, for example because the compressed air generated by the compressed air generator was insufficient to fully adjust the control element to the first control position or the second control position. This prevents the drain valve from remaining permanently open, resulting in flushing fluid continuously flowing into the toilet.

The at least one venting channel can be formed on a circumferential surface of the control element. The at least one venting channel can extend on the circumferential surface at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the control element and/or around the circumferential surface, in particular in an annular manner.

In a further aspect, a flush for a toilet is proposed, which has at least the following: - a cistern for holding a flushing liquid;

- a drain valve for controlling the release of flushing fluid to the toilet; and

- a device as described herein, wherein a valve outlet of a shuttle valve of the device is connected to the drain valve.

For further details on the flushing, please refer to the description of the device in full.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show particularly preferred variants of the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. They show, by way of example and schematically:

Fig. 1: a toilet with a device for activating a flush in a perspective view;

Fig. 2: a mounting frame of the toilet in a perspective sectional view;

Fig. 3: the device for actuating the flush in a longitudinal section;

Fig. 4: a shuttle valve of the device in a longitudinal section;

Fig. 5: a first variant of a control element of the shuttle valve in a perspective view;

Fig. 6: a second variant of the control element in a perspective view;

Fig. 7: a third variant of the control element in a perspective view; Fig. 8: a fourth variant of the control element in a perspective view;

Fig. 9: a fifth variant of the control element in a perspective view;

Fig. 10: a sixth variant of the control element in a perspective view;

Fig. 11: a seventh variant of the control element in a perspective view;

Fig. 12: an eighth variant of the control element in a perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows a toilet 3 in a perspective view. The toilet 3 comprises a toilet bowl 28, which is attached to a wall 30 of a building by means of a mounting frame 29 shown in Fig. 2. The mounting frame 29 shown in Fig. 2 is concealed in Fig. 1 by a false wall 31 and wall cladding elements 32, which are designed here as tiles. The mounting frame 29 is thus arranged in a cavity 33 between the wall 30 and the false wall 31. The false wall 31 has an opening, not visible here, which connects the cavity 33 to an environment 34. The opening is covered by a cover plate 35 of a device 1 for actuating a flush 2 of the toilet 3, shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 shows the mounting frame 29 of the toilet 3 shown in Fig. 1 without the pre-wall 31 and the wall cladding elements 32. The flush 2 of the toilet 3 is attached to the mounting frame 29 and comprises a cistern 26 for a flushing liquid. A drain valve 27, shown in Fig. 3, is arranged in the cistern 26, with which the outflow of the flushing liquid from the cistern 26 to the toilet bowl 28 shown in Fig. 1 can be controlled. The drain valve 27 can be actuated via the device 1 by a user (not shown here). Fig. 3 shows the device 1 for actuating the flush 2 shown in Fig. 2 of the toilet 3 shown in Fig. 1 in a perspective longitudinal section. The device 1 comprises a housing 4 in which a first compressed air generator 5 and a second compressed air generator 6 are arranged. The compressed air generators 5, 6 are each designed, for example, as bellows. The device 1 or the cover plate 35 has a first actuation button 36 and a second actuation button 37. By pressing the first actuation button 36, compressed air can be generated with the first compressed air generator 5, and by pressing the second actuation button 37, compressed air can be generated with the second compressed air generator 6.

The housing 4 extends tubularly along a longitudinal axis 40 and has an assembly chamber 41 within it. The housing 4 has an assembly chamber opening 44 at a first longitudinal housing end 42 and a base 45 at a second longitudinal housing end 43. The assembly chamber opening 44 is covered by the cover plate 35 and the actuation buttons 36, 37. The cover plate 35 is attached to the housing 4. The compressed air generators 5, 6 are attached in the assembly chamber 41.

The device 1 has a shuttle valve 7 with a valve housing 11. The shuttle valve 7 is arranged in the assembly space 41. The valve housing 11 comprises a first valve inlet 8 and a second valve inlet 9. The valve inlets 8, 9 are opposite one another and open into a control chamber 12 of the valve housing 11. The first compressed air generator 5 is connected to the first valve inlet 8 via a first compressed air line 38, and the second compressed air generator 6 is connected to the second valve inlet 9 via a second compressed air line 39.

A first variant of a control element 13 is arranged in the control chamber 12. The control element 13 is adjustable in the control chamber 12 along a control chamber longitudinal axis 46 of the control chamber 12 between a first control position 14 shown in Fig. 3 and a second control position 15 shown in Fig. 4. The control chamber 12 extends along the control chamber longitudinal axis 46 from a first longitudinal control chamber end 54 to a second longitudinal Control chamber end 55. A first seal 16 is arranged in the control chamber 12 at the first control chamber end 54, and a second seal 17 is arranged in the control chamber 12 at the second control chamber end 55. The control element 13 extends along a control element longitudinal axis 49 from a first longitudinal control element end 50 to a second longitudinal control element end 51. The control element longitudinal axis 49 runs coaxially to the control chamber longitudinal axis 46. The control element 13 has a first sealing surface 18 at the first longitudinal control element end 50 and a second sealing surface 19 at the second longitudinal control element end 51. The valve housing 11 has a valve outlet 10, which is formed centrally between the valve inlets 8, 9 and which extends orthogonally to the valve inlets 8, 9 and orthogonally to the control chamber longitudinal axis 46. A third compressed air line 56 is connected to the valve outlet 10, which connects the valve outlet 10 to the drain valve 27.

If compressed air is generated by the first compressed air generator 5, the compressed air flows via the first compressed air line 38 and via the first valve inlet 8 into the control chamber 12 and moves the control element 13 into the first control position 14. In the first control position 14 of the control element 13, the control element 13 contacts the second seal 17 with its second sealing surface 19, so that the second valve inlet 9 is closed and the compressed air cannot leave the control chamber 12 via the second valve inlet 9. In the first control position 14 of the control element 13, the first valve inlet 8 is connected via the control chamber 12 to the valve outlet 10, so that the compressed air can leave the control chamber 12 (only) via the valve outlet 10 and flow to the drain valve 27 to trigger a flushing process with a first flushing quantity.

Fig. 4 shows the shuttle valve 7 in a longitudinal section after the control element 13 has been moved from the first control position 14 shown in Fig. 3 along the control chamber longitudinal axis 46 into the second control position 15. If compressed air is generated by the second compressed air generator 6 shown in Fig. 3, the compressed air flows via the second compressed air line 39 and the second valve inlet 9 into the control chamber 12 and moves the control element 13 into the second Control position 15. In the second control position 15 of the control element 13, the control element 13 contacts the first seal 16 with its first sealing surface 18, so that the first valve inlet 8 is closed and the compressed air cannot leave the control chamber 12 via the first valve inlet 8. In the second control position 15 of the control element 13, the second valve inlet 9 is connected to the valve outlet 10 via the control chamber 12, so that the compressed air can leave the control chamber 12 (only) via the valve outlet 10 and flow to the drain valve 27 shown in Fig. 3 to trigger a flushing process with a second flushing quantity.

The control chamber 12 has a control chamber length 47 (parallel to the control chamber longitudinal axis 46) and a control chamber diameter 48 (orthogonal to the control chamber length 47). The control element 13 has a control element length 52 (parallel to the control element longitudinal axis 49) and a control element diameter 53 (orthogonal to the control element longitudinal axis 49). The control element diameter 53 corresponds (essentially) to the control chamber diameter 48.

Fig. 5 shows the first variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. The first variant of the control element 13 is piston-shaped and extends along the control element longitudinal axis 49 from the first longitudinal control element end 50 to the second longitudinal control element end 51.

Fig. 6 shows a second variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. In comparison to the first variant of the control element 13 shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the second variant of the control element 13 has a venting channel 24 on its circumferential surface 25. The venting channel 24 has a first channel section 57, which extends from the first longitudinal control element end 50 parallel to the control element longitudinal axis 49 to a control element center 60 of the control element 13. The control element center 60 is located exactly between the first longitudinal control element end 50 and the second longitudinal control element end 51. The venting channel 24 has a second channel section 58 in the control element center 60, which extends annularly around the circumferential surface 25 of the control element 13. extends. The first channel section 57 and the second channel section 58 are connected to one another. The vent channel 24 enables the compressed air to flow back from the drain valve 27 shown in Fig. 3 or from the valve outlet 10 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 to one of the compressed air generators 5, 6 shown in Fig. 3, even when the control element 13 in the control chamber 12 is in a middle position between the control positions 14, 15 shown in Figs. 3 and 4. This prevents the drain valve 27 from remaining permanently open when the control element 13 is in the middle position. Depending on the orientation of the second variant of the control element 13 in the control chamber 12 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the compressed air can flow via the vent channel 24 either into the first compressed air generator 5 shown in Fig. 3 or into the second compressed air generator 6. The compressed air can escape from the compressed air generators 5, 6 into the environment 34 shown in Fig. 1 if the compressed air generators 5, 6 are not actuated via the actuation buttons 36, 37 shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 shows a third variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. Compared to the second variant of the control element 13 shown in Fig. 6, the third variant of the control element 13 has a venting channel 24 on the peripheral surface 25, which, in addition to the first channel section 57 and the second channel section 58, has a third channel section 59. The third channel section 59 extends from the second longitudinal control element end 51 parallel to the control element longitudinal axis 49 to the control element center 60. The channel sections 57, 58, 59 are interconnected. The venting channel 24 enables the compressed air to flow back from the drain valve 27 shown in Fig. 3 or from the valve outlet 10 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 to both of the compressed air generators 5, 6 shown in Fig. 3, even if the control element 13 in the control chamber 12 is in a middle position between the control positions 14, 15 shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 8 shows a fourth variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. In comparison to the first variant of the control element 13 shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the fourth variant of the control element 13 has at the first longitudinal control element end 50 or at the The first sealing surface 18 has a first circumferential sealing contour 20 and the second longitudinal control element end 51 or the second sealing surface 19 has a second circumferential sealing contour 21. The sealing contours 18, 19 taper to a point in the direction of the control element's longitudinal axis 49 or have sharp edges. The circumferential sealing contours 20, 21 improve the sealing effect when the control element 13 rests against the seals 16, 17 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 in the control positions 14, 15.

Fig. 9 shows a fifth variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. In comparison to the first variant of the control element 13 shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the fifth variant of the control element 13 has a first groove 61 and a second groove 62 on the circumferential surface 25. The first groove 61 is (immediately) adjacent to the first longitudinal control element end 50 or to the first sealing surface 18, and the second groove 61 is (immediately) adjacent to the second longitudinal control element end 51 or to the second sealing surface 19. Seals 16, 17 (not shown here), for example in the form of O-rings, can be arranged in the grooves 61, 62. In this case, the seals 16, 17 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 in the control chamber 12 can be omitted.

Fig. 10 shows a sixth variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. The sixth variant of the control element 13 has a first guide pin 22, which extends from the first sealing surface 18 parallel to the control element longitudinal axis 49, and a second guide pin 23, which extends from the second sealing surface 19 parallel to the control element longitudinal axis 49. The first guide pin 22 can extend into the first valve inlet 8 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and the second guide pin 23 can extend into the second valve inlet 9 shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The guide pins 22, 23 can assist in guiding the control element 13 in the control chamber 12 shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The guide pins 22, 23 have a semicircular cross-section (orthogonal to the control element longitudinal axis 49). This allows the compressed air to flow through the valve inlets 8, 9, even if the guide pins 22, 23 are located in the valve inlets 8, 9. Fig. 11 shows a seventh variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. Compared to the sixth variant of the control element 13 shown in Fig. 10, the guide pins 22, 23 (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 49 of the control element) in the seventh variant of the control element 13 have a cross-shaped cross-section.

Fig. 12 shows an eighth variant of the control element 13 in a perspective view. Compared to the seventh variant of the control element 13 shown in Fig. 11, the sealing surfaces 18, 19 each have a circumferential sealing contour 20, 21, which is designed corresponding to the sealing contours 20, 21 of the fourth variant of the control element 13 shown in Fig. 8.

The present invention allows a high degree of design freedom for the device 1.

List of reference symbols

1 device

2 Flush

3 toilets

4 housings

5 first compressed air generators

6 second compressed air generator

7 shuttle valve

8 first valve inlet

9 second valve inlet

10 Valve outlet

11 Valve housing

12 Control room

13 Control

14 first tax position

15 second control position

16 first seal

17 second seal

18 first sealing surface

19 second sealing surface

20 first circumferential sealing contour

21 second circumferential contour

22 first guide pin

23 second guide pin

24 Ventilation duct

25 circumferential area

26 cistern

27 Drain valve 28 toilet bowls

29 mounting frames

30 wall

31 Pre-wall 32 Wall cladding element

33 Cavity

34 Surroundings

35 Cover plate

36 first actuation button 37 second actuation button

38 first compressed air line

39 second compressed air line

40 Housing longitudinal axis

41 Assembly space 42 First longitudinal housing end

43 second longitudinal housing end

44 Assembly room opening

45 Floor

46 Control room longitudinal axis 47 Control room length

48 control room diameter

49 Control element longitudinal axis

50 first longitudinal control element end

51 second longitudinal control element end 52 control element length

53 control element diameter

54 first longitudinal control room end

55 second longitudinal control room end 56 third compressed air line

57 first canal section

58 second canal section

59 third channel section 60 control element center

61 first groove

62 second groove

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for actuating a flush (2) of a toilet (3), at least comprising: - a housing (4); - a first compressed air generator (5) for triggering the flushing (2); - a second compressed air generator (6) for triggering the flushing (2); and - a shuttle valve (7) with a first valve inlet (8), a second valve inlet (9) and a valve outlet (10), wherein the first valve inlet (8) is connected to the first compressed air generator (5) and the second valve inlet (9) is connected to the second compressed air generator (6). 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shuttle valve (7) has a valve housing (11) with a control chamber (12), wherein in the control chamber (12) a control element (13) is adjustable between a first control position (14), in which the first valve inlet (8) is connected to the valve outlet (10) of the shuttle valve (7), and a second control position (15), in which the second valve inlet (9) is connected to the valve outlet (10). 3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control element (13) is adjustable between the first control position (14) and the second control position (15) by compressed air with a compressed air pressure of less than 20 mbar. 4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control element (13) is piston-shaped or spherical. 5. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in the second control position (10) of the control element (13) a first seal (16) seals the first valve inlet (8) against the valve outlet (10) and wherein in the first control position (14) of the control element (13) a second seal (17) seals the second valve inlet (9) from the valve outlet (10). 6. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control element (13) has a first sealing surface (18) and a second sealing surface (19). 7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first sealing surface (18) or the second sealing surface (19) has a circumferential sealing contour (20, 21). 8. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the control element (13) has at least one guide pin (22, 23). 9. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the control element (13) has at least one venting channel (24). 10. Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one venting channel (24) is formed on a peripheral surface (25) of the control element (13). 11. Flushing device (2) for a toilet (3), comprising at least: - a cistern (26) for holding a rinsing liquid; - a drain valve (27) for controlling the discharge of the flushing liquid to the toilet (3); and - a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a valve outlet (10) of a shuttle valve (7) of the device (1) is connected to the drain valve (27).