IT202300006225A1 - VALVE GROUP - Google Patents

Description

Description of industrial invention

Valve group

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention concerns a valve group for a tank water storage system.

[0002] Specifically but not exclusively, the valve assembly according to the invention can be used in conjunction with a water storage tank, for example water intended for heating, such as a boiler, or water heater, or other type of pressurized water container.

[0003] In particular, the invention can be applied to the field of systems or plants for the supply of domestic hot water. The source for heating the water is not limited to a particular type and can be electric, combustion, solar thermodynamic, etc.

[0004] The invention can be used in domestic or industrial settings.

[0005] Furthermore, the valve group according to the invention can be used in indoor or outdoor environments.

State of the art

[0006] ? known as a circuit you have an arrangement of valves and hydraulic connections applied to a water tank intended to be filled with water coming from a water network and to heat this water to supply it at a desired temperature to one or more hydraulic users.

[0007] This circuit comprises a mixing valve to which is connected a first end of a first conduit which extends downwards to a connection point to the water mains and to a supply area of a tank. A second conduit is also connected to the mixing valve which extends upwards to a hot water withdrawal area of the tank. The first conduit is used to send cold water, supplied by the water mains, to the mixing valve, while the second conduit is arranged to withdraw hot water from the tank to send it to the mixing valve.

[0008] A further conduit branches off from the mixing valve to supply the user with mixed water at the desired temperature.

[0009] To restore the water level in the tank, a special connection is provided at the lower end of the first pipe.

[0010] Some regulations relating to the safety of pressurised hydraulic systems require the application of suitable safety valves (for example of the pressure release and/or temperature release type) suitable for evacuating the water contained in the tank when certain physical conditions of the water are reached (for example a limit operating pressure and/or a limit operating temperature).

[0011] These safety valves, whose operation is known in itself, operate with predefined parameters, in particular pressure parameters, which are different from each other and whose values are linked by a predefined operating relationship that depends both on the operating conditions of the tank and on the assembly conditions.

[0012] The known arrangement of valves and hydraulic connections has numerous disadvantages.

[0013] In particular, the dismantling of the components of the aforementioned known type circuit must be carried out after emptying the accumulation tank.

[0014] In other words, to replace a valve or a hydraulic connection in the circuit - for example to replace a water mixing valve - an operator, in addition to interrupting the entry of water into the tank, must necessarily evacuate the water contained in the tank to operate safely. In fact, the tank is filled with water at a pressure and temperature that are dangerous for the safety of the operator.

[0015] Furthermore, by evacuating the water from the storage system, the operator disperses into the environment a quantity of water at least equal to the volume of the tank (which can be relatively large), resulting in a waste of both energy - the water, in fact, has been heated and put under pressure in the tank - and water resources.

[0016] In addition, emptying, safely replacing components and subsequently refilling the tank requires both skilled labour and relatively long maintenance times.

[0017] Another disadvantage of the prior art is that the aforementioned safety valves, as per the regulations, must be replaced with valves that are identical from a structural and functional point of view and their identification can be difficult in the case of old components whose technical specifications are illegible.

[0018] Failure to identify the technical specifications of such safety valves may result in errors in valve replacement (with potentially very dangerous consequences during system operation) or require a redesign of the entire valve arrangement.

[0019] In light of the above-mentioned disadvantages and risks, it would be desirable to provide a valve assembly that overcomes the drawbacks of the known art.

[0020] First of all, it is desirable to have a valve group that allows for easy and quick maintenance and replacement of its components.

[0021] Secondly, it would be desirable to provide a valve group whose dismantling operations of parts of it, in particular of a mixing valve, can be carried out safely by an operator and without the need to empty the storage system, making the intervention cheaper and quicker and also allowing a saving of water resources to the advantage of eco-sustainability.

Purposes of the invention

[0022] An object of the invention is to improve existing valve assemblies.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide an alternative valve assembly to those of the prior art.

[0024] A further aim is to provide a valve group for a tank-type water storage system which makes the disassembly and assembly operations of its hydraulic components easier and quicker.

[0025] A further aim is to provide a solution that allows for the direct and easy replacement of its components without emptying the water storage system, making it possible to achieve advantages in terms of greater safety for the operator, as well as advantages from an environmental and energy perspective.

[0026] Another further aim is to provide a valve group that is constructionally simple and compact in size.

[0027] Yet another aim is to provide a valve group that can be easily installed on a tank storage system without necessarily employing specialized labor.

Summary of the invention

[0028] These and other purposes are achieved by means of a valve assembly as defined in the attached claims.

[0029] The valve group thus configured, particularly thanks to the configuration of the isolation means, is able to isolate the water mixing unit and the water mixing unit components easily and without the need to empty the water storage system.

[0030] Thanks to the provision of the first one-way valve near the first connection, it is possible to fill the water storage system while at the same time preventing a reverse flow of emptying.

[0031] Due to the configuration and positioning of the shut-off valve, it is possible to isolate the water mixing unit from the second connection to interrupt a water flow between the second connection and the water mixing unit.

[0032] Thanks to the special three-way configuration of the cut-off valve, it is possible to divert a flow of water towards the outside of the water storage system.

[0033] By configuring and positioning an additional cut-off valve, it is possible to isolate the water mixing unit from the inlet, allowing the interruption of a water flow between the water mains and the water mixing unit.

Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate an exemplary and non-limiting form of implementation, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve group and a tank-type water storage system;

Figure 2 is an enlargement of the valve assembly in Figure 1, highlighting a first connection, a second connection and a water mixing unit;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly according to a plane orthogonal to the viewing plane of Figure 2 in which various components of the valve assembly are indicated;

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the second attachment of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the first attachment of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an elevational section of the second attack taken on a median plane of the second attack;

Figure 7 is an elevational section of the second attachment taken on a further median plane of the second attachment orthogonal to the median plane of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a partial section in elevation passing in particular through a section valve taken along a section plane parallel to the further median plane of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an elevational section of the first attack taken on a median plane of the first attack;

Figure 10 is a cross-section of the first attachment taken on a further median plane of the second attachment orthogonal to the median plane of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a partial elevational section taken on a section plane parallel to the further median plane of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a side view of the water-mixing unit of Figure 2;

Figure 13 is an elevational section of the water-mixing unit;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of Figure 2 showing the heat-insulating shell means, partially sectioned to better highlight the valve assembly components underneath.

Detailed description

[0035] With reference to the above figures, the reference number 1 indicates a valve group 1 for a tank-type water storage system 2 (Figures 1 and 2).

[0036] As mentioned, the water storage tank 2 may comprise a boiler, or water heater, or other type of pressurized water container intended to be heated. In particular, the valve group 1 may operate with domestic hot water. The heating to which the water contained in the water storage system is subjected may be of the electric, combustion, thermodynamic solar type, etc.

[0037] The valve group 1 can be mounted between the water supply network for water collection and a water supply/use hydraulic system. The hydraulic system can be of the domestic or industrial type.

[0038] Furthermore, the valve group 1 can be used indoors or outdoors.

[0039] The valve group 1 comprises an inlet 3 (Figures 2, 3 and 13) for drawing water from a water supply network. The inlet 3 may be of the hydraulic joint type suitable for coupling with a hydraulic pipe. The water entering the valve body 1 may be at room temperature or relatively cold.

[0040] The valve group 1 comprises a first connection 4 (Figures 2, 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11) configured to fluidly couple with the water storage system 2. The first connection 4 is also configured to supply water from the inlet 3 to the water storage system 2. Referring to Figure 1, the first connection 4 is arranged in correspondence with a lower part of the storage system 2.

[0041] In the illustrated version, the first connection 4 is connected to the water storage system 2 via a water inlet port 4a (Figure 2).

[0042] In the illustrated version, the first connection 4 is also provided with a first auxiliary mouth 4b (shown blocked in Figure 2) - in fluid communication with the water storage system 2 - which can be coupled with a branch of the hydraulic system other than the water storage system 2.

[0043] The valve group 1 comprises a second connection 5 configured to fluidly couple with the water storage system 2. The second connection 5 is also configured to draw hot water from the water storage system 2. Referring to Figure 1, the second connection 5 is arranged in correspondence with an upper part of the storage system 2.

[0044] In the illustrated version, the second connection 5 is connected to the water storage system 2 via a water outlet 5a (Figure 2).

[0045] In the illustrated version, the second connection 5 is also provided with a second auxiliary mouth 5b (shown blocked in Figure 2) - in fluid communication with the water storage system 2 - which can be coupled with another branch of the hydraulic system other than the water storage system 2.

[0046] In the illustrated version, the first connection 4 and the second connection 5 are provided with respective pressure gauges P4, P5 arranged to measure the pressure of the water circulating inside the first connection 4 and the second connection 5 respectively (Figures 2, 3, 8 and 11).

[0047] The first connection 4 is provided with a first operational safety valve 6 and the second connection 5 is provided with a second operational safety valve 7,

[0048] Specifically, the first operational safety valve 6 is a pressure release valve 6, while the second operational safety valve 7 is a pressure and temperature release valve 7.

[0049] In the illustrated version, on the first connection 4 a housing portion is entirely machined, shaped to accommodate the pressure release valve 6 and on the second connection 5 a further housing portion is entirely machined, shaped to accommodate the pressure and temperature release valve 7.

[0050] As mentioned, the operational safety valves 6, 7 have a known operation and can operate with predefined parameters, in particular pressure parameters, which are different from each other and whose values are linked by a predefined operational relationship that depends both on the operating conditions of the tank (for example on the operating pressure inside the water storage system) and on the assembly conditions (for example on the difference in height between the two operational safety valves 6, 7).

[0051] The pressure release valve 6 and the pressure and temperature release valve 7 are both in fluid (direct) communication with the water storage system 2.

[0052] The first connection 4 (together with the respective pressure release valve 6) can be connected to a first level on the water storage system 2. The second connection 5 (together with the respective pressure and temperature release valve 7) can be connected to a second level on the water storage system 2 which is higher than the first level.

[0053] The above dimensions (first and second dimensions) are intended to be measured along a vertical axis.

[0054] The pressure and temperature release valve, located near the second connection 5, includes a temperature release valve portion 7c (such as a probe portion, Figures 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8) configured, in particular, to detect the temperature and, if necessary, enable the evacuation of water from the water storage system 2 upon reaching a predefined limit temperature.

[0055] In particular, the pressure release valve 6 associated with the first connection 4 can be configured to evacuate water from the water storage system 2 upon reaching a release pressure that is lower than a further release pressure of the pressure and temperature release valve 7 associated with the second connection 5.

[0056] Each of the two operational safety valves 6, 7 is mounted on a respective “T” shaped casing body. Each casing body is provided with two drainage openings 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b of which one drainage opening 6a, 7a is temporarily blocked. The shape of the casing body therefore allows an operator to choose which of the two drainage openings 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b to leave open for the evacuation of water based on the installation requirements, in particular the space available for the installation, of the valve assembly 1 (Referring to Figure 2, water can evacuate from the openings 6b, 7b).

[0057] The valve assembly 1 comprises a water mixing unit 8 (Figures 2, 3, 12, 13 and 14) adjustable to mix water from the inlet 3 (room temperature or cold water) and the second connection 5 (hot water) and supply an outlet 9 with mixed water at a desired temperature. The temperature of the mixed water can be adjusted by an operator's setting action on a knob of a thermostatic control valve (known per se) which will be described below.

[0058] The water mixing unit 8 can be fluidically connected to the first connection 4 via a first pipe 15 and to the second connection 5 via a second pipe 16 respectively (Figures 2, 3, 6, 9 and 13).

[0059] The valve assembly 1 comprises isolation means 10, 11, 12 (Figures 2 and 3) configured to isolate the water mixing unit 8 from the first connection 4, the second connection 5 and the inlet 3 to interrupt water flows coming from the first connection 4, the second connection 5 and the inlet 3 respectively.

[0060] The configuration of the isolation means 10, 11, 12 allows the dismantling of the water mixing unit 8 from the valve group 1 or the dismantling of components 8a, 8b, 8c of the water mixing unit 8 from the water mixing unit 8 without the need to empty the water storage system 2.

[0061] The components 8a, 8b, 8c of the water mixing unit may comprise a pressure regulating valve 8a and/or a thermostatic regulating valve 8b and/or a dirt filter 8c as will be described below.

[0062] In the illustrated version, the components 8a, 8b, 8c comprise one or more hydraulic cartridge valves.

[0063] In particular, the water mixing unit 8 may comprise the pressure regulating valve 8a (Figures 2, 3 and 13) which is configured, in particular, to circulate within the water mixing unit 8 water coming from the inlet 3 at a desired pressure. In the water mixing unit 8, downstream of the pressure regulating valve 8a there may be arranged a pressure gauge P8 (Figures 2, 3 and 13) to measure the pressure of the water circulating within the water mixing unit 8.

[0064] The water mixing unit 8 may include a thermostatic control valve 8b (Figures 2, 3 and 13) configured, in particular, to mix water from the inlet 3 and the second connection 5 and to deliver a flow of water at a desired temperature through the outlet 9. In the water mixing unit 8, a thermometer T8 (Figures 2, 3 and 13) may be arranged at the outlet 9 to measure the temperature of the water exiting the thermostatic control valve 8b.

[0065] The water mixing unit 8 may include a dirt filter 8c (Figures 2, 3 and 13) mounted downstream of the inlet 3 to retain impurities present in the incoming water. The dirt filter 8c may be connected upstream of the thermostatic valve 8b.

[0066] In the illustrated version, the pressure control valve 8a is positioned downstream of the dirt filter 8c.

[0067] The isolation means 10, 11, 12 comprise, in particular, a first one-way valve 10 (Figures 2, 3 and 9) mounted in proximity to the first connection 4. The first one-way valve 10 is configured, in particular, to put the inlet 3 in one-way fluid communication with the first connection 4 so as to allow a flow of water for filling the water storage system 2. Furthermore, the first one-way valve 10 is configured, in particular, to prevent a reverse flow of water from the first connection 4 towards the water mixing unit 8 and towards the inlet 3 so as to prevent an emptying of the water storage system 2.

[0068] The isolation means 10, 11, 12 comprise, in particular, a cut-off valve 11 (Figures 2, 3, 6 and 8) mounted in proximity to the second connection 5 and configured, in particular, to isolate the water-mixing unit 8 from the second connection 5 so as to interrupt a flow of water between the second connection 5 and the water-mixing unit 8. In the illustrated version, the cut-off valve 11 comprises a ball valve.

[0069] In the illustrated version, the cut-off valve may comprise, in particular, a three-way valve 11 provided with a drain port 11a (Figures 2 and 8). The three-way valve 11 may be configured, in particular, to divert a flow of water coming from the second connection 5 towards the outside through the drain port 11a.

[0070] In an alternative version not illustrated, the sectional valve 11 may comprise a hydraulic interception valve (two-way), which may be of the ball type or of a different type.

[0071] Referring to Figures 2 and 8, the drain port 11a is temporarily plugged by a plug. This plug can be removed by the operator to drain the water.

[0072] The isolation means 10, 11, 12 comprise, in particular, a further cut-off valve 12 (Figures 2, 3 and 13) mounted in proximity to the inlet 3 and configured, in particular, to isolate the water mixing unit 8 from the inlet 3 so as to interrupt a flow of water between the water mains and the water mixing unit 8.

[0073] In the illustrated version, the additional cut-off valve 12 is a hydraulic shut-off valve (two-way).

[0074] The valve assembly 1 may comprise a second one-way valve 9a (Figures 2, 3 and 13) connected to the outlet 9. This second one-way valve 9a is configured, in particular, to put the water-mixing unit 8 in one-way fluid communication with the outlet 9 so as to permit a flow of mixed water to the outlet and prevent a backflow of mixed water from the outlet 9 and the water-mixing unit 8.

[0075] Furthermore, the valve assembly 1 may include a third one-way valve 14 (Figures 2, 3 and 6) connected to the second connection 5. The third one-way valve 14 is configured, in particular, to put the second connection 5 into one-way fluid communication with the water mixing unit 8 so as to allow an inlet flow into the water mixing unit 8 and prevent a backflow of water from the water mixing unit 8 towards the second connection 5.

[0076] The water mixing unit 8 may include a fourth one-way valve 17 mounted upstream of the thermostatic control valve 8b (Figure 13). This fourth one-way valve 17 is configured, in particular, to put the inlet 3 in one-way fluid communication with the thermostatic control valve 8b so as to allow a flow of cold water to be mixed and prevent a reverse flow of water from the thermostatic control valve 8b towards the first connection 4 so as to prevent a backflow of mixed water into the storage system 2.

[0077] The dirt filter 8c may comprise a fifth one-way valve configured, in particular, to put the inlet 3 into one-way fluid communication with the pressure regulating valve 8a so as to allow a flow of cold water into the water mixing unit 8 and prevent a reverse flow of water from the pressure regulating valve 8a towards the inlet 3 so as to prevent a backflow of cold water into the water supply.

[0078] The valve group 1 comprises, heat-insulating coating shell means 4?, 5?, 8? (Figure 14) shaped to be applied from the outside on parts 4, 5, 8 of the valve group 1 to thermally insulate such parts. Thanks to the shape of the heat-insulating coating shell means it is possible to thermally insulate all the parts of the valve group. This allows to limit the heat dissipation and to protect from burns a user intent on touching the duct containing hot water.

[0079] In the version illustrated in Figure 14, the heat-insulating covering shell means 4?, 5?, 8? may comprise a first heat-insulating shell 4? for enveloping the first attachment 4, a second heat-insulating shell 5? for enveloping the second attachment 5, and a third heat-insulating shell 8? for enveloping the water-mixing unit 8.

[0080] In a version not illustrated, the heat-insulating covering shell means may comprise a single heat-insulating shell shaped to envelop the entire valve assembly 1. Additionally or alternatively, provision may be made to also thermally insulate the first tube 15 and the second tube 16.

[0081] The water mixing unit 8 comprises a monoblock casing body 80 (Figures 2, 3 and 13). Thanks to the monoblock casing shape of the water mixing unit 8, it is possible to make the components of the mixing unit itself easily accessible from the outside in order to be able to replace the same components.

[0082] In the monobloc casing body 80, a first housing cavity 18, a second housing cavity 19 and a third housing cavity 20 can be obtained, shaped to house respective components 8a, 8b, 8c of the mixing unit 8. The first housing cavity 18, the second housing cavity 19 and the third housing cavity 20 can be accessible from the outside of the monobloc casing body 80 so as to allow the direct removal of the components 8a, 8b, 8c.

[0083] The first housing cavity 18 is shaped, in particular, to receive the pressure regulating valve 8a. The second housing cavity 19 is shaped, in particular, to receive the thermostatic regulating valve 8b.

[0084] The third housing cavity 20 is shaped, in particular, to receive the dirt filter 8c. The water mixing unit 8 can be provided with a removable closing element 21 shaped to close the third housing cavity 20 and retain the dirt filter 8c inside.

[0085] Referring to the illustrated version of the valve assembly, in the monobloc casing assembly 80, the first housing cavity 18 extends with its own first axis, the second housing cavity 19 extending with its own second axis which is substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0086] Referring to Figure 13, the first housing cavity 18 (and the respective pressure regulating valve 8a) extends with a substantially horizontal axis lying on a median plane of the water-mixing unit 8 (or equivalently of the monobloc casing body 80).

[0087] In this illustrated version, the first housing cavity 18 and the second housing cavity 19 are accessible from the outside from opposite sides of the one-piece casing body 80. The third housing cavity 20 extends with its own third axis which is transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the first axis.

[0088] During operation, water (which may be relatively cold or at room temperature) coming from the water supply - through inlet 3 - enters the water mixing unit 8, passes first through the dirt filter 8c and then through the pressure regulating valve 8a (Figure 13).

[0089] In this situation the additional cut-off valve 12 is in an open position (the one shown in the figures) such as to allow the passage of water from the inlet 3 to the water mixing unit 8.

[0090] At the outlet of the pressure control valve 8a, the water can travel through two different fluid paths.

[0091] Following a first fluid path, or mixing path, the water (always inside the water mixing unit 8) passes through the fourth one-way valve 17 to enter the thermostatic control valve 8b.

[0092] Following a second fluid path, or filling path, the water exits the water mixing unit 8 and passes through the first pipe 15 towards the first connection 4. From the first pipe 15, the water first passes through a first one-way valve 10 and is subsequently fed into the water storage system 2 (in correspondence with the first inlet opening 4a).

[0093] As mentioned, downstream of the first one-way valve 10 and upstream of the water storage system 2 is positioned the pressure release valve 6 associated with the first connection 4.

[0094] At this point the water in the water storage system 2 can be heated by heating means.

[0095] At this point, the water can flow out of the water storage system 2 (in correspondence with the outlet 5a) to enter the second connection 5.

[0096] Subsequently, the water first passes through the cut-off valve 11 (which is open in normal operation) then the third one-way valve 14, and heads towards the second pipe 16 to re-enter the water mixing unit 2 at a hot inlet of the thermostatic control valve 8b where it mixes with the water coming from the first path.

[0097] Once mixed in the thermostatic control valve 8b, the water passes through the second one-way valve 9a to the outlet 9 leaving the water mixing unit 8 (and the valve assembly 1).

[0098] In case it is necessary to replace the water mixing unit 8 or one of the components 8a, 8b, 8c of the water mixing unit 8, the operator in charge of the replacement can act on the isolation means 10, 11, 12 to interrupt the water flows inside the water mixing unit 8 and safely carry out the replacement without the need to empty the water storage system 2.

[0099] In particular, the operator can act on the cut-off valve 11 (using a screwdriver as in the illustrated version or manually using a knob in a further version not illustrated) and on the further cut-off valve 12 near the inlet.

[00100] In this situation, the closing of the additional cut-off valve 12 prevents the ingress of water drawn from the water supply into the water mixing unit 8. At the same time, the closing of the cut-off valve 11 prevents the ingress of (hot) water from the water storage system 2 through the second connection 5. Furthermore, the first one-way valve 10 prevents a backflow of water from the water storage system 2 through the first connection 4.

[00101] The operator can unscrew the various connections (of known type) that connect the water mixing unit 8 to the rest of the hydraulic system, for example at the inlet 3, the outlet 9 of the first and second connections 4, 5 and remove the mixing unit. The quantity of (wasted) water that can flow out of the valve group 1 is equal to the maximum hollow volume of the water mixing unit 8; this greatly reduces the waste of energy and resources that would occur in the case of a valve group of prior art. In fact, in the known art, the operator would have had to completely empty (or at least a large part of) the water accumulation system 2, resulting in a considerable dispersion of (hot) water.

[00102] The operator can therefore act on the various connections, for example on the connections indicated by the numerical references 10 and 14 (which in the illustrated embodiment include the first directional valve 10 and the third one-way valve 14), without the need to detach the first connection 4 and/or the second connection 5 from the water storage system 2.

[00103] As mentioned, the valve group 1 also allows the replacement of the components 8a, 8b, 8c of the mixing unit 8 even individually, achieving the same advantages described in the case of complete replacement of the water mixing unit 8.

[00104] In fact, thanks to the configuration of the isolation means 10, 11, 12, it is possible to easily remove, for example, the dirt filter 8c, by removing the closing element 21 from the third housing cavity 20 so that the cartridge containing the dirt filter 8c can be extracted from the outside.

[00105] Similarly, each of the cartridges containing the pressure control valve 8a and the thermostatic control valve 8b can be removed by extracting them from the first housing cavity 18 and the second housing cavity 19 respectively.

[00106] In all these cases described (replacement of the entire water-mixing unit 8 or individual components 8a, 8b, 8c), the volume of wasted water cannot be greater than the volume of water trapped inside the water-mixing unit 8 (or equivalently inside the monoblock casing body 80).

[00107] Furthermore, thanks to the mutual positioning of the housing cavities 19, 20, 21 in the one-piece casing body 80, it is possible to make the components 8a, 8b, 8c of the water mixing unit 8 easily and quickly accessible from the outside.

[00108] From the above it is evident that the valve group 1 achieves all the intended purposes.

[00109] The valve group thus configured, particularly thanks to the configuration of the isolation means 10, 11, 12, is able to isolate the water mixing unit 8 and the components 8a, 8b, 8c of the water mixing unit 8 easily and without the need to empty the water storage system 2.

[00110] Furthermore, thanks to the provision of the first one-way valve 10 near the first connection 4, it is possible to fill the water storage system 2 while at the same time preventing a reverse flow of emptying.

[00111] Due to the configuration and positioning of the cut-off valve 11, it is possible to isolate the water mixing unit 8 from the second connection 5 in order to interrupt a flow of water between the second connection 5 and the water mixing unit 8.

[00112] Thanks to the particular three-way configuration of the cut-off valve 11, it is possible to divert a flow of water towards the outside of the water storage system 2.

[00113] Thanks to the configuration and positioning of an additional cut-off valve 12, it is possible to isolate the water mixing unit 8 from the inlet 3, allowing the interruption of a water flow between the water network and the water mixing unit 8.

[00114] Thanks to the conformation of heat-insulating shell means 4?, 5?, 8? it is possible to thermally insulate the parts 4, 5, 8 of the valve group 1.

[00115] Thanks to the monoblock casing 80 of the water mixing unit 8, it is possible to make the components 8a, 8b, 8c of the water mixing unit 8 easily accessible from the outside for their replacement.

[00116] What has been said and shown in the attached drawings has been provided for illustrative purposes of the innovative features of the valve group 1.

[00117] ? It is possible to configure and size the valve 1, or parts of it, in the desired way according to specific application contexts. In practice, the materials, to the extent that they are compatible with the specific use and with the respective individual components for which they are intended, can be chosen appropriately according to the required requirements and according to the state of the art available. Variants and/or additions to what is described above and illustrated in the attached drawings are possible.

Claims (23)

1. Valve group (1) for a water storage system with a tank (2), said valve group (1) comprising: an input (3) for drawing water from a water network, a first connection (4) configured to fluidly couple with, and supply with water coming from said inlet (3), said water storage system (2), a second connection (5), configured to fluidly couple with, and draw hot water from, said tank-type water storage system (2), said first attachment (4) being provided with a first operational safety valve (6) and said second attachment (5) being provided with a second operational safety valve (7), an adjustable water mixing unit (8) for mixing water from said inlet (3) and said second connection (5) and supplying an outlet (9) with mixed water at a desired temperature, isolation means (10, 11, 12) configured to isolate said water mixing unit (8) from said first connection (4), from said second connection (5) and from said inlet (3) to interrupt water flows coming respectively from said first connection (4), from said second connection (5) and from said inlet (3) so as to permit the disassembly of said water mixing unit (8) from said valve assembly (1) or components (8a, 8b, 8c) of said water mixing unit (8) from said water mixing unit (8) without the need to empty said water storage system (2). 2. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first operational safety valve (6) is a pressure release valve (6) and said second operational safety valve (7) is a pressure and temperature release valve (7). 3. Valve group (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein on said first connection (4) a housing portion shaped to accommodate a pressure release valve (6) is entirely obtained, and wherein on said second connection (5) a further housing portion shaped to accommodate a further pressure release valve (7) is entirely obtained. 4. Valve assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said isolation means (10, 11, 12) comprise a first one-way valve (10) mounted in proximity to said first connection (4) and configured to put said inlet (3) into one-way fluid communication with said first connection (4) so as to allow a flow of water for filling said water storage system (2) and prevent a contrary flow of water from said first connection (4) towards said water mixing unit (8) and towards said inlet (3) so as to prevent an emptying of said water storage system (2). 5. Valve assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said isolation means (10, 11, 12) comprise a cut-off valve (11) mounted in proximity to said second connection (5) and configured to isolate said water mixing unit (8) from said second connection (5) so as to interrupt a flow of water between said second connection (5) and said water mixing unit (8). 6. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said shut-off valve comprises a three-way valve (11) provided with a drain port (11a), said three-way valve (11) being configured to divert a flow of water coming from said second connection (5) towards the outside through said drain port (11a). 7. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said isolation means (10, 11, 12) comprise a further cut-off valve (12) mounted in proximity to said inlet (3) and configured to isolate said water-mixing unit (8) from said inlet (3) so as to interrupt a flow of water between said water network and said water-mixing unit (8). 8. Valve assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said first connection (4) is connectable to a first height on said water storage system (2) and said second connection (5) is connectable to a second height on said water storage system (2) that is higher than said first height, and wherein said pressure and temperature release valve (7) includes a temperature release valve portion (7c) configured to detect the temperature and enable the evacuation of water from said water storage system (2) upon reaching a predefined limit temperature. 9. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein said first operational safety valve (6) associated with said first attachment (4) is configured to evacuate water from said water storage system (2) upon reaching a release pressure that is lower than a further release pressure of said second operational safety valve (7) associated with said second attachment (5). 10. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said water mixing unit (8) includes a pressure regulating valve (8a) configured to circulate within said water mixing unit (8) water coming from said inlet (3) at a desired pressure. 11. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said water mixing unit (8) includes a thermostatic control valve (8b) configured to mix water from said inlet (3) and said second connection (5) and deliver through said outlet (9) a flow of water at a desired temperature. 12. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein said water mixing unit (8) includes a fourth one-way valve (17) mounted upstream of said thermostatic control valve (8b) and configured to put said inlet (3) into one-way fluid communication with said thermostatic control valve (8b) so as to permit a flow of cold water to be mixed and prevent a reverse flow of water from said thermostatic control valve (8b) and towards said first connection (4) so as to prevent a backflow of mixed water into said storage system (2). 13. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said water mixing unit (8) includes an impurity filter (8c) mounted downstream of said inlet (3) to retain impurities present in the incoming water, said impurity filter (8c) comprising a fifth one-way valve configured to put said inlet (3) into one-way fluid communication with said pressure regulating valve (8a) so as to allow a flow of cold water into the water mixing unit (8) and prevent a reverse flow of water from said pressure regulating valve (8a) towards said inlet (3) so as to prevent a backflow of cold water into said water network. 14. Valve group (1) according to claim 13 when dependent on 12, wherein said anti-impurity filter (8c) is connected upstream of said thermostatic valve (8b). 15. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a second one-way valve (9a) is provided connected to said outlet (9) and configured to put said water-mixing unit (8) into one-way fluid communication with said outlet (9) so as to allow a flow of mixed water at the outlet and prevent a backflow of mixed water from said outlet (9) and said water-mixing unit (8). 16. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a third one-way valve (14) is provided connected to said second connection (5) and configured to put said second connection (5) into one-way fluid communication with said water mixing unit (8) so as to allow an inlet flow into said water mixing unit (8) and prevent a backflow of water coming from said water mixing unit (8) towards said second connection (5). 17. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising heat-insulating coating shell means (4?, 5?, 8?) shaped to be applied from the outside onto parts (4, 5, 8) of said valve assembly (1) to thermally insulate said parts (4, 5, 8). 18. Valve assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said water mixing unit (8) comprises a monobloc casing body (80), in said monobloc casing body (80) being obtained a first housing cavity (18), a second housing cavity (19) and a third housing cavity (20) shaped to house respective components (8a, 8b, 8c) of said mixing unit (8), said first housing cavity (18), said second housing cavity (19) and said third housing cavity (20) being accessible from the outside of said monobloc casing body (80) to allow the direct removal of said components (8a, 8b, 8c). 19. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 18 when dependent on claim 13 or claim 12, wherein said first housing cavity (18) is shaped to receive said pressure regulating valve (8a). 20. Valve assembly (1) according to claim 18 or 19 when dependent on claim 12, wherein said second housing cavity (19) is shaped to receive said thermostatic control valve (8b). 21. Valve assembly (1) according to any of claims 18 to 20 when dependent on claim 12 or 13, wherein said third housing cavity (20) is shaped to receive said dirt filter (8c). 22. A valve assembly (1) according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein said first housing cavity (18) extends with its own first axis, said second housing cavity (19) extending with its own second axis which is substantially parallel to said first axis, said first housing cavity (18) and said second housing cavity (19) being accessible from the outside from opposite sides of said one-piece casing body (80). 23. Valve assembly (1) according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein said first housing cavity (18) extends with its own first axis, said third housing cavity (20) extending with its own third axis which is transverse to said first axis.