WO2012101049A1

WO2012101049A1 - Water economizing mixer tap

Info

Publication number: WO2012101049A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/050850
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claude Waudoit
Original assignee: Claude Waudoit
Priority date: 2011-01-27
Filing date: 2012-01-20
Publication date: 2012-08-02
Also published as: LU91784B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a water economizing mixer tap. The tap comprises a body (1), a hot water inlet (3) connected to a hot water inflow at a given pressure, a cold water inlet (2) connected to a cold water inflow at a pressure lower than that of the hot water and provided with an expansion tank, a mixed water outlet (4) and a control lever (1). The mixer tap comprises a valve for regulating the flow rate of the outlet water. This valve comprises a first lower fixed disc and a second upper disc that is able to move with respect to the first disc. The discs of the valve for regulating the water flow rate are designed to connect the hot water inflow to the cold water inflow so as to keep the water at the hot water inflow at a minimum temperature. A downward movement of the lever will bring the hot water inlet or the outlet of a temperature regulation thermostat into communication with the cold water inlet, thus injecting the hot water or thermally controlled water back into the cold water pipe so as to prepare hot water without wasting water.

Description

MIXER TAP WITH WATER SAVER

Technical area

The present invention relates to a water saving mixer tap.

Prior art

In a plumbing system comprising hot water pipes, the hot water source (water heater, hot water tank, etc.) can be at a considerable distance from the consumption points. When all consumption points are closed, the water contained in these hot water pipes cools naturally. For this reason, when there is then a new demand for hot water, it is normally necessary to let the water initially contained in these ducts to be able to reach the desired water temperature at the point of consumption. This is an important source of water wastage.

In the French patent application FR 2 923 033 A1, a device has been proposed for instantaneously providing hot water, comprising a hot water tank near the point of consumption. However, in a plumbing system with a plurality of water consumption points, this will result in high complexity and cost. In addition, the effectiveness of the system is limited, especially when the point of water consumption is closed for a prolonged period, or when a high initial water temperature is desired.

The patent document DE 36 22 139 A1 discloses a sanitary water distribution network with hot and cold water, where the part of the cold water network is at a lower pressure than the part of the water network hot. This pressure difference is provided by a pressure reducer. The cold water network part is also equipped with an expansion tank. At the various points of the hot and cold water supply network, interconnection devices for the hot water and cold water pipes are provided. These devices provide the interconnection when the temperature of the hot water pipe passes below a predetermined value, and this to ensure a slight flow of hot water to the cold water pipe and maintain the presence of a temperature minimum in the hot water pipe.

DE 197 20 235 A1 discloses a single-control thermostatic valve. This tap is intended to be connected to a hot and cold water distribution network where the cold water network part is at a lower pressure than that of the hot water network part, and allowing a circulation of hot water to cold water. The valve includes, in addition to a disk flow control valve ceramics, a device for interconnecting or bypassing the hot water supply with the cold water inlet to maintain a minimum temperature at the hot water inlet. This device is located at the foot of the valve body (at its lower part), positioned hydraulically between the hot and cold water inlets and the disk flow regulator. The valve comprises two coupled thermostats, one for regulating the operating water temperature and a second for regulating the holding temperature at the hot water inlet. A service flow at a selected temperature will only be allowed when the hot water supply reaches a temperature close to the selected temperature. In addition, the by-pass between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet is sensitive to the pressure difference in order to avoid a reverse flow when the pressure drops in the hot water pipe. This faucet is of a very complex construction and therefore expensive.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to provide a mixing valve overcomes at least one of the above mentioned problems. More particularly, the invention aims to provide a mixing valve simple construction and able to ensure interconnection between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet to allow a supply of hot water without waste .

The invention relates to a mixing valve comprising a body with a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a service water outlet; a service flow control valve, comprising a first fixed disk with at least two openings each connected to one of the hot and cold water inlets and the service water outlet, and a second disk with a first cavity and able to be moved in translation and / or sliding rotation in a contact plane on the first disk so as to be able to connect the two openings via the first cavity; a control lever of the second disk relative to the first disk; notable in that the service flow control valve is configured to include a position for connecting the hot water inlet to the cold water inlet.

The connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet can be direct or indirect via a thermostat. The aforementioned measures allow the realization of a water saving mixer tap substantially simpler than in the state of the art.

The first and second discs need not be perfectly circular. They can also take various forms with a contour similar to near or far to a circle. The first and second disks can thus be assimilated to "ice-creams" able to slide on one another, the term "disk" was however privileged for purposes of clarity of exposition.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet is operated by a displacement of the second disk relative to the first disk.

[001 1] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet is actuated by movement of the control lever.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first cavity of the second disk is designed to ensure the connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet via the first disk.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second disk and / or the first cavity comprises means able to move by expansion effect and / or thermal contraction the second disk as a function of a temperature variation. water in the first cavity. This displacement takes place with respect to the first disc and / or the body of the tap.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the displacement of the second disk following the temperature variation has the effect of stopping or at least reducing the connection of the cold water inlet with the hot water inlet.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the means adapted to move by expansion effect and / or thermal contraction the second disk comprise a thermostatic element and a movable element in translation adapted to act on the valve body, the thermostatic element being able to move the movable element by expansion effect and / or thermal contraction.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermostatic element and the movable element are aligned along a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the contact plane of the first and second discs.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movable element is arranged in a sealed manner through a wall of the first cavity.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movable element is able to be locked in a position where it is under the stress of elastic means, the locking of the movable element can be released by expansion and / or or contraction of the thermostatic element, the elastic means then being able to move the movable element and to move the second disk. According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking of the movable member is operated during the connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movable member is a pusher housing at least one locking ball whose radial position is controlled by a piston sliding inside the pusher and whose position is at less partially controlled by the thermostatic element.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, or the locking balls is / are adapted (s) to cooperate with a shoulder in a bore in which the pusher is movable in translation.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piston comprises at least one inclined surface relative to its longitudinal axis, the surface or surfaces being in contact with the ball or balls.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first disc comprises a first opening connected to the cold water inlet, a second opening connected to the hot water inlet and a third opening connected to the output of service, the first cavity of the second disk is able to connect the first and second openings. The aforementioned connections are preferably direct, that is to say without passing through a thermostat or other device for mixing cold water with hot water.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second disk comprises a second cavity adapted to put the first and / or second opening of the first disk in connection with the third opening of the first disk.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first cavity is connected to the contact plane by a first and a second opening of the second disk, the first cavity being at a distance from the contact plane.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and second openings of the first and second disc are arranged at the contact plane so that the first openings of the first and second disc and the second openings of the first and second disc can be matched, respectively, in a relative position of the second disc relative to the first disc corresponding to the connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet. The displacement of the second disk relative to the first disk, in particular by expansion effect of the thermostatic element, will then cancel this connection by moving the openings of the second disk of the corresponding openings of the first disk. According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valve comprises a thermostat connected to the hot and cold water inlets and with a mixed water outlet connected to a first opening of the first disc, a second opening of the first disk being connected to the cold water inlet, and the first cavity of the second disk being able to ensure a connection between the first and second openings of the first disk.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second disc comprises a protrusion passing through the first opening of the first disc and has a slidingly engaged end with a thermostat adjusting screw.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the protrusion comprises a transverse passage preferably at the height of the first disc, the passage having a reduced section upstream and an increased section downstream so as to generate a pressure drop. adapted to maintain the protrusion in a position of contact with the first disc against an elastic force.

These measures allow a bonding of the outgrowth when setting hot water recirculation function in the cold water pipe for a hot water preparation without wasting water. The elastic force can be achieved at the control of the second disk, such as at the control lever.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first opening of the first disc comprises a boss, the protrusion and the boss being able to prevent the displacement of the second disc relative to the first disc in a setting position. connecting the first aperture with the second aperture of the first disk in a given angular position range of the second disk.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second disk comprises a first cavity and a second cavity, said cavities being delimited by the contact plane and preferably separated from each other by the protrusion. , the first cavity preferably being in direct contact with the downstream section of the transverse passage of the protrusion.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermostat comprises a built-in non-return valve preventing a passage from the hot water inlet to the cold water inlet.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermostat comprises a metering slide of cold water and hot water for the preparation of mixed water.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermostat comprises a drawer with a first edge delimiting a first section of passage of hot water to the mixed water outlet and a second edge delimiting a second section for the passage of cold water to the mixed water outlet.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermostat comprises a first spring disposed between the drawer and a thermostat adjusting screw, and a second spring disposed between the drawer and the valve body so as to act as opposite way to the first spring.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drawer comprises an expansion element and a support rod on the body of the valve, the expansion element acting by expansion on the position of the element of support relative to the drawer.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thermostat comprises a slidably disposed element in the drawer between the valve body and the support rod, the element forming the seat of a check valve.

These measures allow a bonding of the outgrowth during the hot water recirculation function in the cold water pipe for the preparation of hot water without wasting water. The elastic force can be achieved at the control of the second disk, such as at the control lever.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mixing valve according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a mixing valve according to a first embodiment in the connection position of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fixed and mobile distribution discs of the valve of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a top view of the two valve distribution disks of Figure 2 in the connection position of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet.

Figure 5 is a top view of the two valve distribution discs of Figure 2 in the closed position.

Figure 6 is a top view of the two valve distribution discs of Figure 2 in the service position.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 2 in the closed position.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 2 in the service position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the support of the mobile distribution disk of the valve of FIG. 2.

Figure 10 is a sectional view of a mixer according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the distribution disks and the support of the mobile disk of FIG. 10.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 10 in the position of setting

connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet and cold water passage.

Figure 13 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 10 in the position of implementation.

connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet and hot water passage.

Figure 14 is a sectional view of a mixer according to a third embodiment of the invention in the closed position.

Figure 15 is a sectional view of Figure 14 in the connection position of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet and hot water passage.

Figure 16 is a sectional view of Figure 14 in the connection position of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet and cold water passage.

Figure 17 is a sectional view of a valve according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the fixed disc of the tap of FIG. 17.

[0058] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the valve control part of FIG.

17.

Figure 20 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 17 in the connection position of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet.

Figure 21 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 17 in the operating position.

Figure 22 is a sectional view of a valve according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, essentially corresponding to an alternative to the valve of Figures 17, 20 and 21.

Figure 23 is a sectional view of a mixer according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, essentially corresponding to a combination of the second and fourth embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the distribution disks and the support of the mobile disk of FIG. 23.

Figure 25 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 23 in the position of implementation.

connection of mixed water outlet with cold water inlet and cold water passage.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the tap of FIG. 23 in position for setting

connection of mixed water outlet with cold water inlet and hot water passage.

Figure 27 is a sectional view of the valve of Figure 23 in the operating position.

Description of the embodiments

In order for the hot water preparation function to be operational, the mixer must be connected to an organized sanitary water installation to generate pressure in the room. cold water pipe less than the pressure in the hot water pipe, for example by means of a pressure reducer, and the cold water circuit must comprise an expansion tank downstream of the pressure reducer capable of receive at least the volume of cold water initially contained in the hot water pipe.

[0068] Figure 1 illustrates a mixing valve whose body 1 is provided with a cold water inlet 2, a hot water inlet 3 and a mixed service water outlet 4.

Figures 2 to 9 illustrate a first embodiment of a mixing valve according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the valve in a position of communication between hot water and cold water.

The valve comprises a fixed distribution disk 5 which is integral with the body 1 of the mixer and is provided with three through holes: a cold water inlet port 6, a hot water inlet port 7, and a service water outlet 8 as shown in more detail in FIG. 3.

The valve also comprises a movable distribution disk 9, free in translation and in rotation on the fixed distribution disk 5, which is provided with a cavity 10 intended to put in communication the cold water inlet orifices. 6 and hot water 7 with the service water outlet 8 of the fixed distribution disk 5 when the control lever 1 1 is raised to put the valve in the service position. The movable distribution disc 9 is further provided with two through holes 12 and 13 as shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The relative position of the distribution disks when the valve is in the connection position of the Hot water inlet with cold water inlet is shown in Figure 4.

The support 14 of the mobile distribution disk 9 is integral with the mobile distribution disk and has a cavity 15 which communicates the two through-holes 12 and 13 of the mobile distribution disk 9. A thermostatic element 16 is housed in the cavity 15 of the support 14 of the mobile distribution disk. An increase in the temperature of the thermostatic element 16 causes a dilation of its internal component 17 which has the effect of pushing, via a membrane (not visible) and a rod 18, a pusher 19 sliding freely in the support 14 of the disk. mobile distribution 9 and able to push the mobile distribution disk 9 and its support 14 to the closed position when the temperature of the water increases in the cavity 15. A shoulder 20 limits the movement of the pusher 19.

The relative position of the distribution disks when the valve is in the closed position is shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 shows a sectional view of the mixing valve in the closed position. When this position results from the force exerted by the thermostatic element 16, following a lowering of the control lever January 1 in a position for connecting the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet, this means that the temperature of the water contained in the hot water supply pipe has reached a predetermined value, for example ° C, and that one can tilt the control lever 1 1 of the valve up in a service position as shown in Figure 8 to withdraw water at the desired temperature without wasting cold water initially contained in the hot water supply pipes after a prolonged period of non-use of the tap. The relative position of the distribution discs when the valve is in the service position is shown in FIG.

The tilting movement of the control lever 1 1 is preferably disturbed by a slight attachment, for example at the contact surface between the support of the control lever and the support 14 of the mobile distribution disc 9, in a position that corresponds to Figure 7 to mark the closing position of the mixer, and / or in a position corresponding to Figure 1 to achieve a faster return of the control lever 1 1 to the closed position of the mixer.

A compression spring is advantageously mounted between the thermostatic element 16 and the pusher 19 to facilitate the return movement of the lever 1 1 of the connection position of the hot water inlet with the inlet d cold water of Figure 2 to the closed position of the mixer of Figure 7.

The constituent elements of the water saving mixer tap can be collected in a cartridge to facilitate assembly.

Figures 10 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention which corresponds essentially to a more sophisticated version of the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 9. The same reference signs have been taken for the same elements or at least for the corresponding elements, these signs however being incremented by 100 for the sake of clarity of exposition. Specific reference signs have been attributed to the elements that do not correspond to the first embodiment, these specific signs being between 100 and 200.

[0078] Figure 10 illustrates the valve in a neutral position called service flow closure and without connection of the inflow of hot and cold water. The movable disk 109 is provided with a single through-orifice 1 12 (shown in more detail in FIG. 11) which allows a more direct passage of the hot water towards the cold water while maintaining the contact between the thermostatic element 1 16 and the water passage via the cavity 123 of the support 1 14 of the movable disk 109. The direct passage of hot water to the cold water provided by the through hole reduces the time required for the hot water preparation to an extent that the user will have hot water more quickly by operating the mode of hot water preparation than by letting the water flow into the sink which is an additional advantage and an incentive to preferentially use the hot water preparation function that saves water.

The compression spring 126 mounted between the thermostatic element 1 16 and the pusher 1 19 is capable alone to push the movable disk 109, its support 1 14 and the control lever 1 1 1 to the closed position of the mixer that is illustrated in Figure 10. The pusher 1 19 is limited in its movement by a stop 125 which slides in a groove 124 of the support 1 14 of the movable disk.

The locking and unlocking of the pusher 1 19 in the support 1 14 of the mobile disc results from the radial position of one or more balls 122 which slide freely in the radial orifices of the pusher 1 19 and which bear on the external profile of a piston 121 which slides freely in the pusher 1 19.

In the closed position of the mixer that corresponds to Figure 10, the pusher 1 19 is pushed to the right under the effect of the spring 126 until the stop 125 comes into contact with the support 1 14 mobile disk. The balls 122 are slid towards the inside of the pusher. By pushing the lever 1 1 1 downwards, the support 1 14 of the mobile disc is moved to the right and the push-piece 1 19 is forced to enter the support 1 14 as shown in FIG. 12. The thermostatic element 1 16 allows the piston 121 to move to the left under the effect of the return spring 127, which causes the outward movement of the balls 122, in the groove 129 of the support 1 14 and therefore the locking of the push 1 19 in the support 1 14 as shown in Figure 12.

When hot water comes into contact with the thermostatic element 1 16 the expansion of its internal component pushes the rod 1 18 and the piston 121 to the right, against the effect of the return spring 127 as shown on Figure 13. The displacement to the right of the piston 121 allows the balls 122 to slide inwardly of the pusher 1 19, which causes the unlocking of the pusher which pushes under the effect of the spring 126 the support 1 14 to the left in the closing position of the mixer, which corresponds to FIG.

The piston 128 under the effect of its spring causes a slight snap to properly mark the different positions of the command.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 show a third embodiment of the invention. This is a variant of the mixing valve of FIGS. 10 to 13. The same reference signs have been used for the same elements or at least for the corresponding elements, these signs however being incremented by 100 so as to start with the number 2. This third embodiment has only one modification compared to the second embodiment embodiment a different profile of the piston 221 to unlock the pusher 219 by the effect of a decrease in the temperature of the water. In hot regions of the world, especially during periods of high temperatures, it is in fact common practice to deactivate the hot water preparation device and to place a fresh water reservoir in connection with the so-called hot water pipe. in an air-conditioned room. In this case, the warm water is wasted from the pipes to draw fresh water. The mixer variant shown in Figures 14, 15 and 16 has the effect of avoiding this waste. FIG. 14 illustrates the valve in the closed position, similar to FIG. 10. FIG. 15 illustrates the tap in the fresh water preparation position similar to FIG. 12 and FIG. 16 illustrates the tap at the end of the water preparation. fresh, similar to Figure 13.

Figures 17 to 22 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a mixing valve according to the invention. The same reference signs have been adopted for the same elements or at least for the corresponding elements, these signs however being incremented by 100 so as to start with the number 3. Specific reference signs have been attributed to the elements that have not been corresponding to the previous embodiments.

Similarly to the valve of the first, second and third embodiments of the invention, for the hot water preparation function is operational, the mixer of Figure 17 must be connected to a sanitary water installation organized for generate a pressure in the cold water pipe 344 less than the pressure in the hot water pipe 345, for example by means of a pressure reducer 342, and the cold water circuit 344 must comprise a vessel of expansion 343 downstream of the pressure reducer 342 capable of receiving at least the volume of cold water initially contained in the hot water pipe 345.

The body 301 of the mixer is provided with a cold water inlet 302, a hot water inlet 303 and a mixed service water outlet 304. The mixing valve comprises a metering slide 333 in direct connection with the hot water inlet 303 and the cold water inlet 302, integral with a thermostatic element 316. The mixed water resulting from a metering of cold water and hot water goes go up the thermostatic element to reach the central opening 307 of a valve disk 305 and 309 (309A-309B) of the valve.

The valve of the valve comprises a first fixed disk 305 having a central opening 307 in communication with the mixed water passage, a lateral opening 308 in direct communication with the mixed water outlet 304 and another lateral opening 306 in communication with the cold water inlet 302. The valve comprises a second mobile disk 309 disposed on the first disk 305, able to move in translation and in rotation by sliding on said first disk. The second disk 309 includes a first cavity 312 and a second cavity 310. These cavities have the ability to provide hydraulic connections between the openings 306, 307 and 308 of the first disk 305.

The second disc 309 is actuated by a control lever 31 1, the latter being rigidly connected to an intermediate lever 330 whose end cooperates with the second disc 309 in order to move it in translation. The intermediate lever 330 is in fact pivotally mounted relative to an axis mounted on a support 331. The latter is rotatable which means that any rotation of the control lever 31 1 will cause the rotation of the support 331 and that of the upper disk 309 via slides (not visible in Figure 17). These slides are more clearly explained in connection with the description of FIG. 19. Any tilting from top to bottom and vice versa of the control lever 31 1 will cause the translation of the upper disk 309 along the slideways with the support 331.

The upper disk 309 (309A + 309B) comprises a protrusion 332 projecting downwardly through the central opening 307 of the lower disk 305. The lower end of the protrusion 332 has two flat faces. which cooperate with a slide of a screw 314 so as to drive the screw in rotation with the rotation of the control lever 31 1 regardless of the degree of inclination of said lever (see Figure 19). The screw 314 cooperates with the valve body 301 via a helical track in order to obtain a sufficiently direct transmission ratio so that the rotation of the lever over a sector of about 80 ° -100 ° causes a significant displacement of the screw 314. A spring 326 abuts between said screw 314 and the thermostatic element 316. The latter comprises an internal component cartridge capable of expanding and exerting an elastic force on the support rod 350 slidably mounted on the thermostatic element. 316. The slide 333 is rigidly attached to the thermostatic element, the latter being held in abutment on the bottom of the valve body via the support rod 350 by means of the spring 326. The fact of lowering or mounting the screw 314 will change the force exerted by the spring 326 on the thermostatic element 316, and therefore the adjustment of the temperature of the mixed water in the passage of warm water.

A spring 327 is disposed in the drawer 333 at the bottom of the thermostatic element 316 and exerts a force opposite that of the spring 326, namely that it tends to move the element upwards.

When the control lever 31 1 of the mixer is turned to the right in the cold water selection position, the screw 314 rises and the force transmitted by the spring 326 decreases. The spring 327 pushes the spool 333 upwards to close the hot water passage 334 against the effect of the pressure of the hot water in the conduit 303.

By gradually turning the lever 31 1 to the left, the screw 314 will go down and compress the spring 326 which pushes the drawer 333 down against the spring 327 to close the cold water passage 335 and open the door. hot water 334.

An increase in the temperature of the thermostatic element 316 causes a dilation of its internal component which has the effect of pushing the rod 350 downwards, and by reaction causes the displacement of the slide 333 and the thermostatic element 316 upwards, against the setting spring 326, which opens the cold water passage 335 and closes the hot water passage 334. The intermediate positions of the metering slide 333 allow the regulation of the water temperature in the mixed water passage around the thermostatic element 316. The setting spring 326 is in contact with an internal face of the screw 314. The helical groove of the screw 314 accommodates protrusions 336 of the ring integral with the body of the screw. mixer. The rotation of the screw 314 causes its longitudinal movement, which changes the force exerted by the spring 326 on the thermostatic element 316 and therefore the metering of hot and cold water.

Inside the metering slide 333, a nonreturn valve 337 is supported on a support 338 to allow the passage of cold water to the mixed water and prohibit the passage of warm water to the Cold water.

As can be seen in FIG. 18, the ice or the fixed distribution disc 305, integral with the body of the dispenser, comprises a lunula 308 communicating with the water outlet duct 304, and a lunula 306 communicating with the cold water pipe 302.

The upper movable distribution disk 309 (309A + 309B) is free to rotate and in translation on the fixed distribution disk 305, it is preferably made of two integral parts to facilitate the realization: the disk 309A and the 309B disk support. The disk 309A is provided with two distinct cavities: the cavity 310 allows the communication between the mixed water of the passage 307 towards the outlet 304 and the cavity 312 allows the communication between the mixed water of the passage 307 towards the transfer conduit of cold water via a restriction orifice 339 (FIG. 17) formed in the protrusion 332 of the movable disk support 309B.

As can be seen in FIG. 18, the fixed distribution disc 305 has a boss 340 which cooperates with the protrusion 332 of the support of the second disc 309B so as to prohibit the movement of the lever 31 1 downwards in the mode of preparation of hot water when a too high water temperature, greater than 30 ° C for example, is selected by the rotational position of the lever 31 1.

As can be seen in FIG. 19, the upper face of the movable disk support 309B comprises a slideway in contact with the slideway of the lower face of the axle support 331 which allows the axle support 331 to drive. rotating the movable disk support 309B while allowing it to move longitudinally. Referring to Figure 17, the upper face of the movable disk carrier 309B is provided with a cavity which receives the end of the intermediate lever 330 capable of oscillating about its axis to move longitudinally the support of the movable disk 309B.

A pusher 346 in a housing of the axis support 331 pushes, under the effect of the spring 347, the intermediate lever 330 in a vertical position when the control lever 31 1 of the mixer has been pushed down, in the mode of preparation of hot water.

The downward movement of the control lever 31 1 of the mixer is possible only when the temperature selected by the rotational position of the lever is less than a limit value, of 30 ° C for example, it has the effect communicating the mixed water to the cold water inlet pipe, and acts via the pusher 346 against the spring 347 which tends to push the lever 31 1 in the horizontal position.

The upward movement of the control lever 31 1 is possible in all the positions in rotation of the lever and has the effect of communicating the lukewarm or mixed water conduit with the outlet duct 304.

The rotation of the control lever 31 1 causes, via the axis support 331 and the slides, the rotation of the movable disk carrier 309B. The protrusion 332 of the support 309B slides in a groove 348 of the screw 314 and drives it in rotation to adjust the temperature of the mixed water.

After a period of non-use of the mixer, the water contained in the hot water pipe 303 has cooled.

[00105] With reference to FIG. 20, because of the low temperature of the thermostatic element 316, the drawer 333 is completely pushed downwards, opening the passage 334 of the hot water to the mixed water passageway widely. . To join the cold water transfer channel 302, the water must pass through the restriction orifice 339 and the groove 349 of the movable disk carrier 309B (see FIG. 19). The flow of water causes a pressure difference at the restriction orifice 339, the pressure exerted in the groove 349 on the right face of the projection 332 of the support 309B is less than the pressure exerted on the face left of the protrusion, causing the bonding of the support 309B against the face of the fixed distribution disk 305, this as long as the water circulates through the restriction orifice 339. When the water becomes hot in the warm water passage, the reaction of the thermostatic element 316 causes the closure of the hot water passage 334, the pressures exerted on the left faces and right of the protrusion 332 equalize, the gluing effect disappears and the spring 347 pushes, via the pusher 346, the lever 31 1 in the horizontal position.

At this time the mixer is ready to deliver hot water without wasting cold water.

[00107] Figure 21 shows the mixer with the control lever raised to deliver water to the outlet 304. The transfer of water between the mixed water passage and the outlet 304 takes place via the cavity 310 of the disc mobile distribution and the lunette 308 of the fixed distribution disc 305.

[00108] Figures 17 to 21 show an example of a mixer mainly for a washbasin. The body of the mixer can be changed to be recessed, or to be adapted to a shower with a standard spacing between hot and cold water inlets.

[00109] Figure 22 corresponds to a fifth embodiment of the invention, corresponding essentially to a more sophisticated version of the mixer of Figures 17 to 21. The same reference signs have been used for the same elements or at least for the corresponding elements, these signs however being incremented by 100 so as to start with the number 4. The description and operation are the same as those described for the figure 17, but the mixer of Figure 22 further comprises a balanced drawer 433A to make the temperature control of the mixer insensitive to pressure variations in the hot water pipes 403 and cold water 402. The diameter 433B of the part The outside of the piston 433A which slides in the body 401 of the mixer is equal to the diameter of the inner portion of the piston 433A which receives the support of the non-return valve 437.

[001 10] The mixer according to the invention operates normally when installed in a conventional sanitary water circuit with cold water and hot water pressures substantially equal.

[001 1 1] Figures 23 to 27 correspond to a sixth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment corresponds to a more sophisticated version of the previous embodiments. The reference signs of these embodiments have been used for the same elements or at least for the corresponding elements, these signs starting with the number 5.

[001 12] The operation of the upper part has been described in the context of Figures 10 to 16, the operation of the lower part has been described in the context of Figures 17 to 22. [001 13] The fixed distribution disk 505 shown in Figure 24 has a central orifice 507 for the passage of mixed water mixture, a lunula 508 communicating with the mixed water outlet 504 and a lunula 506 communicating with the conduit cold water transfer 502.

[001 14] The movable upper distribution disk 509 has a single cavity 510, 512 able to seal the arrival of the mixed water mixture via the central orifice 507 of the fixed distribution disk 505, capable of communicating the arrival of the mixed water mixture via the central orifice 507 of the fixed distribution disc 505 with the lunula 506 communicating with the cold water transfer duct 502 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, and capable of setting communicating the arrival of the mixed water mixture via the central orifice 507 of the fixed distribution disk 505 with the lunula 508 communicating with the outlet water conduit 504 as shown in FIG. 27. The support of the mobile disk 514B has a cavity 523 for contacting the thermostatic element 516B with the water passage in the cavity 510, 512 of the mobile distribution disc 509.

Claims

claims

1. Mixer tap including

a body (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501) with a hot water inlet (3; 103; 203; 303,403,503); a cold water inlet (2; 102; 202; 302 402, 502) and a service water outlet (4; 104; 204; 304; 404; 504);

a service flow control valve, comprising a first fixed disk (5; 105; 205; 305; 405; 505) with at least two openings (6,7,8; 106,107,108; 206,207,208); 306, 307, 308; 406, 407, 408; 506, 507, 508) each connected to one of the hot and cold water inlets and the service water outlet, and second disc (9,14; 109,14; 209,214; 309A; 309B; 409A; 409B; 509,514B) with a first cavity (12,13,15,12; 212; 312; 412; 512); and able to be moved in translation and / or sliding rotation in a contact plane on the first disk so as to be able to connect the two openings via the first cavity;

a control lever (1 1; 1 1; 21 1; 31 1; 41 1; 51 1) of the second disk relative to the first disk;

characterized in that the service flow control valve is configured to include a position for connecting the hot water inlet (3; 103; 203; 303,403,503) to the water inlet cold (2; 102; 202; 302; 402,502).

Mixer tap according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection of the hot water inlet (3; 103; 203; 303; 403; 503) to the cold water inlet (2; 202, 302, 402, 502) is operated by moving the second disk (9, 14; 109, 114; 209, 214; 309A, 309B; 409A, 409B; 509, 514B) relative to the first disk (5; 105, 205, 305, 405, 505).

3. mixing valve according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection of the hot water inlet (3; 103; 203; 303, 403, 503) with the cold water inlet (2; 202, 302, 402, 502) is actuated by movement of the control lever (1 1; 1 1 1; 21 1; 31 1; 41 1; 51 1).

4. mixing valve according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first cavity (12, 13, 15; 1 12, 123; 212, 223; 312; 412; 512) of the second disc (9, 14 109, 114, 209, 214, 309A, 309B, 409A, 409B, 509, 514B) is adapted to connect the hot water inlet (3; 103; 203; 303, 403, 503); ) with the cold water inlet (2; 102; 202; 302; 402,502) via the first disc (5; 105; 205; 305; 405; 505).

5. mixing valve according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second disc (9, 14; 109, 1 14; 209, 214; 509, 514B) comprises means able to move by dilation effect and / or thermal contraction the second disk as a function of a temperature variation of the water in the first cavity (12, 13, 15; 1 12; 212; 512).

Mixer tap according to Claim 5, characterized in that the displacement of the second disc (9, 14; 109, 1 14; 209, 214; 509, 514B) following the temperature variation has the effect of stopping the setting connecting the hot water inlet (3; 103; 203,503) with the cold water inlet (2; 102; 202; 502).

7. Tap mixer according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the means adapted to move by expansion effect and / or contraction the second disc (9, 14; 109, 1 14; 209, 214; 509 , 514B) comprise a thermostatic element (16; 1 16, 216; 516B) and a movable element (19; 1 19; 219; 519) adapted to act on the body (1; 101; 201; 501) of the tap , the thermostatic element being able to move the movable element by dilation and / or contraction effect.

Mixer tap according to Claim 7, characterized in that the thermostatic element (16; 1 16; 216; 516B) and the movable element (19; 1 19 219; 519) are aligned along a generally parallel longitudinal axis. to the contact plane of the first and second disks.

9. Tap mixer according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the movable member (19) is arranged in a sealed manner through a wall of the first cavity (12, 13, 15).

10. Tap mixer according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the movable member (1 19; 219; 519) is adapted to be locked in a position where it is under the constraint of resilient means (126; 226; 526), the locking of the movable member being releasable by expansion and / or contraction of the thermostatic element (116; 216; 516B), the elastic means (126; 226; 526) then being able to move the movable member (1 19; 219; 519) and moving the second disc (109,144; 209,214; 509,514B); .

1 1. Mixing valve according to Claim 10, characterized in that the locking of the movable element (1 19; 219; 519) is effected when the hot water inlet (103; 203; 503) is connected with the cold water inlet (102; 202; 502).

Mixer tap according to one of Claims 10 and 1 1, characterized in that the movable element is a pusher (1 19; 219; 519) housing at least one locking ball (122; 222; 522) whose radial position is controlled by a piston (121; 221; 521) sliding inside the pusher (1 19; 219; 519) and whose position is at least partially driven by the thermostatic element (1 16; 216; 516B); ).

13. A mixing valve according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking ball or balls (122; 222; 522) is / are capable of cooperating with a shoulder (129; 229; 529) in a bore in which the pusher (1 19; 219; 519) is movable in translation.

Mixing valve according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the piston (121; 221; 521) comprises at least one surface inclined with respect to its longitudinal axis, the surface or surfaces being in contact with the or the balls (122; 222; 522).

Mixer tap according to one of Claims 5 to 14, characterized in that the first disc (5; 105; 205; 305; 405; 505) comprises a first opening (6; 106; 206; 306; 406; 506; ) connected to the cold water inlet (2; 102; 202; 302; 402; 502), a second opening (7; 107; 207,307; 407; 507) connected to the hot water inlet ( 3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503) and a third opening (8; 108; 208; 308; 408; 508) connected to the service outlet (4; 104; 204,304; 404; 504); first cavity (12, 13, 15; 12; 212; 312; 412; 512) of the second disk (9,14; 109,14; 209,214; 509,514B) is adapted to connect the first and second second openings.

Mixing valve according to Claim 15, characterized in that the second disc (9, 14;

109, 14; 209, 214; 509, 514B) comprises a second cavity (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510) adapted to set the first (6; 106; 206; 306; 406; 506) and / or the second opening (7; 207; 307; 407; 507) of the first disk (5; 105; 205; 305; 405; 505) in connection with the third opening (8; 108; 208; 308,408; 508) of the first disk (5; 105; 205; 305; 405; 505).

Mixer tap according to claim 16, characterized in that the first cavity (15) is connected to the contact plane by a first (13) and a second opening (12) of the second disc (9), the first cavity (15) ) being away from the contact plane.

Mixer tap according to Claim 17, characterized in that the first and second openings (6, 7, 12, 13) of the first and second discs (5, 9) are arranged at the of the contact plane so that the first openings (6, 13) of the first and second disc (5, 9) and the second openings (7, 12) of the first and second disc (5, 9) can be Mapping, respectively, in a relative position of the second disk (9) relative to the first disk (5) corresponding to the connection of the hot water inlet with the cold water inlet.

Mixing valve according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a thermostat (316; 416; 516A) connected to the hot water inlet (303; 403; 503) and the cold water inlet (303; 302; 402; 502) and with a mixed water outlet connected to a first opening (307; 407; 507) of the first disk (305; 405; 505); a second opening (306; 406,506) of the first disk (305; 405; 505) being connected to the cold water inlet (302; 402; 502), and the first cavity (312; 412; 512) being capable of providing a connection between the first and second openings of the first disk.

20. Mixer tap according to claim 19, characterized in that the second disc (309;

409; 509) comprises an outgrowth (332; 432; 532) extending through the first opening (307; 407; 507) of the first disk (305,405; 505) and having a sliding-in end with a set screw (314; 414 , 514A) of the thermostat (316; 416; 516A).

21. Mixer tap according to claim 20, characterized in that the protrusion (332; 432) comprises a transverse passage (339; 439) preferably at the height of the first disc (305; 405), the passage having a reduced section upstream and a section increased downstream so as to generate a pressure drop able to maintain the protrusion (332; 432) in a position of contact with the first disk (305; 405) against an elastic force (347; 447).

Mixer tap according to one of Claims 20 and 21, characterized in that the first opening (307) of the first disc (305) comprises a boss (340), the protrusion (332) and the projection (340) being adapted to prevent movement of the second disk (309) relative to the first disk (305) in a position of connecting the first opening (307) with the second opening (306) of the first disk (305) within a range of angular position of the second disk (309).

23. Tap mixer according to one of claims 21 and 22, characterized in that the second disk (309A, 309B) comprises a first cavity (312) and a second cavity (310), said cavities being delimited by the plane of contact and preferentially separated one from the other by the protrusion (332), the first cavity (310) being preferably in direct contact with the downstream section of the transverse passage (339) of the protrusion (332).

Mixer tap according to one of Claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the thermostat (316; 416; 516A) comprises in an integrated manner a non-return valve (337; 437; 537) preventing a passage from the air inlet. hot water (303; 403; 503) to the cold water inlet (302; 402; 502).

Mixer tap according to one of Claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the thermostat (316; 416; 516A) comprises a cold water dosing drawer (333; 433A; 533) for hot water. preparation of lukewarm water.

Mixing valve according to Claim 24, characterized in that the thermostat (316; 416;

516A) comprises a drawer (333; 433A; 533) with a first edge delimiting a first section for passing hot water to the mixed water outlet and a second edge delimiting a second section for passing cold water towards the exit of warm water.

Mixing valve according to one of claims 25 and 26, characterized in that the thermostat (316; 416) comprises a first spring (326; 426) arranged between the spool (333; 433A) and a set screw (314). 414A) of the thermostat, and a second spring (327; 427) disposed between the spool (333; 433A) and the valve body (301; 401) to act opposite to the first spring.

28. Tap mixer according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the drawer (333;

433A; 533) comprises an expansion element and a support rod (350; 450; 550) on the body (301; 401; 501) of the valve, the expansion element acting by expansion on the position of the element of support relative to the drawer.

Mixing valve according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the thermostat (316; 416) comprises a member arranged sliding in the slide (333; 433A) between the body (301; 401) of the valve and the support rod (327; 427), the element forming the seat of a non-return valve (337; 437).

Mixer tap according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the thermostat (416) comprises a slide (433A) with a first end delimiting with a first fixed edge a first section for passing hot water to the mixed water outlet and a second end delimiting with a second fixed edge a second passage section cold water to the mixed water outlet, the spool (433A) having a cylindrical portion (433B) received in the valve body and a shoulder for compensating for a pressure difference between the cold water inlet and the entrance of hot water.