Device for a valve system and use thereof

Abstract

Device for a valve system, comprising a housing (1) having a base (2) for coupling to a seat and exchanging a water flow (F1, F2, F3) when the housing (1) is in a first coupling position, the base (2) comprising a first base opening (24) fluidly connected to a first seat opening when the housing (1) is in the first coupling position, an adjustment member (4) contained within the housing (1) for adjusting a flow rate of one of the water flows (F1, F2, F3), and a controller (3) for controlling the adjustment member (4). To avoid any complications in case of errors, while making the system more versatile, the base (2) comprises a separate part (43) that can be disconnected from the base (2) to enable the base to be coupled in a second coupling position, the first base opening (24) then being fluidly connected to a second seat opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for a valve system, and to the use of the device and of the valve system, the valve system comprising such a device.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of valve technology, in particular for sanitary usage. BACKGROUND

[0003] Wall-hung valve systems with an embedded base are known, for example for equipping a shower and for supplying water to a shower head. Such a system comprises a water temperature control knob projecting directly from the wall. This knob controls a mixer cartridge which is mounted on the knob base in order to be connected to hot and cold water inlets arranged within the wall. Depending on the position of the temperature control knob, the mixer cartridge mixes hot and cold water with a thermostatic control in order to form a mixed water flow at the desired temperature which then flows out through the shower head. When installing the system, the fitter connects the base to the water inlets and embeds the base into the wall. Once the base is embedded, the fitter connects the mixer cartridge to the base, thereby connecting the water inlets to the mixer cartridge once and for all.

[0004] It should be considered that most thermostatic (and even non-thermostatic) cartridges work properly only if the hot water inlet is connected to the hot water inlet of the cartridge and the cold water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet of the cartridge, and not the other way around.

[0005] However, due to a mistake of the fitter, it can happen that the hot and cold water inlets are connected to the base in the opposite way. Usually, once the base has been embedded and the cartridge has been mounted on the base, the fitter realizes this mistake when he refills the device. To solve this problem, the only solution is, if possible, to remove the embedded base in order to interchange the connection. Even in the case where it is possible, this heavy operation causes a delay and greatly increases the cost of the work to be done.

[0006] In other cases, due to lack of space, the structure of the house makes it difficult to install the base by connecting the water inlets properly. This is the case, for example, when two valve systems have to be embedded back to back in the same wall. In this case, for the first valve system, when looking from the front of the valve system, the cold water inlet is on the left and the hot water inlet is on the right, while for the second valve system, when looking from the front of the second valve system, the cold water inlet is on the right and the hot water inlet is on the left. Thereafter, it is necessary to consider a solution other than the embedded valve which is not adapted to the case where the cold and hot water inlets are reversed.

[0007] The present invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art described above by proposing a new device for a valve system which avoids any complication in the event of an installation error, while making the valve system more versatile. SUMMARY

[0008] The subject of the present invention is a device for a valve system, said device comprising a housing comprising a base, said housing being designed to be coupled to a seat by said base for exchanging a water flow between said seat and said housing by said base, said base being matched to said seat so that the coupling of said housing to said seat only occurs when said housing is in a first coupling position relative to said seat. Said base comprises a first base opening configured to direct a first water flow between said water flows, and said first base opening is configured to be fluidically connected to a first seat opening of said seat when said housing is coupled to said seat in said first coupling position. So that said first water flow is directed through said first seat opening. Said device also comprises an adjustment member contained within said housing for adjusting a flow rate of at least one of said water flows, and a controller protruding from said housing and controlling said adjustment member.

[0009] According to the invention, said base comprises a separation portion configured to be detached from said base so that the coupling of said housing to said seat occurs when said housing is in a second coupling position relative to said seat; and said first base opening is configured to be fluidically connected to a second seat opening belonging to said seat when said housing is coupled to said seat in said second coupling position, so that said first water flow is directed through said second seat opening.

[0010] One of the basic ideas of the invention is that, when the separation portion of the base is detached, the base is configured so that the coupling of the housing to the seat occurs when the housing is in the first coupling position relative to the seat and when the housing is in the second coupling position relative to the seat. When the separation portion is not detached from the base, the separation portion is configured to prevent the coupling of the housing to the seat from occurring when the housing is in the second coupling position relative to the seat, and so that the coupling of the housing to the seat occurs when the housing is in the first coupling position relative to the seat.

[0011] The basic idea of the invention is that the base allows the coupling of the housing in a first coupling position without a specific action of the assembly personnel, so as to ensure that the fluid connection between the housing and the base is correct when the base has been correctly connected to the water network. However, in the event that the assembly personnel is aware that the base has been incorrectly (intentionally or by mistake) connected to the water network, for example by reversing the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, the assembly personnel can intentionally break the separating portion of the base in order to couple the housing in a second coupling position, thereby changing the fluid connection of the first base opening with the base. Thus, the correct functioning of the device is ensured without changing the connection of the base to the water network. The presence of the separating portion can also be useful during the manufacturing process, since it allows a human operator or a machine to easily identify the orientation of the base. In particular, if a plurality of base openings is provided, knowing its position with respect to the separating portion allows to easily identify which opening is the first base opening.

[0012] Preferably, the base comprises a second base opening configured to direct a second water flow between the water flows and to be fluidically connected to a second base opening when the housing is coupled to the base in the first coupling position, so that the second water flow is directed through the second base opening. Preferably, the second base opening is configured to be fluidically connected to a first base opening when the housing is coupled to the base in the second coupling position, so that the second water flow is directed through the first base opening.

[0013] Preferably, the first base opening and the second base opening are mutually symmetrical with respect to a main axis passing through the base.

[0014] Preferably, the separating portion comprises a separating pin provided with an initial breaking portion to allow the separating pin to be broken, the separating pin being provided off-center with respect to the main axis.

[0015] Preferably, the device comprises a mixer formed by the regulating member and / or by a compartment of the housing, the mixer being configured to form, when the housing is coupled to the base, an outgoing water flow by mixing two incoming water flows, the incoming water flows and the outgoing water flow belonging to the water flows exchanged between the housing and the base, one of the incoming water flows preferably comprising the first water flow. Preferably, the housing is configured to direct the incoming water flows from the base to the regulating member and the outgoing water flow from the regulating member to the base via the base. Preferably, under the control of the controller, the regulating member regulates the flow rate of the incoming water flows to determine the proportion of the incoming water flows forming the outgoing water flow.

[0016] Another subject of the application relates to a valve system comprising: a device as defined above, and a base comprising said first base opening and said second base opening, said second coupling position being a position of said housing pivoted about a main axis of said valve system with respect to said first coupling position.

[0017] Preferably, said base comprises an anti-misoperation guide and a blocking surface, said separation portion, when not broken, being arranged to be received in said anti-misoperation guide when said housing is coupled in said first coupling position, and to block the coupling of said housing by abutting said separation portion against said blocking surface when said housing is in said second coupling position.

[0018] Preferably, said base comprises a permanent pin, said permanent pin being off-center and received in a slide-in manner with respect to said main axis, and said base comprises a first positioning guide and a second positioning guide, said first and second positioning guides being off-center with respect to said main axis and arranged so that, when said housing is in said first coupling position, said permanent pin is received in a slide-in manner parallel to said main axis in said first positioning guide to fix the rotation of said housing about said main axis with respect to said base in said first coupling position, and when said housing is in said second coupling position, said permanent pin is parallel to said main axis in said second positioning guide to fix the rotation of said housing about said main axis with respect to said base in said second coupling position.

[0019] Preferably, said base comprises a recess, said recess housing said base when said housing is coupled to said base, said recess and said base subsequently defining a gap chamber between said recess and said base, and said base comprises a third base opening configured to guide a third water flow among said water flows exchanged between said housing and said base, said third base opening opening into said gap chamber when said housing is coupled to said base in said first coupling position and when said housing is coupled to said base in said second coupling position.

[0020] Another subject of the application is the use of the device or of the valve system described above. Said use comprises determining whether said first base opening is fluidically connected to said first base opening or to said second base opening. Said use comprises coupling said housing to said base in: said first coupling position if it has been determined that said first base opening is to be fluidically connected to said first base opening, or in a second coupling position after breaking said separation portion if it has been determined that said first base opening is to be fluidically connected to said second base opening.

[0021] If it has been determined that the first base opening is to be fluidically connected to the first base opening, the housing is connected to the base in the first coupling position, preferably without disconnecting the separate part, and if it has been determined that the first base opening is to be fluidically connected to the second base opening, the housing is connected to the base in the second coupling position after disconnecting the separate part, so that the coupling can take place in the second coupling position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The application will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely as an example and not limiting, and on examining the appended drawings.

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device belonging to a valve system according to the application.

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the device shown in the preceding figure, from another angle.

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the device shown in the preceding figures.

[0026] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device shown in the preceding figures.

[0027] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a base belonging to a valve system, to which a housing of the device can be coupled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 A device according to the application is shown here in the form of a sleeve.

[0029] Figure 5 A base is shown, to which a housing 1 belonging to the above-mentioned device is intended to be coupled. The device and the base together form a valve system according to the application, which is preferably intended for sanitary use (for example for a residential or professional site), said valve system being connected to a sanitary water network via the base.

[0030] The valve system preferably comprises a wall system, the base being designed to be partially embedded in a wall, or more generally in a masonry wall, whatever the orientation of the base. The valve system is preferably a mixer faucet for a shower or a bath, the base being designed for example to supply water to a shower head, a rain shower head and / or a bath nozzle. In a variant, the base forms the base of a sink or washbasin faucet, said faucet also comprising a washbasin nozzle.

[0031] As Figures 1 to 4 illustrated, the device comprises a controller 3 and a housing 1 having a base 2. As Figure 4 illustrated, the device comprises an adjustment member 4 housed in the housing 1. The housing 1 is designed to house the flow of water streams (here water streams F1, F2 and F3) exchanged with the base via the base 2 when the device is coupled to said base, wherein the base 2 serves as an interface for all the water streams (here water streams F1, F2 and F3) of the device exchanged with the base.

[0032] The device defines a main axis X1 which is fixed with respect to the housing 1 and which passes through the base 2. Preferably, this axis X1 also passes through the controller 3. Preferably, the axis X1 also passes through the adjustment member 4 which is arranged axially between the controller 3 and the base 2.

[0033] The base defines a main axis X0 of the valve system. When the device is coupled to the base, the axes X0 and X1 coincide.

[0034] Unless otherwise stated, the expressions relating to the device, such as "radial", "axial" and "coaxial", refer to the main axis X1, while the expressions relating to the base, such as "radial", "axial" and "coaxial", refer to the main axis X0.

[0035] The base 2 forms a first axial end of the housing 1, which is oriented downwards in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 . The housing 1 also comprises a cover 5 which forms a second axial end of the housing 1, opposite the first end and crossed by the controller 3. The second end of the housing 1 is shown at the top in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 . The base 2 and the cover 5 extend successively along the axis X1 and together form the entire envelope of the housing 1.

[0036] Preferably, as Figures 1 to 4As illustrated, the housing 1 has a substantially revolution shape externally around the main axis X1, as is the case for the base 2 and the cover 5. To this end, the cover 5 and a portion of the base 2 form the peripheral wall of the housing 1 around the axis X1. Between the axial ends of the housing 1, the base 2 and the cover 5 form, for example, continuous cylindrical walls, all centred on the axis X1.

[0037] Internally, the housing 1 advantageously comprises a transverse partition 6, which is preferably orthogonal to and crossed by the axis X1. The partition 6 occupies a cross section of the cover 5. Thus, the partition 6 divides the housing 1 into a compartment 7, referred to as the “controller compartment”, containing the main part of the controller 3, and a compartment 8, referred to as the “mixing compartment”, containing the main part of the adjustment member 4.

[0038] The compartment 8 is defined by the partition 6, the base 2 and a portion of the cover 5 extending axially between the base 2 and the partition 6. The axis X1 passes through the compartment 8.

[0039] The compartment 8 is designed for the flow of the water flows F1, F2 and F3. Preferably, no water flow flows through the compartment 7, the partition 6 being designed to separate the compartment 7 and the compartment 8 in a sealed manner.

[0040] In the present example, as discussed in detail below, the adjustment member 4 and the compartment 8 together form a mixer configured to form the outgoing water flow F3 by mixing the water flows F1 and F2 entering the housing 1 when the housing 1 is coupled to the base. The housing 1 comprises an inlet chamber 11 for guiding the water flow F1, an incoming water flow within the housing 1, from the base to the adjustment member 4. The housing 1 comprises an inlet chamber 12 for guiding the water flow F2, another incoming water flow within the housing 1, from the base to the adjustment member 4. The housing 1 comprises an outlet chamber 13 for guiding the water flow F3, an outgoing water flow within the housing 1, from the adjustment member 4 to the base. The chambers 11, 12 and 13 together form the compartment 8 for mixing the water flows F1 and F2 under the action of the adjustment member 4 to form the water flow F3.

[0041] Preferably, the device is designed so that the water flow F1 is an incoming flow of hot water and the water flow F2 is an incoming flow of cold water. By “cold water” is meant tap water that has not been heated, the temperature of which is generally slightly lower than or equal to room temperature. By “hot water” is meant tap water that has been heated by a sanitary heating system. More generally, hot water is at a higher temperature than cold water. Thereafter, the water flow F3 resulting from the mixing of the water flows F1 and F2 by the mixer is at an intermediate temperature between the temperatures of the water flows F1 and F2, this intermediate temperature depending on the proportions of the water flows F1 and F2 used for the mixing. The water flow F3 can be defined as a mixed water flow and the device can be defined as a mixing device.

[0042] In the present example, the base 2 advantageously comprises a ring 20 and a bottom wall 21. The base 2 is attached to the lid 5 by means of the ring 20. The ring 20 forms a peripheral wall of the housing 1, the peripheral wall having a general shape of revolution about the axis XI, i.e. the peripheral wall is centred on the axis XI. The bottom wall 21 is a transverse wall, for example orthogonal to the axis XI, the bottom wall 21 occupying a cross-section of the ring 20 so as to close the housing 1 at one of the axial ends of the housing 1. More generally, the base 2 closes the housing 1 at one of the axial ends of the housing 1.

[0043] When the housing 1 is coupled to the base, the base 2 forms a convexity which is entirely housed in the recess 60 (forming a recess) formed by the base. As Figure 5 illustrated, the recess 60 of the base comprises a peripheral wall 61, for example having a shape of revolution about the axis X0 (i.e. centred on the axis X0), and a bottom wall 62 which is transverse and orthogonal to the axis X0, the bottom wall 62 occupying a cross-section of the peripheral wall 61. The walls 61 and 62 are schematically illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 4 the coupling configuration of the housing 1 to the base. When the housing 1 is coupled to the base, the axes XI and X0 are coaxial.

[0044] In particular, the device comprises a circular peripheral sealing gasket 30, such as an O-ring, centred on the axis XI. The gasket 30 is supported by the ring 20 by being passed around the ring 20. When the housing 1 is coupled to the base, the gasket 30 is in radial contact with the wall 61, thereby providing a watertight seal of the coupling. The recess 60, which is open outwards when the housing 1 is not coupled, is sealed by the base 2 when the housing 1 is coupled, due to the gasket 30 being radially interposed between the base 2 and the wall 61. In the coupling configuration, the base 2 and the recess 60 together define a gap chamber 63. The watertightness between the chamber 63 and the outside of the valve system is provided by the gasket 30.

[0045] The bottom wall 62 of the base has a water inlet opening 64 and a water inlet opening 65. The openings 64 and 65 are "base openings" which introduce a flow of water into the device.

[0046] The base 2 advantageously comprises a duct portion 22 projecting from the bottom wall 21 and defining a portion of the chamber 11. The duct portion 22 extends for example parallel to the axis X1. The duct portion 22 terminates in an opening 24, called "base opening", which opens to the outside of the casing 1. When the casing 1 is coupled with the seat in the first coupling position, the base opening 24 is in fluid connection with the seat opening 64, which makes the chamber 11 communicate with the seat opening 64. The coupling of the casing 1 with the seat in the first coupling position automatically connects the openings 24 and 64 by matching between the base 2 and the seat. In order to provide the sealing of said connection, the device advantageously comprises a sealing gasket 26, called "internal sealing gasket", which surrounds the base opening 24 while being supported by the base 2. As Figure 4 As illustrated schematically, when the casing 1 is coupled to the seat, the gasket 26 is axially interposed between the base 2 and the bottom wall 62 of the seat. The incoming water flow F1 enters the casing 1, in particular into the chamber 11, through the opening 24 supported by the base 2. In the first coupling position, the incoming water flow F1 is introduced into the casing 1 through the seat opening 64.

[0047] The duct portion 22 defines a first portion of the chamber 11 which is substantially parallel to the axis X1 and extends from the opening 24 to the bottom wall 21. Between the bottom wall 21 and the partition 6, a second portion 28 of the chamber 11 is defined by the casing 1 and advantageously has an annular shape around the axis X1.

[0048] The base 2 advantageously comprises a duct portion 23 projecting from the bottom wall 21 and defining a portion of the chamber 12. The duct portion 23 extends for example parallel to the axis X1. The duct portion 23 terminates in an opening 25, called "base opening", which opens to the outside of the casing 1. When the casing 1 is coupled with the seat in the first coupling position, the base opening 25 is in fluid connection with the seat opening 65, which makes the chamber 12 communicate with the seat opening 65. The coupling of the casing 1 with the seat in the first coupling position automatically connects the openings 25 and 65 by matching between the base 2 and the seat. In order to provide the sealing of said connection, the device advantageously comprises a sealing gasket 27, called "internal sealing gasket", which surrounds the base opening 25 while being supported by the base 2. As Figure 4 As illustrated schematically, when the casing 1 is coupled to the seat, the gasket 27 is axially interposed between the base 2 and the bottom wall 62 of the seat. The incoming water flow F2 enters the casing 1, in particular into the chamber 12, through the opening 25 supported by the base 2. In the first coupling position, the incoming water flow F2 is introduced into the casing 1 through the seat opening 65.

[0049] The duct portion 23 defines a first portion of the chamber 12 which is substantially parallel to the axis X1 and which extends from the opening 25 to the bottom wall 21. Between the bottom wall 21 and the partition 6, a second portion 29 of the chamber 12 is defined by the casing 1 and advantageously has an annular shape around the axis X1. Thus, the annular portion 29 of the chamber 12 and the annular portion 28 of the chamber 11 are coaxial, one nested inside and / or on top of the other between the partition 6 and the bottom wall 21. In the example, the annular portion 28 of the chamber 11 is axially delimited by the bottom wall 21, peripherally by the annular portion 29 of the chamber 12, and internally by a wall 34 which preferably has a shape of revolution or cup shape around the axis X1. In this example, the annular portion 29 of the chamber 12 is axially delimited by the partition 6, internally by the annular portion 28 of the chamber 11, and externally by the cover portion 5.

[0050] Preferably, the device defines a plane P62 which is orthogonal to the axis X1. The base openings 24 and 25 belong to the plane P62 and are thus mutually coplanar. The washers 26 and 27 extend along the plane P62 and are thus mutually coplanar. The duct portions 22 and 23 extend to the plane P62. When the casing 1 is coupled to the base, the plane P62 and the bottom wall 62 of the base are coplanar. Thereafter, when the casing 1 is coupled, the base openings 64 and 65 mutually belong to the plane P62 and are mutually coplanar.

[0051] Advantageously, the duct portions 22 and 23 are mutually symmetrical about the axis X1, and preferably the corresponding openings 24 and 25 are mutually symmetrical about this axis.

[0052] Both the chambers 11 and 12 open into a spool 31 which belongs to the regulating member 4. The drawer portion 31 is arranged in the compartment 8, at the location where the chambers 11 and 12 meet. The spool 31 has a disc shape, for example perpendicular to the axis X1, so as to have two opposite axial surfaces 32 and 33, the surface 33 being oriented towards the partition 6. More particularly, the annular portion 28 opens into the surface 32, while the annular portion 29 opens into the surface 33.

[0053] Regardless of the implementation of the chambers 11 and 12, the aim is to fluidically connect the base openings 24 and 25, respectively, to the regulating member 4 (here to the spool 31), so as to make the water flows Fl and F2 reach the regulating member 4, more particularly the spool 31.

[0054] The spool 31 is movable relative to the casing 1, so as to regulate the flow rate of the water flows Fl and F2. As Figure 4As illustrated, the slide valve 31 is movable, for example, along a translation parallel to the axis X1 relative to the housing 1. The slide valve 31 is movable to a first position (here, downward), at which the water flow F1 is completely interrupted, thereby having a zero flow rate, and at which the water flow F2 is not limited, thereby having a maximum flow rate. In this first position, the slide valve 31 closes the chamber 11, whereas the chamber 12 remains completely open. The chamber 12 remains open by forming an annular gap between the axial surface 33 of the slide valve 31 and the partition 6. The chamber 11 is closed by closing the annular gap between the surface 32 of the slide valve 31 and the upper edge 36 of the wall 34, which edge 36 defines the opening of the chamber 11 on the slide valve 31. In the axial direction, the edge 36 is preferably arranged between the partition 6 and the bottom wall 21. The slide valve 31 is movable to a second position (here, upward), at which the water flow F2 is completely interrupted, thereby having a zero flow rate, and at which the water flow F1 is not limited, thereby having a maximum flow rate. In this second position, the slide valve 31 closes the chamber 12, whereas the chamber 11 remains completely open. The chamber 12 is closed by the axial surface 33 of the slide valve 31 against the partition 6. The chamber 11 remains completely open by opening the gap between the axial surface 32 of the slide valve 31 and the upper edge 36 of the wall 34. In Figure 4 In an intermediate position, the slide valve 31 is shown, at which the water flows F1 and F2 are limited by the slide valve 31 to an intermediate flow rate between the zero flow rate and the maximum flow rate, approximately equally. In this intermediate position, each of the chambers 11 and 12 is partially closed by the slide valve 31 in an approximately uniform manner.

[0055] Advantageously, the position of the slide valve 31 limits the flow rates of the water flows F1 and F2 in an inverse manner or in an inverse proportion, or in a manner such that the sum of the flow rates of the water flows F1 and F2 is approximately constant for any position of the slide valve 31. In other words, the adjustment member 4 is preferably designed to adjust the flow rates of the water flows F1 and F2 in an inverse manner, which makes it possible to define in an adjustable manner the proportion of the mixture of the water flows F1 and F2, i.e. the proportion of the water flow F1 and of the water flow F2 in the composition of the water flow F3. In other words, the slide valve 31 enables the adjustment member 4 to adjust the flow rates of the water flows F1 and F2, so that the adjustment member 4 can be used to obtain a mixture having a variable, i.e. adjustable, proportion for the water flow F3. Indeed, the proportion of the water flows F1 and F2 forming the water flow F3 is modified by the adjustment member 4, in particular as a function of the position of the slide valve 31, which advantageously influences the temperature of the water flow F3 thus obtained.

[0056] To mix the water flows Fl and F2, the chambers 11 and 12 converge into the chamber 13 at the regulating member 4, in particular at the spool 31. Here, the chamber 13 is delimited by the wall 34 and thus coaxially to the annular portions 28 and 29 of the chambers 11 and 12 with the axis Xl. More specifically, the chamber 13 is directly surrounded by the chamber 11. The rim 36 advantageously delimits a closed profile around the axis Xl, which is preferably circular and centred on the axis Xl, and which forms an open axial end of the chamber 13 for connecting the chamber 13 with the chambers 11 and 12. The open axial end is oriented towards the spool 31.

[0057] The chamber 11 preferably directly opens into the chamber 13. Here, the chamber 11 directly opens into the chamber 13 via a gap provided between the surface 32 of the spool 31 and the rim 36 of the wall 34. The chamber 12 preferably opens into the chamber 13 via the spool 31. More precisely, the chamber 12 opens into the chamber 13 via a gap provided between the surface 33 of the spool 31 and the partition 6, then via the furrows 35 provided through the spool 31, each furrow 35 connecting the surface 33 to the surface 32, while the surface 32 delimits the chamber 13 with the wall 34. Thus, the water flow F2 preferably passes through the spool 31 from the chamber 12 to reach the chamber 13.

[0058] In the chamber 13, the water flows Fl and F2 mix and jointly become the water flow F3 at the open axial end of the chamber 13, which is delimited by the rim 36. Thus, the chamber 13 can be called a “mixing chamber”, which accommodates the mixture between the water flows Fl and F2 after the proportion of the mixture is regulated by the regulating member 4, here the spool 31.

[0059] As can be more clearly seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The chamber 13 comprises at least one base opening. Each base opening of the chamber 13 is preferably arranged outside the bottom wall 21 with respect to the rim 36, i.e. between the bottom wall 21 and the plane P62, for example. The chamber 13 has two radial base openings 37 and one axial base opening 38, for example, in these base openings. The openings 37 and 38 are formed between the two ducts 22 and 23.

[0060] Each opening 37 advantageously extends between the bottom wall 21 and the plane P62 of the housing 1, at which the base openings 24 and 25 are formed. These openings 37 are advantageously diametrically opposite or at least regularly distributed around the axis Xl, for example in the same plane orthogonal to the axis Xl. In other words, preferably, these openings 37 are mutually symmetrical with respect to the axis Xl. When referring to symmetry with respect to an axis, unless otherwise stated, this means rotational symmetry around this axis, i.e. invariance by an angle of 180° around this axis.

[0061] The opening 38 advantageously belongs to the plane P62, i.e. the opening 38 is coplanar with the openings 24 and 25. The opening 38 is centered on the axis X1.

[0062] In a variant, the chamber 13 can be provided with a single base opening, or a number of base openings other than two.

[0063] When the housing 1 is coupled to the base, each base opening 37 and 38 opens into a gap chamber 63 defined between a recess 60 of the base and the base 2. The water flow F3 flowing out of the base 2 is received in the gap chamber 63. The water flows F1 and F2 pass through the chamber 63, however the water flows F1 and F2 are fluidically separated from the chamber 63 as the connection of the base openings 24 and 25 to the base openings 64 and 65, respectively, is sealed by the gaskets 26 and 27. In other words, a watertight sealing is provided for separating the gap chamber 63 from the connection between the base openings 24 and 25 and the base openings 64 and 65. In other words, the chamber 63 is annularly arranged around the openings 24 and 25, the gaskets 26 and 27 internally delimiting the chamber 63. The water flow F3 is then discharged from the gap chamber 63 via one or more openings (not shown) belonging to the base, which open into the chamber 63. Each opening is provided in, for example, the peripheral wall 61 or the bottom wall 62.

[0064] The base openings 24 and 25 are arranged to be regularly distributed around the axis X1. Here, as there are only two openings 24 and 25 forming the inlet base openings for the water flow to be directed, the regular distribution around the axis X1 means that the openings 24 and 25 are distributed radially around the axis X1. More precisely, the openings 24 and 25 are mutually symmetrical about the axis X1.

[0065] Similarly, the base openings 64 and 65 are arranged to be regularly distributed around the axis X1. Here, as there are only two openings 64 and 65 forming the inlet base openings for the water flow to be directed, the regular distribution around the axis X0 means that the openings 64 and 65 are distributed radially around the axis X0. More precisely, the openings 64 and 65 are mutually symmetrical about the axis X0.

[0066] The controller 3 determines the adjustment of the adjustment member 4, i.e. the position of the spool 31 relative to the housing 1. Here, in this way it is possible to determine the proportion of the water flows F1 and F2 forming the water flow F3.

[0067] The controller 3 preferably comprises a controller portion 46 designed to be actuated by the end user to control the adjustment member 4 once the valve system is installed. The controller 3 also comprises a mechanical transmission 47 which mechanically links the position of the controller portion 46 to the position of the slide valve 31 relative to the casing 1. Optionally, the mechanical transmission 47 comprises a thermal actuator 48 which makes it possible to influence the adjustment of the adjustment member 4, for example as a function of the temperature of the outflowing water flow F3, in addition to the adjustment imposed by the controller portion 46. Preferably, if the thermal actuator 48 is provided, the mechanical transmission 47 comprises an overstroke damper 54.

[0068] The compartment 7 crossed by the axis X1 is defined by the partition 6 and by a portion of the cover 5 extending between the axial end of the casing 1 opposite the base 2 and the partition 6. The partition 6 separates the compartment 7 from the compartment 8. This axial end of the casing 1 comprises an upper opening 49 crossed by the axis X1, preferably centred on the axis X1, and thus such that the compartment 7 communicates with the outside of the casing 1. More precisely, the opening 49 is provided through the cover 5, axially opposite the partition 6 and the base 2.

[0069] The controller portion 46 closes the opening 49 such that one part of the portion 46 projects to the outside of the casing 1 and another part of the portion 46 is housed within the compartment 7. More generally, a part of the controller 3, here the controller portion 46, is provided to project, at the axial end of the casing 1 opposite the base 2, through said axial end of the casing 1 to the outside of the casing 1. Through this projecting part, here the portion 46, the user can actuate the controller 3 to control the adjustment member 4.

[0070] In this case, for its projecting part, the portion 46 forms an adjustment knob which can be actuated by the user. The portion 46 can pivot relative to the casing 1, preferably about the axis X1. This pivoting is advantageously supported by the opening 49. Preferably, the portion 46 pivots relative to the casing 1 about only one axis, here the axis X1.

[0071] The mechanical transmission 47 converts the pivoting movement of the portion 46 into a translational movement of the slide valve 31 relative to the casing 1 parallel to the axis X1.

[0072] For this purpose, the transmission part 47 preferably includes a screw-nut system. The screw-nut system includes, for example, a thread 50 formed in the compartment 8 and on the portion 46, which is coaxial with the axis X1. The screw-nut system also includes a nut 51 housed in the compartment 8. The nut 51 is guided translationally parallel to the axis X1 by a cover 5, while preventing rotation of the nut 51 about the axis X1 relative to the housing 1, for example, by an axial spline 52 supported by the cover 5 and the nut 51. The nut 51 also includes a central opening coaxial with the axis X1, in which the portion of the controller portion 46 carrying the thread 50 is housed. In this central opening, the nut 51 has a thread 53 that engages with the thread 50, so as to connect the rotational position of the controller portion 46 to the translational position of the nut 51.

[0073] Without the overtravel damper 54 and the thermal actuator 48 (not shown), the nut 51 and the slide valve 31 can be configured to be fixed relative to each other so as to be connected to each other in a translational manner relative to the housing 1. The translation of the nut 51 then directly reflects the translation of the slide valve 31 relative to the housing 1 along the axis X1. For this purpose, for example, the nut 51 is configured to be directly attached to the slide valve 31 via the partition 6, for example by means of a rod-like member that connects the nut 51 to the slide valve 31 and passes through the partition 6.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the case shown, the nut 51 is preferably translatably connected to the slide valve 31 via the overtravel damper 54 and the thermal actuator 48.

[0075] Preferably, the damper 54 is fully disposed within the compartment 7 of the housing. The overtravel damper 54 includes an overtravel spring 57. The overtravel spring 57 is, for example, a compression spring capable of being compressed axially parallel to the axis X1. Advantageously, the overtravel spring 57 is arranged coaxially with the axis X1, for example, in a central opening of the nut having threads 53. The overtravel spring 57 abuts axially against the nut 51 at its first end by means of a sleeve portion 56 belonging to the damper 54, the sleeve portion 56 being attached to the nut 51. The sleeve portion 56 has, for example, a geometry of rotation about the axis X1. Specifically, the sleeve portion 56 is received in the central opening of the nut by being radially disposed between the spring 57 and the nut 51. The threads 50 of the portion 46 are carried by a tubular portion of the portion 46, which is radially disposed between the sleeve portion 56 and the nut 51 and coaxial with the axis X1. In other words, the axial end of the sleeve portion 56 is housed within the tubular portion of the portion 46. The spring 57 passes through the interior of the sleeve portion 56 and axially abuts against this end of the sleeve portion 56.

[0076] At a second end opposite the first end of the spring 57, the spring 57 is axially supported on the thermal actuator 48 by means of a slider 59 of the damper 54. The slider 59 is housed in a sleeve portion 56 by sliding parallel to the axis X1 relative to the sleeve portion 56.

[0077] Here, the thermal actuator 48 is in the form of a thermostatic element comprising a thermosensitive portion 70, a movable portion 71 and a resilient return spring 55. According to the temperature, the thermosensitive portion 70 is liable to generate a displacement of the movable portion 71 relative to the thermosensitive portion 70 by sliding of the movable portion parallel to the axis X1, here by translation of the movable portion parallel to the axis X1. To this end, the thermosensitive portion 70 preferably comprises a cup having an opening coaxial with the axis X1 and containing a heat-expandable material, such as a heat-expandable wax, which expands in a reversible manner on a rise in temperature and contracts on a fall in temperature. The movable portion 71 is advantageously in the form of a rod coaxial with the axis X1, the movable portion 71 closing the opening of the cup, the opening of the cup guiding the sliding of the movable portion 71 relative to the thermosensitive portion 70 parallel to the axis X1. When the heat-expandable material expands, the movable portion 71 moves away from the portion 70 under the effect of the expansion of the heat-expandable material. The spring 55 serves to return the movable portion 71 when the material contracts and the portion 70 approaches, as described below.

[0078] More generally, the thermal actuator 48 has a volume along the axis X1 which depends on the temperature of the water in which the thermosensitive portion 70 is immersed.

[0079] The thermal actuator 48 passes through the partition 6 through an opening 73 in the partition 6, for example coaxial with the axis X1. The opening 73 is preferably sealed by the thermal actuator 48, more particularly by the thermosensitive portion 70. To this end, a sealing gasket is advantageously provided, which is inserted radially between the thermal actuator 48 and the opening 73. As shown, the sealing gasket surrounds the thermosensitive portion 70, for example. Thereby, a watertightness is obtained between the compartments 7 and 8, the water flow only flowing in the compartment 8, while the compartment 7 is preferably completely free of water. Figure 4

[0080] The thermosensitive portion 70 extends into the compartment 8, more particularly into the chamber 13, all or a substantial part of the thermosensitive portion 70. The thermosensitive portion 70 is thus immersed in the water flow F3. By this arrangement, the thermosensitive portion 70 is able to move the movable portion 71 according to the temperature of the water flow F3 circulating in the chamber 13.

[0081] ​The axial end of the movable part 71 extends into the compartment 7 and axially abuts against the slide 59, i.e. against the overtravel spring 57. More generally, the thermal actuator 48 is axially supported on the nut 51, the axial support occurring here being implemented by means of the overtravel damper 54.

[0082] On the other hand, the return spring 55 is axially inserted between the thermosensitive part 70 and the housing 1, more particularly a reinforcement 72 belonging to the housing 1, which partially defines the cavity 13. Here, the return spring 55 is preferably entirely housed in the cavity 13, for example arranged coaxially with the axis X1. More particularly, the reinforcement 72 belongs to the wall 34 and partially defines the base openings 37 and 38. Preferably, the reinforcement 72 extends along the plane P62.

[0083] The movable part 71 of the thermal actuator 48 is thus translationally connected to the nut 51 by means of the damper 54. The thermosensitive part 70 is thus axially inserted between the movable part 71 and the return spring 55, so as to be translationally moved along the axis X1 relative to the nut 51 as a function of the temperature of the water flow F3.

[0084] When the temperature of the water flow F3 decreases, causing the heat-expandable material of the thermosensitive part 70 to contract, the return spring 55 causes the movable part 71 to be returned along the axis X1 towards the thermosensitive part 70, since the thermosensitive part 70 and the movable part 71 are axially inserted between the nut 51 and the return spring 55.

[0085] The overtravel spring 57 is arranged so as to exert a return force greater than the return force exerted by the return spring 55, so that the return spring 55 is insufficient to compress the overtravel spring 57. The overtravel damper 54, more particularly the overtravel spring 57, is thus designed to be compressed only when the expansion of the thermal actuator 48 exceeds a predetermined threshold along the axis X1, i.e. when the movable part 71 translationally moves towards the nut 51 beyond a certain limit, so as to prevent the mechanism from breaking. In other words, the overtravel damper 54 is designed to absorb the overtravel of the thermal actuator 48.

[0086] The spool 31 is fastened to the thermal actuator 48, more particularly to the thermosensitive part 70 in the compartment 8. Thereafter, the thermosensitive part 70 and the spool 31 are rigidly connected in translation along the axis X1 relative to the housing 1. Preferably, the spool 31 surrounds the thermosensitive part around the axis X1 and is fastened to the thermosensitive part by a threaded connection.

[0087] The position of the controller 46 here relative to the casing 1 around the axis X1 determines the position of the slide 31 by the mechanical transmission 47. When the controller 46 moves in one direction, the slide 31 translates away from the partition 6, thus reducing the flow rate of the water flow F1 while increasing the flow rate of the water flow F2. When the controller 46 moves in the opposite direction, the slide 31 translates towards the partition 6, thus reducing the flow rate of the water flow F2 while increasing the flow rate of the water flow F1.

[0088] The transmission 47 corrects the position of the slide 31 according to the temperature of the water flow F3 by the thermal actuator 48. More generally, the thermal actuator 48 regulates the mixing of the water flows F1 and F2 thermally.

[0089] In detail, when the temperature of the water flow F3 increases, the thermal actuator 48 expands parallel to the axis X1, here under the effect of expansion of the thermally expandable material. In other words, the movable part 71 moves away from the heat-sensitive part 70 by sliding along the axis X1. The heat-sensitive part 70 and thus the slide 31 move away from the partition 6, which tends to reduce the flow rate of the water flow F1 and increase the flow rate of the water flow F2. Conversely, when the temperature of the water flow F3 decreases, the thermal actuator 48 contracts parallel to the axis X1, here under the effect of contraction of the spring 55 combined with the thermally expandable material. In other words, the movable part 71 moves towards the heat-sensitive part 70 by sliding along the axis X1. The heat-sensitive part 70 and thus the slide 31 move towards the partition 6, which tends to reduce the flow rate of the water flow F2 and increase the flow rate of the water flow F1.

[0090] In order for the coupling of the casing 1 with the base to take place in a first coupling position, in which the opening 64 is connected with the opening 24, the opening 65 is connected with the opening 25, and in which a gap chamber is formed, inside which the openings 37 and 38 open, and the seal of which with respect to the outside is provided, the base 2 is matched with the base, more particularly with the recess 60. In other words, the base 2 can only be connected correctly with the base in one position of the casing 1 with respect to the base, called the first coupling position. In the present example, the first coupling position is a rotational position of the casing 1 around the axis X0 with respect to the base.

[0091] The matching between the base 2 and the base is obtained by a plurality of members.

[0092] In order to be matched with the base in the first coupling position, the base 2 comprises at least one pin, here three pins 41, 42 and 43, each of which cooperates with a corresponding guide belonging to the base, here three guides 66, 67 and 68, when the casing 1 is coupled.

[0093] Each pin 41, 42 and 43 has a cylindrical shape, for example with a circular base centered on an axis parallel to the axis X1. Each pin 41, 42 and 43 is a protruding part of the base 2, the protruding part pin preferably extending beyond the plane P62 in which the openings 24 and 25 are defined. Each pin 41, 42 and 43 is attached, for example, to the wall 21. Each pin 41, 42 and 43 is off-center with respect to the axis X1, i.e. each pin is not coaxial with the axis X1. The pin 41 extends, for example, along the pipe portion 22, while the pin 42 extends along the pipe portion 23. For example, the pin 43 is arranged to extend along the pipe portion 22.

[0094] Preferably, among these pins, there is at least one permanent pin (here the pins 41 and 42) and at least one separating pin (here the pin 43).

[0095] The permanent pins 41 and 42 are regularly distributed around the axis X1. The pins 41 and 42, which are two here, are mutually symmetrical about the axis X1. By "permanent" is meant that each pin 41 and 42 cannot be separated by the assembly personnel, i.e. without an initial breaking or pre-cutting. In other words, the permanent pins cannot be broken off by the assembly personnel. By "assembly personnel" is meant the person who installs the valve system.

[0096] On the other hand, the separating pin 43 is a separating part of the base 2, i.e. a part that can be broken off by the assembly personnel, preferably by hand or otherwise with a tool. To perform the separation, the pin 43 comprises an initial breaking 44, for example in the form of a notch or a pre-cut. The initial breaking 44 is arranged, for example, along the plane P62. More generally, once broken off, the separating pin 43 is advantageously arranged so as not to extend beyond the openings 24 and 25 in a direction parallel to the axis X1, i.e. to terminate at the plane P62. At a position symmetrical about the axis X1 with respect to the separating pin 43, the base 2 is arranged to have a free space starting from the plane P62, i.e. a space comprising a free surface 45 in the plane P62, for example, which is oriented towards the bottom wall 62 when the housing 1 is coupled.

[0097] Each guide 66, 67 and 68 has a shape and an arrangement for cooperating with one of the pins 41, 42 and 43. For example, in the first coupling position, the pin 41 is arranged to be received by the guide 66 in a slide-in manner, the pin 42 is received by the guide 67 in a slide-in manner, and the unbroken pin 43 is received in the guide 68 in a slide-in manner parallel to the axis X0. Each guide is advantageously a recessed portion of the base, which opens at the bottom wall 62. Each guide 66, 67 and 68 has for example a cylindrical shape comprising a circular base corresponding to the shape of its respective pin 41, 42 and 43. Each guide 66, 67 and 68 is off-center with respect to the axis X0, i.e. each guide is not coaxial with the axis X0. The guide 66 is for example positioned near the base opening 64, while the guide 67 is positioned near the base opening 65. The guide 68 is for example positioned near the opening 65. As for the permanent pins, the guides 66 and 67 receiving the permanent pins 41 and 42 are regularly distributed around the axis X0, preferably mutually symmetrical with respect to the axis X0.

[0098] The guides, in combination with the permanent pins and the separation pin when it is unbroken, form an anti-rotation system to prevent the shell 1 from rotating with respect to the base around the axis X0 when the shell is coupled with the base. This association of pins and guides means that the base 2 and the base match so that the base 2 requires the coupling of the shell 1 with the base to occur in the correct position, in particular the first coupling position described above. More particularly, in the first coupling position, the axes X0 and X1 coincide, the base opening 24 is fluidically connected to the base opening 64, the base opening 25 is fluidically connected to the base opening 65, and the gap chamber is defined by the gasket 30 and waterproofing is achieved. In the first position, the shell 1 axially abuts on the base at the plane P62, the openings 24 and 25 abut on the openings 64 and 65, preferably by means of the gaskets 26 and 27 on the openings 64 and 65.

[0099] When the separation pin 43 is broken, the shell 1 is able to be coupled with the base by means of the base 2 according to a second coupling position. The shell 1 can also be coupled with the base in the first coupling position when the separation pin 43 is broken. Since the base 2 and the base are symmetrical with respect to the axes X1 and X0 as described above, the first coupling position and the second coupling position are mutually symmetrical with respect to the axis X0. In the second coupling position, the shell is rotated by 180° around the axis X0 with respect to its first coupling position. More generally, when the separation pin 43 is broken, the base 2 is at least functionally rotationally symmetrical about the axis X1, i.e. for the parts in contact with the base. The base is at least functionally rotationally symmetrical about the axis X0, i.e. for the parts in contact with the base 2, except for the guide 68.

[0100] In other words, when the pin 43 is not broken, it makes it possible to couple only when the housing 1 is in the first coupling position. If the housing 1 is arranged in another position, the non-broken separation pin 43 will prevent coupling.

[0101] Due to their rotational symmetry about the axis X1, the permanent pins 42 and 43 and the guide guides 66 and 67 serve to guide the positioning of the housing according to the second coupling position. To this end, in the second coupling position, the pin 41 is housed in the guide 67 and the pin 42 is housed in the guide 66, contrary to the first coupling position. Since the guides 66 and 67 provide the guidance of the pins for both coupling positions, the guides 66 and 67 can be considered as positioning guides. Since the permanent pins 42 and 43 make it possible to have coupling in both coupling positions, it can be understood that the fact that the pin 43 is broken or not determines whether coupling can occur for the second position.

[0102] In the second coupling position, the base opening 24 is in fluid connection with the base opening 65 and the base opening 25 is in fluid connection with the base opening 64. In other words, the connection is reversed, which means that the water flow F1 is directed through the base opening 65 and the base opening 24 and the water flow F2 is directed through the base opening 64 and the base opening 25. The above-mentioned way is made possible by the symmetrical arrangement of the openings 24 and 25 about the axis X1 and the symmetrical arrangement of the openings 64 and 65 about the axis X0. In the second coupling position, the housing 1 is axially abutted against the base and the base openings 24 and 25 are axially abutted against the base openings 65 and 64, in particular by means of the gaskets 26 and 27.

[0103] In the second coupling position, exactly as in the first coupling position, the gap chamber 63 is formed. As in the first coupling position, in the second position, the base 2 seals the recess 60 of the base by means of the sealing gasket 30. The above-mentioned way is achieved as long as the ring 20, more particularly the gasket 30, has a geometry which is symmetrical about the axis X1 and the peripheral wall 61 which radially accommodates the ring 20, more particularly the ring 20, comprises a matching geometry which is symmetrical about the axis X1. For example, the geometry is turned about the axes X1 and X0, respectively. As in the first coupling position, in the second coupling position, the water flow F3 is discharged into the gap chamber 63 through the base openings 37 and 38.

[0104] The separation pin 43 cooperates with the base, in particular with the guide 68, only when the pin is not broken and only in the first coupling position. Preferably, in the second coupling position, the guide 68 remains free. At a position symmetrical about the axis X1 with respect to the guide 68, the base has a blocking surface 69, here formed by the bottom wall 62. In the first coupling position, the pin 43 is accommodated in the guide 68 and the blocking surface 69 is axially aligned with the pin 43. In the second coupling position, the pin 43 is accommodated in the guide 68 and the blocking surface 69 is axially aligned with the pin 43. Figure 5In this case, the blocking surface 69 is represented by a cross. In order to prevent coupling in the second coupling position when the pin 43 is not broken, the pin 43 is arranged to abut against the blocking surface 69 of the base in a direction parallel to the axis X0. Due to the pin 43 not being broken, the housing 1 cannot abut against the base axially at the position where the base opening is coupled to the base opening. Thus, the pin 43, the guiding portion 68 and the blocking surface 69 form a rotation anti- tampering device for coupling the housing 1 according to the first coupling position when the pin 43 is not broken. In this respect, the guiding portion 68 can be considered as an anti-tampering guiding portion.

[0105] In order to couple according to the second coupling position, the fitter needs to perform an active action of breaking the separation pin 43 in addition to the first coupling position. This active action is performed by the fitter only when the water flows out of the base openings 64 and 65 are reversed and do not correspond to the water flows F1 and F2 to be supplied to the device. For example, the water flow F1 must be a hot water flow and the water flow F2 must be a cold water flow in order for the device to operate, more particularly in relation to the problem corresponding to the action of the hot actuator 48 on the adjustment member 4 and / or to the graduation present on the controller portion 46, if the fitter knows that the base opening 64 is a cold water inlet and that the base opening 65 is a hot water inlet, it is possible for the fitter to couple the housing 1 in the second coupling position by breaking the separation pin 43 beforehand.

[0106] More generally, at the time of installation, the device and the base are used by first determining whether the base opening 24 must be fluidically connected to the base opening 64 or to the base opening 65, and whether the base opening 25 must be fluidically connected to the base opening 65 or to the base opening 64. In other words, it is appropriate to determine whether the housing is coupled in the first coupling position or in the second coupling position. Here, the above is determined by knowing which base openings are intended to receive cold water or hot water, and by knowing which base openings direct the passage of cold water and hot water.

[0107] If it has been determined that the first coupling position is appropriate, the housing 1 is coupled in the first coupling position without breaking the pin 43. On the other hand, if it has been determined that coupling is to be made in the second coupling position, the pin 43 is broken and the housing 1 is then coupled to the base in the second coupling position.

[0108] In a variant, the device is not a sleeve but is directly a tap body, the housing 1 then preferably forming an outer casing facing the outside.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally to regulating the proportion of the incoming water flows F1 and F2, the regulating member 4 is a flow rate regulating member of the outgoing water flow F3. To this end, the regulating member comprises, in addition to or instead of the slide valve 31, a pair of ceramic discs. The controller 3 is advantageously in the form of a single controller for regulating the flow rate and the temperature of the water flow F3, the regulating member regulating the flow rates of the water flows F1 and F2, respectively, in order to obtain the water flow F3 at the required temperature and flow rate.

[0110] In a variant, the controller part 46 is provided in the form of a lever member that pivots about one or more axes relative to the housing 1. If the controller 3 is a single controller, the controller part 46 is preferably a lever member that pivots about two different axes relative to the housing 1, one for controlling the flow rate of the water flow F3 and the other for controlling the mixing proportion of the water flows F1 and F2.

[0111] In a variant, the device comprises only two base openings, one of which guides the incoming water flow and the other of which guides the outgoing water flow, the outgoing water flow being formed entirely from the incoming water flow. In this case, the regulating member is for example a regulating member that regulates the flow rate of the outgoing water flow by regulating the flow rate of the incoming water flow. In this case, preferably, in the first coupling position, the first base opening is connected to the first seat opening and the second base opening is connected to the second seat opening, and in the second coupling position, the first base opening is connected to the second seat opening and the second base opening is connected to the first seat opening.

[0112] In a variant, the base opening that is connected to the first seat opening in the first coupling position and to the second seat opening in the second coupling position is provided as an outlet base opening for the outgoing water flow.

[0113] In a variant, a single base opening is provided that can be used to guide the incoming water flow or the outgoing water flow, and that is connected to the first seat opening or to the second seat opening depending on whether the housing is in the first coupling position or in the second coupling position.

[0114] According to another embodiment (not shown), there can be provided a device for a valve system, said device comprising a housing having a base, said housing being designed to be coupled to a base through said base for exchanging water flows between said base and said housing through said base, said base matching with said base so that the coupling of said housing with said base only occurs when said housing is in a first coupling position relative to said base. In this embodiment, the base has a first base opening for guiding a first water flow, a second base opening for guiding a second water flow and a third base opening for guiding a third water flow, the three base openings being regularly distributed at an angle of 120° around a main axis of the housing passing through the base. More precisely, each base opening is symmetrical to the previous base opening at an angle of 120° about the main axis. Additionally, said base comprises a first base opening, a second base opening and a third base opening for supplying said water flows, said first base opening, second base opening and third base opening being mutually symmetrical at an angle of 120° around a main axis of the base, said main axis coinciding with said main axis when the housing is coupled with the base. According to this embodiment, the device comprises an adjustment member contained inside the housing for adjusting the flow rate of at least one of said water flows. In the first coupling position, the first base opening is connected with the first base opening, the second base opening is connected with the second base opening and the third base opening is connected with the third base opening. In a second coupling position, which is only achieved when the detached portion of the base is broken, the first base opening is connected with the second base opening, the second base opening is connected with the third base opening and the third base opening is connected with the first base opening. Thus, the second coupling position is rotated by 120° about the axis X0 relative to the first coupling position. This other embodiment shows that the geometric arrangement of the base openings and the base openings can be used to switch more than two base openings relative to the base openings. Thus, this embodiment provides a case where, during the coupling in the second coupling position, the second base opening is not connected with the first base opening but with the third base opening.

[0115] Each feature described above in relation to one embodiment or variant can be applied to any other embodiment and variant described above, within the limits of the technology.

Claims

1. An apparatus for a valve system, comprising: a housing comprising a base, the housing designed to be coupled to a base through the base for exchanging water flow between the base and the housing through the base; a regulating member contained within the housing for regulating a flow rate of at least one of the water flow; and a controller protruding from the housing and controlling the regulating member; wherein: the base comprises: a first base opening configured to direct a first of the water flow; a permanent pin off-centered with respect to a main axis of the valve system, the main axis of the valve system defined by the base; and a detachable portion configured to be detachable from the base; and the base matches the base such that the coupling of the housing to the base occurs: only when the housing is in a first coupling position with respect to the base, without the detachable portion being detached from the base, wherein the permanent pin is configured to be received in a first positioning guide of the base in a way of sliding in parallel to the main axis when the housing is in the first coupling position; and when the housing is in a second coupling position with respect to the base, with the detachable portion being detached from the base, wherein the second coupling position is a position of the housing pivoted with respect to the first coupling position around the main axis, wherein the permanent pin is configured to be received in a second positioning guide of the base in a way of sliding in parallel to the main axis when the housing is in the second coupling position; the detachable portion, when not detached, is configured to prevent the coupling of the housing when the housing is in the second coupling position; the first base opening is configured to: be fluidically connected to a first base opening belonging to the base when the housing is coupled to the base in the first coupling position, such that the first water flow is directed through the first base opening; be fluidically connected to a second base opening belonging to the base when the housing is coupled to the base in the second coupling position, such that the first water flow is directed through the second base opening.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the base comprises a second base opening configured to: direct a second of the water flow, and be fluidically connected to the second base opening when the housing is coupled to the base in the first coupling position, such that the second water flow is directed through the second base opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the second base opening is configured to be fluidically connected to the first base opening when the housing is coupled to the base in the second coupling position, such that the second water flow is directed through the first base opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the first base opening and the second base opening are mutually symmetrical with respect to a main axis passing through the base.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, the detachable portion comprises a detachable pin provided with an initial breaking portion so as to be detached, the detachable pin being provided off-centered with respect to the main axis.

6. The device of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: the device comprises a mixer formed by the conditioning piece and / or by a compartment of the housing, the mixer being configured to form an outflow stream by mixing the first water stream and the second water stream when the housing is coupled to the base; the housing is configured to direct, via the base: the first water stream and the second water stream from the base to the conditioning piece, and the outflow stream from the conditioning piece to the base; and under control of the controller, the conditioning piece adjusts flow rates of the first water stream and the second water stream to determine a proportion of the first water stream and the second water stream forming the outflow stream.

7. A valve system comprising: the device of any one of claims 1 to 5, and the base comprising the first base opening and the second base opening.

8. The valve system of claim 7, wherein: the base comprises an anti-misoperation guide and a blocking surface; and the separation portion, when not broken, is arranged to be received in the anti-misoperation guide when the housing is coupled in the first coupling position, and to block coupling of the housing by abutting the separation portion against the blocking surface when the housing is in the second coupling position.

9. The valve system of claim 7 or 8, wherein: the base comprises the first positioning guide and the second positioning guide, the first positioning guide and the second positioning guide being off-center with respect to the main axis, and the first positioning guide and the second positioning guide are arranged such that: when the housing is in the first coupling position, the permanent pin is received in the first positioning guide in a way that slides parallel to the main axis to fix the housing in the first coupling position against rotation around the main axis with respect to the base, and when the housing is in the second coupling position, the permanent pin is received in the second positioning guide in a way that slides parallel to the main axis to fix the housing in the second coupling position against rotation around the main axis with respect to the base.

10. The valve system of claim 7 or 8, wherein: the base comprises a recess that accommodates the base when the housing is coupled to the base, the recess and the base subsequently defining a gap chamber between the recess and the base; the base comprises a third base opening configured to direct an outflow stream of the water stream exchanged between the housing and the base, the third base opening opening into the gap chamber when the housing is coupled to the base in the first coupling position and when the housing is coupled to the base in the second coupling position.

11. Use of the device of any one of claims 1 to 5, the use comprising: determining whether the first base opening is fluidically connected to the first base opening or to the second base opening; if it has been determined that the first base opening is to be fluidly connected to the first base opening, the housing is coupled with the base in the first coupled position; or if it has been determined that the first base opening is to be fluidly connected to the second base opening, the housing is coupled with the base in the second coupled position after the disconnecting the disconnect portion.

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