Thermostatic mixing valve for sanitary purposes and modular assembly comprising a mixing valve of this type

Abstract

A mixing valve (1) comprising a lower base plate (10), an intermediate base plate (20) and an upper base plate (30) stacked along an assembly axis (Z-Z), a thermostatic valve cartridge (40) and one or more flow members (50, 60) which can be manipulated from an upper surface of the upper base plate. The valve cartridge is provided with axial hot and cold water inlets and a mixed water outlet (43) transverse to the assembly axis. Each flow member has a mixed water inlet (51) transverse to the assembly axis and at least one mixed water outlet. The intermediate base plate defines conduits for supplying cold (21) and hot (22) water which are connected to hot and cold water inlet conduits (11, 12) of the lower base plate and to the hot and cold water inlets of the valve cartridge, respectively, each internally provided with a check valve (71, 72). An upper surface of the intermediate base plate and a lower surface of the upper base plate jointly define a conduit for receiving mixed water which extends transversely to the assembly axis for connection to the mixed water outlet of the valve cartridge and to the mixed water outlets of the respective members.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a sanitary thermostatic mixing valve. This application also relates to a modular assembly for use with such a mixing valve in a sanitary thermostatic mixing valve. Background Technology

[0002] A mixing valve for sanitary purposes, typically used in sanitary facilities such as showers, is used to mix cold and hot water supplied therein to form mixed water delivered to the user via one or more outlets of the mixing valve. When a mixing valve for sanitary purposes includes a thermostatic component, it is called a thermostatic valve. The thermostatic component is typically a valve core adapted to regulate the temperature of the mixed water near a user-defined setpoint by varying the respective flow rates of the effectively mixed cold and hot water. The mixing valve then includes one or more flow members to which the mixed water from the thermostatic valve core is delivered, and which allow the user to control or even regulate the flow of mixed water from the mixing valve.

[0003] To allow water to flow within a mixing valve from cold and hot water inlets via a thermostatic valve core and flow members to a mixed water outlet, the mixing valve includes a body, which typically comprises multiple assembled components in which the thermostatic valve core and flow members are mounted and define different water flow channels. Therefore, the body has a water flow structure of variable complexity, adaptable to the installation requirements of the thermostatic valve core, flow members, and the mixing valve in related sanitary facilities. Consequently, the body can be relatively large, which is problematic when it is desirable to embed critical components of the mixing valve into partitions such as walls. Furthermore, if modifications to the number and / or type of flow members are required, a complete review of the body's architecture is necessary, which is limiting and costly. EP 2775179 discloses an embodiment of such a mixing valve for sanitary purposes, comprising a housing, a thermostatic valve core, and flow members. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a novel thermostatic mixing valve for hygienic purposes, which is particularly compact, practical and economical.

[0005] Therefore, the subject of this application is a sanitary thermostatic mixing valve, comprising:

[0006] A lower substrate, an intermediate substrate, and an upper substrate are stacked and assembled along an assembly axis, and each substrate has a lower surface and an upper surface that are axially opposed to each other, such that the upper surface of the lower substrate and the lower surface of the intermediate substrate abut each other axially upwards, and the upper surface of the intermediate substrate and the lower surface of the upper substrate abut each other axially upwards.

[0007] -Thermostatic valve core, wherein the thermostatic valve core:

[0008] - It is assembled onto at least one of the lower substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the upper substrate, such that the thermostatic valve core can be operated from the upper surface of the upper substrate.

[0009] - It is equipped with an axial cold water inlet and a hot water inlet, and a mixing water outlet transverse to the assembly axis.

[0010] - Suitable for mixing cold water flow from the cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core and hot water flow from the hot water inlet of the thermostatic valve core, for forming a mixed water flow delivered to the mixed water outlet of the thermostatic valve core, and

[0011] - Includes a thermostatic regulating component, suitable for adjusting the temperature of the mixed water flow by changing the respective flow rates of the cold water flow and the hot water flow, and

[0012] - One or more flow members, the flow members being:

[0013] -Assembled onto at least one of the lower substrate, intermediate substrate, and upper substrate, such that one or each flow member can be manipulated from the upper surface of the upper substrate.

[0014] Each of them is provided with a mixing water inlet transverse to the assembly axis and at least one mixing water outlet, and

[0015] - Each is suitable for controlling the flow rate of the mixed water passing through the flow member between the mixed water inlet and at least one mixed water outlet of the flow member.

[0016] The lower substrate defines a cold water inlet pipe, a hot water inlet pipe, and at least one mixed water return pipe, all of which lead to the upper surface of the lower substrate. At least one mixed water outlet of the one or more flow members is connected to the at least one mixed water return pipe.

[0017] The intermediate substrate defines a cold water delivery pipe and a hot water delivery pipe, wherein the cold water delivery pipe and the hot water delivery pipe are:

[0018] - Each of the lower and upper surfaces of the intermediate substrate is connected to each other.

[0019] - At the lower surface of the intermediate substrate, it abuts against the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water inlet pipe, respectively.

[0020] - At the upper surface of the intermediate substrate, the hot water inlet and cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core respectively abut against each other, and

[0021] Each of them is equipped with a check valve inside.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper surface of the intermediate substrate and the lower surface of the upper substrate together define a mixing water passage, which extends longitudinally transversely to the assembly axis, such that at one of the two opposite longitudinal ends of the mixing water passage, the mixing water passage abuts against the mixing water outlet of the thermostatic valve core, and at the other of the two opposite longitudinal ends of the mixing water passage, the mixing water passage abuts against a flow member or the mixing water inlet of each flow member.

[0023] A fundamental idea of ​​this application is to ingeniously combine a thermostatic valve core with an axial inlet and a lateral outlet, and one or more flow members with a lateral inlet, with at least three substrates stacked along an assembly axis and collectively defining the different conduits required for the flow of water within the mixing valve, thereby limiting the overall axial dimension of the three substrates and thus limiting the embedment depth of the mixing valve according to this application. More specifically, this application provides a check valve directly positioned below the thermostatic valve core via the axial inlet of the thermostatic valve core. This application also specifies that, to avoid space loss along the assembly axis, the mixed water exits the thermostatic valve core laterally and flows towards the lateral inlet of the flow member or component in the supply conduit, which extends laterally to the longitudinal direction of the assembly axis and is jointly defined by the upper surface of the intermediate substrate and the lower surface of the upper substrate. Therefore, the mixing valve according to this application proves to be particularly compact.

[0024] Furthermore, the design with three stacked substrates according to this application offers numerous practical and economic advantages. More specifically, by providing a lower substrate that is universal for different embodiments of the intermediate and upper substrates, the design can be modular, wherein different embodiments can be specifically associated with different numbers and / or types of one or more flow members, respectively. Moreover, the intermediate and upper substrates can be configured to be demolded along the assembly axis, which makes one or more substrates easy to design and manufacture, particularly by die casting or injection molding. Furthermore, the intermediate substrate can be made of a plastic material, resulting in numerous advantages such as weight savings, cost reduction, ease of check valve integration, and the benefit of a recessed receiving seal provided at the interface between the intermediate substrate and the lower and upper substrates, as well as providing insulation between the lower substrate for collecting hot water and the upper substrate, which is typically accessible to the user.

[0025] The advantageous additional features of the mixing valve according to this application are as follows:

[0026] - The intermediate substrate is made of plastic material.

[0027] - The intermediate substrate is designed to be demolded along the assembly axis.

[0028] - The upper substrate is designed to be demolded along the assembly axis.

[0029] - The mixing water passage is formed as an axial recess in the lower surface of the upper substrate.

[0030] - The mixed water passage is formed as an axial recess in the upper surface of the intermediate substrate.

[0031] - The cold water delivery pipe and the hot water delivery pipe extend from the lower surface of the intermediate substrate to the upper surface, parallel to the assembly axis.

[0032] - One of the flow members, or at least one of the mixed water outlets of each of the flow members, abuts against a mixed water outlet conduit on the upper surface of the intermediate substrate, wherein the mixed water outlet conduit is:

[0033] - Defined by the intermediate substrate, so as to connect the lower surface and the upper surface of the intermediate substrate.

[0034] - Parallel to the assembly axis, extending from the lower surface of the intermediate substrate to the upper surface, and

[0035] -The at least one mixed water return pipe is abutted against the lower surface of the intermediate substrate.

[0036] -The upper substrate defines a mounting opening:

[0037] - The thermostatic valve core and one or more flow components are assembled in the mounting opening.

[0038] - The mounting opening connects the lower and upper surfaces of the upper substrate to each other.

[0039] - And the mounting opening extends from the lower surface of the upper substrate to the upper surface, parallel to the assembly axis.

[0040] Another subject of this application is a modular assembly for a sanitary thermostatic mixing valve, comprising:

[0041] -As described above, the mixing valve has an intermediate substrate, an upper substrate, and one or more flow members forming a first intermediate substrate, a first upper substrate, and one or more first flow members, respectively.

[0042] - One or more second flow members, adapted to control the flow rate of mixed water passing between the mixed water inlet and at least one mixed water outlet of the first flow member or each second flow member, and differing from the first flow members in number and / or type.

[0043] - A second intermediate substrate and a second upper substrate, which may be assembled to the lower substrate of the mixing valve in place of the first intermediate substrate and the first upper substrate by means of features specific to assembling and connecting the second intermediate substrate and the second upper substrate with the one or more second flow members, and which are different from the first intermediate substrate and the first upper substrate, respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0044] This application will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the mixing valve according to this application;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the mixing valve shown.

[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of plane III shown;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of plane IV shown;

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of plane V shown;

[0050] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the three substrates of the mixing valve shown in the previous figure.

[0051] Figure 7 Is with Figure 6 Similar views from different perspectives; and

[0052] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows a mixing valve according to this application, but according to an embodiment different from the embodiment shown in the foregoing figures. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figures 1 to 7 A sanitary thermostatic mixing valve 1 for use in sanitary facilities such as showers, bathtubs, sinks, etc. is shown. As explained in more detail below, the mixing valve 1 is designed to be partially embedded in the support structure of the facility, particularly in walls, partitions, boxes, etc. Once installed, the mixing valve 1 remains partially accessible to the user, allowing the user to manually operate the mixing valve 1.

[0054] In all cases, mixing valve 1 is designed to be supplied with an inflow of cold water F1 and an inflow of hot water F2, and is designed to deliver one or more outflows of mixed water, i.e., two outflows of mixed water F3 and F4, wherein it should be noted that the mixed water in the outflows is generated by mixing within mixing valve 1, with the ratio of the inflow of cold water F1 and the inflow of hot water F2 controlled separately. "Cold water" refers to unheated tap water, whose temperature is typically slightly below or equal to room temperature. Hot water refers to tap water heated by a piped heating system. In practice, the temperature of hot water is higher than that of cold water. Therefore, the mixed water obtained by mixing the inflow of cold water F1 and the inflow of hot water F2 through mixing valve 1 has an intermediate temperature between the temperatures of cold and hot water, which depends on the respective controlled ratios of the inflows effectively mixed by mixing valve 1.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the mixing valve 1 includes three substrates 10, 20, and 30, which are rigidly assembled together and stacked along the assembly axis ZZ. Substrate 20 is arranged between substrates 10 and 30 along the assembly axis ZZ. For convenience, substrates 10, 20, and 30 are referred to as the lower substrate, the middle substrate, and the upper substrate, respectively. In practice, when the mixing valve 1 is inserted with the assembly axis ZZ extending vertically, the lower substrate 10 is vertically located below the middle substrate 20, and the middle substrate 20 is also vertically located below the upper substrate 30. The vertical direction of the assembly axis ZZ is shown in the figure. In this case, the mixing valve 1 can also be inserted in such a way that the assembly axis ZZ extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction, or even horizontally, so that the lower substrate 10 is not completely located below the middle substrate 20, and the middle substrate 20 itself is not completely located below the upper substrate 30. Therefore, the terms “lower”, “upper” and similar terms used to describe the mixing valve 1 should not be strictly understood, but simply oriented relative to the assembly axis ZZ. The orientation of the assembly axis ZZ relative to the vertical direction is not predetermined, but depends on the arrangement in which the mixing valve 1 is embedded.

[0056] In all cases, each of the lower substrate 10, the intermediate substrate 20, and the upper substrate 30 has two surfaces that are opposite to each other along the assembly axis ZZ, namely lower surfaces 10A, 20A, and 30A and upper surfaces 10B, 20B, and 30B. It should be noted that the term "surface" is understood in a broad sense herein, and is therefore not limited to planar geometry; similarly, opposite surfaces of the same substrate in substrates 10, 20, and 30 are not necessarily parallel to each other. In the assembled state of the mixing valve 1, as... Figure 1 and 3As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10 and the lower surface 20A of the intermediate substrate 20 abut against each other along the assembly axis ZZ, and the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20 and the lower surface 30A of the upper substrate 30 also abut against each other along the assembly axis ZZ. In practice, the components of the mixing valve 1 that ensure the assembly of substrates 10, 20, and 30 are not limited, as long as they rigidly hold substrates 10, 20, and 30 in place in a stacked manner along the assembly axis ZZ, and have axial abutment between surfaces 10B and 20A and between surfaces 20B and 30A. In the example of the embodiment considered in the figure, substrates 10, 20, and 30 are thus assembled by bolt connection.

[0057] When the mixing valve 1 is inserted, substrates 10, 20, and 30 are designed to be embedded in the aforementioned support of the sanitary facility, having a maximum insertion depth corresponding to the maximum distance separating the lower surface 10A of the lower substrate and the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate 30 along the assembly axis ZZ. Therefore, when the mixing valve 1 is inserted into the aforementioned support, substrates 10, 20, and 30 can be fully inserted, except for all or part of the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate, which remains directly accessible to the user of the mixing valve 1.

[0058] According to a particularly compact and advantageous embodiment considered in the accompanying drawings, each of the lower substrate 10, intermediate substrate 20, and upper substrate 30 has a plate shape, the dimension corresponding to its thickness oriented along the assembly axis ZZ. In the assembled state of the mixing valve 1, the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10 and the lower surface 20A of the intermediate substrate 20 form a contact interface that is flat and extends perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ. The contact interface is composed of corresponding portions of the aforementioned surfaces 10B and 20A, which press against each other in planar contact. Similarly, the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20 and the lower surface 30A of the upper substrate 30 form a contact interface that is flat and perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ. The contact interface is composed of corresponding portions of the aforementioned surfaces 20B and 30A, which press against each other in planar contact.

[0059] Before describing substrates 10, 20, and 30 in more detail, it should be noted that the mixing valve 1 also includes a thermostatic valve core 40 and two flow members 50 and 60. As discussed in detail later, the thermostatic valve core 40 and the flow members 50 and 60 are assembled to at least one of substrates 10, 20, and 30 such that a user can operate the thermostatic valve core 40 and the flow members 50 and 60 from the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate 30. In the embodiment considered in the figures, the thermostatic valve core 40 and the flow members 50 and 60 are therefore designed to each partially protrude from the upper surface 30B of the upper base 30: thus, as Figure 1 and Figure 3-5As clearly visible, the thermostatic valve core and flow members 50 and 60 each rise partially above the upper surface 30B of the upper base 30 along the assembly axis ZZ, such that when the mixer 1 is inserted, the corresponding portions of the thermostatic valve core and flow members are directly accessible to the user of the mixer for manual operation. In a variant (not shown), one and / or the other of the thermostatic valve core 40 and / or flow members 50 and 60 are arranged completely below the upper surface 30B of the upper base 30, but the user can still access the upper surface 30B of the upper base 30 through a special element that allows the user to manually operate it from the upper surface 30B of the upper base 30.

[0060] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the thermostatic valve core 40 is adapted to mix a cold water flow F40.1 from the cold water inlet 41 and a hot water flow F40.2 from the hot water inlet 42 to form a mixed water flow F40.3, which is then delivered to the mixing outlet 43 of the thermostatic valve core. The thermostatic valve core 40 is also adapted to thermostatically regulate the temperature of the mixed water flow F40.3: for this purpose, the thermostatic valve core 40 includes a thermostatic control component 44, which is adapted to adjust the temperature of the mixed water flow F40.3 near a set value by changing the respective flow rates of the cold water flow F40.1 and the hot water flow F40.2. This set value is adjusted by the user through manual operation of an adjusting element 45 belonging to the thermostatic valve core 40; more specifically, the adjusting element 45 is a component belonging to the thermostatic valve core, which is accessible to the user from the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate during use. In a preferred embodiment, the thermostatic regulating member 44 includes a thermostatic element, such as one sold by VERNET (France), which has a piston whose position is fixed by the regulating member 45, and a cup mounted on the piston for sliding. The cup contains a thermally expanding material acting on the piston and supports a valve that inversely controls the respective flow rates of the downstream mixed cold water flow F40.1 and hot water flow F40.2. However, the thermostatic regulating member 44 has multiple embodiments, which explains why it is only used in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram is shown schematically.

[0061] In all cases, the special feature of the thermostatic valve core 40 is that, in the assembled state of the mixing valve 1, its cold water inlet 41 and hot water inlet 42 are axial, i.e., oriented along the assembly axis ZZ, while its mixed water outlet 43 is transverse to the assembly axis ZZ. Therefore, as Figure 3As shown, each of the cold water inlet 41 and the hot water inlet 42 is typically centered on a geometric axis extending parallel to the assembly axis ZZ: to enter the thermostatic valve core 40, cold water flows horizontally into the cold water inlet 41 parallel to the axis ZZ, and hot water flows horizontally into the hot water inlet 42 parallel to the assembly axis ZZ. On the other hand, the mixed water outlet 43 is located on the side of the thermostatic valve core 40, laterally or even perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ: to exit the thermostatic valve core 40, mixed water flows laterally, or even perpendicularly to the assembly axis ZZ, into the mixed water outlet, such as... Figure 4 Clearly visible.

[0062] In practice, the thermostatic valve core 40 can be manufactured according to several non-limiting embodiments, provided that the latter has the specific characteristics just described above. Examples of embodiments of the thermostatic valve core 40 are known in the art: one embodiment is described in detail in French patent application FR2006150; another embodiment corresponds to the valve core sold by VERNET (France) under the code name VT40SL.

[0063] Regardless of its implementation, the thermostatic valve core 40 advantageously forms a pre-assembled unit that is integrally connected to the remainder of the mixing valve 1, particularly for assembling it to the substrates 10, 20, and 30, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0064] Regarding flow members 50 and 60, each of them is adapted to control the flow of mixed water flows F50 and F60 through the flow members 50 and 60 between the mixed water inlets 51 and 61 and the mixed water outlets 52 and 62 of the respective flow members. Thus, each flow member 50 and 60 allows the user to pass through or interrupt the flow of mixed water flows F50 and F60 through the respective flow member, and advantageously allows for adjustment of the flow rate of mixed water flows F52 and F60 leaving the respective flow member when flow is allowed to pass. In practice, the embodiments of flow members 50 and 60 are not limiting, as each of the flow members 50 and 60 includes an actuating element 53 and 63 in its component that keeps it accessible to the user from the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate during use. The user manually actuates this actuating element so that the flow member controls the flow rate of mixed water flows F50 and F60 in a corresponding manner. For example, in the embodiment considered in the figures, flow members 50 and 60 are identical to each other, and each of them is a faucet. For one and / or the other of the flow members 50 and 60, other embodiments well known in the field of hygiene are conceivable. In practice, each flow member 50, 60 is advantageously formed as a pre-assembled unit integrally attached to the remainder of the mixing valve 1, particularly for assembling it to the substrates 10, 20 and 30.

[0065] In all cases, each flow member 50, 60 has a mixing water inlet 51, 61 that is transverse to or even perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ. Therefore, each mixing water inlet 51, 61 is transversely arranged on the corresponding flow member 50, 60 and oriented transversely or even perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ: to enter each flow member 50, 60, the mixing water flows transversely or even parallel to the assembly axis Z into the mixing water inlet 51, 61, as shown below. Figure 4 Clearly visible.

[0066] In addition, Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the mixing water outlets 52 and 62 of each flow component 50 and 60 are axial, i.e., oriented along the assembly axis ZZ, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. Therefore, each of the mixing water outlets 52 and 62 is centered on a geometric axis extending parallel to the assembly axis ZZ: in order to exit the flow members 50 and 60, the mixing water flows horizontally into the mixing water outlets 52 and 62 along the assembly axis ZZ.

[0067] According to a preferred arrangement, the purpose of which will be clearly shown later and implemented in the embodiment considered in the accompanying drawings, the cold water inlet 41 and the hot water inlet 42 are arranged radially opposite each other relative to the central axis Z40 of the thermostatic valve core 40, which extends parallel to the assembly axis ZZ, as shown below. Figure 3 Clearly visible.

[0068] Returning to the description of substrates 10, 20, and 30, we will now focus on the arrangement of these substrates, which allows cold and hot water supplied to mixing valve 1 in the form of inlet flows F1 and F2 to reach thermostatic valve core 40, and then to flow members 50 and 60, before leaving mixing valve 1 in the form of mixed water outlet flows F3 and F4. In other words, the flow structure defined by substrates 10, 20, and 30 will now be described in more detail with respect to each other, as well as to thermostatic valve core 40 and flow members 50 and 60.

[0069] like Figures 2 to 7 It is clearly visible that the lower substrate 10 defines a plurality of channels, all of which lead to the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10, and these channels advantageously lead to the side surface 10C of the lower substrate 10 opposite to the openings of the lower substrate 10 on the upper surface 10B, which connects the lower surface 10A and the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate. The channels of the lower substrate 10 are:

[0070] - Cold water inlet pipe 11, cold water flow F1 flows in and, after passing through the outlet of cold water inlet pipe 11 on the side 10C, permeates into the mixing valve 1, and then flows through the cold water inlet pipe to the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10.

[0071] - Hot water inlet pipe 12, the hot water flow F2, after permeating into the mixing valve 1 through the outlet of hot water inlet pipe 11 on the side 10C, flows through this hot water inlet pipe to the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10, and

[0072] Two mixed water return pipes 13 and 14, from which mixed water flows F3 and F4 flow from the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10 through the two mixed water return pipes until they leave the mixing valve 1 through the corresponding outlets of the mixed water return pipes 13 and 14 on the side 10C.

[0073] In the embodiment considered in the figure, the lower surface 10A of the lower substrate 10 therefore has no opening for water passage, which advantageously allows the embedding requirements of the mixing valve 1 to be met. However, in a variation (not shown), the connection between the lower substrate 10 and the inflow flows F1 and F2 and / or the outflow flows F3 and F4 may not be entirely lateral, as shown in the figure. In all cases, the respective outlets of the pipes 11, 12, 13 and 14 opposite the upper surface 10B of the lower substrate 10 are advantageously provided with fittings for connection to pipes (not shown), through which flows F1 to F4 flow respectively: in the embodiment shown in the figure, the outlets of pipes 11 to 14 are thus tapped.

[0074] In addition, such as Figures 2 to 7 As can be clearly seen, the intermediate substrate 20 defines a plurality of conduits, each conduit connecting the lower surface 20A and the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate to each other, and each conduit advantageously extends from the lower 20A to the upper 20B parallel to the assembly axis ZZ. The conduits of the intermediate substrate 20 are:

[0075] - Cold water supply pipe 21 and hot water supply pipe 22 abut against the cold water supply pipe 11 and hot water supply pipe 12 of the lower substrate 10 at the lower surface 20A of the intermediate substrate 20, and abut against the cold water inlet 41 and hot water inlet 42 of the thermostatic valve core 40 at the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20, respectively.

[0076] Two mixed water discharge pipes 23 and 24 abut against mixed water return pipes 13 and 14 respectively at the lower surface 20A of the intermediate substrate 20, and abut against the mixed water outlet 52 of the flow member 50 and the mixed water outlet 62 of the flow member 60 respectively at the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20.

[0077] The cold water inlet pipe 11 of the lower substrate 10 and the cold water supply pipe 21 of the intermediate substrate 20 are arranged end-to-end, directly connected parallel to each other along the assembly axis ZZ, and the corresponding connection between the two pipes is advantageously sealed by gaskets surrounding the respective adjacent areas. The description just given regarding the adjacency of pipes 11 and 21 is similar to:

[0078] - Hot water inlet pipe 12 of lower substrate 10 and hot water supply pipe 22 of intermediate substrate 20,

[0079] - The mixed water return pipe 13 of the lower substrate 10 and the mixed water discharge pipe 23 of the intermediate substrate 20

[0080] - The mixed water return pipe 14 of the lower substrate 10 and the mixed water discharge pipe 24 of the intermediate substrate 20

[0081] -The cold water supply pipe 21 of the intermediate substrate 20 and the cold water inlet 41 of the thermostatic valve core 40,

[0082] - Hot water supply pipe 22 of intermediate substrate 20 and hot water inlet 42 of thermostatic valve core 40,

[0083] - The mixed water discharge pipe 23 of the intermediate substrate 20 and the mixed water outlet 52 of the flow member 50, and

[0084] - Mixed water discharge pipe 24 of intermediate substrate 20 and mixed water outlet 62 of flow member 60.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, check valve 71 is disposed within the cold water delivery pipe 21 of the intermediate base plate 20. Similarly, check valve 72 is disposed within the hot water delivery pipe 22. In other words, check valve 71 is disposed internally within the cold water delivery pipe 21, and check valve 72 is disposed internally within the hot water delivery pipe 22. The arrangement of check valves 71 and 72 thus utilizes the presence of the intermediate base plate 20, which occupies all or part of the thickness of the intermediate base plate along the assembly axis ZZ. Furthermore, check valves 71 and 72 are thus disposed directly below the thermostatic valve core 40, aligned parallel to the assembly axis ZZ with the axial water inlets 41 and 42 in the thermostatic valve core 40. Incidentally, it should be understood that water inlets 41 and 42 are diametrically opposite to the central axis Z40 of the thermostatic valve core 40, because check valves 71 and 72 can then be separated from each other as much as possible in a geometric plane perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ, which facilitates their side-by-side installation, such as... Figure 3 Clearly visible.

[0086] According to an advantageous embodiment, the intermediate substrate 20 is made of plastic material, while the lower substrate 10 and upper substrate 30 are preferably made of metallic material, particularly alloys such as brass. By making the intermediate substrate 20 of plastic material, the weight and cost of the mixing valve 1 are reduced. Furthermore, the intermediate substrate 20 then provides thermal insulation between the lower substrate 10, as discussed in detail above, and the upper substrate 30, as explained above, wherein the lower substrate receives the inflow of hot water F2, and the upper substrate 30 remains at least partially accessible to the user when the mixing valve 1 is embedded. Moreover, by making the intermediate substrate 20 of plastic material, it is advantageous to integrate check valves 71 and 72 in the cold water 21 and hot water 22 supply pipes, such as the integration of grooves for receiving gaskets on the lower surface 20A and / or upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20, thereby preventing the need to machine such grooves into the lower substrate 10 and upper substrate 30.

[0087] Considering the above regarding the intermediate substrate 20, it should be understood that the intermediate substrate 20 can advantageously be demolded along the assembly axis ZZ. In fact, the different arrangements of the latter described so far, particularly the channels 21 to 24 extending parallel to the axis ZZ along the entire corresponding dimension of the intermediate substrate, can be formed without an undercut that would prevent direct demolding along the axis ZZ. This demoldability of the intermediate substrate 20 is beneficial for its design and reduces its manufacturing time and cost. More specifically, the intermediate substrate 20 can then be stamped when made of a metallic material, or injected into a mold without loss of core when made of a plastic material.

[0088] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As clearly seen, a mixing water passage 31 is provided for connecting the mixing water outlet 43 of the thermostatic valve core 40 to the mixing water inlets 51 and 61 of the flow members 50 and 60. The mixing water passage 31 is defined by the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20 and the lower surface 30A of the upper substrate 30, and is advantageously sealed by a peripheral gasket between surfaces 20B and 30A. In an embodiment of the scheme considered in the figures, the mixing water passage 31 is recessed in the lower surface 30A of the upper substrate 30 along the assembly axis ZZ, and is partially closed at the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20, which is flush with the contact interface between the intermediate substrate 20 and the upper substrate 30. In a variation (not shown), the mixing water passage may also be partially or completely axially recessed in the upper surface 20B of the intermediate substrate 20.

[0089] In all cases, the mixing water passage 31 extends transversely to or even perpendicularly to the assembly axis ZZ longitudinally, such that at one of its two opposing longitudinal ends, the latter abuts against the mixing water outlet 43 of the thermostatic valve core 40, while at the other of its two opposing longitudinal ends, the mixing water passage 31 abuts against the mixing water inlets 51 and 61 of the flow members 50 and 60. In the embodiments considered herein, as Figure 7 As is clearly visible, the mixing water passage 31 has a V-shaped profile, thus comprising two corresponding branches: a first branch extending from the mixing water outlet 43 of the thermostatic valve core 40 to the mixing water inlet 51 of the flow member 50, and a second branch extending from the mixing water outlet 43 to the mixing water inlet 61 of the flow member 60. In all cases, the arrangement of the mixing water passage 31 is adapted to the fact that the mixing water outlet 43 and the mixing water inlets 51 and 61 are transverse to or even perpendicular to the assembly axis ZZ.

[0090] Furthermore, the upper substrate 30 defines mounting openings 32, 33, and 34, in which the thermostatic valve core 40 and flow members 50 and 60 are respectively assembled. Figures 3 to 5 As is clearly visible, each mounting opening 32 to 34 connects the lower surface 30A and the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate 30 to each other, extending parallel to the assembly axis ZZ from the lower surface 30A to the upper surface 30B. In the assembled state of the mixing valve 1, the thermostatic valve core 40 and the flow members 50 and 60 are received and secured in the mounting openings 32 to 34, such that the axial surfaces of the thermostatic valve core 40 and the corresponding components of the flow members 50 and 60 are connected to the pipes 21 to 24 and 31 of the lower substrate 10, as described in detail above. The respective opposing components of the thermostatic valve core 40 and the flow members 50 and 60 remain accessible to the user by being exposed from the upper surface 30B of the upper substrate 30. In practice, the fittings that ensure the secure fastening of the thermostatic valve core 40 and the flow members 50 and 60 in the mounting openings 32 to 34 of the upper substrate 30 are not limiting and will not be described further herein.

[0091] Based on considerations similar to those proposed above regarding the demoldability of the intermediate substrate 20, the upper substrate 30 is also advantageously demoldable along the axis ZZ. In fact, the various fittings of the upper substrate 30 described so far, particularly the mixing water passage 31 formed by an axial recess in the lower surface 30A of the upper substrate 30, can be shaped without an undercut that would prevent direct demolding along the axis ZZ.

[0092] In operation, the user acts on the accessible parts of the thermostatic valve core 40, particularly its regulating element 45, to manipulate the thermostatic valve core 40, thereby selecting the setpoint value of the mixed water temperature. The user also acts on the accessible parts of the flow member 50, particularly its actuating element 53, to manipulate the flow member 50 to control the outflow rate of mixed water F3, which can be zero if appropriate. Similarly, the user acts on the accessible parts of the flow member 60, particularly its actuating element 63, to manipulate the flow member 60 to control the outflow rate of mixed water F4, which can be zero if appropriate. Thus, when one and / or the other flow member is manipulated to give the outflow of mixed water F3 and / or mixed water F4 a non-zero flow rate, cold water enters the mixing valve 1 in the form of a cold water inflow F1 and circulates in the cold water inlet pipe 11, and then circulates in the cold water delivery pipe 21 until the cold water flow reaches the cold water inlet 41 of the thermostatic valve core 40 axially. Similarly, hot water enters the mixing valve 1 as a hot water flow F2 and circulates in the hot water inlet pipe 12, then in the hot water delivery pipe 22, until the hot water flow reaches the hot water inlet 42 of the thermostatic valve core axially. Inside the thermostatic valve core 40, all or part of the cold water flow F1 and all or part of the hot water flow F2 pass downstream of the thermostatic control unit 44, forming cold water flow F40.1 and hot water flow F40.2 respectively, and then mix to form a mixed water flow F40.3. Check valve 71 prevents hot water from entering the cold water inlet pipe 11, and check valve 72 prevents cold water from entering the hot water inlet pipe 12. The mixed water flow F40.3 exits the thermostatic valve core 40 laterally or even perpendicularly to the assembly axis ZZ through the mixed water outlet 43, and then flows into the mixed water passage pipe 31 until the mixed water flow reaches the mixed water inlets 51 and 61 of the flow members 50 and 60, where the mixed water flow F40.3 enters the flow members 50 and 60 laterally or even perpendicularly. Inside the flow members 50 and 60, by forming mixed water flows F50 and F60, all or part of the mixed water flow F40.3 passes through the flow members, and then the mixed water flows F5 and F60 leave the flow members 50 and 60 axially to form mixed water outflows F3 and F4, respectively. These outflows leave the mixing valve 1 after the mixed water outflow F3 has flowed into the discharge pipe 53 and the mixed water return pipe 13, and after the mixed water outflow F4 has flowed into the mixed water discharge pipe 24 and the mixed water return pipe 14.

[0093] Figure 8 A thermostatic mixing valve 101 for hygienic purposes is shown as an alternative embodiment to the mixing valve 1 described to date.

[0094] Mixing valve 101 shares some components with mixing valve 1, namely the lower base plate 10, the thermostatic valve core 40, and the check valves 71 and 72. On the other hand, mixing valve 101 includes an intermediate base plate 120, an upper base plate 130, and a flow member 150, which are respectively different from components 20, 30 and 50, 60 of mixing valve 1. In other words, mixing valve 101 is designed to be obtained by replacing components 20, 30 and 50, 60 with the intermediate base plate 120, the upper base plate 130, and the flow member 150, respectively.

[0095] Like each of flow members 50 and 60, flow member 150 is adapted to control the flow rate of the mixed water flowing through flow member 150 between the mixed water inlet and at least one mixed water outlet. On the other hand, flow member 150 differs from flow members 50 and 60 in number and / or type. Thus, in the embodiment of the scheme considered in the figures, flow member 150 differs from flow members 50 and 60 in that there is only one flow member 50, and flow member 150 acts on the mixed water flow passing through it, thereby selectively directing it to the mixed water return pipe 13, i.e., the mixed water return pipe 14 towards the lower substrate 10 (also by regulating the flow rate of the mixed water flow where appropriate). Therefore, flow member 150 is, for example, a two-way selector, commonly referred to as a reverser in the hygienic field.

[0096] It should be understood that the intermediate substrate 120 and the upper substrate 130 differ from the intermediate substrate 20 and the upper substrate 30, respectively, in terms of component-specific features and features specific to the connection between the substrates 120 and 130 and the flow member 150. Therefore, the intermediate substrate 120 and the upper substrate 130, particularly downstream of the thermostatic valve core 40, define a flow structure different from the flow structure defined by the substrates 20 and 30 of the mixing valve 1.

[0097] More generally, mixing valves 1 and 101 are embodiments of a modular thermostatic mixing valve assembly for hygienic purposes, which share the same lower substrate 10 but include multiple different intermediate substrates and multiple different upper substrates to accommodate the number and / or type of flow members specific to a given mixing valve.

[0098] Finally, various fittings and variations of the mixing valves 1 and 101 described so far are conceivable. Examples include:

[0099] The connection between the mixed water outlet 52 of the flow member 50 and the mixed water return pipe 13 of the lower substrate 10, and / or the connection between the mixed water inlet 62 of the flow member 60 and the mixed water return pipe 14, can have other embodiments besides those shown in the figures; for example, the mixed water outlets 51, 61 of each of the flow members 50 and 60 can be directly connected to the corresponding mixed water return pipes 13, 14, instead of being connected through the mixed water discharge pipes 23 and 24 of the intermediate substrate 20, and / or

[0100] - In addition to check valves 71 and 72, other components (such as filters) acting on the cold and hot water flows in delivery pipes 21 and 22 can be installed inside the delivery pipes.

Claims

1. A sanitary thermostatic mixing valve (1; 101), comprising: A lower substrate (10), an intermediate substrate (20; 120), and an upper substrate (30; 130) are stacked along an assembly axis (ZZ), and each substrate has a lower surface and an upper surface that are axially opposed to each other, such that the upper surface (10B) of the lower substrate (10) and the lower surface (20A) of the intermediate substrate abut each other axially, and the upper surface (20B) of the intermediate substrate and the lower surface (30A) of the upper substrate abut each other axially. -Thermostatic valve core (40), wherein the thermostatic valve core: - It is assembled onto at least one of the lower substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the upper substrate, such that the thermostatic valve core can be operated from the upper surface (30B) of the upper substrate (30). - It is provided with an axial cold water inlet (41) and a hot water inlet (42), and a mixing water outlet (43) transverse to the assembly axis (ZZ). - Suitable for mixing the cold water flow (F40.1) from the cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core and the hot water flow (F40.2) from the hot water inlet of the thermostatic valve core, for forming a mixed water flow (F40.3) delivered to the mixed water outlet of the thermostatic valve core, and -Includes a thermostatic regulating component (44), suitable for adjusting the temperature of the mixed water flow by changing the respective flow rates of the cold water flow and the hot water flow, and - One or more flow members (50, 60; 150), the flow members: -Assembled onto at least one of the lower substrate, intermediate substrate, and upper substrate, such that one or each flow member can be manipulated from the upper surface of the upper substrate. Each of them is provided with a mixing water inlet (51, 61) transverse to the assembly axis (ZZ) and at least one mixing water outlet (52, 62), and - Each is applicable to controlling the flow rate of the mixed water flow (F50, F60) passing through the flow member between the mixed water inlet and at least one mixed water outlet of the flow member. The lower substrate (10) defines a cold water inlet pipe (11), a hot water inlet pipe (12), and at least one mixed water return pipe (13, 14), all of which lead to the upper surface (10B) of the lower substrate. At least one mixed water outlet (52, 62) of the one or more flow members (50, 60; 150) is connected to the at least one mixed water return pipe. The intermediate substrate (20; 120) defines a cold water delivery pipe (21) and a hot water delivery pipe (22), wherein the cold water delivery pipe and the hot water delivery pipe are: - The lower surface (20A) and upper surface (20B) of the intermediate substrate are respectively connected to each other. - At the lower surface of the intermediate substrate, the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water inlet pipe (11, 12) respectively abut against each other. - At the upper surface of the intermediate substrate, the hot water inlet and cold water inlet (41, 42) of the thermostatic valve core (40) respectively abut against each other, and Each of them is internally equipped with a check valve (71, 72). Furthermore, the upper surface of the intermediate substrate and the lower surface (30A) of the upper substrate (30; 130) together define a mixing water passage (31) that extends transversely to the assembly axis (ZZ) longitudinally, such that at one of the two opposite longitudinal ends of the mixing water passage, the mixing water passage abuts against the mixing water outlet (43) of the thermostatic valve core (40), and at the other of the two opposite longitudinal ends of the mixing water passage, the mixing water passage abuts against a flow member or the mixing water inlet (51, 61) of each flow member (50, 60; 150).

2. The mixing valve according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate substrate (20; 120) is made of plastic material.

3. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate substrate (20; 120) is designed to be demolded along the assembly axis (ZZ).

4. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper substrate (30; 130) is designed to be demolded along the assembly axis (ZZ).

5. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing water passage (31) is formed to be axially recessed in the lower surface (30A) of the upper substrate (30; 130).

6. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing water passage is formed as an axial recess in the upper surface (20B) of the intermediate substrate (20; 120).

7. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cold water delivery pipe and the hot water delivery pipe (21, 22) extend parallel to the assembly axis (ZZ) from the lower surface (20A) of the intermediate substrate (20; 120) to the upper surface (20B).

8. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one mixing water outlet (52, 62) of one of the flow members or each of the flow members (50, 60; 150) abuts against a mixing water outlet conduit (23, 24) at the upper surface (20B) of the intermediate substrate (20; 120), the mixing water outlet conduit being: - Defined by the intermediate substrate, so as to connect the lower surface and the upper surface of the intermediate substrate. - Parallel to the assembly axis (ZZ), extending from the lower surface of the intermediate substrate to the upper surface, and -Abutting against the at least one mixed water return pipe (13, 14) at the lower surface of the intermediate substrate.

9. The mixing valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper substrate (30) defines mounting openings (32, 33, 34): - The thermostatic valve core (40) and one or more flow members (50, 60; 150) are assembled in the mounting opening. - The mounting opening connects the lower and upper surfaces of the upper substrate to each other. - And the mounting opening extends from the lower surface of the upper substrate to the upper surface, parallel to the assembly axis (ZZ).

10. A modular assembly for a sanitary thermostatic mixing valve, comprising: - According to claim 1 or 2, the mixing valve (1) has an intermediate base plate (20), an upper base plate (30), and one or more flow members (50, 60) respectively forming a first intermediate base plate, a first upper base plate, and one or more first flow members. - One or more second flow members (150) adapted to control the flow rate of mixed water passing between the mixed water inlet and at least one mixed water outlet of the one or more second flow members, and which differ in number and / or type from the one or more first flow members (50, 60), and - A second intermediate substrate (120) and a second upper substrate (130) may be assembled to the lower substrate (10) of the mixing valve in place of the first intermediate substrate (20) and the first upper substrate (30) by means of features specific to assembling and connecting the second intermediate substrate and the second upper substrate with the one or more second flow members (150), and are different from the first intermediate substrate and the first upper substrate, respectively.

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