Mixing system with temporary storage and cold water recycling, and installation comprising it

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing system (S) with temporary storage and cold water recycling, comprising a cold water pipe (4), a storage module (st1), and a control valve (V5) with at least three states connected to the storage module (st1). The storage module (st1) includes a storage space (E), and a volume control device (30) for the storage space (E) configured, in the first state of the control valve (V5), to store water in the storage space (E), and, in the third state of the control valve (V5), to discharge the stored water. The storage module (st1) is further configured to, when the storage space (E) reaches a predefined volume in the discharge phase, pass cold water from the cold water line (4) into the storage space (E) for its discharge.Figure to be published: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Mixing system with temporary storage and recycling of cold water, and installation comprising it

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of mixing systems, and more particularly to a mixing system with temporary storage and recycling of cold water, and an installation comprising it.

[0002] Nowadays, reducing household water consumption has become an important issue, particularly due to climate change. However, in existing installations, if a user wants to use hot water, for example to take a shower, they must run the tap until water at the desired temperature reaches them, and all the water thus discharged into the sewer system is lost.

[0003] In an attempt to solve this problem, prior art has proposed systems comprising a storage module configured to temporarily store a portion of the cold or lukewarm water for later reinjection into a network of pipes. US patent 10704237 B2 presents an example of such an existing system. Existing systems of this type have drawbacks because they rely on pumps and are therefore complex and unreliable. French patent FR3062409 B1 presents another example of an existing system using the Venturi effect. Existing systems of this type also have drawbacks, such as the lack of prioritization of stored water or the difficulty in maintaining a stable operating temperature.

[0004] Therefore, prior art solutions always have disadvantages and improvements are possible.

[0005] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a mixing system with temporary storage and recycling of cold water, and an installation comprising it.

[0006] Thus, the present invention relates to a mixing system with temporary storage and recycling of cold water, comprising a cold water supply line configured to be connected to a cold water network, a supply line configured to be connected to a domestic hot water production system, a draw-off line configured to be connected to a draw-off device for using water exiting the mixing system, and a storage module configured to store water, characterized in that the mixing system includes a supply valve opening and closing the supply line to the domestic hot water production system; at least one of a draw-off valve opening and closing the supply line to the appliance, and a cold water valve opening and closing the cold water line to the cold water supply; a connecting line, and a first check valve connected to the connecting line; a temperature-controlled regulating valve connected to the storage module by the connecting line, the regulating valve having two inlets and two outlets and being configured to selectively connect the inlets and outlets, a first inlet being connected to the supply line, a second inlet being connected to the connecting line, a first outlet being connected to the connecting line via the first check valve so as to prevent fluid flow from the connecting line to the first outlet, and a second outlet being connected to the supply line,and the control valve having at least three states: a first state in which the first inlet is open, the second inlet is closed, the first outlet is open, and the second outlet is closed; a second state in which the first inlet is open, the second inlet is closed, the first outlet is open, and the second outlet is open; and a third state in which the first inlet is partially opened by a temperature control, the second inlet is partially opened by the temperature control, the first outlet is open, and the second outlet is open; and by the fact that the storage module is further connected to the cold water supply line and includes a variable-volume storage space, and a storage space volume control device configured, in the first state of the control valve, for storing water from the supply line in the storage space, and for,In the third state of the regulating valve, there is a discharge into the connecting pipe of the water stored in the storage space. The storage module is further configured so that, when the storage space reaches a predefined volume during the discharge phase to the connecting pipe, cold water from the cold water pipe into the storage space is discharged back into the connecting pipe for continuous operation of the mixing system.

[0007] This configuration allows, in particular, for the automatic storage of "cold" water, i.e., water at a temperature lower than a setpoint temperature of the control valve, temporarily before being pumped back into the system for recycling the previously stored "cold" water when water at the desired temperature is produced by the mixing system. This configuration also allows for a supply of cold water for continuous operation of the mixing system once the temporarily stored "cold" water has been completely recycled.

[0008] Preferably, the mixing system includes a supply valve, and both a use valve and a cold water valve. The combined use of the The supply valve, the operating valve, and the cold water valve allow for safe operation by opening / closing the hot and cold water inlets, and ease of use by providing a clear opening / closing between the second outlet and the point of use. However, in less common configurations, the mixer system may include only one of the operating valve and the cold water valve to control water flow within the system. For example, the mixer system may include only the supply valve and the operating valve, or only the supply valve and the cold water valve.

[0009] The device for use can, for example, be a shower head or a sink sprayer.

[0010] It will be understood that according to the invention, the storage module may in particular include one or more columns each comprising several chambers and a piston assembly, and that the invention is not limited to the three configurations described below.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the mixing system with temporary storage and cold water recycling further includes a second check valve disposed between the second inlet and the connecting pipe, so as to prevent fluid flow from the second inlet to the connecting pipe.

[0012] The use of the second check valve makes it possible in particular to ensure that the flow of water is forced towards the second outlet and towards the device of use.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the control valve comprises a housing in which an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber are formed, communicating with each other, the inlet chamber comprising the first inlet and the second inlet, and the outlet chamber comprising the first outlet and the second outlet; a thermostatic element disposed in the inlet chamber and comprising a head on one proximal end, the thermostatic element being configured to control the control valve in temperature and to generate the temperature control by thermal deformation; a temperature adjustment knob connected to a proximal end of the thermostatic element and projecting out of the housing to allow a user to set a setpoint temperature of the thermostatic element; a first elastic stress element disposed in the inlet chamber;a thermal regulation slide mounted to slide in the inlet chamber and around the thermostatic element, and configured to slide, against the first elastic stress element, between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the first inlet is fully open and the second inlet is fully closed, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the first; the inlet is totally closed and the second inlet is totally open, the thermal regulating slide further comprising at least one through orifice allowing water in the inlet chamber to pass on either side of the thermal regulating slide, the first inlet, respectively second inlet, being progressively closed, respectively open, between the first end-of-stroke position and the second end-of-stroke position of the thermal regulating slide, and the thermal regulating slide sliding towards its second end-of-stroke position when a thermal deformation of the thermostatic element exceeds a predefined functional clearance and the head of the thermostatic element presses on the thermal regulating slide; a second elastic stress element disposed in the outlet chamber;a water diverter slide mounted to slide in the outlet chamber and configured to slide, against the second elastic stress element, between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the first outlet is open and the second outlet is closed, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the first outlet is open and the second outlet is open, the water diverter slide further comprising at least one through orifice allowing water in the outlet chamber to pass on either side of the water diverter slide; and a connecting rod linking a distal end of the thermostatic element to the water diverter slide, such that thermal deformation of the thermostatic element causes the water diverter slide to slide in the outlet chamber.

[0014] This configuration of the control valve makes it possible in particular to automatically direct the flow of water towards the storage module or towards the device of use, and to mix the "hot" water and the "cold" water to obtain water at the set temperature.

[0015] According to variations of the invention, the control valve can also be a valve controlled by a control device to adopt the different states described above, for example a multi-way solenoid valve or a hydraulic distributor, for example a spool valve. In these variations, the control valve preferably includes a temperature sensor to control the temperature of the control valve.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the thermostatic element is a wax thermostatic element, preferably a wax piston.

[0017] The use of a wax thermostatic element, for example a wax piston, allows in particular efficient and reliable operation of the control valve.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the first elastic stress element and the second elastic stress element are chosen from a helical spring, a rubber cylinder and a jack.

[0019] The first elastic stress element and the second elastic stress element can be configured to work in compression or tension. The first elastic stress element and the second elastic stress element are preferably helical springs. For the purposes of the invention, "rubber" means any polymer material having elastic properties that allow it to exert an elastic restoring force.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the storage module comprises a column including a body, comprising a barrel, a top closing a first longitudinal end of the barrel, a bottom closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the barrel, and an intermediate partition arranged in the barrel so as to separate the barrel into two; a piston assembly, forming the volume regulation element of the storage space, mounted to slide in the barrel and comprising a first piston mounted to slide in the barrel between the top and the intermediate partition, a second piston mounted to slide in the barrel between the intermediate partition and the bottom, and a rod connecting the first piston to the second piston through the intermediate partition; a first chamber, with variable volume, formed between the top and the first piston and having, at one end on the top side, an opening connected to the connecting pipe;a second chamber, with variable volume, formed between the first piston and the intermediate partition and having, at one end on the intermediate partition side, an opening connected to air; a third chamber, with variable volume, formed between the intermediate partition and the second piston and having, at one end on the intermediate partition side, an opening connected to the connecting pipe, the first and third chambers together forming the storage space; a fourth chamber, with variable volume, formed between the second piston and the bottom and having, at one end on the bottom side, an opening connected to the cold water pipe; and a piston cold water valve disposed on the second piston and configured to selectively connect the fourth and third chambers fluidically when the storage space reaches the predefined volume.

[0021] This configuration of the storage module allows, in particular, the automatic temporary storage of "cold" water, its recycling, and then the supply of cold water for continuous operation.

[0022] This configuration has the particular advantage of automatically adjusting to the water pressure in an installation and does not require adjustment on a case-by-case basis.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the cold water piston valve fluidically connects the fourth chamber and the third chamber when it is brought against the intermediate partition.

[0024] This configuration makes it possible in particular to guarantee that the third chamber, and the first chamber, are totally empty, that is to say that the temporarily stored "cold" water has been totally recycled, before a continuous supply of cold water, by the cold water line.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the storage module comprises a column including a body, comprising a barrel, a top closing a first longitudinal end of the barrel, a bottom closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the barrel, and an intermediate partition arranged in the barrel so as to separate the barrel into two; a piston assembly, forming the volume regulation element of the storage space, mounted to slide in the barrel and comprising a first piston mounted to slide in the barrel between the top and the intermediate partition, a second piston mounted to slide in the barrel between the intermediate partition and the bottom, and a rod connecting the first piston to the second piston through the intermediate partition; a first chamber, with variable volume, formed between the top and the first piston and having, at one end on the top side, an opening connected to the connecting pipe;a second chamber, with variable volume, formed between the first piston and the intermediate partition and having, at one end on the intermediate partition side, an opening connected to the air; a third chamber, with variable volume, formed between the intermediate partition and the second piston and having, at one end on the intermediate partition side, an opening connected to the connecting pipe, the first chamber and the third chamber together forming the storage space; a fourth chamber, with variable volume, formed between the second piston and the bottom and having, at one end on the bottom side, an opening connected to the air; an elastic column stressing element extending between the body and the piston assembly so as to stress the piston assembly towards the top;and an opening, located at one end on the top side of the first chamber, connected to the cold water line, and comprising a top cold water valve configured to selectively connect the first chamber and the cold water line in a fluid manner when the storage space reaches the predefined volume.

[0026] This configuration is another variant for the storage module allowing in particular, in an automatic manner, the temporary storage of "cold" water, the recycling thereof, and then the supply of cold water for continuous operation.

[0027] Unlike the configuration mentioned above, this configuration requires a case-by-case adjustment of the elastic column stress element.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the storage module comprises a column including a body, comprising a shaft, a top closing a first longitudinal end of the shaft, a bottom closing a second longitudinal end opposite the barrel, and an end stop arranged in the barrel so as to separate the barrel into two; a piston assembly, forming the volume control element of the storage space, mounted to slide in the barrel and comprising a first piston mounted to slide in the barrel between the top and the end stop; a first chamber, with variable volume, formed between the top and the first piston and having, at one end on the top side, an opening connected to the connecting pipe, the first chamber forming the storage space; a second chamber, with variable volume, formed between the first piston and the bottom and having an opening connected to the air, the end stop being arranged in the second chamber; an elastic column stress element extending between the body and the piston assembly so as to stress the piston assembly towards the top;and an opening, located at one end on the top side of the first chamber, connected to the cold water line, and comprising a top cold water valve configured to selectively connect the first chamber and the cold water line in a fluid manner when the storage space reaches the predefined volume.

[0029] This configuration is a less preferred variant of the column stress elastic element storage module mentioned above.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment, the top cold water valve fluidically connects the first chamber and the cold water line when it is brought to a stop against the first piston.

[0031] This configuration makes it possible in particular to guarantee that the first chamber, and the third chamber, are totally empty, that is to say that the temporarily stored "cold" water has been totally recycled, before a continuous supply of cold water through the cold water line.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the elastic column stress element is chosen from a helical spring, a rubber cylinder and a jack.

[0033] The elastic column load element can be configured to work in compression or tension. The elastic column load element is preferably a cylinder, for example a gas spring. For the purposes of the invention, "rubber" means any polymer material having elastic properties that allow it to exert an elastic restoring force.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, at least one column of the storage module further comprises an overflow valve configured to selectively connect the first chamber and the second chamber in a fluidic manner.

[0035] It will be understood that the overflow valve constitutes an overflow evacuation which prevents a pressure rise in the storage module, thus improving the safety of use of the mixing system.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the overflow valve is disposed on the first piston and fluidically connects the first chamber and the second chamber when it is brought against the intermediate partition, where applicable against the end stop.

[0037] This configuration makes it possible in particular to guarantee that the first chamber, and the third chamber, are completely full before an overflow valve is triggered.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the supply valve and at least one of the operating valve and the cold water valve are ceramic head type valves, with left opening or right opening.

[0039] It will be understood that ceramic head type valves allow in particular reliable operation of the mixing system while limiting its manufacturing cost.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, control axes of the supply valve and at least one of the use valve and the cold water valve are aligned and the mixing system further includes a pivoting handle configured to simultaneously open the supply valve and at least one of the use valve and the cold water valve.

[0041] It will be understood that this configuration allows in particular a simultaneous opening of the valves in a reliable and inexpensive manner.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, the mixing system with temporary storage and cold water recycling includes a multi-way valve having a respective way to form each of the supply valve and at least one of the use valve and the cold water valve.

[0043] Preferably, the multiport valve is controlled to simultaneously open the supply valve and at least one of the following: the use valve and the cold water valve. It will be understood that the multiport valve can, for example, be a manually operated valve, a hydraulically operated valve, a pneumatically operated valve, or an electrically operated valve.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the mixing system further comprises a flexible hose connected to the operating line, where appropriate by the operating valve, and configured to be connected to the operating device, the flexible hose comprising a flexible and non-extensible outer sheath; and an inner sheath disposed in the outer sheath and configured to receive a flow of water from the operating line, the inner sheath being elastically expandable such that a diameter of the inner sheath in a state without water flow is less than the diameter of the inner sheath in a state with water flow.

[0045] The flexible hose according to the invention allows, when not in use, the expulsion of water present in the flexible hose in order to deliver water at the desired temperature to the device of use more quickly.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the flexible hose further comprises a flexible and solid central core, disposed in the inner sheath; and a first spreader at a first longitudinal end of the flexible hose and a second spreader at a second longitudinal end of the flexible hose, each spreader being configured to fix the central core in the inner sheath and comprising at least one through orifice allowing water to enter the inner sheath and to exit from it.

[0047] This configuration makes it possible in particular to expel more water from the flexible hose when not in use.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment, the elasticity of the inner sheath is configured such that, in a state without water flow, the inner sheath is pressed against the central core.

[0049] This configuration allows the flexible hose to be completely emptied when not in use, so that the water delivered to the device of use is directly water at the desired temperature.

[0050] The present invention also relates to an installation comprising a domestic hot water production system, characterized in that it further comprises a mixing system with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to the invention and a supply pipe connecting the supply valve to the domestic hot water production system, and in that a maximum volume of the storage space is greater than or equal to the sum of a volume of the supply pipe and a volume of the supply pipe.

[0051] It will be understood that such an installation is configured in particular to store all the "cold" water contained in the supply pipe and in the water supply pipe, so that all the "cold" water can be stored temporarily and then recycled.

[0052] We will now describe particular embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053] On these drawings:

[0054] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a storage mixing system temporary and recycling of cold water according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0055] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the regulating valve of the mixing system of the [Fig.1], in the first state.

[0056] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the regulating valve of the mixing system of the [Fig.1], in the second state.

[0057] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the regulating valve of the mixing system of the [Fig.1], in the third state.

[0058] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the storage module of the mixing system of [Fig.1], with the storage space empty.

[0059] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the storage module of the mixing system of [Fig.1], in the storage phase or in the discharge phase.

[0060] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of the storage module of the mixing system of the [Fig.l], with the storage space completely full and the overflow drain open.

[0061] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible pipe of the mixer system of [Fig.1].

[0062] [Fig.9] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage module of a system mixer tap with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0063] [Fig. 10] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage module of a mixing system with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0064] If we refer first of all to [Fig.1], we can see that a mixing system S with temporary storage and recycling of cold water has been schematically represented therein according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a cold water pipe 4, a supply pipe 3, a use pipe 5, a storage module st1, a supply valve VI, a use valve V2, a cold water valve V3, a connecting pipe 10, a first non-return valve 9, and a regulating valve V5.

[0065] The cold water pipe 4 is configured to be connected to a cold water network, for example of a building or a house.

[0066] The supply line 3 is configured to be connected to a domestic hot water (DHW) production system. The DHW production system is, for example, an electric water heater, a gas water heater, or a heat pump water heater. The DHW production system is intended to be connected to the cold water supply.

[0067] The use line 5 is configured to be connected to a use device intended to use water coming out of the mixer system S. The use device can, for example, be a shower head or a sink sprayer.

[0068] The supply valve VI opens and closes the supply line 3 to the domestic hot water (DHW) production system. The supply valve VI is located at one end of the supply line 3, on the DHW production system side.

[0069] The operating valve V2 opens and closes the operating line 5 to the operating device. The operating valve V2 is located at one end of the operating line 5, on the operating device side.

[0070] The cold water valve V3 opens and closes the cold water pipe 4 to the cold water network. The cold water valve V3 is located at one end of the cold water pipe 4, on the cold water network side.

[0071] Advantageously, the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in [Fig.1] includes both a use valve V2 and a cold water valve V3.

[0072] The combined use of the supply valve VI, the operating valve V2, and the cold water valve V3 ensures safe operation by opening / closing the hot and cold water inlets, and user comfort through a clear opening / closing between the second outlet and the operating device. However, according to less preferred variants, the mixing system S may include only one of these two valves, V2 or V3, to allow control of water circulation within the mixing system S. For example, the mixing system S may include only the supply valve VI and the operating valve V2, or only the supply valve VI and the cold water valve V3.

[0073] In the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in [Fig. 1], the supply valve VI, the operating valve V2, and the cold water valve V3 are ceramic-head type valves, either left- or right-opening. Alternatively, other types of valves may be used, for example, solenoid valves.

[0074] Advantageously, control axes of the supply valve VI, the use valve V2 and the cold water valve V3 are aligned, and the mixing system S further includes a swivel handle 28 configured to simultaneously open the supply valve VI, the use valve V2 and the cold water valve V3.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mixing system S may include a multiport valve having a respective port for each of the supply valve VI, the operating valve V2, and the cold water valve V3. Preferably, the multiport valve is controlled to open the supply valve VI, the operating valve V2, and the cold water valve V3 simultaneously. It will be understood that the multiport valve may, for example, be a manually operated valve, a hydraulically operated valve, a pneumatically operated valve, or an electrically operated valve.

[0076] According to the invention, the first check valve 9 is connected to the connecting pipe 10.

[0077] The V5 control valve is temperature-controlled and is connected to the stl storage module by the connecting pipe 10. The V5 control valve has two inputs A, D and two outputs C, B, and is configured to selectively allow communication between inputs A, D and outputs C, B.

[0078] A first inlet A, or hot water inlet, is connected to the supply line 3. A second inlet D, or cold water inlet, is connected to the supply line 10. Advantageously, in the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in [Fig. 1], the mixing system S further comprises a second check valve 8 disposed between the second inlet D and the supply line 10, so as to prevent fluid flow from the second inlet D to the supply line 10. A first outlet C, or storage outlet, is connected to the supply line 10 via the first check valve 9 so as to prevent fluid flow from the supply line 10 to the first outlet C. A second outlet B, or use outlet, is connected to the supply line 5.

[0079] According to the invention, the control valve V5 has at least three states. Advantageously, and as will be described in more detail below for the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in Figures 1 to 4, the control valve V5 has a fourth state.

[0080] In a first state of the control valve V5, shown in more detail in [Fig. 2] for the first embodiment of the mixing system S, the first inlet A is open, the second inlet D is closed, the first outlet C is open, and the second outlet B is closed. In operation, the control valve V5 is in the first state when the temperature of the water arriving through the first inlet A is lower than a setpoint temperature configured by a user for the control valve V5. The water arriving through the first inlet A is directed to the first outlet C, to the storage module stl. Preferably, the first state of the control valve V5 is a rest state.

[0081] In a second state of the control valve V5, shown in more detail in [Fig. 3] for the first embodiment of the mixing system S, the first inlet A is open, the second inlet D is closed, the first outlet C is open, and the second outlet B is open. In operation, the control valve V5 is in the second state when the temperature of the water arriving through the first inlet A approaches the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5, to within a few tenths of a degree below the setpoint temperature. The water arriving through the first inlet A is directed to the second outlet B, to the device being used. As will be described in more detail below, the second state is a transient state in which the control valve V5 remains for only a very short time, for example, a few tenths of a second in the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in [Fig. 1].The second state makes it possible, in particular, to guarantee that the second. outlet B is open enough so as not to impede the flow of water that will arrive through the first inlet A and the second inlet D.

[0082] In a third state of the control valve V5, shown in more detail in [Fig. 4] for the first embodiment of the mixing system S, the first inlet A is partially opened by a temperature control, the second inlet D is partially opened by the temperature control, the first outlet C is open, and the second outlet B is open. In operation, the control valve V5 is in the third state when the temperature of the water arriving through the first inlet A reaches, and then exceeds, the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5. The water arriving through the first inlet A is mixed with the water arriving through the second inlet D, according to the temperature control, to obtain water at the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5, and then the water is directed to the second outlet B, to the device being used. This is the stable operating state of the mixing system S.

[0083] In the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in Figures 1 to 4, the control valve V5 includes a housing V5a, a thermostatic element 13, a temperature adjustment knob 12, a first elastic stress element 15, a thermal regulation slide 14, a second elastic stress element 17, a water diverter slide 16, and a connecting rod 18.

[0084] The V5a housing comprises an inlet chamber V5b and an outlet chamber V5c, both formed in the V5a housing and communicating with each other.

[0085] The inlet chamber V5b includes the first inlet A and the second inlet D, and the outlet chamber V5c includes the first outlet C and the second outlet B.

[0086] The thermostatic element 13 is disposed in the inlet chamber V5b and comprises A head 13a has a proximal end on one side. The thermostatic element 13 is configured to control the temperature of the control valve V5 and to generate the temperature control by thermal deformation. Advantageously, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the thermostatic element 13 is a wax-type thermostatic element, preferably a wax piston. Depending on variations, the thermostatic element 13 can take other forms.

[0087] The temperature adjustment knob 12 is connected to a proximal end of the thermostatic element 13 and protrudes out of the housing V5a to allow a user to set a target temperature for the thermostatic element 13.

[0088] The first elastic stress element 15 is disposed in the inlet chamber V5b.

[0089] In the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first elastic stress element 15 works in compression and is in the form of a helical spring disposed between the slide of thermal regulation 14 and a shoulder partially separating the inlet chamber V5b and the outlet chamber V5c. In some embodiments, the first elastic stress element 15 could be located on the other side of the thermal regulation slide 14, i.e., between an outer wall of the housing V5a and the thermal regulation slide 14, and operate in tension. It will also be understood that the first elastic stress element 15 could take other forms, for example, a rubber cylinder or a jack, such as a gas spring. For the purposes of this invention, "rubber" means any polymer material having elastic properties that allow it to exert an elastic restoring force.

[0090] The thermal regulation slide 14 is mounted to slide in the inlet chamber V5b and around the thermostatic element 13.

[0091] The thermal control slide 14 is configured to slide, against the first elastic stress element 15, between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the first inlet A is fully open and the second inlet D is fully closed, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the first inlet A is fully closed and the second inlet D is fully open. The first inlet A, and the second inlet D respectively, are progressively closed and opened, respectively, between the first and second end-of-stroke positions of the thermal control slide 14. Furthermore, the thermal control slide 14 slides towards its second end-of-stroke position when a thermal deformation of the thermostatic element 13 exceeds a predefined functional clearance 29 and the head 13a of the thermostatic element 13 presses on the thermal control slide 14.

[0092] The thermal regulation slide 14 further includes through orifices 14a allowing water in the inlet chamber V5b to pass on either side of the thermal regulation slide 14.

[0093] The second elastic stress element 17 is disposed in the outlet chamber V5c.

[0094] In the first embodiment of the mixing system S shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second elastic stress element 17 works in compression and is in the form of a helical spring located between the water diverter slide 16 and an outer wall of the housing V5a. According to alternative embodiments, the second elastic stress element 17 could be located on the other side of the water diverter slide 16, that is, between the water diverter slide 16 and a shoulder partially separating the inlet chamber V5b and the outlet chamber V5c, and work in tension. It will also be understood that the second elastic stress element 17 could be in other forms, for example, a rubber cylinder or a cylinder, for example, a gas spring. For the purposes of the invention, one "Rubber" means any polymer material having elastic properties that allow it to exert an elastic restoring force.

[0095] The water diversion slide 16 is mounted to slide in the outlet chamber V5c.

[0096] The water diverter slide 16 is configured to slide, against the second elastic stress element 17, between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the first outlet C is open and the second outlet B is closed, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the first outlet C is open and the second outlet B is open.

[0097] The water diverter slide 16 further includes through orifices 16a allowing water in the outlet chamber V5c to pass on either side of the water diverter slide 16.

[0098] The connecting rod 18 links a distal end of the thermostatic element 13 to the water diverter slide 16, such that thermal deformation, in particular elongation, of the thermostatic element causes the water diverter slide 16 to slide within the outlet chamber. It will be understood that the connecting rod 18 can be attached to the thermostatic element 13 by any means, for example by insertion, gluing, or screwing. It will also be understood that, according to alternative embodiments, the connecting rod 18 can be formed as a single unit with the thermostatic element 13.

[0099] At rest and as long as the temperature of the water arriving through the first inlet A is less than the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5 set by the user, the first elastic stress element 15 stresses the thermal control slide 14 towards its first end-of-stroke position and the second elastic stress element 17 stresses the water diverter slide 16 towards its first end-of-stroke position, so that the control valve V5 is in its first state.

[0100] When the temperature of the water arriving through the first inlet A approaches the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5, to within a few tenths of a degree, the thermostatic element 13 begins to deform thermally, by elongation, and generate the temperature control signal. Since the thermostatic element 13 is connected to the water diverter slide 16 via the connecting rod 18, the second outlet B opens, while the thermal control slide 14 remains in its first end-of-stroke position, such that the control valve V5 is in its second state, until the functional clearance 29, provided between the head 13a of the thermostatic element 13 and the thermal control slide 14, is closed. The control valve V5 remains in the second state for no more than a few tenths of a second, but the second state is essential for the proper functioning of the mixing system S according to the first embodiment. It will be understood that the dimension of the functional clearance 29 is to be determined according to the other components of the control valve V5, for example according to the size and stroke of the thermal control slide 14, the size and stroke of the water diverter slide 16, and the type and stroke of the thermostatic element 13. As an example, for standard thermostatic elements, the functional clearance 29 can be between five and ten tenths of a millimeter.

[0101] When the temperature of the water arriving through the first inlet A reaches, and then exceeds, the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5, the head 13a of the thermostatic element 13 presses on the thermal control slide 14 and moves it, so that the control valve V5 is in its third state. In the third state, the thermal control slide 14, under the action of the head 13a of the thermostatic element 13 and the first elastic stress element 15, mixes more or less water from the first inlet A (hot water) and water from the second inlet D (cold water), in order to supply, at the second outlet B, water at the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5.

[0102] As already stated above, in a mixing valve system S according to the invention, the control valve V5 preferably has a fourth state. The fourth state of the control valve V5 allows a user to send cold water directly to the device being used. In the fourth state of the control valve V5, the first inlet A is closed, the second inlet D is open, the first outlet C is open, and the second outlet B is open. In use, the control valve V5 is in the fourth state when the user sets the setpoint temperature for the control valve V5 to a "cold water" setting. The water arriving through the second inlet D is directed to the second outlet B, to the device being used. If necessary, the water stored in the storage space E is first pumped to the second outlet B and to the device being used.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the control valve V5 is in the fourth state when the user turns the temperature control knob 12 to a "cold water" position. The temperature control knob 12 then moves the thermostatic element 13, which moves the thermal control slide 14, against the first elastic stress element 15, to its second end-of-stroke position, and moves the water diverter slide 16, via the connecting rod 18 and against the second elastic stress element 17, to its second end-of-stroke position.

[0104] According to variants of the invention, the V5 control valve can also be a valve controlled by a control device to adopt the different states described above, for example a multi-way solenoid valve or a hydraulic distributor, for example a drawer distributor. In these variants, the V5 control valve includes a temperature sensor, instead of the thermostatic element 13 of the first embodiment, to control the V5 control valve by temperature.

[0105] According to the invention, the storage module stl is configured to store water. The storage module stl is further connected to the cold water line 4 and comprises a variable-volume storage space E, and a volume control device 30 for the storage space E. The volume control device 30 for the storage space E is configured so that, in the first state of the control valve V5, water from the connecting line 10 is stored in the storage space E, and so that, in the third state of the control valve V5, the water stored in the storage space E is discharged into the connecting line 10.The stl storage module is further configured so that, when the storage space E reaches a predefined volume in the discharge phase to the connecting pipe 10, cold water from the cold water pipe 4 passes into the storage space E for its discharge to the connecting pipe 10 for continuous operation of the mixing system S.

[0106] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in the first embodiment of the mixing system S, the storage module stl comprises a column including a body stla, a piston assembly P, four chambers chl, ch2, ch3, ch4 with variable volumes, and a piston cold water valve 22.

[0107] The body comprises a shaft 19, a top 27 closing a first longitudinal end of the shaft 19, a bottom 20 closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the shaft 19, and an intermediate partition 24 arranged in the shaft 19 so as to divide the shaft 19 in two. Preferably, the intermediate partition 24 is arranged equidistant from the top 27 and the bottom 20 to prevent a dead volume in the shaft 19. The shaft 19 is advantageously cylindrical but may, alternatively, be a tube with a polygonal cross-section, for example, a square one.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the piston assembly P forms the regulating element 30 of the volume of the storage space E.

[0109] The piston assembly P is slidably mounted in the barrel 19 and includes a first piston 26 slidably mounted in the barrel 19 between the top 27 and the intermediate partition 24, a second piston 21 slidably mounted in the barrel 19 between the intermediate partition 24 and the bottom 20, and a rod 23 connecting the first piston 26 to the second piston 21 through the intermediate partition 24.

[0110] As indicated above, in the first embodiment of the mixing system S, the column of the storage module stl comprises four chambers chl, ch2, ch3, ch4 with variable volumes.

[0111] A first chl chamber, with variable volume, is formed between the apex 27 and the first piston 26. The first chl chamber has, at one end on the apex 27 side, an opening chia connected to the connecting pipe 10.

[0112] A second chamber ch2, with variable volume, is formed between the first piston 26 and the intermediate partition 24. The second chamber ch2 has, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition 24, an opening ch2a connected to the air.

[0113] A third chamber ch3, with variable volume, is formed between the intermediate partition 24 and the second piston 21. The third chamber ch3 has, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition 24, an opening ch3a connected to the connecting pipe 10.

[0114] As shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, the opening ch2a of the second chamber ch2 and the opening ch3a of the third chamber ch3 can be formed through the intermediate partition 24 and the shaft 19.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 jointly form the storage space E.

[0116] A fourth chamber ch4, with variable volume, is formed between the second piston 21 and the bottom 20. The fourth chamber ch4 has, at one end on the bottom 20 side, an opening ch4a connected to the cold water pipe 4.

[0117] The cold water piston valve 22 is disposed on the second piston 21 and is configured to selectively connect fluidically the fourth chamber ch4 and the third chamber ch3, when the storage space E reaches the predefined volume.

[0118] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in the first embodiment of the mixing system S, the piston cold water valve 22 fluidically connects the fourth chamber ch4 and the third chamber ch3 when it comes to rest against the intermediate partition 24. In particular, the piston cold water valve 22 includes a control rod 22a which mechanically causes the piston cold water valve 22 to open when it comes to rest against the intermediate partition 24, when the second piston 21 comes to rest against the intermediate partition 24.It will be understood that, alternatively, the storage module stl could be configured to cause the opening of the cold water piston valve 22 before the second piston 21 comes to a stop against the intermediate partition 24, for example by providing a stop element protruding into the barrel 19 and configured to come into contact with the control rod 22a of the cold water piston valve 22. It will also be understood that, alternatively, the cold water piston valve 22 could be piloted and controlled by a control device.

[0119] Figures 5 to 7 represent the stl storage module of the S mixing system according to the first embodiment, in different operating positions.

[0120] Fig. 5 represents the storage module stl with the storage space E empty, i.e. with the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 empty, the second piston 21 is abutted against the intermediate partition 24 and the cold water valve of piston 22 is open so that water in the fourth chamber ch4 can pass into the third chamber ch3.

[0121] Fig. 6 represents the stl storage module with the storage space E partially filled, i.e. with the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 partially filled.

[0122] Fig. 7 represents the storage module stl with the storage space E totally full, i.e. with the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 totally full, the first piston 26 is against the intermediate partition 24 and the overflow valve 25 is open so that water in the first chamber chl can pass into the second chamber ch2.

[0123] We will now describe a second embodiment of a mixer system 1 according to the invention. This second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment described above, except for the storage module stl. Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage module stl of the mixer system 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0124] In the second embodiment shown in [Fig.9], the storage module stl comprises a column including a body stla, a piston assembly P, four chambers chl, ch2, ch3, ch4 with variable volumes, an elastic column stressing element 31, and an opening chlb including a top cold water valve 22'.

[0125] The body comprises a shaft 19, a top 27 closing a first longitudinal end of the shaft 19, a bottom 20 closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the shaft 19, and an intermediate partition 24 arranged in the shaft 19 so as to divide the shaft 19 in two. Preferably, the intermediate partition 24 is arranged equidistant from the top 27 and the bottom 20 to prevent a dead volume in the shaft 19. The shaft 19 is advantageously cylindrical but may, alternatively, be a tube with a polygonal cross-section, for example, a square one.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the piston assembly P forms the volume control element 30 of the storage space E.

[0127] The piston assembly P is slidably mounted in the barrel 19 and comprises a first piston 26 slidably mounted in the barrel 19 between the apex 27 and the intermediate partition 24, a second piston 21 slidably mounted in the barrel 19 between the intermediate partition 24 and the bottom 20, and a rod 23 connecting the first piston 26 to the second piston 21 through the intermediate partition 24.

[0128] As indicated above, in the second embodiment of the mixing system S, the column of the storage module stl comprises four chambers chl, ch2, ch3, ch4 with variable volumes.

[0129] A first chl chamber, with variable volume, is formed between the apex 27 and the first piston 26. The first chl chamber has, at one end on the apex 27 side, an opening chia connected to the connecting pipe 10.

[0130] A second chamber ch2, with variable volume, is formed between the first piston 26 and the intermediate partition 24. The second chamber ch2 has, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition 24, an opening ch2a connected to the air.

[0131] A third chamber ch3, with variable volume, is formed between the intermediate partition 24 and the second piston 21. The third chamber ch3 has, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition 24, an opening ch3a connected to the connecting pipe 10.

[0132] In the second embodiment, the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 jointly form the storage space E.

[0133] A fourth chamber ch4, with variable volume, is formed between the second piston 21 and the bottom 20. The fourth chamber ch4 has, at one end on the bottom 20 side, an opening ch4a' connected to the air.

[0134] The elastic column stress element 31 extends between the body stla and the piston assembly P so as to stress the piston assembly P towards the top 27.

[0135] In the second embodiment of the mixing system S shown in [Fig. 9], the elastic column load element 31 works in compression and is in the form of a cylinder, for example a gas spring, extending between the bottom 20 and the first piston 26, through the rod 23. According to some variations, the elastic column load element 31 could extend between the bottom 20 and the second piston 21. According to other variations, the elastic column load element 31 could be arranged on the other side of the piston assembly P to work in tension, i.e., between the top 27 and the first piston 26, or between the top 27 and the second piston 21, extending through the rod 23. It will also be understood that the elastic column load element 31 could be in other forms, for example a spring helical or a rubber cylinder.For the purposes of this invention, "rubber" means any polymer material having elastic properties that allow it to exert an elastic restoring force.

[0136] As indicated above, in the second embodiment of the mixing system S, the column of the storage module stl includes an opening chlb having a top cold water valve 22'.

[0137] The chlb opening is disposed at one end on the top side 27 of the first chl chamber and is connected to the cold water pipe 4.

[0138] The top cold water valve 22' is disposed at the chlb opening and is configured to selectively connect fluidically the first chl chamber and the cold water line 4 when the storage space E reaches the predefined volume.

[0139] As can be seen in [Fig. 9], in the second embodiment of the mixing system S, the top cold water valve 22' fluidically connects the first chilled chamber and the cold water supply line 4 when it abuts against the first piston 26. In particular, the top cold water valve 22' includes a control rod 22a' which mechanically opens the top cold water valve 22' when pressed by the first piston 26, when the first piston 26 abuts against the top 27. It will be understood that, alternatively, the storage module stl could be configured to open the top cold water valve 22' before the first piston 26 abuts against the top 27, for example, by providing a stop element on the first piston 26 configured to contact the control rod. 22a' of the top cold water valve 22'.It will also be understood that, as an alternative, the 22' summit cold water valve could be piloted and controlled by a control device.

[0140] We will now describe a third embodiment of a mixer system 1 according to the invention. Like the second embodiment, this third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment described above, except for the storage module stl. Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage module stl of the mixer system 1 according to the third embodiment of the invention.

[0141] In the third embodiment shown in [Fig.10], the storage module stl comprises a column including a body stla', a piston assembly P', two chambers chl, ch2' with variable volumes, an elastic column stressing element 31, and an opening chlb including a cold water top valve 22'.

[0142] The body stla' comprises a shaft 19, a top 27 closing a first longitudinal end of the shaft 19, a bottom 20 closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the shaft 19, and an end stop 24' disposed in the shaft 19 so as to divide the shaft 19 in two. The end stop 24' may, for example, be disposed equidistant from the top 27 and the bottom 20. The end stop 24' may, for example, be in the form of a shoulder projecting into the shaft 19. The shaft 19 is advantageously in the form of a cylinder but may, alternatively, be in the form of a tube with a polygonal cross-section, for example, a square one.

[0143] In the third embodiment, the piston assembly P' forms the regulating element 30 of the volume of the storage space E.

[0144] The piston assembly P' is mounted to slide in the barrel 19 and includes a first piston 26 mounted to slide in the barrel 19 between the top 27 and the end stop 24'.

[0145] As indicated above, in the third embodiment of the mixing system S, the column of the storage module stl comprises two chambers chl, ch2' with variable volumes.

[0146] A first chl chamber, with variable volume, is formed between the apex 27 and the first piston 26. The first chl chamber has, at one end on the apex 27 side, an opening chia connected to the connecting pipe 10. In the third embodiment of the mixing system S, the first chl chamber forms the storage space E.

[0147] A second chamber ch2', with variable volume, is formed between the first piston 26 and the bottom 20, the end stop 24' being located in the second chamber ch2'. The second chamber ch2' has an opening ch2a' connected to the air.

[0148] The elastic stress element of column 31 extends between the body stla' and the piston assembly P' so as to stress the piston assembly P' towards the top 27.

[0149] In the third embodiment of the mixing system S shown in [Fig. 10], the elastic column-loading element 31 operates in compression and is in the form of a cylinder, for example a gas spring, extending between the bottom 20 and the first piston 26. According to alternative embodiments, the elastic column-loading element 31 could be positioned on the other side of the piston assembly P' to operate in tension, i.e., between the top 27 and the first piston 26. It will also be understood that the elastic column-loading element 31 could be in other forms, for example a helical spring or a rubber cylinder. For the purposes of the invention, "rubber" means any polymer material having elastic properties that allow it to exert an elastic restoring force.

[0150] As indicated above, in the third embodiment of the mixing system S, the column of the storage module stl includes an opening chlb having a top cold water valve 22'.

[0151] The chlb opening is disposed at one end on the top side 27 of the first chl chamber and is connected to the cold water pipe 4.

[0152] The top cold water valve 22' is disposed at the chlb opening and is configured to selectively connect fluidically the first chl chamber and the cold water line 4 when the storage space E reaches the predefined volume.

[0153] As can be seen in [Fig. 10], in the third embodiment of the mixing system S, the top cold water valve 22' connects in a way fluidic the first chl chamber and the cold water pipe 4 when abutted against the first piston 26. In particular, the top cold water valve 22' includes a control rod 22a' which mechanically causes the top cold water valve 22' to open when it is pressed by the first piston 26, when the first piston 26 comes to abutment against the top 27. It will be understood that alternatively the storage module stl could be configured to cause the top cold water valve 22' to open before the first piston 26 comes to abutment against the top 27, for example by providing a stop element placed on the first piston 26 and configured to come into contact with the control rod 22a' of the top cold water valve 22'. It will also be understood that, as an alternative, the 22' summit cold water valve could be piloted and controlled by a control device.

[0154] Advantageously, in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in the second embodiment shown in [Fig.9] and in the third embodiment shown in [Fig. 10], an overflow evacuation is provided in the storage module stl.

[0155] In particular, the column of the storage module stl further includes an overflow valve 25 configured to selectively connect fluidically the first chamber chl and the second chamber ch2, ch2'.

[0156] In the first, second and third embodiments of the mixing system S, the overflow valve 25 is located on the first piston 26. In the first and second embodiments of the mixing system S, the overflow valve 25 fluidically connects the first chamber chl and the second chamber ch2' when it comes to rest against the intermediate partition 24. In the third embodiment of the mixing system S, the overflow valve 25 fluidically connects the first chamber chl and the second chamber ch2' when it comes to rest against the end-of-stroke stop 24'.Advantageously, the overflow valve 25 includes a control rod 25a which mechanically causes the overflow valve 25 to open when it comes to rest on the intermediate partition 24, respectively the end stop 24', when the first piston 26 comes to rest against the intermediate partition 24, respectively the end stop 24'. It will be understood that, alternatively, the storage module stl could be configured to cause the overflow valve 25 to open before the first piston 26 comes to a stop against the intermediate partition 24, or against the end-of-stroke stop 24', for example by providing a stop element protruding into the barrel 19 and configured to come into contact with the control rod 25a of the overflow valve 25. It will also be understood that, alternatively, the overflow valve 25 could be piloted and controlled by a control device.

[0157] In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, the storage module stl comprises a single column. However, it will be understood that, according to variants, the storage module stl may comprise several columns, for example, two columns connected in parallel. It will be understood in particular that, in the first and second embodiments, the first chambers chl and the third chambers ch3 of each column would communicate with each other, for example, via the connecting pipe 10, and that, in the third embodiment, the first chambers chl of each column would communicate with each other, for example, via the connecting pipe 10. Preferably, in the first embodiment, the fourth chambers ch4 of each column would also communicate with each other, for example, via the cold water pipe 4.When the storage module stl comprises several columns, it will be understood that the storage space E is jointly formed by the first chambers chl and the third chambers ch3 of the columns, in the first and second embodiments, and by the first chambers chl, in the third embodiment. It will also be understood that a mixing system S according to the invention could also, according to other variants, comprise columns according to the three embodiments described above. It can be specified here that, in the case of a mixing system S having a storage module stl comprising several columns, all the piston assemblies P, P' must be synchronized with each other to guarantee the proper functioning of the mixing system S.

[0158] Advantageously, a mixing system S according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment further comprises a flexible hose 100 connected to the supply line 5, optionally via the supply valve V2, and configured to be connected to the supply device. Figure 8 shows in more detail the flexible hose 100 of the mixing system S according to the first embodiment of Figure 1.

[0159] According to the invention, the flexible hose 100 comprises a flexible and non-extensible outer sheath 103, and an inner sheath 104 disposed in the outer sheath 103.

[0160] The inner sheath 104 is configured to receive a flow of water from the operating valve V2 and is elastically expandable, such that a diameter of the inner sheath 104 in a state without water flow is less than the diameter of the inner sheath 104 in a state with water flow.

[0161] Preferably and as shown in [Fig.8], the flexible hose further comprises a central core 105 and two spacers 106.

[0162] The central core 105 is flexible and solid, and is disposed in the inner sheath 104.

[0163] A first spacer 106 is disposed at a first longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 100 and a second spacer 106 is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 100. Each spacer 106 is configured to fix the central core 105 in the inner sheath 104 and includes through orifices 106a allowing water to enter the inner sheath 104 and to exit from it.

[0164] Advantageously, the elasticity of the inner sheath 104 is configured such that, in a state without water flow, the inner sheath 104 is pressed against the central core 105.

[0165] The outer sheath 103, the inner sheath 104 and the spacers 106 can be fixed by any means, for example by crimping onto a fitting configured to connect to the operating valve V2. The central core 105 and the spacers 106 can be fixed by any means, for example by crimping, push-fitting or gluing.

[0166] In use, water enters the flexible pipe 100 through the operating line 5. At the first longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 100, on the operating line 5 side, the water passes through the first spreader 106 through the through orifices 106a and arrives between the central core 105 and the inner sheath 104. Under the effect of pressure, the inner sheath 104 expands and allows water to pass between the central core 105 and the inner sheath 104, up to the second longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 100, on the operating device side. The water then passes through the second spreader 106 via the through orifices 106a to exit the flexible pipe 100. When the flow of water is stopped, the inner sheath 104, thanks to its elasticity, tightens, preferably presses against, the central core 105 and expels the water present in the flexible pipe 100, so that the flexible pipe 100 empties, preferably completely.

[0167] The outer sheath 103 makes it possible in particular to prevent excessive expansion of the inner sheath layer 104, and to protect the inner sheath 104, for example against friction.

[0168] It will be understood that according to the invention, the stl storage module can in particular include one or more columns each comprising several chambers chl, ch2, ch2' ch3, ch4 and a piston assembly P, P', and that the invention is not limited to the three embodiments described in more detail.

[0169] We will now describe the operation of a mixing system S with temporary storage and preferred cold water recycling according to the first embodiment with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0170] A mixing system S according to the invention makes it possible to temporarily store "cold" water contained in pipes of an installation, in particular in the pipes between a domestic hot water production system DHW and the mixing system S, and to recycle said "cold" water.

[0171] In use, the fourth chamber ch4 is pre-filled with water, and the first chamber chl and the second chamber ch2 are empty. This position of the storage module is shown in [Fig.5].

[0172] The user sets the desired temperature using the temperature control knob 12. We will first describe the operation when the user has set a desired temperature to obtain lukewarm or hot water. The operation for obtaining cold water directly will be described later.

[0173] After the simultaneous opening of the supply valve VI, the operating valve V2, and the cold water valve V3, using the swivel handle 28, water from the domestic hot water (DHW) production system is directed to the control valve V5 via the supply line 3. The control valve V5 is then in its first state, as shown in [Fig. 2]. The water enters the inlet chamber V5b through the first inlet A, passes into the outlet chamber V5c, exits through the first outlet C, and is then directed to the storage module stl via the connecting line 10, reaching the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 of the storage module. At the same time, the fourth chamber ch4 of the storage module stl is connected to a cold water circuit via the opening ch4a and the cold water line 4.

[0174] The water entering the first chamber chl applies a force on the first piston 26 towards the bottom 20, the water entering the third chamber ch3 applies a force on the second piston 21 towards the bottom 20, and the water in the fourth chamber applies a force on the second piston 21 towards the top 27. The second chamber ch2 is connected to the air by the opening ch2a and does not apply a force on the first piston 26. The first piston 26 being connected to the second piston 21 by the rod 23, and the pressures in the first chamber chl, in the third chamber ch3 and in the fourth chamber ch4 being identical, the resultant force applied on the piston assembly P towards the bottom 20 is greater than the resultant force applied on the piston assembly P towards the top 21, such that the piston assembly P moves towards the bottom 20.Thus, water is progressively stored in the first chamber (chl) and the third chamber (ch3), and water is progressively discharged from the fourth chamber (ch4) into the cold water supply. This storage phase in the storage module (stl) is shown in [Fig. 6]. The water discharged into the cold water supply is not lost and is directed, in particular, to the domestic hot water (DHW) production system, which is emptying towards the control valve (V5). If the first chamber (chl) and the third chamber (ch3) are completely full, i.e., if the storage space (E) is completely full, the first piston (26) comes to rest against the intermediate partition (24), and the overflow valve (25) opens, so that excess water is discharged from the first chamber (chl) into the second chamber (ch3). then towards the outside of the storage module stl through the opening ch2a of the second chamber ch2 connected to the air. This phase of opening the overflow drain in the storage module stl is represented in [Fig.7].

[0175] As long as the temperature of the water entering the control valve V5 through the first inlet A has not reached a setpoint temperature set by the user using the temperature adjustment knob 12 of the control valve V5, said water is directed by the control valve V5 to the storage module stl for storage in the first chamber chl and in the third chamber ch3.

[0176] Once the water entering the control valve V5 through the first inlet A reaches the set temperature, the thermostatic element 13 deforms thermally by elongation, and the water diverter slide 16 slides. Then the thermal regulating slide 14 slides when the functional clearance 29 is closed. Thus, the control valve V5 transitions to its second state and then to its third state. The second outlet B and then the second inlet D are open. The second and third states of the control valve V5 are shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

[0177] Opening the second outlet B causes a pressure drop in the outlet chamber V5c. When the second inlet D is opened, the pressures in the first chamber chl and in the third chamber ch3 also drop. The resulting force applied to the piston assembly P towards the bottom 20 becomes less than the resulting force applied to the piston assembly P towards the top 27, so that the piston assembly P moves towards the top 27. The water previously stored in the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 of the storage module stl is then forced back into the connecting pipe 10 and forced onto the second inlet D of the control valve V5 due to the first check valve 9 which prevents backflow of water towards the first outlet C. This backflow phase in the storage module is shown in [Fig. 6].The use of the second non-return valve 8, located between the second inlet D and the connecting pipe 10, is preferred and in particular ensures that the water flow is forced towards the second outlet B.

[0178] The thermal regulation slide 14, under the control of the thermostatic element 13, then allows the regulating valve V5 to produce water at the set temperature in the inlet chamber V5c, by mixing the (hot) water entering through the first inlet A and the (cold) water entering through the second inlet D.

[0179] The water at the set temperature is directed to the outlet chamber V5c, exits through the second outlet B, and is directed to the use device through the use line 5 and the use valve V2.

[0180] Once the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 are empty, that is, once all the temporarily stored water has been recycled, the second piston 21 comes into The piston 22 abuts against the intermediate partition 24 and opens the cold water valve. This phase in the storage module stl is shown in [Fig. 5]. The water from the cold water network then passes from the fourth chamber ch4 to the third chamber ch3 and is then directed to the second inlet D of the control valve V5 via the connecting pipe 10.

[0181] In the first embodiment, the storage module stl also acts as a pressure regulator to maintain a constant pressure at the second inlet D of the control valve V5. Specifically, the storage module stl is in equilibrium when the resulting force applied by the water on the piston assembly P, towards the bottom 20, in the first chamber chl and in the third chamber ch3, is equal to the resulting force applied by the water on the piston assembly P, towards the top 27, in the fourth chamber ch4. If the cold water piston valve 22 is too open, the pressures in the first chamber chl and in the third chamber ch3 increase, causing the piston assembly P to move towards the bottom 20, which leads to the closure of the cold water piston valve 22 and a return to equilibrium. The reaction is reversed if the cold water piston valve 22 is too closed.The piston assembly P moves towards the top 27, which causes the cold water piston valve 22 to open and a return to equilibrium. This maintenance of constant pressure conditions at the inlet of the regulating valve V5, regardless of the phase of use of the mixing system S, guarantees a perfectly stable temperature and flow rate at the second outlet B.

[0182] When the user changes the setpoint temperature, by lowering or raising the setpoint temperature, the V5 control valve mixes more or less water entering through the first inlet A (hot water) and water entering through the second inlet D (cold water) to immediately obtain water at the changed setpoint temperature.

[0183] In certain specific cases, use of the mixing system S may begin while the storage space E is not empty. This is particularly the case when the user has started a previous use, which resulted in water being stored in the storage space E, and the user has interrupted said previous use before the storage space E has been completely emptied.

[0184] Two scenarios are then possible. In the first scenario, the temperature of the water arriving at the control valve V5 through the first inlet A is greater than or equal to the setpoint temperature, for example, if said use is close to the previous use. In this scenario, the control valve V5 is in its third state such that the water in the storage space E is pumped back to the second inlet D of the control valve V5 to be mixed with the water entering through the first inlet A of the control valve V5. In the second scenario, the The temperature of the water entering the control valve V5 through the first inlet A is lower than the setpoint temperature, for example, if the current use is far removed from the previous use or if the water did not have time to heat up during the previous use. In this case, the control valve V5 is in its initial state, such that the water entering the control valve V5 through the first inlet A is directed into the storage space E of the storage module stl. If water is still being directed into the storage space E when it is completely full, the overflow drain opens and the excess water is discharged outside the storage module stl. The discharged water is lost.

[0185] If the user sets the target temperature to "cold water", the V5 control valve is placed in its fourth state. As mentioned above, the fourth state of the V5 control valve allows a user to send cold water directly to the device being used.

[0186] When the user turns the temperature control knob 12 to the "cold water" position, the temperature control knob 12 moves the thermostatic element 13, which moves the thermal regulating slide 14 to its second end position and the water diverter slide 16 to its second end position. In this state, the first inlet A is closed, the second inlet D is open, the first outlet C is open, and the second outlet B is open. The water arriving through the second inlet D is directed directly to the second outlet B, to the device being used. If necessary, the water stored in the storage space E is first pumped to the second outlet B and to the device being used.

[0187] Furthermore, during operation, when water is directed towards the device being used, the inner sheath 104 expands elastically to allow the water to pass through. Then, when the water flow is stopped, the inner sheath 104 contracts elastically and presses against the central core 105 to expel all the water present in the flexible hose 100. Thus, during subsequent use of the mixing system S, the water delivered to the device being used is directly hot water.

[0188] We will now quickly describe the operation of a mixing system S with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to the second embodiment with reference to [Fig.9].

[0189] Unlike the first embodiment in which the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 are pressurized by the pressure of the cold water arriving in the fourth chamber ch4, in the second embodiment the pressurization of the first chamber chl and the third chamber ch3 is ensured by the elastic column stress element 31. The fourth chamber ch4 is connected to the air via its opening ch4a' so as not to impede the movement of the piston assembly P. The cold water line 4 is connected to the first chamber chl via its second opening chlb and the top cold water valve 22' so as to supply the control valve V5 with cold water when all the "cold" water temporarily stored in the storage space E has been pumped back to the control valve V5.

[0190] Once the storage module stl is connected, the operation of the mixing system S according to the second embodiment is similar to the operation of the mixing system S according to the first embodiment, so that a storage module stl according to the second embodiment can be interchanged with a storage module stl according to the first embodiment, by connecting the connecting pipe 10 to the first chamber chl and to the third chamber ch3, and by connecting the cold water pipe 4 to the first chamber chl rather than to the fourth chamber ch4, as was the case in the first embodiment.

[0191] It can be specified, however, that unlike the first embodiment, which adjusts automatically by balancing the water pressures between the first and third chambers ch1, ch3 on one side and the fourth chamber ch4 on the other, in the second embodiment, the stiffness of the elastic stress element of column 31 must be chosen on a case-by-case basis. The choice of stiffness of the elastic stress element of column 31 must depend, in particular, on the dimensions of the piston assembly P and the water pressure delivered to the mixing system S.

[0192] The operation of a mixing system S according to the third embodiment is identical to the operation of a mixing system S according to the second embodiment, except that the storage space E is formed only by the first chilled chamber in the third embodiment.

[0193] The invention further relates to an installation comprising a domestic hot water production system DHW, a mixing system S with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to the invention, and a supply pipe 1 connecting the supply valve VI to the domestic hot water production system DHW.

[0194] Advantageously, a maximum volume of the storage space E is greater than or equal to the sum of a volume of the supply line 3 and a volume of the inlet line 1, such that, when it is "cold", i.e. at a temperature lower than the setpoint temperature of the control valve V5, all the water contained in the inlet line 1 and in the supply line 3 can be temporarily stored in the storage module stl before being recycled.

[0195] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Demands - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and cold water recycling, comprising a cold water supply line (4) configured to be connected to a cold water network, a supply line (3) configured to be connected to a domestic hot water (DHW) production system, a use line (5) configured to be connected to a use device intended to use water exiting the mixing system (S), and a storage module (stl) configured to store water, characterized in that the mixing system (S) comprises: - a supply valve (VI) opening and closing the supply line (3) to the domestic hot water (DHW) production system; - at least one of the following: - a control valve (V2) opening and closing the supply line (5) to the device being used, and - a cold water valve (V3) opening and closing the cold water pipe (4) to the cold water network; - a connecting pipe (10), and a first non-return valve (9) connected to the connecting pipe (10); - a temperature-controlled control valve (V5) connected to the storage module (stl) by the connecting pipe (10), the control valve (V5) having two inlets (A, D) and two outlets (C, B) and being configured to allow selective communication between the inlets (A, D) and the outlets (C, B), a first inlet (A) being connected to the supply pipe (3), a second inlet (D) being connected to the connecting pipe (10), a first outlet (C) being connected to the connecting pipe (10) via the first check valve (9) so as to prevent fluid flow from the connecting pipe (10) to the first outlet (C), and a second outlet (B) being connected to the use pipe (5), and the control valve (V5) having at least three states, a first state in which the first inlet (A) is open, the second inlet (D) is closed,the first output (C) is open and the second output (B) is closed, a second state in which the first input (A) is open, the second input (D) is closed, the, first output (C) is open and second output (B) is open, and a third state in which first input (A) is partially opened by a temperature control, second input (D) is partially opened by the temperature control, first output (C) is open and second output (B) is open;and by the fact that the storage module (stl) is further connected to the cold water line (4) and includes a variable volume storage space (E), and a volume control device (30) for the storage space (E) configured to, in the first state of the control valve (V5), store water from the connecting line (10) in the storage space (E), and to, in the third state of the control valve (V5), pump water stored in the storage space (E) back into the connecting line (10), the storage module (stl) being further configured to, when the storage space (E) reaches a predefined volume in the pumping phase to the connecting line (10), pass cold water from the cold water line (4) into the storage space (E) for pumping back into the connecting line (10) for continuous operation of the mixing system (S).;

2. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second check valve (8) disposed between the second inlet (D) and the connecting pipe (10), so as to prevent a flow of fluid from the second inlet (D) to the connecting pipe (10).

3. - A mixing system (S) with temporary cold water storage and recirculation according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the control valve (V5) comprises: - a housing (V5a) in which an inlet chamber (V5b) and an outlet chamber (V5c) are formed, communicating with each other, the inlet chamber (V5b) comprising the first inlet (A) and the second inlet (D), and the outlet chamber (V5c) comprising the first outlet (C) and the second outlet (B); - a thermostatic element (13) disposed in the inlet chamber (V5b) and comprising a head (13a) at one proximal end, the thermostatic element (13) being configured to control the temperature control valve (V5) and to generate the temperature control by thermal deformation; - a temperature adjustment knob (12) connected to a proximal end of the thermostatic element (13) and protruding out of the housing (V5a) to allow a user to set a target temperature of the thermostatic element (13); - a first elastic stress element (15) disposed in the inlet chamber (V5b); - a thermal regulating slide (14) mounted to slide in the inlet chamber (V5b) and around the thermostatic element (13), and configured to slide, against the first elastic stress element (15), between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the first inlet (A) is fully open and the second inlet (D) is fully closed, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the first inlet (A) is fully closed and the second inlet (D) is fully open, the thermal regulating slide (14) further comprising at least one through orifice (14a) allowing water in the inlet chamber (V5b) to pass on either side of the thermal regulating slide (14), the first inlet (A), respectively second inlet (D), being progressively closed, respectively open, between the first end-of-stroke position and the second end-of-stroke position of the thermal regulating slide (14),and the thermal regulating slide (14) sliding towards its second end-of-stroke position when a thermal deformation of the thermostatic element (13) exceeds a predefined functional clearance (29) and the head (13a) of the thermostatic element (13) presses on the thermal regulating slide (14); - a second elastic stress element (17) disposed in the outlet chamber (V5c); - a water diverter slide (16) mounted to slide within the outlet chamber (V5c) and configured to slide, against the second elastic load element (17), between a first end-of-stroke position, in which the first outlet (C) is open and the second outlet (B) is closed, and a second end-of-stroke position, in which the first outlet (C) is open and the second outlet (B) is open, the water diverter slide (16) further comprising at least one through orifice (16a) allowing to water in the outlet chamber (V5c) to pass on either side of the water diverter slide (16); and - a connecting rod (18) connecting a distal end of the thermostatic element (13) to the water diverter slide (16), such that a thermal deformation of the thermostatic element causes the water diverter slide (16) to slide in the outlet chamber (V5c).

4. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 3, characterized in that the thermostatic element (13) is a wax thermostatic element, preferably a wax piston.

5. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the first elastic stress element (15) and the second elastic stress element (17) are selected from: a helical spring, a rubber cylinder and a jack.

6. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage module (stl) comprises a column including: - a body (stla), comprising a barrel (19), a top (27) closing a first longitudinal end of the barrel (19), a bottom (20) closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the barrel (19), and an intermediate partition (24) arranged in the barrel (19) so as to separate the barrel (19) into two;- a piston assembly (P), forming the volume regulation element (30) of the storage space (E), mounted to slide in the barrel (19) and comprising a first piston (26) mounted to slide in the barrel (19) between the top (27) and the intermediate partition (24), a second piston (21) mounted to slide in the barrel (19) between the intermediate partition (24) and the bottom (20), and a rod (23) connecting the first piston (26) to the second piston (21) through the intermediate partition (24); - a first chamber (chl), with variable volume, formed between the top (27) and the first piston (26) and having, at one end on the top side (27), an opening (chia) connected to the connecting pipe (10); - a second chamber (ch2), with variable volume, formed between the first piston (26) and the intermediate partition (24) and having, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition (24), an opening (ch2a) connected to the air; - a third chamber (ch3), with variable volume, formed between the intermediate partition (24) and the second piston (21) and having, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition (24), an opening (ch3a) connected to the connecting pipe (10), the first chamber (ch1) and the third chamber (ch3) together forming the storage space (E); - a fourth chamber (ch4), with variable volume, formed between the second piston (21) and the bottom (20) and having, at one end on the bottom (20), an opening (ch4a) connected to the cold water pipe (4);and - a cold water piston valve (22) disposed on the second piston (21) and configured to selectively connect fluidically the fourth chamber (ch4) and the third chamber (ch3) when the storage space (E) reaches the predefined volume.;

7. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 6, characterized in that the cold water piston valve (22) fluidically connects the fourth chamber (ch4) and the third chamber (ch3) when abutted against the intermediate partition (24).

8. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage module (stl) comprises a column including: - a body (stla), comprising a barrel (19), a top (27) closing a first longitudinal end of the barrel (19), a bottom (20) closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the barrel (19), and an intermediate partition (24) arranged in the barrel (19) so as to separate the barrel (19) into two; - a piston assembly (P), forming the volume control element (30) for the storage space (E), slidably mounted in the barrel (19) and comprising a first piston (26) slidably mounted in the barrel (19) between the top (27) and the intermediate partition (24), a second piston (21) slidably mounted in the barrel (19) between the intermediate partition (24) and the bottom (20), and a rod (23) connecting the first

9. piston (26) to the second piston (21) through the intermediate partition (24); - a first chamber (chl), with variable volume, formed between the top (27) and the first piston (26) and having, at one end on the top side (27), an opening (chia) connected to the connecting pipe (10); - a second chamber (ch2), with variable volume, formed between the first piston (26) and the intermediate partition (24) and comprising, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition (24), an opening (ch2a) connected to the air; - a third chamber (ch3), with variable volume, formed between the intermediate partition (24) and the second piston (21) and comprising, at one end on the side of the intermediate partition (24), an opening (ch3a) connected to the connecting pipe (10), the first chamber (chl) and the third chamber (ch3) together forming the storage space (E); - a fourth chamber (ch4), with variable volume, formed between the second piston (21) and the bottom (20) and having, at one end on the bottom side (20), an opening (ch4a') connected to the air; - an elastic column stress element (31) extending between the body (stla) and the piston assembly (P) so as to stress the piston assembly (P) towards the apex (27); and - an opening (chlb), disposed at one end on the top side (27) of the first chamber (chl), connected to the cold water line (4), and having a top cold water valve (22') configured to selectively connect fluidically the first chamber (chl) and the cold water line (4) when the storage space (E) reaches the predefined volume. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage module (stl) comprises a column including: - a body (stla'), comprising a shaft (19), a top (27) closing a first longitudinal end of the shaft (19), a bottom (20) closing a second opposite longitudinal end of the shaft (19), and an end stop (24') arranged in the shaft (19) so as to separate the shaft (19) into two; - a piston assembly (P'), forming the volume control element (30) for the storage space (E), mounted to slide in the barrel (19) and comprising a first piston (26) mounted to slide in the barrel (19) between the top (27) and the end stop (24'); - a first chamber (chl), with variable volume, formed between the top (27) and the first piston (26) and having, at one end on the top side (27), an opening (chia) connected to the connecting pipe (10), the first chamber (chl) forming the storage space (E); - a second chamber (ch2'), with variable volume, formed between the first piston (26) and the bottom (20) and having an opening (ch2a') connected to the air, the end stop (24') being disposed in the second chamber (ch2'); - an elastic column stress element (31) extending between the body (stla') and the piston assembly (P') so as to stress the piston assembly (P') towards the top (27);and - an opening (chlb), disposed at one end on the top side (27) of the first chamber (chl), connected to the cold water line (4), and comprising a top cold water valve (22') configured to selectively connect fluidically the first chamber (chl) and the cold water line (4) when the storage space (E) reaches the predefined volume.;

10. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the top cold water valve (22') fluidically connects the first chamber (chl) and the cold water line (4) when it is abutted against the first piston (26).

11. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the elastic column stressing element (31) is selected from: a helical spring, a rubber cylinder and a jack.

12. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that at least one column of the storage module (stl) further comprises an overflow valve (25) configured to selectively connect fluidically the first chamber (chl) and the second chamber (ch2, ch2').

13. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 12, characterized in that the overflow valve (25) is disposed on the first piston (26) and fluidically connects the first chamber (chl) and the second chamber (ch2, ch2') when it is brought against the intermediate partition (24), where applicable against the end stop (24').

14. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the supply valve (VI) and at least one of the use valve (V2) and the cold water valve (V3) are ceramic head type valves, with left opening or right opening.

15. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 14, characterized in that control axes of the supply valve (VI) and at least one of the use valve (V2) and the cold water valve (V3) are aligned and the mixing system (S) further comprises a pivoting handle (28) configured to simultaneously open the supply valve (VI) and at least one of the use valve (V2) and the cold water valve (V3).

16. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a multi-way valve having a respective way to form each of the supply valve (VI) and at least one of the use valve (V2) and the cold water valve (V3).

17. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the mixing system (S) further comprises a flexible hose (100) connected to the supply line (5), optionally via the supply valve (V2), and configured to be connected to the supply device, the flexible hose (100) comprising: - a flexible, non-extensible outer sheath (103); and - an inner sheath (104) disposed within the outer sheath (103) and configured to receive a flow of water from the supply line (5), the inner sheath (104) being elastically expandable such that a diameter of the inner sheath (104) in a state without water flow is less than the diameter of the internal sheath (104) in a state with water flow.

18. - A mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 17, characterized in that the flexible hose (100) further comprises: - a flexible and solid central core (105), disposed in the inner sheath (104); and - a first spreader (106) at a first longitudinal end of the flexible hose (100) and a second spreader (106) at a second longitudinal end of the flexible hose (100), each spreader (106) being configured to fix the central core (105) in the inner sheath (104) and comprising at least one through orifice (106a) allowing water to enter the inner sheath (104) and to exit therefrom.

19. - Mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to claim 18, characterized in that the elasticity of the inner sheath (104) is configured such that, in a state without water flow, the inner sheath (104) is pressed against the central core (105).

20. - Installation comprising a domestic hot water (DHW) production system, characterized in that it further comprises a mixing system (S) with temporary storage and recycling of cold water according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and a supply pipe (1) connecting the supply valve (VI) to the domestic hot water (DHW) production system, and in that a maximum volume of the storage space (E) is greater than or equal to the sum of a volume of the supply pipe (3) and a volume of the supply pipe (1).

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