Mixer faucet

Abstract

A mixer faucet, which comprises a faucet body (2) supporting a control handle (9) which is angularly movable, with respect to said faucet body (2), about at least one movement axis, in order to vary the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet and / or the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet; the control handle (9) has at least one base portion (9a) mounted on the faucet body (2). According to the invention, the base portion (9a) of the control handle (9) has at least one region (10) which laterally faces the faucet body (2), along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the faucet body (2), and which has a shape that is substantially axially symmetric with respect to the movement axis.

Description

[0001] MIXER FAUCET

[0002] The present invention relates to a mixer faucet.

[0003] Mixer faucets are known that have a control handle, which, according to the axis about which it is rotated, makes it possible to vary the degree of opening of the faucet or to vary the temperature of the water dispensed.

[0004] As is known, mixer faucets of this type use a mixing cartridge, accommodated in a cavity defined in the faucet body, which makes it possible to mix the hot water and cold water that enter the faucet.

[0005] Usually, the mixing cartridge has a cylindrical casing provided with intake ports, which are arranged respectively in communication with the cold water and hot water intake ducts, and an outlet port connected to the dispensing outlet of the faucet.

[0006] Inside the casing of the mixing cartridge is a flow control element that can be shifted, with respect to the casing, in order to vary the passage crosssection of the intake ports, so as to consequently adjust the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet, or in order to vary the ratio between hot water and cold water dispensed, so as to be able to adjust the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0007] In particular, the flow control element can execute two movements, i.e. a translation movement and a rotation movement, with respect to the casing of the mixing cartridge.

[0008] With the translation movement, the flow control element makes it possible to vary the flow rate of the water dispensed, without varying its temperature, while with the rotation movement, it is capable of varying the ratio between the passage cross-sections of the intake ports, so as to enable the variation of the ratio between hot water and cold water dispensed by the faucet.

[0009] The shifting of the flow control element is done with an actuation lever, which is supported by the casing of the mixing cartridge and is connected to the control handle of the faucet, and which is, typically, positioned outside the cavity that accommodates the mixing cartridge, so as to allow the user to maneuver the actuation lever of the mixing cartridge from outside the faucet body.

[0010] The actuation lever of the mixing cartridge is usually able to rotate, with respect to the casing, about a first rotation axis, substantially parallel to the axis of the casing, in order to perform the rotation movement of the flow control element, and about a second axis, perpendicular to the axis of the casing and intersecting the first rotation axis of the actuation lever, in order to perform the translation movement of the flow control element.

[0011] The connection of the control handle of the faucet to the actuation lever of the mixing cartridge makes the control handle of the faucet rotatable about these rotation axes of the actuation lever of the cartridge.

[0012] Typically, the cavity that accommodates the mixing cartridge is partially closed, at its access inlet directed toward the control handle of the faucet, by a locking ring, which is screwed in the faucet body, to lock the mixing cartridge onto the bottom of the cavity, and, optionally, also by a ring-cover cap, placed to cover the locking ring.

[0013] Usually, in conventional faucets the control handle is made up of a body with a base portion, which is mounted on the faucet body, above the ring-cover cap, and which is directly connected to the actuation lever of the cartridge, and of an elongated hand grip portion, which protrudes laterally from the base portion and is adapted to allow the user to manually maneuver the control handle.

[0014] Traditionally, the body of the control handle has the edge of the base portion directed toward the faucet body shaped with a contour that curves progressively away from the faucet body, proceeding, along this edge, toward the region of the base portion located on the side diametrically opposite to the hand grip portion of the handle, in order to allow the control handle to be rotated freely about the second rotation axis of the actuation lever of the mixing cartridge, from the closed position to the open position of the faucet.

[0015] This shape structure of the body of the control handle, widely employed nowadays, means that, when the control handle is in the closed position of the faucet, a broad region of the faucet body is exposed to the entry of dirt or other impurities, such as soap and detergent, into the cavity that accommodates the mixing cartridge.

[0016] Furthermore, the structure described above of mixer faucets forces a common aesthetic style on all models of faucet.

[0017] The aim of the present invention is to provide a mixer faucet which is able of improving the known art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0018] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a mixer faucet that is not prone to the entry of dirt or other impurities into the cavity that accommodates the mixing cartridge.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a mixer faucet with an aesthetic style that can depart from the style of traditional mixer faucets.

[0020] A still further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a mixer faucet that is highly reliable, is relatively easy to provide, and can be produced at highly competitive costs.

[0022] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a mixer faucet according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the mixer faucet according to the invention, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of the mixer faucet according to the invention with its control handle in the closed position of the faucet;

[0025] Figure 2 is another axial cross-sectional view of the mixer faucet according to the invention, with the control handle in the open position of the faucet;

[0026] Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the mixer faucet according to the invention, taken along a plane perpendicular to the cross- sectional plane of Figures 1 and 2, with the control handle respectively in the closed position and in the open position of the faucet;

[0027] Figures 5 and 6 show the mixer faucet according to the invention, shown in cross-section at the control handle, taken along the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to that of Figures 1 and 2 and with the control handle rotated by 90° about the axis of the faucet body, with respect to the position in which it stands in Figures 1-4, and, respectively, positioned in the closed position and in the open position of the faucet;

[0028] Figures 7 and 8 are axial cross-sectional views of a different embodiment of the mixer faucet according to the invention, with the control handle respectively in the closed position and in the open position of the faucet;

[0029] Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, taken along a plane perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane of Figures 7 and 8, with the control handle respectively in the closed position and in the open position of the faucet.

[0030] With reference to the figures, the mixer faucet according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a faucet body 2, which supports a control handle 9 which is angularly movable, about at least one movement axis, with respect to the faucet body 2, in order to adjust the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet and / or to perform the variation of the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0031] For example, it is possible for the faucet to dispense water exclusively at a preset temperature and for the control handle 9 to be rotated, with respect to the faucet body 2, about a single movement axis, in order to adjust only the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0032] Alternatively, it is possible for the faucet to dispense water with a preset fixed flow rate and, in this case, the control handle 9 can be moved, with respect to the faucet body 2, about a single movement axis, to allow the adjustment of the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0033] It is also possible for the control handle 9 of the faucet to be angularly movable, with respect to the faucet body 2, about two movement axes that are mutually different and, more preferably, mutually substantially perpendicular, respectively to adjust the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet and to adjust the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0034] The control handle 9 of the faucet has at least one base portion 9a, which is mounted on the faucet body 2 and is, conveniently, provided with at least one hand grip portion 9a, which is adapted to allow the user to maneuver the control handle 9.

[0035] For example, the hand grip portion 9b of the control handle 9 can have an elongated extension and be protruding from the base portion 9a.

[0036] According to the invention, the base portion 9a of the control handle 9 has at least one protection region 10, which laterally faces the faucet body 2, along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the faucet body 2, and which has a shape that is substantially axially symmetric with respect to the movement axis of the control handle.

[0037] By virtue of the presence of this region 10 which laterally faces the faucet body 2 and has a shape structure that is substantially axially symmetric with respect to the movement axis of the control handle 9, the control handle 9 of the faucet ensures the valid protection of the faucet body 2, in any position of the control handle 9, against the inlet, into the faucet body 2, of water or various other impurities, which could over time compromise the proper operation of the faucet, as will be explained more clearly below.

[0038] With reference to the embodiments shown in the figures, the faucet body 2 defines, internally, a substantially cylindrical axial cavity 3 which accommodates a mixing cartridge 4.

[0039] As per se known, the mixing cartridge 4 has a casing 5, substantially cylindrical, which is mounted substantially coaxially to the cavity 3 of the faucet body 2.

[0040] In particular, the casing 5 of the mixing cartridge 4 is provided with intake ports, which are respectively connected to the intake ducts of the hot water and the cold water (not shown), which supply the faucet and which are connected, through an outlet port, with a dispensing outlet 6 of the water.

[0041] As per se known, a flow control element, not shown for the sake of simplicity, is accommodated inside the casing 5 and is movable with respect to the casing 5, with a first movement, for example a translation movement, in order to vary the passage cross-section of the intake ports of the mixing cartridge 4, so as to adjust the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet, and with a second movement, for example a rotation movement, in order to vary the ratio between the quantity of hot water and the quantity of cold water dispensed by the faucet and, as a consequence, adjust the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0042] In detail, the casing 5 of the mixing cartridge 4 supports an actuation lever 8 which acts on the flow control element of the mixing cartridge 4, so as to produce the movement of the flow control element that makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of the water dispensed or the movement of the flow control element that makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the water dispensed. The actuation lever 8 of the mixing cartridge 4 is, in turn, connected, as usual, to the control handle 9 of the faucet, in order to allow the user to actuate the actuation lever 8 of the mixing cartridge 4.

[0043] More specifically, the actuation lever 8 can rotate, with respect to the casing 5 of the mixing cartridge 4, about a pair of rotation axes 8a and 8b which intersect with each other.

[0044] Basically, by virtue of the connection of the control handle 9 of the faucet with the actuation lever 8, the rotation axes 8a and 8b of the actuation lever 8 of the mixing cartridge 4 also constitute the movement axes of the control handle 9.

[0045] More precisely, the actuation lever 8 can rotate about a first rotation axis 8a, which is substantially parallel to the axis of the casing 5, in order to produce the movement of the flow control element that makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet, and about a second rotation axis 8b, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the casing 5 and which intersects the first rotation axis 8a, in order to produce the movement of the flow control element that makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0046] In this case, the region 10 of the base portion 9a of the control handle 9 has a shape structure that is substantially axially symmetric with respect to the first and second rotation axis 8a and 8b of the actuation lever 8.

[0047] More specifically, the region 10 is, advantageously, shaped substantially like a spherical dome, or a portion of a spherical dome, and is arranged so that its center is located substantially at the point of intersection between the rotation axes 8a and 8b of the actuation lever 8.

[0048] In more detail, the cavity 3 that accommodates the mixing cartridge 4 is delimited, at the bottom, by a supporting wall 11 , on which the mixing cartridge 4 rests.

[0049] On the opposite side with respect to such supporting wall 11, the cavity 3 has an access inlet 12. Advantageously, the base portion 9a of the control handle 9 is arranged so as to close or, in any case, to cover the access inlet 12 of the cavity 3.

[0050] Conveniently, the region 10 extends, at least partially, beyond the access inlet 12 of the cavity 3, in the direction of the supporting wall 11, so as to ensure it faces the side of the faucet body 2 in every position of the control handle 9.

[0051] It is possible to have, between the faucet body 2 and the region 10 of the base portion 9a of the control handle 9, at least one gasket 13, which is constituted for example by an O-ring.

[0052] In this case, the base portion 9a can, conveniently, slideably engage, at least with the region 10, the faucet body 2 by means of the interposition of the gasket 13.

[0053] With reference to the embodiment in Figures 1-6, it can be seen that the base portion 9a of the control handle 9 can be, advantageously, accommodated within the cavity 3, at least with a part of its region 10.

[0054] Again with reference to the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the gasket 13 is, in this case, mounted, conveniently, on the faucet body 2, around the access inlet 12 of the cavity 3, so as to ensure its engagement with the region 10 of the base portion 9a of the control handle 9, independently of the position assumed by the control handle 9.

[0055] According to a possible variation of embodiment, which can be adopted in particular applications, the base portion 9a can also be arranged outside the cavity 3, as shown in Figures 7-10.

[0056] In this case, the spherical dome shape structure of the region 10 of the base portion 9a still makes it possible to prevent the entry into the cavity 3 of dirt or other impurities, even without needing to have a gasket 13 between the faucet body 2 and the region 10 of the base portion 9a, in every position in which the control handle 9 is positioned.

[0057] For completeness, it should be added that, interposed between the casing 5 of the mixing cartridge 4 and the internal surface of the faucet body 2, advantageously, an additional gasket 14 is provided, which makes it possible to isolate the cavity 3, from the access inlet 12, so ensuring greater protection of the cavity 3 against the ingress of dirt.

[0058] Conveniently, the mixing cartridge 4 is locked inside the cavity 3 by means of a ring 15 which is screwed inside the faucet body 2.

[0059] The operation of the mixer faucet, according to the invention, is the following.

[0060] With the control handle 9 in the position shown, in particular, in Figures 1, 5 and 7, which correspond to the closed position of the faucet, the faucet is prevented from dispensing water and the region 10 of the base portion 9 is arranged to cover the access inlet 12 of the cavity 3, not only above but also laterally, so reducing the possibility of entry into the cavity of dirt or other impurities.

[0061] When, by acting on the hand grip portion 9b, the user rotates the control handle 9 about the rotation axis 8b, bringing it to the position illustrated, for example, in Figures 2, 6 and 8, i.e. in the open position of the faucet, the flow control element of the mixing cartridge 4 is shifted by the actuation lever 8, with respect to the casing 5, so as to establish the connection of the intake ports with the outlet port of the mixing cartridge 4, as a consequence causing water to be dispensed by the faucet.

[0062] Also in this position of the control handle 9, the region 10 of the base portion 9a of the control handle 9, by virtue of its spherical dome shape structure and the arrangement of its center at the point of intersection between the rotation axes 8a, 8b, remains, at the access inlet 12, or correctly engaged with the gasket 13, as in the embodiment of Figures 1-6, or in any case at the same lateral distance from the faucet body 2, as in the embodiment of Figures 7-10, in so doing continuing to ensure adequate cover of the access inlet 12 and so protecting the cavity 3 from the ingress of dirt and other impurities. Rotating the control handle 9 about the rotation axis 8a, until it is brought, for example, to a position like that illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, then enables the actuation lever 8 to shift the flow control element of the mixing cartridge 4, with respect to the casing 5, so as to vary the ratio between the passage cross- section of the intake ports of the mixing cartridge 4 and, therefore, the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet.

[0063] Even following the rotation of the control handle 9 about the rotation axis 8a, the region 10 of the base portion 9 of the control handle 9 offers an optimal cover of the access inlet of the cavity 3, by remaining constantly engaged with the gasket 13, in the embodiment of Figures 1-6, and at the same distance from the faucet body 2, at least with the part thereof that is facing toward the faucet body 2 itself, at the access inlet 12, in the embodiment of Figures 7-10, by virtue of its spherical dome shape structure and the arrangement of its center at the point of intersection between the rotation axes 8a and 8b.

[0064] In practice it has been found that the mixer faucet according to the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, in that having a region on the base portion of the control handle which laterally faces the faucet base body, and with a shape structure that is axially symmetric with respect to the movement axes of the control handle, makes it possible to limit, in all positions of the control handle, the possibility of entry into the faucet body of dirt, water or other impurities, while at the same time giving the faucet a design that differs markedly from that of the mixer faucets available today.

[0065] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] Thus, for example, if the control handle 9 can rotate about a single movement axis, the region 10 can have a substantially cylindrical shape around that single movement axis.

[0067] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0068] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art. The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000003814 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mixer faucet comprising a faucet body (2) supporting a control handle (9) which is angularly movable, with respect to said faucet body (2), about at least one movement axis, to vary the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet and / or the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet, said control handle (9) having at least one base portion (9a) mounted on said faucet body (2), characterized in that said base portion (9a) of said control handle (9) has at least one region (10) which laterally faces said faucet body (2), along a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of said faucet body (2), which has a shape that is substantially axially symmetric with respect to said at least one movement axis.

2. The mixer faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that said faucet body (2) defines, internally, an axial cavity (3) which accommodates a mixing cartridge (4) provided with a substantially cylindrical casing (5) which supports an actuation lever (8), which is connected to said control handle (9) of the faucet and can rotate about a pair of rotation axes (8a, 8b), respectively a first rotation axis (8a), substantially parallel to the axis of said casing (5), for adjusting the temperature of the water dispensed by the faucet, and a second rotation axis (8b), substantially perpendicular to the axis of said casing (5) and intersecting said first rotation axis (8b), for adjusting the flow rate of the water dispensed by the faucet, said region (10) having a shape that is substantially axially symmetric with respect to said first rotation axis and said second rotation axis.

3. The mixer faucet according to claim 2, characterized in that said region (10) is shaped substantially like a spherical dome and is arranged so that its center is located substantially at the point of intersection between said rotation axes (8a, 8b) of said actuation lever (8).

4. The mixer faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cavity is delimited, at the bottom, by a supporting wall (11), on which said mixing cartridge (4) rests, and has, on the oppositeside with respect to said supporting wall (11), an access inlet (12), said base portion (9a) of said control handle (9) acting as a cover for said access inlet (12).

5. The mixer faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gasket (13) is interposed between said faucet body (2) and at least said region (10) shaped like a spherical dome of said base portion (9a).

6. The mixer faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base portion (9a) slidingly engages, at least with said spherical dome-shaped region (10), said faucet body (2), with the interposition of said gasket (12).

7. The mixer faucet according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base portion (9a) of said control handle (9) is accommodated within said cavity (3), at least with a part of said spherical dome- shaped region (10).

8. The mixer faucet according to claim 5, characterized in that said gasket (13) is mounted on said faucet body (2) around said access inlet (12) of said cavity (3).

9. The mixer faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that said base portion (9a) is arranged externally to said cavity (3).

10. The mixer faucet according to claim 1, characterized in that said control handle (9) is rotatable, with respect to said faucet body (2), about a single movement axis, said region (10) of said base portion (9a) having a substantially cylindrical shape around said single movement axis.

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