Mixing valve for a sanitary fitting, sanitary fitting having a mixing valve, and method for producing a mixing valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing valve (1) for a sanitary fitting (2), at least having: - a valve housing (3) having an installation space (4) and an installation space opening (5), the valve housing (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (6) and having at least one first calibration rib (7); - a static valve disc (9) which is mounted in the installation space (4); - a dynamic valve disc (10) which is mounted in the installation space (4) and can be moved relative to the static valve disc (9); and - a housing element (11) which at least partly closes the installation space opening (5), is secured in the installation space opening (5) so as to be movable to a limited extent parallel to the longitudinal axis (6), and has at least one second calibration rib (8). The invention also relates to a sanitary fitting (2) having such a mixing valve (3) and to a method for producing such a mixing valve (1).

Description

[0001] Grohe AG

[0002] P24-0558W001

[0003] - 1 -

[0004] Mixing valve for a sanitary fitting, sanitary fitting with a mixing valve and method for manufacturing a mixing valve

[0005] The present invention relates to a mixing valve for a sanitary fitting, a sanitary fitting with a mixing valve, and a method for manufacturing a mixing valve. Sanitary fittings are used, in particular, for the on-demand supply of mixed water at a washbasin, a sink, a shower, and / or a bathtub. Mixing valves serve to mix cold and hot water in an adjustable ratio in order to achieve a desired mixed water temperature.

[0006] Known mixing valves present challenges regarding dimensional tolerances of individual components, which can lead to leaks and / or stiffness. Mixing valves can therefore incorporate calibration ribs that can be melted down to compensate for these dimensional tolerances. However, compensating for different dimensional tolerances or tolerance chains requires multiple melting processes, resulting in significant manufacturing effort.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a mixing valve for a sanitary fitting that enables the simultaneous compensation of several tolerance chains. Furthermore, a sanitary fitting whose mixing valve enables the simultaneous compensation of several tolerance chains is to be provided. Finally, a method for manufacturing a mixing valve with which several tolerance chains can be compensated simultaneously is to be provided.

[0008] These problems are solved with a mixing valve, a sanitary fitting, and a method according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be implemented in any Grohe AG

[0009] P24-0558W001

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] The invention can be combined in a technologically meaningful way and defines further embodiments. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, and further preferred embodiments of the invention are presented.

[0012] This is achieved using a mixing valve for a sanitary fitting, which has at least the following components:

[0013] - a valve body with a mounting space and a mounting space opening, wherein the valve body extends along a longitudinal axis and has at least one first calibration rib;

[0014] - a static valve disc that is arranged in the assembly space;

[0015] - a dynamic valve disc that is arranged in the assembly space and is movable relative to the static valve disc; and

[0016] - a housing element that at least partially closes the mounting space opening, that is fixed in the mounting space opening so that it can be moved to a limited extent parallel to the longitudinal axis and that has at least one second calibration rib.

[0017] Sanitary fittings can be designed, for example, as kitchen faucets, sink faucets, shower faucets, and / or bathtub faucets. Their primary purpose is to supply water or a mixture of water and water to a sink, washbasin, shower, bathtub, and / or bidet.

[0018] The sanitary fitting has a fitting body that is preferably made at least partially of plastic and / or metal, such as brass or a zinc alloy. The fitting body can have a spout that is rigidly or movable, in particular pivotable and / or at least partially extendable, attached to the body. The fitting body and / or the spout can have at least one outlet for the water or Grohe AG.

[0019] P24-0558W001

[0020] - 3 -

[0021] The water is mixed. The water or mixed water can be discharged via at least one outlet opening, particularly to the area surrounding the sanitary fitting.

[0022] The sanitary fitting has a mixing valve for mixing cold and hot water to produce mixed water at a desired temperature. The mixing valve is, in particular, at least partially located or arrangable within the fitting body. The cold water is supplied to the mixing valve, in particular via a cold water supply line, and the hot water via a hot water supply line. The cold water can have a temperature of, in particular, a maximum of 25 °C, preferably 1 °C to 25 °C, and most preferably 5 °C to 20 °C. The hot water can have a temperature of, in particular, a maximum of 90 °C, preferably 25 °C to 90 °C, and most preferably 55 °C to 65 °C. The sanitary fitting or the fitting body can, in particular, be mounted on a support such as a washbasin, sink, bathtub, bidet, shower, toilet, urinal, a wall, and / or a worktop.A mounting space, particularly for the mixing valve, can be provided within the valve body. This mounting space can extend, for example, from a mounting opening in the valve body into the valve body itself. The mixing valve can, for example, be designed as a mixing cartridge.

[0023] The mixing valve has a valve housing, which may be made, in particular, at least partially of a thermoplastic material. The valve housing may be an injection-molded plastic part. The valve housing may be, at least partially, cylindrical and / or have a round cross-section. The mixing valve or the valve housing extends along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may extend through a center point of the mixing valve or the valve housing. The valve housing has, in particular, a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixed water outlet. The cold water inlet, the hot water inlet, and / or the mixed water outlet may be located on an end face and / or a bottom face of the mixing valve or Grohe AG.

[0024] P24-0558WQ01

[0025] -4 -

[0026] The mixing valve can be designed with the valve body in mind. The mixing valve can be mounted on a valve seat of the valve body with its front face or underside facing down. The cold water inlet can be connected to the cold water supply line and / or the hot water inlet to the hot water supply line. The cold water can be supplied from the cold water inlet and the hot water from the hot water inlet to a mixing chamber of the mixing valve. In the mixing chamber, the cold water and the hot water can be mixed to form the mixed water.

[0027] The valve housing has a mounting chamber and a mounting chamber opening. The mounting chamber opening is formed, in particular, at a longitudinal end of the valve housing opposite the front face or the bottom. The mounting chamber opening can be round and / or have a diameter of, for example, 10 mm to 50 mm. Components of the mixing valve can be arranged in the mounting chamber via the mounting chamber opening during manufacturing. The mounting chamber extends, in particular, from the mounting chamber opening in a longitudinal direction of the mixing valve or the valve housing (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis) to a mounting chamber floor. The mounting chamber floor can be opposite the front face or the bottom.

[0028] The valve housing has at least one first calibration rib. This first calibration rib consists at least partially of a meltable material, in particular a thermoplastic. The first calibration rib can be formed integrally with the valve housing and / or be bonded to it. The first calibration rib can, for example, be annular or arcuate. The valve housing can have multiple first calibration ribs, in particular arcuate ones. The first calibration ribs can be evenly distributed and / or arranged in a ring. A cross-section of the first calibration rib can have a first rib height of, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm (in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis) and / or a first rib width of, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm (in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).At least one initial calibration rib can be found on a longitudinal valve housing end of the Grohe AG.

[0029] P24-0558W001

[0030] -5 -

[0031] The calibration rib is formed on the valve housing, particularly at the longitudinal end of the valve housing that faces the front face or underside of the valve housing. The at least one first calibration rib is oriented longitudinally or projects longitudinally from the longitudinal side of the valve housing.

[0032] The first calibration rib, at least in part, is meltable, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the mixing valve or valve housing, in order to adjust or calibrate the installation height of the mixing valve or valve housing to a target value. The installation height is measured, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or from the end face or underside of the valve housing to the opposite longitudinal end of the valve housing.

[0033] The mixing valve can be attached in and / or on the sanitary fitting or in and / or on the fitting housing by screwing a fastening nut against at least one first calibration rib.

[0034] The mixing valve comprises a static valve disc and a dynamic valve disc, which are arranged within the mounting space of the valve housing. The static valve disc and / or the dynamic valve disc may be at least partially designed as flat discs and / or at least partially made of ceramic. A first surface of the static valve disc and / or a second surface of the dynamic valve disc may be smooth and / or polished, particularly to ensure low friction between the static and dynamic valve discs.

[0035] The static valve disc can be fixed within the valve body, making it immovable relative to the valve body. The dynamic valve disc can be moved on the static valve disc by an actuator of the mixing valve. Grohe AG

[0036] P24-0558W001

[0037] - 6 -

[0038] The static valve disc can have a first cold water opening for cold water, a first hot water opening for hot water, and a first mixed water opening for the mixed water. The dynamic valve disc can have a second cold water opening for cold water, a second hot water opening for hot water, and a second mixed water opening for the mixed water. Cold water can flow into the mixing chamber through the first and second cold water openings, hot water into the mixing chamber through the first and second hot water openings, and the mixed water out of the mixing chamber through the first and second mixed water openings.

[0039] To open the mixing valve, the dynamic valve disc can be movable on the static valve disc such that the first cold water opening and the second cold water opening, the first hot water opening and the second hot water opening, and / or the first mixed water opening and the second mixed water opening overlap at least partially or completely. To close the mixing valve, the dynamic valve disc can be movable on the static valve disc such that the first mixed water opening and the second mixed water opening do not overlap.

[0040] To adjust the mixed water temperature, the dynamic valve disc can be rotated on the static valve disc, changing the overlap between the first and second cold water openings and the overlap between the first and second hot water openings. This allows the mixing ratio between the cold and hot water in the mixing chamber to be adjusted. The mixing ratio between the cold and hot water is further adjusted using the actuator, ensuring the mixing valve blends the water to the desired temperature. Grohe AG

[0041] P24-0558W001

[0042] - 7 -

[0043] The actuator can be connected to the dynamic valve disc, for example via a actuator. The dynamic valve disc can be moved by the actuator. The actuator can pivot about a pivot axis to open and / or close the mixing valve. The actuator can rotate about a rotary axis to adjust the mixed water temperature. The rotary axis can be perpendicular to the pivot axis. The actuator can be connected to, or be connected to, an operating element of the sanitary fitting. The operating element can be, for example, an operating lever. The operating element can be attached to, or is attached to, the actuator. The actuator can be pivoted and / or rotated about the pivot axis by the user of the sanitary fitting via the operating element.

[0044] The mixing valve has a housing element that at least partially closes the mounting chamber opening. The housing element can be made at least partially of a thermoplastic material and / or be an injection-molded plastic part. The housing element can, for example, be sleeve-shaped and / or ring-shaped. The housing element can form a cartridge neck of the mixing valve. The cartridge neck can extend longitudinally from the valve housing or from the mounting chamber opening. The housing element can hold at least one component of the mixing valve within the mounting chamber. In particular, the housing element can hold the static valve disc, the dynamic valve disc, the actuator, the actuating element, and / or a pivot sleeve within the mounting chamber.

[0045] The housing element is mounted in the mounting space opening with limited movement parallel to the longitudinal axis. This allows the housing element to compensate for dimensional tolerances of the valve housing or the components arranged in the mounting space. The housing element can be mounted in or on the mounting space opening with limited movement. The housing element can, for example, be connected to the valve housing via at least one sliding bearing. For example, an outer circumferential surface of the housing element can slide longitudinally on an inner circumferential surface of the valve housing. Grohe AG

[0046] P24-0558W001

[0047] - 8 -

[0048] The housing element has at least one second calibration rib. This second calibration rib consists at least partially of a meltable material, in particular a thermoplastic. The second calibration rib can be formed integrally with the housing element and / or be bonded to it. The second calibration rib can, for example, be annular or arcuate. The housing element can have multiple second calibration ribs, in particular arcuate ones. The second calibration ribs can be evenly distributed and / or arranged in a ring. A (second) cross-section of the second calibration rib can have (in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis) a (second) rib height of, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm and / or (in particular orthogonal to the longitudinal axis) a (second) rib width of, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm.The second calibration rib can be formed on a flange section of the housing element. The second calibration rib is oriented longitudinally or projects longitudinally from the flange section. The second calibration rib is oriented in the same direction as the first calibration rib.

[0049] The at least one second calibration rib is, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the mixing valve, the valve housing and / or the housing element, at least partially meltable in order to, in particular, set or calibrate a length of a stroke with which the housing element can be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis in the mounting space opening.

[0050] When attaching the mixing valve to and / or the sanitary fitting or to and / or the fitting body, the fastening nut is screwed specifically against at least one second calibration rib. The housing element can only be moved into the mounting space of the valve body by the fastening nut until the fastening nut contacts at least one first calibration rib. This first calibration rib prevents excessive pressure on the dynamic valve disc against the static surface.

[0051] P24-0558W001

[0052] - 9 -

[0053] Valve disc through the housing element, allowing the dynamic valve disc to be moved with low actuation forces.

[0054] The mounting space may contain at least one elastic element that generates a force acting on the housing element. This elastic element may be at least partially made of rubber. The elastic element may be a seal, for example, in the form of an O-ring. For instance, at least one elastic element may be located between the mounting space floor and the static valve disc and / or between the dynamic valve disc and the actuator. This elastic element may surround a cold water flow channel, a hot water flow channel, and / or a mixed water flow channel and / or prevent cold water, hot water, and / or mixed water from escaping into the mounting space. The elastic element may generate a force that acts directly or indirectly on the housing element.In particular, the at least one elastic element can push the housing element out of the mounting space as far as its travel and / or a stop of the valve housing allows. The fastening nut can be adjustable towards the mounting space against the force generated by the at least one elastic element, for example, by means of the fastening nut when attaching the mixing valve to the sanitary fitting or the fitting housing.

[0055] The housing element can be movable parallel to the longitudinal axis by 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. This can particularly mean that the travel distance of the housing element has a length of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0056] The housing element can be attached to the valve housing via a snap-fit ​​connection. For this purpose, the valve housing and / or the housing element can have at least one elastic clip or at least one elastic snap hook. The snap-fit ​​connection is designed such that the housing element is movable to a limited extent in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] P24-0558W001

[0058] - 10 -

[0059] The mounting space opening is secured. The snap-fit ​​connection prevents, in particular, unintentional and / or complete detachment of the housing element from the valve housing.

[0060] The valve housing can be at least partially pot-shaped.

[0061] The first calibration rib and / or the second calibration rib can be ring-shaped.

[0062] The at least one second calibration rib can be arranged within the at least one first calibration rib (particularly in a radial direction and / or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis). The at least one second calibration rib can have a smaller diameter than the at least one first calibration rib (particularly orthogonal to the longitudinal axis). The at least one second calibration rib can be arranged next to the at least one first calibration rib and / or concentrically to the at least one first calibration rib (particularly orthogonal to the longitudinal axis).

[0063] Following another aspect, a sanitary fitting is also proposed which has at least the following features:

[0064] - a fitting housing; and

[0065] - a mixing valve as described here.

[0066] For further details regarding the sanitary fitting, please refer in full to the description of the mixing valve.

[0067] Following a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a mixing valve described here is also proposed, which includes at least the following steps:

[0068] a) at least partial melting of at least one first calibration rib of a valve housing of the mixing valve for adjusting an installation height of the valve housing; and Grohe AG

[0069] P24-0558W001

[0070] - 11 -

[0071] b) at least partially melting the at least one second calibration rib of a housing element of the mixing valve, such that the at least one first calibration rib projects beyond the at least one second calibration rib parallel to a longitudinal axis of the valve housing, wherein step a) and step b) are carried out at least partially simultaneously.

[0072] Prior to step a), a mixing valve for a sanitary fitting can be provided, which has the following features:

[0073] - a valve body with a mounting space and a mounting space opening, wherein the valve body extends along a longitudinal axis and has at least one first calibration rib;

[0074] - a static valve disc that is arranged in the assembly space;

[0075] - a dynamic valve disc that is arranged in the assembly space and is movable relative to the static valve disc; and

[0076] - a housing element that at least partially closes the mounting space opening, that is fixed in the mounting space opening so that it can be moved to a limited extent parallel to the longitudinal axis and that has at least one second calibration rib.

[0077] In step a), at least one of the first calibration ribs of the mixing valve housing is partially melted to adjust the installation height of the valve housing. This melting can be achieved by at least partially heating the first calibration rib. The melting process can result in the material of the first calibration rib melting and / or plastic deformation of the first calibration rib. The first calibration rib can be melted longitudinally or parallel to its longitudinal axis. The first calibration rib is melted until the installation height corresponds to a target value. Grohe AG

[0078] P24-0558W001

[0079] - 12 -

[0080] In step b), at least one second calibration rib of the mixing valve housing element is partially melted, so that the first calibration rib projects beyond the second calibration rib parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing. During step b), the components in the assembly space, in particular the slide, the dynamic valve disc, the static valve disc, and / or the elastic element, are pressed together longitudinally (especially by a melting tool). This allows the elastic element to be compressed parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0081] Melting can be achieved by at least partially heating the at least one second calibration rib. This melting can lead to the melting of the material of the at least one second calibration rib and / or plastic deformation of the at least one second calibration rib. The melting of the at least one second calibration rib can occur longitudinally or parallel to the longitudinal axis. The melting of the at least one second calibration rib can occur in the same direction as the melting of the at least one first calibration rib. The at least one second calibration rib is melted to such an extent that the at least one first calibration rib projects beyond the at least one second calibration rib parallel to the longitudinal axis. The at least one second calibration rib can be melted to a greater degree than the at least one first calibration rib.The at least one second calibration rib can in particular be melted down to such an extent that the at least one first calibration rib projects beyond the at least one second calibration rib parallel to the longitudinal axis by in particular by 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0082] The distance by which at least one first calibration rib projects beyond at least one second calibration rib parallel to the longitudinal axis in step b) corresponds (essentially) to the adjustment travel by which the housing element can be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis in the installation space opening after step b) and / or if the mixing valve is mounted in the sanitary fitting or in the fitting housing. In particular, the housing element is movable by this distance after step b). Grohe AG

[0083] P24-0558W001

[0084] - 13 -

[0085] The at least one elastic element can be pushed out of the mounting space opening, particularly against the fastening nut with which the mixing valve is secured in the sanitary fitting or in the fitting body. This allows for a defined relief of the components arranged in the mounting space, and in particular of the at least one elastic element, regardless of dimensional tolerances of the components.

[0086] The at least one first calibration rib can be melted by a first melting surface of a melting tool, and the at least one second calibration rib can be melted by a second melting surface of the melting tool. The first melting surface and / or the second melting surface can be annular. The first melting surface and the second melting surface can extend parallel to each other and / or be concentric to each other. The second melting surface can project longitudinally beyond the first melting surface. The projection can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. The first melting surface and the second melting surface can be formed in one piece and / or on an end face of the melting tool.During steps a) and b), the melting tool can be pressed, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis, onto the at least one first calibration rib and the at least one second calibration rib. To melt the at least one first calibration rib and the at least one second calibration rib, the first and second melting surfaces can have a temperature of at least 250 °C [Celsius].

[0087] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Identical components are identified by the same reference numerals. The figures show, by way of example and schematically:

[0088] Fig. 1: A sanitary fitting in a side view; Grohe AG

[0089] P24-0558W001

[0090] - 14 -

[0091] Fig. 2: a mixing valve of the sanitary fitting in a perspective view;

[0092] Fig. 3: the mixing valve in a fitting body of the sanitary fitting in a partial section;

[0093] and

[0094] Fig. 4: a detailed view of the mixing valve in longitudinal section.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows a sanitary fitting 2 in a side view. The sanitary fitting 2 has a fitting body 15, which can be attached to a support (not shown). The fitting body 15 includes a spout 21 with a spout opening 22. A mounting space 23 is formed in the fitting body 15, in which a mixing valve 1 is arranged. Cold water can be supplied to the mixing valve 1 via a cold water supply line 24 and hot water via a hot water supply line 25. The cold water and hot water can be mixed by the mixing valve 1 to form mixed water with a desired mixed water temperature.

[0096] The mixing valve 1 has an actuating element 26 which is connected to an operating element 27 of the sanitary fitting 2. The operating element 27 is designed as an operating lever. The mixing valve 1 can be operated by a user of the sanitary fitting 2 via the operating element 27 to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water. The mixed water can be discharged via the outlet opening 22 into the surrounding area 28 of the sanitary fitting 2.

[0097] Fig. 2 shows the mixing valve 1 in a perspective view. The mixing valve 1 has a valve housing 3 that extends along a (straight) longitudinal axis 6 from a bottom surface 29 to a top surface 30. A cold water inlet (not visible here) and a hot water inlet are located on the bottom surface 29. The actuating element 26 extends from the top surface 30 of the valve housing 3, and the actuator 27 shown in Fig. 1 can be attached to it. Grohe AG

[0098] P24-0558W001

[0099] - 15 -

[0100] Fig. 3 shows the mixing valve 1 in the installation space 23 of the valve housing 15 in a partial section along the longitudinal axis 6. The valve housing 3 is cup-shaped and has a mounting chamber 4 with a mounting chamber opening 5. The mounting chamber 4 is cylindrical and extends along the longitudinal axis 6 from a mounting chamber base 31 to the mounting chamber opening 5. A static valve disc 9 is arranged on the mounting chamber base 31. A dynamic valve disc 10 rests flat on the static valve disc 9. The dynamic valve disc 10 can be moved by the actuating element 26 via a driver 32 to adjust the mixed water temperature and / or the flow rate of the mixed water on the static valve disc 9. The actuating element 26 is pivotally and rotatably mounted on a pivot sleeve 33.A first elastic element 12 is arranged between the mounting chamber floor 31 and the static valve disc 9, and a second elastic element 13 is arranged between the dynamic valve disc 10 and the driver 32. The first elastic element 12 and the second elastic element 13 are seals that prevent fluid from escaping into the mounting chamber 4.

[0101] The valve housing 3 is formed in an annular shape at one of its longitudinal valve housing ends 35 opposite the underside 29 and has a plurality of first calibration ribs 7 at this longitudinal valve housing end 35. The first calibration ribs 7 are integral with the valve housing 3 and are arc-shaped (see Fig. 2). The first calibration ribs 7 are arranged in an annular pattern around the longitudinal axis 6 (see Fig. 2). The first calibration ribs 7 are oriented in a longitudinal direction 20 of the valve housing 3 (parallel to the longitudinal axis 6) towards the top surface 30.

[0102] The pivot sleeve 33 extends through a housing element 11, which is sleeve-shaped. The housing element 11 forms a cartridge neck 34 of the mixing valve 1 (see Fig. 2). The housing element 11 closes the mounting chamber opening 5 and is attached to the valve housing 3 via a snap-fit ​​connection 14 in the area of ​​the longitudinal valve housing end 35, so that Grohe AG

[0103] P24-0558W001

[0104] - 16 -

[0105] The housing element 11 is movable within the mounting space opening 5 parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 to a limited extent. The housing element 11 has a flange section 41 on which a second calibration rib 8 is formed. The second calibration rib 8 is integral with the housing element 11 and is annular around the longitudinal axis 6 (see Fig. 2). The second calibration rib 8 is oriented in the longitudinal direction 20 towards the top surface 30. The second calibration rib 8 is oriented in the same direction as the first calibration ribs 7. The second calibration rib 8 is arranged within the first calibration ribs 7 (in a radial direction of the valve housing 3 or the housing part 11 and / or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 6). The second calibration rib 8 has a smaller diameter than the first calibration ribs 7 (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 6). The second calibration rib 8 is arranged concentrically to the first calibration ribs 7.

[0106] The mixing valve 1 is secured in the installation space 23 by means of a fastening nut 36. The fastening nut 36 contacts the first calibration ribs 7 and the second calibration rib 8 and presses the mixing valve 1 with its underside 29 onto a floor 37 of the installation space 23. The limited-movement housing element 11 is pressed against the fastening nut 36 by the first elastic element 12 and the second elastic element 13.

[0107] The valve housing 3 and the housing element 11 are made of a thermoplastic material. This allows for the simultaneous melting of the first calibration ribs 7 for setting an installation height 16 of the valve housing 3 and the second calibration rib 8. The installation height 16 is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 6.

[0108] Fig. 4 shows a detailed longitudinal section view of the mixing valve 1 in the area of ​​the rectangle 38 shown in Fig. 3 during its manufacture. During the manufacture of the mixing valve 1, in one step a) the first calibration ribs 7 are at least partially melted in the longitudinal direction 20, so that the installation height 16 of the valve body 3 shown in Fig. 3 is achieved.

[0109] P24-0558W001

[0110] - 17 -

[0111] Mixing valve 1 corresponds to a setpoint. For this purpose, a first melting surface 17 of a melting tool 19 is pressed in the longitudinal direction 20 onto the first calibration ribs 7.

[0112] Simultaneously, in step b), the second calibration rib 8 is melted down in the longitudinal direction 20 to such an extent that the first calibration ribs 7 project beyond the second calibration rib 8 in the longitudinal direction 20. For this purpose, a second melting surface 18 of the melting tool 19 is pressed onto the second calibration rib 8 in the longitudinal direction 20.

[0113] The first melting surface 17 and the second melting surface 18 are ring-shaped and concentric to each other. The first melting surface 17 and the second melting surface 18 extend parallel to each other. The second melting surface 18 projects in the longitudinal direction 20 with a projection 39 relative to the first melting surface 17.

[0114] This causes the second calibration rib 8 to be melted down to a greater depth 40 in the longitudinal direction 20 than the first calibration ribs 7. As a result, the housing element 11 in the mounting space opening 5 is positioned in the longitudinal direction 20 relative to the valve housing 3 as shown in Fig.

[0115] The elastic elements 12, 13 shown in Fig. 3 are adjustable by the melting depth 40 against the fastening nut 36 shown in Fig. 3 when the mixing valve 1 is fastened with the fastening nut 36 in the installation space 23 shown in Fig. 3. By adjusting the housing element 11 by the melting depth 40 towards the top surface 30 shown in Fig. 3, the elastic elements 12, 13 relax by a defined amount, regardless of any dimensional tolerances of the valve housing 3, the static valve disc 9, the dynamic valve disc 10, the driver 32, the pivot sleeve 33 and / or the housing element 11, so that they seal reliably and the dynamic valve disc 10 can be actuated with a comfortable actuating force.

[0116] The present invention enables the simultaneous compensation of multiple tolerance chains. Grohe AG

[0117] P24-0558W001

[0118] - 18 - List of reference symbols

[0119] 1 mixing valve

[0120] 2 sanitary fittings

[0121] 3 Valve housings

[0122] 4 Assembly room

[0123] 5 Assembly space opening

[0124] 6 Longitudinal axis

[0125] 7 first calibration rib

[0126] 8 second calibration rib

[0127] 9 static valve disc

[0128] 10 dynamic valve disc

[0129] 11 Housing element

[0130] 12 first elastic element

[0131] 13 second elastic element

[0132] 14 rest connection

[0133] 15 fitting housings

[0134] 16 Installation height

[0135] 17 first melting surface

[0136] 18 second melting surface

[0137] 19 Melting tools

[0138] 20 Longitudinal direction

[0139] 21 Exit

[0140] 22 Outlet opening

[0141] 23 Installation space

[0142] 24 Cold water supply line

[0143] 25 Hot water supply line

[0144] 26 Actuator Grohe AG

[0145] P24-0558W001

[0146] - 19 -

[0147] 27 Actuating element

[0148] 28 surroundings

[0149] 29 Underside

[0150] 30 Top

[0151] 31 Assembly room floor

[0152] 32 drivers

[0153] 33 Swivel sleeve

[0154] 34 Cartridge neck

[0155] 35 Valve housing end

[0156] 36 fastening nut

[0157] 37 Installation space floor

[0158] 38 Rectangle

[0159] 39 Overhang

[0160] 40 Melting depth

[0161] 41 Flange section

Claims

Grohe AG P24-0558W001 - 20 - Patent claims 1. Mixing valve (1) for a sanitary fitting (2), comprising at least: - a valve housing (3) with a mounting space (4) and a mounting space opening (5), wherein the valve housing (3) extends along a longitudinal axis (6) and has at least one first calibration rib (7); - a static valve disc (9) arranged in the assembly space (4); - a dynamic valve disc (10) arranged in the mounting space (4) and movable relative to the static valve disc (9); and - a housing element (11) that at least partially closes the mounting space opening (5), which is fixed in the mounting space opening (5) in a manner that allows limited movement parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) and which has at least one second calibration rib (8).

2. Mixing valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one elastic element (12, 13) is arranged in the mounting space (5) which generates a force acting on the housing element (11).

3. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing element (11) is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) by 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm.

4. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing element (11) is attached to the valve housing (3) via a snap-fit ​​connection (14).

5. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve housing (3) is at least partially cup-shaped. Grohe AG P24-0558W001 - 21 - 6. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first calibration rib (7) or the at least one second calibration rib (8) are formed in an annular shape.

7. Mixing valve (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one second calibration rib (8) is arranged within the at least one first calibration rib (7).

8. Sanitary fittings (2), at least comprising: - a valve body (15); and - a mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Method for manufacturing a mixing valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least the following steps: a) at least partial melting of at least one first calibration rib (7) of a valve housing (3) of the mixing valve (1) to adjust an installation height (16) of the valve housing (3); and b) at least partially melting the at least one second calibration rib (8) of a housing element (11) of the mixing valve (1), such that the at least one first calibration rib (7) projects beyond the at least one second calibration rib (8) parallel to a longitudinal axis (6) of the valve housing (3), wherein step a) and step b) are carried out at least partially simultaneously.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first calibration rib (7) is melted with a first melting surface (17) of a melting tool (19) and the at least one second calibration rib (8) is melted with a second melting surface (18) of the melting tool (19).

Images