Mixing valve for a sanitary fitting and sanitary fitting with a mixing valve

Abstract

Mixing valve (1) for a sanitary fitting (2), at least having: - a valve housing (3); and - an actuating element (4) for actuating the mixing valve (1), wherein the actuating element (4) has at least one slot (5, 6) for forming at least one clamping section (7, 8, 9, 10) of the actuating element (4) and a spreading geometry (11) for spreading open the slot (5, 6) by means of a spreading element (12). In addition, a sanitary fitting (1) with such a mixing valve (3) is proposed.

Description

[0001] Grohe AG

[0002] P24-0620W001

[0003] - 1 - Mixing valve for a sanitary fitting and sanitary fitting with a mixing valve

[0004] The present invention relates to a mixing valve for a sanitary fitting and a sanitary fitting with a mixing valve. Sanitary fittings are used in particular for the demand-based supply of mixed water at washbasins, sinks, showers and / or bathtubs.

[0005] Sanitary fittings have a body that can be made at least partially of metal, such as brass or stainless steel, and / or plastic. A mixing valve is typically located inside the body, allowing cold and hot water to be mixed to create a mixture with a desired temperature. The mixing valve is connected to an operating element, such as a lever, which the user can use to adjust the temperature and / or flow rate of the mixed water. The mixed water is fed from the mixing valve to an outlet of the sanitary fitting and can be discharged from this outlet into the surrounding area.

[0006] Modern sanitary fittings increasingly feature particularly slim and delicate designs, which place high demands on the mechanical components, especially the mixing valve and its actuator. In particular, it is essential that the actuator of the mixing valve is securely connected to the operating element to ensure reliable and long-lasting power transmission. Manufacturing tolerances can lead to undesirable play between the operating element and the actuator, negatively impacting the operating precision and the perceived quality of the sanitary fitting.

[0007] Common solutions for attaching the actuator to the control element often rely on fixed press-fit connections or separate connecting elements such as clamping sleeves or screws. However, these solutions can either require complex assembly or fail to provide the desired long-term stability. Furthermore, certain Grohe AG

[0008] P24-0620W001

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[0010] Fastening concepts limit the possibilities for a particularly slim design of the actuating element.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an improved design of a mixing valve, especially with regard to the secure and tolerance-compensating connection between the actuating element and the actuator, in order to enable a precise, durable and compact design.

[0012] 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 secure mounting and a compact design of the actuating element. Furthermore, a sanitary fitting is to be provided whose mixing valve enables secure mounting and a compact design of the actuating element.

[0013] These problems are solved with a mixing valve and a sanitary fitting 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 combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0014] This is achieved using a mixing valve for a sanitary fitting, which has at least the following components:

[0015] - a valve body; and

[0016] - an actuating element for operating the mixing valve, wherein the actuating element has at least one slot for forming at least one clamping section of the actuating element and an expanding geometry for expanding the slot by means of an expanding element. Grohe AG

[0017] P24-0620W001

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[0019] 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.

[0020] The sanitary fitting has a fitting body, preferably made at least partially of plastic and / or metal, such as brass. The fitting body may 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 may have at least one outlet for water or mixed water. The water or mixed water can be discharged through this outlet, in particular into the surrounding area of ​​the sanitary fitting.

[0021] 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, for example, be accessed via a mounting opening in the valve body (Grohe AG).

[0022] P24-0620WQ01

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[0024] extend into the valve body. The mixing valve can, for example, be designed as a mixing cartridge.

[0025] The mixing valve has a valve body that can be made at least partially of plastic and / or metal. The valve body can be at least partially cylindrical and / or at least partially cup-shaped. The valve body can have a round cross-section. The valve body can have a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and / or a mixed water outlet. The cold water inlet, the hot water inlet, and / or the mixed water outlet can be located on an end face and / or the base of the mixing valve or the valve body. The mixing valve can be seated on a valve seat of the valve body with its end face or base. The cold water inlet can be connected to the cold water supply line, and / or the hot water inlet can be connected to the hot water supply line.Cold water can be supplied from the cold water inlet and hot water from the hot water inlet of a mixing chamber of the mixing valve. In the mixing chamber, the cold and hot water can be mixed to form the mixed water.

[0026] The mixing valve comprises an actuator for operating the mixing valve. In particular, the mixing valve can be opened and / or closed by means of the actuator. The actuator can, for example, be made at least partially of plastic and / or metal, in particular brass. The actuator can be at least partially rod-shaped and / or have at least a partially straight path. In particular, the actuator can extend along a longitudinal axis (in particular a straight one) and / or from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end. The actuator can have a length of, for example, 30 mm to 80 mm (in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis) and / or a diameter of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm (in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).The actuator can have a polygonal, square, rectangular, round, or oval cross-section (especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). Grohe AG.

[0027] P24-0620W001

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[0029] The actuator can be rotatable about a rotary axis to adjust the mixed water temperature. This rotary axis can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the valve housing. The actuator can also be pivotable about a pivot axis to adjust the delivery rate of the mixed water or to open and / or close the mixing valve. The pivot axis can be perpendicular to the rotary axis.

[0030] The mixing valve can have a first valve disc and a second valve disc. The first valve disc and / or the second valve disc can be at least partially designed as flat discs and / or at least partially made of ceramic. A first surface of the first valve disc and / or a second surface of the second valve disc can be smooth and / or polished, particularly to ensure low friction between the first and second valve discs. The first valve disc can be fixed within the valve body so that it is not movable relative to the valve body. The second valve disc can be movable by means of the actuating element on the first valve disc. The first valve disc can have a first cold water inlet for cold water, a first hot water inlet for hot water, and a first mixed water inlet for the mixed water.The second valve disc can have a second cold water inlet, a second hot water inlet, and a second mixed water inlet. Cold water can flow into the mixing chamber through the first and second cold water inlets, hot water into the mixing chamber through the first and second hot water inlets, and mixed water out of the mixing chamber through the first and second mixed water inlets. To open the mixing valve, the second valve disc can be movable on the first valve disc such that the first and second cold water inlets, the first and second hot water inlets, and / or the first and second mixed water inlets overlap at least partially or completely.To close the mixing valve, the second valve disc on the first valve disc can be moved in such a way that the first mixing water opening and the second mixing water opening do not overlap. Grohe AG.

[0031] P24-0620W001

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[0033] The valves overlap. To adjust the mixed water temperature, the second valve disc can be rotated on the first 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.

[0034] The actuating element, or its second longitudinal end, can be connected to the second valve disc. The second valve disc can be moved by the actuating element. The actuating element, or its first longitudinal end, can be connected to, or be connected to, an actuating element. The actuating element can have a receptacle that allows it to be plugged onto the actuating element. The receptacle can have an inner contour that is adapted to an outer contour of the actuating element and / or (essentially) corresponds to the outer contour of the actuating element. The actuating element can, for example, be an actuating lever. The actuating element can be pivoted about its pivot axis and / or rotated about its axis of rotation by the user of the sanitary fitting via the actuating element.

[0035] The actuator has at least one slot for forming at least one clamping section of the actuator. The slot can extend from the first longitudinal end of the actuator, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or centrally, towards the second longitudinal end of the actuator. The slot can be flat and / or straight. The slot can have a length of, for example, 10 mm to 50 mm (especially parallel to the longitudinal axis), a width of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm (especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), and / or a thickness of, for example, 5 mm to 20 mm (especially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or the slot width).

[0036] P24-0620W001

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[0038] For example, the slot width may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. The slot width may correspond to the diameter of the actuating element. The at least one slot may divide the actuating element into at least two clamping sections. The two clamping sections may be movable or bendable relative to each other by the application of a force. The clamping sections may be elastically expandable by the application of a force. The at least one clamping section of the actuating element is formed, in particular, at the first longitudinal end and / or adjacent to the at least one slot. The at least one clamping section extends, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis. The at least one clamping section is elastically bendable outwards, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0039] To selectively widen the slot, the actuating element features an expanding geometry. The actuating element can have multiple expanding geometries. For example, the actuating element can have two expanding geometries. The expanding geometries can be located on opposite sides of the actuating element and / or be mirror images of each other. The expanding geometry is designed to interact with an expanding element to mechanically expand or bend the at least one clamping section(s). The expanding element is designed such that, when moved relative to the expanding geometry, it pushes the at least one clamping section(s) outwards, thereby clamping the actuating element to the actuating element. The expanding element can be a screw or a threaded stud.This design creates a reliable and releasable connection that can compensate for manufacturing tolerances, has high mechanical stability and requires little installation space.

[0040] The spreading geometry can be formed at least partially in a first clamping section of the actuator and a second clamping section of the actuator. Alternatively, the spreading geometry can be formed equally in the first clamping section and the second clamping section of the actuator. The arrangement of the spreading geometry in both clamping sections causes the clamping sections to move outwards synchronously. Grohe AG

[0041] P24-0620W001

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[0043] This ensures that a uniform clamping force can be exerted on the actuating element. This contributes to establishing a reliable and backlash-free connection between the adjusting element and the actuating element.

[0044] The spreading geometry can be formed in a side wall of the actuator. In particular, the spreading geometry is not formed at the first or second longitudinal end of the actuator. The side wall extends, in particular, along the longitudinal axis of the actuator and / or is an outer wall of the actuator.

[0045] The spreading geometry features a cone. The spreading geometry can be designed as a cone. In particular, the cone is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis and / or may have a conical or tapered internal structure. This design ensures that the spreading element exerts a uniform force on the clamping sections during insertion or tightening, spreading them outwards in a controlled manner.

[0046] The expanding element can have a conical end face, at least partially. This conical end face can interact with the expanding geometry of the adjusting element. The conical end face is designed such that, when the expanding element is screwed or pressed in, it exerts a radial force on the at least one clamping section(s) against the expanding geometry, spreading them outwards.

[0047] The actuator can have at least two slots that at least partially intersect. The actuator can have a first slot and a second slot. The first and second slots can be identical. The first and second slots can divide the actuator into a first, second, third, and fourth clamping section. The intersecting arrangement of the slots divides the actuator into several flexible clamping sections that can be spread independently of each other. This allows for improved adaptability to the actuator or to Grohe AG.

[0048] P24-0620W001

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[0050] It accommodates the actuating element and ensures a uniform clamping load in multiple directions.

[0051] The expanding geometry can have a thread. The thread can, in particular, be an internal thread. Specifically, the expanding element can be screwed into the expanding geometry via the thread.

[0052] A central axis of the spreading geometry can form an angle between 45° and 90° with a longitudinal axis of the actuating element.

[0053] The mixing valve can have an actuating element with a threaded bore whose longitudinal axis runs parallel to, and at a distance from, a central axis of the expanding geometry. The threaded bore can be formed in the receptacle and / or open into the receptacle. The expanding element can be screwed into the threaded bore. The longitudinal axis of the bore can be the central axis of the threaded bore. The distance between the longitudinal axis of the bore and the central axis of the expanding geometry causes a tensile force to be generated when the expanding element is tightened. This force pulls the actuating element onto the adjusting element and simultaneously expands the clamping sections. This achieves a double locking effect. The distance can be, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm. This distance is particularly relevant when the actuating element, especially with its receptacle, is fully inserted onto the first longitudinal end of the adjusting element.

[0054] Following another aspect, a sanitary fitting is also proposed which has at least the following features:

[0055] - a fitting housing; and

[0056] - a mixing valve described here. Grohe AG

[0057] P24-0620W001

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[0059] For further details regarding the sanitary fitting, please refer in full to the description of the mixing valve.

[0060] 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 particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to these. Identical components are designated with the same reference numerals. The figures show, by way of example and schematically:

[0061] Fig. 1: a sanitary fitting in a perspective view;

[0062] Fig. 2: a first variant of a mixing valve of the sanitary fitting in a perspective view;

[0063] Fig. 3: an actuating element of the first variant of the mixing valve in a perspective view;

[0064] Fig. 4: the actuating element of the first variant of the mixing valve in a longitudinal section;

[0065] Fig. 5: the first variant of the mixing valve in a longitudinal section;

[0066] Fig. 6: a second variant of the mixing valve in a longitudinal section;

[0067] Fig. 7: an actuating element of the second variant of the mixing valve in a perspective view; and

[0068] Fig. 8: Cross-section of the actuator of the second variant of the mixing valve. Grohe AG

[0069] P24-0620W001

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[0071] Fig. 1 shows a sanitary fitting 2 in a perspective view. The sanitary fitting 2 has a fitting body 25, which can be attached to a support (not shown). The fitting body 25 includes a spout 26 with a discharge opening 27. A mixing valve 1 for mixing cold and hot water to produce mixed water at a desired temperature is arranged in the fitting body 25. Cold water can be supplied to the mixing valve 1 via a cold water supply line (not shown) and hot water via a hot water supply line (also not shown). The mixed water can be discharged via the discharge opening 27 into the surrounding area 28 of the sanitary fitting 2. The sanitary fitting 2, or the mixing valve 1, has an actuating element 31 in the form of an actuating lever.The operating element 31 allows a user of the sanitary fitting 2 to adjust the mixed water temperature and the amount of mixed water dispensed via the outlet opening 27.

[0072] Fig. 2 shows a first variant of the mixing valve 1 in a partial perspective view. The mixing valve 1 is designed as a mixing cartridge and has a valve housing 3. An actuating element 4 for adjusting the mixed water temperature is rotatably mounted in the valve housing 3 about a rotational axis 29 and pivotably mounted about a pivot axis 30 for adjusting the delivery quantity of the mixed water or for opening and / or closing the mixing valve 1. The pivot axis 30 is orthogonal to the rotational axis 29 and, in Fig. 2, perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The actuating element 31 has a receptacle 32 with which the actuating element 31 can be inserted or is inserted onto a first longitudinal end 33 of the actuating element 4. The actuating element 4 is rotatable about the rotational axis 29 and pivotable about the pivot axis 30 by means of the actuating element 31.

[0073] Fig. 3 shows the actuating element 4 of the first variant of the mixing valve 1 shown in Fig. 3 in a perspective view. The actuating element 4 extends from the first longitudinal end 33 to a second longitudinal end 34 along a (straight) longitudinal axis 19. The actuating element 4 has a (first) slot 5 that extends from the first longitudinal end 33 centrally into the actuating element 4, so that the actuating element 4 is recessed in the area of ​​the slot 5.

[0074] P24-0620W001

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[0076] The first clamping section 7 and a second clamping section 8 are divided. The slot 4 extends from the first longitudinal end 33 (parallel to the longitudinal axis 19) with a slot length 35, (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 19) with a slot width 36, and (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 19 and / or to the slot width 36) with a slot thickness 37. The slot width 36 corresponds (orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 19) to a diameter of the actuating element 4.

[0077] The actuating element 4 has an expanding geometry 11 in a side wall 13 in the area of ​​the slot 5. The expanding geometry 11 is formed as a cone 14, each half of which is in the first clamping section 7 and the second clamping section 8.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows the actuating element 4 of the first variant of the mixing valve 1 shown in Fig. 3 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis 19. The spreading geometry 11 or the cone 14 has a central axis 17. The central axis 17 forms an angle 18 with the longitudinal axis 19 (in the direction of the second longitudinal end 34).

[0079] Fig. 5 shows the first variant of the mixing valve 1 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis 19 of the actuating element 4. The actuating element 31 is inserted with its receptacle 32 onto the first longitudinal end 33 of the actuating element 4. The actuating element 31 has a threaded bore 21 that extends along a bore longitudinal axis 22 and opens into the receptacle 32. The bore longitudinal axis 22 runs parallel to and at a distance 23 from the central axis 17 of the expanding geometry 11 or the cone 14. An expanding element 12 is screwed into the threaded bore 21. The expanding element 12 is designed as a threaded pin and has a conical end face 15. When the spreading element 12 with its conical end face 15 is screwed against the spreading geometry 11, the actuating element 31 with its receptacle 32 is pulled onto the longitudinal end 33 of the actuating element 4 as a result of the distance 23 between the longitudinal axis of the bore 22 and the central axis 17.In addition, the conical end face 15 of the spreading element 12 widens the slot 5 shown in Fig. 3, so that the clamping sections Grohe AG.

[0080] P24-0620W001

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[0082] 7, 8 are bent against an inner wall of the receptacle 32. This ensures that the actuating element 31 is attached to the adjusting element 4 without play.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows a second variant of the mixing valve 1 in a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis 19 of the actuating element 4.

[0084] Fig. 7 shows the actuating element 4 of the second variant of the mixing valve 1 shown in Fig. 6 in a perspective view. In contrast to the first variant of the mixing valve 1 shown in Fig. 5, the actuating element 4 of the second variant of the mixing valve 1 has, in addition to the first slot 5, a second slot 6, which also extends from the first longitudinal end 33 centrally into the actuating element 4. The first slot 5 and the second slot 6 intersect in the region of the longitudinal axis 19. The second slot 6 can be identical to the first slot 5. In particular, the second slot 6 can have the same slot length 35, the same slot width 36, and / or the same slot thickness 37 as the first slot 5 (see Fig. 3). By means of the slots 5 and 6, the actuating element 4 is divided in the region of the slots 5 and 6 into a first clamping section 7, a second clamping section 8, a third clamping section 9, and a fourth clamping section 10.The actuating element 4 has the spreading geometry 11 in the side wall 13 in the area of ​​the first slot 5.

[0085] Fig. 8 shows the adjusting element 4 in a cross-section along section line VIII-III shown in Fig. 6. The spreading geometry 11 extends from the side wall 13 along the central axis 17 orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 19 through the clamping sections 9, 10 to the clamping sections 7, 8. The spreading geometry 11 is formed (each half) as a bore 20 in the third clamping section 9 and fourth clamping section 10, and (each half) as a cone 14 in the first clamping section 7 and second clamping section 8. The bore 20 has a thread 16 in the area of ​​the third clamping section 9 and fourth clamping section 10. Grohe AG

[0086] P24-0620W001

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[0088] To attach the actuating element 31 shown in Fig. 6 to the adjusting element 4, the expanding element 12 can be screwed into the expanding geometry 11. When the expanding element 12 is screwed with its conical end face 15 against the cone 14 of the expanding geometry 11, the conical end face 15 of the expanding element 12 expands the first slot 5, so that the clamping sections 7, 8 are bent against the inner wall 24 of the receptacle 32. In addition, the clamping sections 9, 10 are also bent by the expanding element 12 via the thread 16 against the inner wall 24 of the receptacle 32. This ensures that the actuating element 31 is attached to the adjusting element 4 without play (see Fig. 6).

[0089] The present invention enables a secure and compact connection between the adjusting element 4 and the actuating element 31. Grohe AG

[0090] P24-0620W001

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[0092] Reference symbol list

[0093] 1 mixing valve

[0094] 2 sanitary fittings

[0095] 3 Valve housings

[0096] 4 Actuator

[0097] 5 first slot

[0098] 6 second slot

[0099] 7 first clamping section

[0100] 8 second clamping section

[0101] 9 third clamping section

[0102] 10 fourth clamping section

[0103] 11 Spreading geometry

[0104] 12 Spreading element

[0105] 13 Side wall

[0106] 14 cone

[0107] 15 Front surface

[0108] 16 threads

[0109] 17 Central axis

[0110] 18 angles

[0111] 19 Longitudinal axis

[0112] 20 bore

[0113] 21 Threaded hole

[0114] 22 Longitudinal axis of the bore

[0115] 23 distance

[0116] 24 Interior wall

[0117] 25 fitting housings

[0118] 26 Grohe AG phase-out

[0119] P24-0620W001

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[0121] 27 Outlet opening

[0122] 28 surroundings

[0123] 29 axis of rotation

[0124] 30 Swivel axis

[0125] 31 Actuating element

[0126] 32 recording

[0127] 33 first longitudinal end

[0128] 34 second longitudinal end

[0129] 35 slot length

[0130] 36 slot width

[0131] 37 slot thickness

Claims

Grohe AG P24-0620W001 - 17 - Patent claims 1. Mixing valve (1) for a sanitary fitting (2), comprising at least: - a valve body (3); and - an actuating element (4) for actuating the mixing valve (1), wherein the actuating element (4) has at least one slot (5, 6) for forming at least one clamping section (7, 8, 9, 10) of the actuating element (4) and a spreading geometry (11) for spreading the slot (5, 6) by means of a spreading element (12).

2. Mixing valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spreading geometry (11) is formed at least partially in a first clamping section (7) of the actuating element (4) and in a second clamping section (8) of the actuating element (4).

3. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spreading geometry (11) is formed in a side wall (13) of the actuating element (4).

4. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spreading geometry (11) has a cone (14).

5. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spreading element (12) has an at least partially conical end face (15).

6. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (4) has at least two slots (5, 6) which at least partially intersect.

7. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spreading geometry (11) has a thread (16). Grohe AG P24-0620W001 - 18 - 8. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a central axis (17) of the spreading geometry (11) forms an angle (18) between 45° and 90° with a longitudinal axis (19) of the actuating element (4).

9. Mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuating element (31) with a threaded bore (21) whose longitudinal axis (22) of the bore is parallel and at a distance (23) from a central axis (17) of the spreading geometry (11).

10. Sanitary fittings (2), at least comprising: - a valve body (25); and - a mixing valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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