The present invention relates to a thermostatic control device of a fluid.
The invention is applicable to various fields of temperature regulation liquid fluids. Without limitation, the invention thus applies to the health sector, including the mixed water regulation resulting from the mixture of cold water and hot water. The invention also applies, inter alia, to the field of cooling systems / heating, in which the circulation of liquid is controlled according to the temperature of the liquid.

The invention is concerned more specifically to thermostatic operation, that is to say in cases where the heat from the fluid to be controlled is used for adjusting the temperature of this fluid with respect to a set value. To do this, the fluid to be regulated flows within a housing and is thermally biases the heat-sensitive part of a thermostatic element, the thermosensitive portion being adapted to, under the action of its heating, actuate movement an ad hoc part of the thermostatic element. The relative displacement of the heat-sensitive portion and the actuated portion of the thermostatic element causes a regulation of the fluid flow relative to the housing, and this for all the shutter member and / or bypass fluid flow , one of the heat-sensitive parts and operated from the thermostatic element controlling moving this body while the other of these heat-sensitive parts and operated being linked to the housing. For example, in a thermostatic cartridge for sanitary tap mixed water resulting from the mixture of cold water and hot water is generally controlled by a control slide of cold water inlets and hot water inside the cartridge housing, the spool being driven relative to the housing by the heat-sensitive part of a thermostatic element whose driven part is controlled in vis-à-vis the housing by an adjusting mechanism the temperature value around which the spool regulates the temperature of the mixed water. FR 2 821 41 1 provides an example of such a thermostatic cartridge.

For the thermostatic control device of this type is satisfactory, it is necessary that the fluid effectively communicates its heat to the heat-sensitive portion of the thermostatic element. In this regard, it is known to use a turbulence creation member, which is commonly called turbulator and an example is given in FR 2 821 41 1: This turbulator is arranged within the housing of the thermostatic control device and surrounds the heat-sensitive portion of the thermostatic element with an irregular surface which disrupts the flow of fluid on the heat-sensitive portion so as to increase the turbulence of this flow, for homogenizing the temperature at which the fluid biases the thermosensitive portion, and also increase the local velocity of this flow on the surface of the heat-sensitive part to promote heat exchange.

However, due to its fixed and quite massive presence, such a turbulator restricts the flow area around the thermosensitive portion, and imposes a limitation of the maximum flow of fluid through the thermostatic control device. Conversely, when the fluid passes through the device with a low flow rate, the turbulator may have only marginal effect on the fluid flow, without ensuring that the fluid has a uniform temperature, or that s' flows over the heat-sensitive portion of the thermostatic element. In other words, the design of the turbulator is a compromise between the maximum allowable rate and expected thermostatic control at low flow.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a thermostatic control device, which combines a high value of the maximum permissible speed and good performance of its thermostatic control at low flow.

To this end, the invention concerns a thermostatic control device of a fluid, as defined in claim 1.

One of the ideas underlying the invention is to modify the functional form of the turbulator according to the flow. To do this, the turbulator device according to the invention includes a flexible portion, arranged so as to delimit between the latter and the heat-sensitive portion of the thermostatic element a fluid circulation passage. When the flow rate of the fluid to be controlled is low, the flexible part of the turbulator occupies a configuration similar to that which it occupies at rest: in this configuration, the flexible portion tightens the above passage, locally by throttling the flow cross section of this last, and thus forces the fluid to flow against the heat-sensitive portion to sensitize the better it. When the flow rate of the fluid increases, the flow of the fluid deforms the flexible part of the turbulator in the locally away from the thermosensitive portion: the flow area of ​​the above passage thus increases, the elasticity of the flexible portion, which allows this deformation, also to maintain the flow of fluid against the heat-sensitive portion. At very high speed, the flexible part of the turbulator reaches a maximum deformed configuration, which opens maximally the above passage, releasing its passage section. Thus, thanks to the elasticity of the flexible part of the turbulence generator, the flow section of the passage defined between the flexible portion and the heat-sensitive portion of the thermostatic element varies depending on the fluid flow in this passage, and that by increasing when the flow increases and

decreases as the flow rate decreases, to a speed range from zero to a value, not limited by the turbulator, maximum permissible speed for the device.

In practice, the flexible part of the turbulator may have embodiments and / or constituent materials, which are very diverse, as detailed later and as specified in the dependent claims, as long as this flexible portion elastically adjusts its state of deformation the flow rate of fluid in a passage defined between it and the heat-sensitive portion of the thermostatic element in order to raise the most of this heat-sensitive portion.

The invention will be better understood from reading the following description given purely by way of example and with reference to the drawings:

- Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a longitudinal section of only part of the Figure 1 device;

- Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, illustrating the device of the latter in a different operating state of that illustrated in Figure 1;

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal half-section of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention;

- Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 illustrating part of the device of Figure 4;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4, illustrating the device of the latter in a different operating condition from that shown in Figure 4; and

- Figures 7 to 9 are views similar to Figures 4 to 6, illustrating a third embodiment of a device according to the invention.

In Figures 1 to 3 is shown a thermostatic control device 100 of a liquid fluid F, such as, for example, water, a heat transfer fluid, a refrigerant fluid, etc. By way of non-limiting example application, the device 100 is integrated with a thermostatic cartridge of a sanitary fitting, for regulating the temperature of the mixed water leaving the cartridge obtained by mixing hot water and water cold admitted inlet of the cartridge.

As is clearly visible in Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a housing 1 10 within which the fluid F is intended to flow. In the embodiment considered in the figures, the housing 1 10 has, at least for its part seen in the figures, a generally tubular shape, which is centered on an axis XX and which is open at its two opposite axial ends : the fluid is adapted to enter the interior of the housing 1 10 by one of the abovementioned ends, namely that facing upwards in Figure 1, and exit the housing at the other end, ie that facing towards the bottom of FIG 1. Of course, other geometric shapes are conceivable for the housing 1 10 of time as may be internally defines a flow path for the fluid F.

The device 100 also comprises a thermostatic element 120 which is at least partially arranged inside the housing 1 10. More specifically, the thermostatic element 120 includes a heat-sensitive part 121, which is located on the fluid flow F to inside the housing 1 10 and an operated portion 122 which is movable relative to the heat-sensitive part 121, in particular in translation parallel to the axis XX, under the effect of the heat sensitive portion 121 when heating of the latter. According to a preferred but nonlimiting embodiment, the thermosensitive portion 121 mainly includes a cup, typically metal, which is centered on the axis XX and which contains a heat expandable material, typically wax-based, while the operated portion 122 forms generally a piston, also centered on the axis XX and dipping within the above cup, so that, during warming of the cup, the heat-expandable material in it expands and thereby pushes the abovementioned piston to deploy the latter along the axis XX relative to the cup. That said, other embodiments are conceivable for the thermostatic element 120, such as an actuator to thermosensitive portion made of shape memory alloy.

The device 100 further comprises a turbulator 130, which is assembled to the remainder of the device 100 of Figures 1 and 3 and which is shown alone in Figure 2. In the assembled state of the device 100, the turbulator 130 is carried by the housing 1 10 so as to disturb the flow of the fluid F on the heat-sensitive portion 121 of the thermostatic element 120.

As is clearly visible in Figure 2, the turbulator 130 comprises a flexible portion 131 and a rigid support 132 which, at the same time, supports the flexible portion 131 and makes it possible to assemble the turbulator 130 in housing 1 10. In the example of embodiment considered herein, the carrier 132 mainly includes a sleeve 133 having a tubular shape centered on an axis which, in the assembled state of the device 100 coincides with the axis XX. The sleeve 133 is provided with an outer peripheral flange 134 intended to participate in the assembly of the turbulator 130 in housing 1 10: as shown in Figure 1 in the assembled state of the device 100, the sleeve 133 is mounted coaxially with inside the housing 1 10 such that the flange 134 to take axially supported against an internal shoulder 1 1 1 of the housing. Of course, other embodiments are

envisaged for fitting provided in the carrier 132 which allow the assembly of the turbulator 130 in housing 1. 10

As is clearly visible in Figure 2, the flexible portion 131 of the turbulator 130 comprises a base 135, which has a generally annular shape and is fixedly secured to the sleeve 133 of the carrier 132, and by any suitable means. As non-limiting examples, the base 135 is coinjectée with the sleeve 133 or relative to the latter by gluing, welding, assembly shapes by addition of junction pieces, etc. In all cases, within the turbulator 130, the base 135 is fixedly carried by the carrier 132.

Also as clearly visible in Figure 2, the flexible portion 131 comprises a plurality of elements 136, each element 136 extending from the base 135 within the socket 133 of the support 132. By resilient deformation of elements 136, and the junction zone between these elements and the base 135, the elements 136 are movable relative to the base 135 and, then, to the support 132, that is movable relative to the rest of the turbulator 130. within the turbulator 130, the flexible portion 131 is thus fixedly connected to the support 132 by its base 135, while its elements 136 are freely deformable relative to the support 132.

In the embodiment seen in Figure 2, the elements 136 are distributed, preferably uniformly, on the periphery of the base 135, forming between them free E136 spaces between each element 136 of the two adjacent elements 136 and thus make them distinct elements 136 from each other. It follows that each of the elements 136 is movable relative to the rest of the turbulator 130 independently of the other elements 136. In addition, each of the elements 136 extends from the base 135 having an elongated shape when the flexible portion 131 is at rest, that is to say when no external stress is exerted on the flexible portion 131, as in Figure 2, the elongate elements 136 extends lengthwise generally parallel to the axis XX, at least for a part of these elements 136, in particular their end portion opposite to its junction zone with the base 135.

In the assembled state of the device 100 as in Figures 1 and 3, the flexible part

131 is arranged at the axial level of the heat sensitive portion 121 of the thermostatic element 120, surrounding the thermosensitive portion 121. P a circulation passage of the fluid F is thus defined radially between the heat-sensitive portion 121 and the flexible portion 131, in particular the elements 136 of the latter. The elements 136 are distributed around the thermosensitive portion 121, the passage P is formed at the axial level of these elements 136, a plurality of ring portions, each of said ring portions being defined radially between the thermosensitive portion 121 and one of the elements 136. at its opposite axial ends, the passage P communicates freely with the rest of the interior of the housing 1 10, so that when the fluid F flows inside the casing this flow passes through the turbulator 130 passing at least partially through the passage P, as schematically indicated by the arrows in Figure 1. As a result, in the same way as for the thermosensitive portion 121, the elements 136 of the flexible portion 131 can be found located on the flow of fluid F inside the housing 1 10, by being subjected to the effect resulting pressure of the fluid flow F in the passage P, as detailed below.

In the absence of flow of the fluid F inside the housing 1 10, the flexible portion

131 remains at rest, typically in its configuration shown in Figure 2. In this rest configuration, the elements 136 are arranged radially adjacent to the thermosensitive portion 121, or locally in contact with this heat-sensitive portion 121. The elements 136 and the throttle flow area of ​​the passage P, by tightening or by completely closing the passage P.

When the fluid F flows inside the housing 10 as the one in Figures 1 and 3, fluid flows into the passage P and, as a result of this flow, elastically deforms the flexible portion 131 , in particular radially away the elements 136 of the thermosensitive portion 121. Compared to the rest configuration, the flow area of ​​the passage P increases. It is understood that when the fluid flow F fed to the housing 1 10 is low, as shown schematically in Figure 1, the flexible portion 131 is deformed, but with a deformed configuration which is close or almost similar to the configuration of rest, because the effect of pressure resulting from the flow of the low flow rate results in only limited deformation, see almost zero of the flexible portion 131, in particular by moving only marginally, if at all the elements 136 compared to the position they occupy in the rest configuration of the flexible portion 131. However, since the flow of the fluid feeding the housing 1 10 is more important is to say, strong or equal to the maximum allowable flow through the device 100, as schematically shown in figure 3, the the effect of this flow in the passage P induced a substantial deformation of the flexible portion 131: in particular, the elements 136 are remote from the thermosensitive portion 121 more than when the flow rate is low, the longitudinal direction of the elements 136 residing advantageously substantially parallel to the direction of fluid flow on the heat-sensitive portion 121.

It is understood that the intensity of the deformation of the flexible portion 131 depends directly on the value of the fluid flow F in the passage P, the deformed state of the flexible portion 131 by elasticity adjusting the value of this flow: thus, depending on the fluid flow F in the passage P, the flow section of the passage P varies by corresponding elastic deformation of the flexible portion 131, in particular by radial separation of elements 136 vis-à-vis the temperature-sensitive portion 121 . In practice, in view of the centering of the thermosensitive portion 121 and flexible portion 131 on the axis XX, the variation in the passage P of the flow section is thus achieved radially to this axis XX.

It follows from the foregoing explanations that the flexible portion 131, in particular its members 136, forcing the fluid F flowing through the passage P to flow over the heat-sensitive part 121, channeling this flow against the heat-sensitive part 121, and any of the value of the flow rate of this fluid. This arrangement is of significant interest when the fluid flow F is low, since in spite of the small amount of fluid introduced into the housing 1 10, the heat sensitive portion 121 is thermally biased at best by this fluid. This advantage does not hinders the ability of the device 100 to be able to accept a high maximum flow rate, in the sense that when the fluid F supplied to the housing 1 10 IF USING a high flow rate, the flexible portion 131 does not significantly impede the flow of fluid , with the increase in the flow section of the passage P by deformation of the elements 136. in view of the fact that the elongated elements 136 extends lengthwise substantially along the direction of fluid flow on the heat-sensitive portion 121 regardless of the state of deformation of the elements 136, the channeling of the fluid F on the heat-sensitive part 121 is advantageously maintained over a substantial axial extent thereof, thereby increasing its thermal loading by the fluid F.

In all cases, the turbulator 130, particularly its flexible portion 131, disrupts fluid flow within the housing 1 10, by creating turbulence, especially at the sensitive part 121, which homogenizes the fluid temperature in the passage P and it promotes heat transfer between the fluid and the heat-sensitive portion 121.

Furthermore, in particular to avoid too marked a possible pressure differential axially either side of the elements 136, E136 free spaces between these elements in a circumferential direction to the axis XX allow fluid F to move freely axially through the flexible portion 131 since, unlike the flow area of ​​the passage P, the flow cross section of the free spaces E136 is independent of the state of deformation of the elements 136.

Given the fact that the elongated elements 136 extends lengthwise substantially along the flow direction of the fluid on the heat-sensitive part 121, the channeling of the fluid F on the heat-sensitive part 121 is advantageously

maintained over a substantial axial extent thereof, thereby increasing its thermal loading by the fluid F.

Figures 4 to 6 is shown a device 200 of thermostatic control of a fluid F. The device 200 has the same functional purpose as the device 100 and includes a housing and a thermostatic element which are identical to the housing 1 10 and to thermoelement 120 of the device 100, so that the housing and the thermostatic element of the device 200 are referenced, respectively, 1 10 and 120 thereafter.

The device 200 differs from the device 100 by its turbulator 230. More specifically, the turbulator 230 comprises a flexible portion 231 and a bracket 232, which are functionally similar to the flexible portion 131 and the support 132 of the turbulator 130. In the example embodiment considered in figures 4 to 6, the carrier 232 is even almost identical to the support 132. on the other hand, the flexible portion 231 differs from the flexible portion 131 in several respects.

Indeed, the flexible portion 231 has not one, but two bases 235 and 237. Each of these headers 235 and 237 is fixedly carried by the carrier 232, similar to the base 135 vis-à-vis the carrier 132 . in addition, the bases 235 and 237 are connected to each other by a wall 236 of the flexible portion 231: this wall 236 thus extends from the bases 235 and 237, within the holder 232, being freely deformable relative to this carrier 232, as well visible in Figure 5. by elastic deformation of the wall 236 and the junction zones between the latter and the bases 235 and 237, the wall 236 is movable relative to the rest turbulator 230.

In the assembled state of the device 200, the wall 236 runs continuously around the heat-sensitive portion 121 of the thermostatic element 120, as clearly visible in Figures 4 and 6: P passage defined axially between the thermosensitive portion 121 and the flexible portion 231 forms, at the wall 236, a continuous rim, whereby all of the fluid F is forced to flow to pass between the opposite axial ends of the flexible portion 231, in particular without being able to move freely by days of the wall 236, such that the free spaces E136 in the flexible portion 131 of the turbulator 130.

So functionally similar to the elements 136 of the flexible portion 131, the wall 236 is found based on the flow of fluid F inside the housing 1 10: under the effect of fluid flow in the passage P, the flexible portion 231 is deformed resiliently to vary the flow area of ​​the passage P, in particular by separation of the wall 236 vis-à-vis the temperature-sensitive portion 121. When the flexible portion 231 is at rest as shown in Figure 5, the wall 236 throttles the flow passage P of the section, while, depending on the fluid flow F in the passage P when the fluid flows in the housing 1 10 , the flow area of ​​the passage P varies, the deformation of the flexible portion 231 is minimal when the fluid flow rate is low as shown in Figure 4 while it is important where the fluid flow is strong as in Figure 6 .

Advantageously, the wall 236 has a generally elongated tubular shape, which, regardless of the state of deformation of this wall 236 extends lengthwise in the direction of fluid flow on the heat-sensitive portion 121 in this way, the wall 236 forces the fluid flow F in the passage P of a substantial axial extent of the thermosensitive portion 121.

Figures 7 to 9 is shown a thermostatic control device 300 of a fluid F. The device 300 has the same functional purpose as the devices 100 and 200. In addition, the device 300 comprises a housing and a thermostatic element, which are identical to those of devices 100 and 200, so that the housing and the thermostatic element of the device 300 are reference numerals 1 10 and 120 thereafter.

Device 300 differs from devices 100 and 200 by its turbulator 330 which, although having the same functional purpose, is structurally different turbulators 130 and 230. More specifically, the turbulator 330 comprises a flexible portion 331 and a support 332. in the embodiment considered in figures 7 to 9, the carrier 332 is identical to carrier 132 of the turbulator 130. in addition, the flexible portion 331 comprises, similarly to the flexible portion 131, a base 335 from which s extend elements 336, distributed along the periphery of the base 335 and forming between them free spaces functionally similar E336 to E136 free spaces associated with the flexible portion 131.

The elements 336, 330 are distinguished turbulator elements 136 of the turbulator 130 in their geometric shape, in the sense that, although elements 336 each have an elongated shape, it extends lengthwise in a direction, where the portion flexible 331 is at rest, is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid F on the thermosensitive portion 121, as clearly visible in figures 7 and 8. Thus, the P passage defined between the heat-sensitive portion 121 and the flexible portion 331, has its flow cross-section which, on the one hand, is throttled by the flexible portion 331, particularly its elements 336, when the flexible portion is at rest, and on the other hand, varies depending on the flow rate of the fluid F when the latter flows into the housing 1 10, by elastic deformation of the flexible portion 331, including spacing elements 336 vis-à-vis the temperature-sensitive portion 121 through the bend the longitudinal direction of the elements 336 under the effect of fluid flow, as well visible by comparison of Figure 7, which illustrates the flow of the fluid F with a low flow, and Figure 9 illustrates the flow of fluid F high flow. While providing the benefit of varying the flow area of ​​the passage P, the flexible portion 331, turbulator 330 is particularly compact.

The devices 100, 200 and 300 give an overview of the many embodiments that may take the thermostatic control device according to the invention, in particular as regards its turbulator. In particular, as illustrated by the flexible portions 131, 231 and 331, structural or geometric specifications of the flexible part of the device according to the invention can be varied without being limited to those described so far and shown in Figures . It is the same for the material constituting the flexible portion: This material can in particular be of rubber, but various other materials imparting resilient flexibility required for operating the turbulator may be envisaged.

Finally, any or all of the characteristics of each embodiment can be implemented, instead of or in combination, in other embodiments, provided that this is technically possible.

CLAIMS
1 .- device (100; 200; 300) of thermostatic control of a fluid, comprising:
- a housing (1 10), inside which there flows a fluid (F),

- a thermostatic element (120), which includes a heat-sensitive portion (121) located on the fluid flow within the housing, and an actuated portion (122) movable with respect to the thermosensitive portion in response the sensitive part in global temperature sensitive part, and

- a turbulator (130; 230; 330) which is carried by the housing so as to disturb the flow of fluid (F) on the heat-sensitive part (121),

characterized in that a passage (P) of fluid flow (F) is defined between the heat-sensitive part (121) of the thermostatic element (120) and a flexible portion (131; 231; 331) of the turbulator (130; 230; 330), said flexible portion being adapted to:

- at rest, the throttle flow area of ​​the passage (P), and

- under the effect of fluid flow (F) in the part (P) is elastically deformable to vary the flow area of ​​the passage and away from the thermosensitive portion (121) as a function the flow rate of fluid in the passage.

2. A device (100; 300) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible portion (131; 331) has elements (136; 336) movable relative to the rest of the turbulator (130; 330), which are located on the flow of fluid (F) inside the housing (1 10), being distributed around the thermosensitive portion (121) and which leave between them free spaces (E136; E336) for circulating the fluid, the flow cross-section is independent of the state of deformation of these elements.

3. - A device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said elements (136) of the flexible portion (131) has an elongated shape that, whatever the state of deformation of the flexible portion, extends length substantially along the direction of fluid flow (F) on the heat-sensitive part (121).

4. - Device (300) according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said elements (336) of the flexible portion (330) has an elongated shape which, at rest, extends lengthwise substantially perpendicular to the direction fluid flow (F) on the heat-sensitive part (121).

5. - Device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible portion (231) comprises a wall (236) movable relative to the rest of the turbulator (230), which is located on the flow the fluid (F) inside the housing (1 10), running continuously around the thermosensitive portion (121).

6. - Device (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that said wall (236) of the flexible portion (231) has a generally elongated tubular shape, which, regardless of the state of deformation of the flexible part , extends lengthwise in the direction of fluid flow (F) on the heat-sensitive part (121).

7. - A device (100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turbulator (130; 230; 330) comprises a rigid support (132; 232; 332) for the flexible portion (131 ; 231; 331), said rigid support being adapted to assemble the turbulator the housing (1 10).

8. - A device (100; 300) according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible portion (131; 331) comprises a base (135; 335) which is fixedly carried by the rigid support (132; 332), the remainder (136; 336) of the flexible portion being freely deformable vis-à-vis the rigid support.

9. - Device (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible portion (231) comprises two bases (235, 237) which are each fixedly carried by the rigid support (232), the rest (236) the flexible portion connecting to one another the sockets and being freely deformable vis-à-vis the rigid support.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the flexible part consists of said elements of the flexible portion.

January 1. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the turbulator

(130; 230; 330) comprises a rigid support (132; 232; 332) to the flexible portion (131; 231; 331), said rigid support being adapted to assemble the turbulator the housing (1 10).

12. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the flexible portion consists of said wall of said flexible portion.

13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the turbulator (130; 230; 330) comprises a rigid support (132; 232; 332) to the flexible portion (131; 231; 331), said rigid support being adapted to assemble the turbulator the housing (1 10).

14. Apparatus (100; 200; 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermosensitive portion (121) and the actuated portion (122) of the thermostatic element (120) are movable relative to each other in translation along an axis (XX), in that the thermosensitive portion and the flexible portion (131; 231; 331) are substantially centered on said axis (XX), and in that the section of flow passage (P) varies radially to this axis (XX) during deformation of the flexible part.