The present invention relates to a mixing unit and a mixer tap comprising such a mixing unit.
The invention relates to the field of valves for sanitary use. In particular, said valves "mixers" are used to send a mixed stream of running water by mixing a hot water flows and a cold water flow within a cartridge mounted in the body of tap. The respective flow rate of the cold water flow and hot water admitted to the cartridge can be adjusted using a control lever in order to enable a temperature control flow mixed by rotation of the lever around an axis, and the rate of flow mixed by a lever rotation about a second axis.

The cartridge includes in most cases a pair of perforated ceramic discs, one being fixed and the other being movable under the action of the lever while being in planar contact, sliding and sealed with the fixed disc. Depending on the position of the movable disk on the fixed disk, the channels are formed to allow the admission of cold and hot water flows within the cartridge, with a more or less large flow rate, and thereby cause their mixture the formation of the mixed stream.

Some cartridges can be known with a separate additional housing and is reported against the cartridge. For example, patent FR-B-2,876,433 discloses a cartridge for a mixing valve equipped with an additional thermostat housing sealingly coupled to the base of the cartridge. The additional thermostat housing is provided with a thermostatic element comprising a cup containing a heat expandable wax actuating a piston in translation according to the temperature at which the cup is subjected. Thus, when the mixed flow temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a shutter is actuated by the piston for closing the passage of hot water before it enters the cartridge to automatically limit the mixed stream temperature. Thus, the mixed flow is regulated in temperature so as not to exceed the predetermined threshold temperature.

Nevertheless, this known type of additional housing is likely to cause a reduction in the flow of hot water, even when the shutter is open, while the cold water flow is not or little affected by the presence housing. In other words, this known additional housing is likely to disrupt the flow of incoming streams relative to each other.

Therefore, the invention aims to provide an alternative to the prior art by providing a new mixing unit that does not cause an imbalance in the flow of incoming streams.

The invention relates to a mixing unit for a mixer tap, the mixing unit comprising:

- a first input of a first incoming stream of fluid having a first temperature,

- a second input of a second incoming stream of fluid having a second temperature higher than the first temperature,

- mixing means of the first incoming stream with the second inflow to form an outgoing flow of fluid having an exit temperature,

- a main output for outgoing flows, and

- a thermosensitive actuator, comprising:

o a first portion, which is heat-sensitive and which is arranged, at least in part, to the main outlet, and

o a second part actuated in translation by the first part according to a shutter axis,

According to the invention, the mixing unit comprises a shutter, which is actuated by the thermally sensitive actuator in order to move between a closed position, at least partial, of the main outlet and an open position of the main output, depending on the relative position of the first part and the second part of the thermosensitive actuator along the closure axis.

Thanks to the invention, the shutter and at least a portion of the first part, heat-sensitive, are located at the main output and do not create so no imbalance between the flow rate of the first incoming stream and the flow rate of the second inflow.

According to other optional and advantageous features of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

- The mixing unit comprises a rear stop, the second part being in abutment against the rear stopper in a rearward direction along the closure axis, and the shutter is secured to the first part, or is formed least in part by the first part, the first part being movable between the closed position and the open position.

- The mixing unit comprises:

o a front stop, against which the shutter abuts in a forward direction opposite to the rearward direction, when the shutter reaches the closed position,

o an overstroke push rod, which is movable in translation along the blocking axis between a normal position and an overtravel position located in the rear direction relative to the normal position, the overtravel plunger comprising the rear stop, and o an auxiliary element for resiliently returning the pusher overtravel since the overtravel position to the normal position.

The overtravel plunger comprises axial external ribs for guiding in translation the plunger overtravel along the closure axis, the axial external ribs forming between them the flow of efflux interstices along the overtravel plunger. The mixing unit comprises a main element of elastic return of the shutter from the closed position to the open position. The mixing means comprise a mixing chamber, within which there open the first inlet, the second inlet and the main outlet and the mixing unit comprises a sealing collar, which is fluidly connected to the main outlet and is configured to be closed by the shutter in the closed position, the first portion being disposed in a passage section of the sealing collar.

The mixing unit comprises an outlet chamber, or an outlet housing, which extends along the sealing axis from the sealing neck to an axial outlet of the mixing unit, and the outlet chamber or the outlet housing comprises at least one radial outlet, which is arranged radially with respect to the closure axis, the radial outlet preferably extending from the sealing collar.

The mixing unit comprises:

o the outlet chamber,

o a first inlet conduit, which extends the first input, and o a second inlet conduit, which extends the second inlet, the outlet chamber being disposed between the first inlet conduit and the second inlet conduit.

The mixing unit comprises:

o a cartridge, which includes mixing means and which comprises a lower side, through which the first input, the second input and the main output, and

o an additional housing which contains the thermosensitive actuator and the shutter, and which comprises an upper side through which the additional box is placed against the underside of the cartridge.

- The heat-sensitive actuator is a thermostatic element, while the first part comprises a cup containing a thermo- expandable body, and the second portion is a piston sliding with respect to the first part as the closure axis.

- The thermosensitive actuator is formed at least partly of shape-memory alloy, so as to be heat expandable according to the closure axis, while the second part of the thermosensitive actuator is heat and forms a part of one piece with the first portion, and the drive of the second part relative to the first part is obtained by deformation of the thermosensitive reversible actuator.

- The mixing unit has a generally cylindrical shape defining a main axis of the mixing unit, the shutter extending axis or in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis, or parallel to the axis.

The invention also relates to a mixing valve comprising a mixing unit according to the above.

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

Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a mixing valve comprising a mixing unit according to the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are longitudinal sections of the mixture of Figure 1 unit;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the mixing unit of the preceding figures,

Figure 5 is a perspective top view of an additional housing of the mixing unit of the preceding figures,

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are cross-sections of additional housing of the preceding figures in a cutting line VI shown in Figure 1, the additional housing being shown in three different configurations, ll cut lines, 11-11 and III respective -LLL of figures 1, 2 and 3 being shown in Figure 6,

Figure 9 is a perspective view from below of a mixing unit according to a second embodiment of the invention,

- Figures 10 to 12 are partial cross sections of Figure 9 according to plane IX a, representing a portion of the mixing unit of Figure 9 in three different configurations, and

Figure 13 is a section similar to Figure 6 for a third embodiment of the invention.

1 illustrates a mixer tap 1 according to the first embodiment, comprising a mixing unit 2 shown only in Figures 2 to 4. The mixing unit 2 is inserted into a body 4 of the mixing valve 1. The valve 1 is preferably designed to be installed on a sink or shower tray type, or more generally within a health facility, not shown. The body 4 preferably has a generally cylindrical and hollow, extending coaxially with an axis X4, which is preferably vertical when the valve 1 is mounted on the tray. For convenience, the following description is oriented with respect to the axis X4 of the illustrated example, considering that the terms "upper" and "top" correspond to an axial direction with respect to the axis X4, oriented the upper part of Figure 1, while the terms "lower" and "bottom" correspond to an axial direction in opposite directions. Alternatively, the X4 axis is not vertical and is for example horizontal.

Upon command of a user, the faucet mixer 1 is adapted to transmit, via a spout 3 which is projecting radially from the body 4 of the valve 1, a mixed water flow M1 having a temperature and a flow rate adjustable by the user. The valve 1 is supplied axially at the bottom by a first inflow F1 water, as shown in Figure 2, known as "cold water flow". The water from the first water flow F1 has a first temperature Tf. Also, the tap 1 is fed axially and a second incoming stream of water C1, as shown in dashed lines in Figure 1 and in Figure 3, known as "hot water flow". The water of the second water flow C1 has a second temperature higher than Te to the first temperature Tf.

The mixing unit 2 itself has a main axis which is coaxial with the aforementioned axis X4 when the mixing unit 2 is mounted in the latter. In the following, the axis of the tap 1 and the main axis of the mixing unit 2 are associated with the same reference X4.

Generally, the mixing unit 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape coaxial with the main axis X4.

In this example, the mixing unit 2 comprises two parts, namely a cartridge 5 which extends in the upper part of the tap 1, and an additional housing 6 shown alone in Figures 5 to 8. The additional housing 6 is reported on an underside 32 of the cartridge 5, the lower part of the mixing unit 2. the cartridge 5 has in particular a generally cylindrical shape defining the main axis X4 of the mixing unit 2, in which the cartridge 5 is coaxial. The bottom side 32 of the cartridge 5 preferably extends perpendicularly with respect to the axis X4.

The additional housing 6 has a lower side 20 shown in particular in Figures 1 and 4. The housing 6 also has an upper side 22 seen in particular in Figure 5, opposite to the lower side 20 and generally parallel thereto. When the housing 6 is attached to the cartridge 5, the sides 20 and 22 are generally orthogonal to the axis X4 and the upper side 22 of the housing 6 is pressed against the lower side 32 of the cartridge 5. In other words, the housing 6 is attached in a detachable manner, against the lower side 32 of the cartridge 5, by means of its upper side 22.

As visible in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the housing 6 is provided with a first inlet duct 8 through which is substantially parallel to the axis X4 and which connects the side 20 to side 22. The flow of cold water F1 is intended to flow through the conduit 8 from a lower inlet 10 of the inlet conduit 8 leading to the lower side 20 in the lower part of the mixing unit 2, to an intermediate outlet 12 of the inlet conduit 8, shown in particular in Figure 5, opening away from the lower inlet 10 on the upper side 22 of the housing 6. the flow of cold water F1 and passes through the housing 6 via of the inlet conduit 8, which conduit flow F1 to the cartridge 5. the lower inlet 10 and the intermediate outlet 12 are preferably centered on an axis parallel to the axis X4.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the housing 6 is provided with a second inlet duct 14 which is passing through, substantially parallel to the axis X4 and which connects the side 20 to side 22. The flow of C1 cold water is intended to flow through the conduit 14 from a lower inlet 16 of the inlet duct 14, opening out on the underside 20 in the lower part of the mixing unit 2, to an intermediate outlet 18 of the inlet conduit 14, shown in particular in Figure 5, opening away from the lower inlet 16 on the upper side 22 of the housing 6. the flow of hot water C1 and passes through the housing 6 via the inlet conduit 14, which leads the flow C1 to the cartridge 5. the lower inlet 16 and the intermediate outlet 18 are preferably centered on an axis parallel to the axis X4. 10 and 16 lower inputs are adjacent and the intermediate outlets 12 and 18 are adjacent.

When the mixing unit 2 is installed in the body 4 of valve 1, the lower inputs 10 and 16 are connected in fluid communication with water supply means of the sanitary installation, which open for instance in the bottom of the body of tap. As visible in Figures 2 to 4, the underside 20 of the housing 6, is provided with a static seal bottom, formed in one piece and comprising annular lobes 24 and 26. These lobes 24 and 26 respectively surround the lower inlets 10 and 16 for sealing their fluid connection with the water supply means opening into the body 4 of the valve 1. Alternatively, provision may be annular seals instead of separate annular lobes 24 and 26 integrally.

The inlet conduits 8 and 14 of the housing 6 are connected fluidly to the cartridge 5 so as to feed the cartridge 5 with the F1 and C1 flows, through the lower side 32 of the cartridge 5, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The cartridge 5 comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 36 defining the axis X4 and rising from the bottom side 32. The cartridge 5 also includes an upper portion 38 terminating the sidewall 36 opposite the bottom side 32. the cartridge 5 and the housing 6 are held in the body 4 of valve 1 by being clamped between firstly a nut 39, screwed axially relative to the axis X4 in the body 4 so as to be in axial abutment against the upper portion 38, and secondly the bottom of the body 4, against which the housing 6 is in axial abutment. The cartridge 5 and the housing 6 are therefore brought into axial abutment against each other under pressure from the nut 39 and the bottom of the body 4.

Cartridge 5 also comprises a control lever 40, visible in particular in Figures 1 to 3. The lever 40 is configured to be actuated by a user tap 1, being mounted on the upper portion 38 movably with respect to the side wall 36 via a hinge member 42. in this case, the hinge member 42 allows a pivoting of the lever 40 relative to the wall 36 around the axis X4, in forming a pivoting part with respect to the upper portion 38, around the axis X4. The lever 40 is itself pivotally mounted on the hinge member 42 via a pivot connection 44, allowing a pivoting of the lever 40 about an axis X44, visible in Figure 1, perpendicular to the X4 axis relative to the body 42.

The cartridge 5 contains an internal mixing chamber 46, shown in particular in Figures 1, 2 and 3, which is delimited in particular by the bottom side 32, the cylindrical side wall 36, the upper portion 38, the articulation member 42 and the lever 40. the mixing chamber 46 contains mixing means 34 of the first inflow F1

and second inflow C1 to form, within the cartridge 5, an output stream M2, said "mixed flow", having an outlet temperature Tm.

The bottom side 32 of the cartridge 5 is traversed by a first input 48, visible in Figure 2, and a second input 50, visible in Figure 3, opening both in the chamber 46. The inlet 48 is fluidically connected to the intermediate outlet 12, while the inlet 50 is fluidly connected to the intermediate outlet 18 when the bottom side 32 of the cartridge 5 is in sealing contact with the upper side 22 of the housing 6. the inputs 48 and 50 are placed respectively facing with the outputs 12 and 18. in other words, the first inlet conduit 8 extends the first inlet 48 downwardly, and the second inlet conduit 14 extends the second input 50 down . F1 and C1 flows are thus admitted into the mixing chamber 46 respectively via the inputs 48 and 50.

The lower side 32 is also crossed by an output 52 so-called "main outlet", for the outflow M2, opening out firstly into the mixing chamber 46, and on the other side of the housing 6. The inputs 48 and 50 and the output 52 are distributed around the axis X4, as shown in figures 4 and 5.

In the example illustrated, the mixing means 34 comprise a set of mixing discs 34A, 34B and 34C, which are contained in the mixing chamber 46, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3. The mixture disks 34A , 34B and 34C are in contact surface with each other and extend in planes perpendicular to the main axis X4. The mixing assembly of disks comprises an upper disc 34A, 34B an intermediate disc and a lower disc 34C, the upper 34A and 34B intermediate discs being movable relative to the disc 34C which is fixed relative to the bottom side 32. As n is not detailed in the figures, but known as such, the lower disc 34C includes two input conduits and an outlet conduit therethrough and which are fluidly connected respectively to inputs 48 and 50 and main outlet 52 . the intermediate disc 34B is in sliding contact and sealed with the disc 34C and comprises a blind hearing, not shown, downwardly open on the disc 34C. The blind hearing is thus fluidly connected to one or more ducts passing through the disc 34C, with varying degrees of occlusion based on the position and the orientation of the disc 34B with respect to the disc 34C. Thus, depending on the relative position of the discs 34B and 34C, the respective flow rate of inflow F1 and C1 admitted to the chamber 46 is set. Incoming flows F1 and C1 flowing through the lower disc 34C upwards and in the intermediate disc 34B, in which they mix to form the outgoing flux M2, directed downwardly through the lower disc 34C. The report and the flowrates of incoming flows F1 and C1 is used to adjust both the temperature T and the flow rate of efflux M2. A seal fluid connections between the disks 34B and 34C can be ensured in spite of mobility 34B using a ceramic disc adapted to constitute these discs 34B and 34C in a manner known as such. 34A disc form meanwhile a transmission means between a lower leg 69 of lever 40 and 34B disk, so that the actuation of the lever 40 causes a corresponding movement of 34B disc relative to the wall 36 of the cartridge 5. preferably, the disc 34A is fastened to the disc 34B, but is formed of a material different from that of the disk 34B and adapted to absorb the movements imposed by the lever 40. the disc 34B is thus rotated around a axis X4 parallel to the axis upon rotation of the lever about the axis X4, which adjusts the flow ratio of incoming streams F1 and C1 to regulate the temperature Tm. the disc 34B is driven in translation in a direction perpendicular to the axis X4 when the lever 40 is pivoted about the axis X44, thereby varying the flow rate of the outflow M2.

If preferred implementation of a ceramics disc mixing chamber as described in the foregoing, it is understood that any known mixing means and usually implemented in the mixing valves cartridges may be used in square. In all cases, the mixer and the cartridge 5 faucet may be called "single lever" to the extent that a single lever 40 can control both the flow rate and temperature T m of the outflow M2 by adjusting the incoming flow rates F1 and C1, having a respective temperature Tm and Tc of different value.

The cartridge 5 comprises a sealing ring 43, visible in Figures 1 to 4, provided with a static seal portion 45, and external circular, the sealing ring 43 protruding from the lower side 32 of the cartridge 5 , coaxially with the axis X4. The sealing ring 43 thus forms a skirt which partially surrounds the housing 6, and which comes in the prolongation of the cylindrical wall 36 of the cartridge 5. The seal 45 is thus sealingly engaged with the body 4 of the valve 1, in a complementary cylindrical shape, so that the cartridge 5 and the valve body bottom delimit a lower chamber 53 sealed, wherein the housing 6 is contained, the nozzle 3 of the tap 1 is fluidly connected to said lower chamber.

Efflux M2 formed within the mixing chamber 46 is discharged from the latter via the outlet 52, under the pressure of F1 and C1 flows into, and out of the cartridge 5, into a chamber 60 of the housing 6, called "thermostatic chamber", visible in particular in figures 1 and 6 to 8. the chamber 60 is fluidly connected to the cartridge 5 via an intermediate inlet 62 of the housing 6, which opens on the surface of the upper side 22 of housing 6 and is fluidly connected to the main outlet 52 of the cartridge 5.

To seal the fluid connections between the housing 6 and the cartridge 5, the upper side 22 of the housing 6 is provided with an upper static seal, formed of one piece, seen in FIG 2, 3 and 5 and comprising annular lobes 28, 30 and 31. These annular lobes 28, 30 and 31 respectively surround the intermediate outlets 12 and 18 and the intermediate input 62, to ensure the sealing of the fluid connection respectively with the inputs 48 and 50 and the main outlet 52 of the cartridge 5 . Alternatively, one can provide annular seals instead of separate annular lobes 28, 30 and 31 integrally.

Chamber 60 has a generally cylindrical form, or of revolution, which defines an axis X60, said "closing axis" perpendicular to the axis X4. Alternatively, the X60 axis extends in a plane that is orthogonal to the axis X4 without crossing the axis X4. Alternatively still, the X60 axis is not perpendicular to the axis X4, but simply intersects it. In any event, the X60 axis extends between the inlet duct 8 and the inlet conduit 14.

The input intermediate 62 opens radially into the chamber 60 with respect to the axis X60 between a first closed end 64 of the chamber 60 and a second open end 66 of the chamber 60. At the second open end 66, the chamber 60 ends in a collar 68, said "shutter collar", coaxial with the axis X60. In this example, the collar 68 includes a conical chamfer centered on the axis X60 and open in a direction opposite to the first closed end 64. Chamber 60 and conduit efflux M2 from the main outlet to the end 66 .

The housing 6 contains a thermostatic element 70 of the mixing unit 2, which extends along the axis X60. In the present example, the thermostatic element is formed by an assembly of several separate pieces, some of which are not intended to expand to heat and at least one form thermally expandable body. Along this axis X60, the thermostatic element 70 includes a heat-sensitive portion 72 arranged in a passage section of the outflow M2, this passage section being delimited, in the present example, by the collar 68. Generally, the thermosensitive portion 72 is disposed on the path of the outflow M2, that is to say to the main outlet 52, so as to be in contact with the outflow M2. The thermosensitive portion 72 comprises in particular a cup 74 disposed in the chamber 60 in the passage of the outflow M2. The cup 74 has a shape of revolution about the axis X60 and contains thermo-expandable body, which is for example a suitable wax. The cup 74 being

contact with the outflow M2, the thermo-expandable body expands and contracts depending on the temperature Tm of the outflow M2.

The thermosensitive portion 72 is movable in translation parallel to the axis X60. The thermosensitive portion 72 includes a shoulder 73, adapted to come into contact with the chamfer of the collar 68, around the axis X60, so that the thermosensitive portion 72 is capable of coming close off the neck 68 to interrupt all or part of outflow M2. The heat-sensitive portion 72, with its shoulder 73, thus constitutes a shutter which moves in translation along the axis X60 relative to the sealing collar 68, between a total or partial closure position of the thermostatic chamber 60 and thus the main exit 52, as illustrated in figures 7 and 8, and an open position of the thermostatic chamber 60, and thus the main exit 52, as illustrated in Figure 6. the open position is directed in a rearward direction D1 with respect to the closed position, while the closed position is directed in a forward direction D2, opposite to the rear direction D1, with respect to the open position. The neck 68 thus constitutes a closure collar of the main outlet 52, the sealing collar 68 is configured to be closed by the shutter.

In the closed position, it is preferred that the valve allows the passage of a reduced flow rate of the outflow M2, which constitutes a fraction of the flow allowed M2 outflow when the shutter is in the open position. For this purpose, preferably provides a non-tight contacting of the closure with the neck 68 in the closed position, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. Optionally, a leakage flux M2 notch, not illustrated, is provided axially through the shoulder 73 and / or collar 68 to allow the passage of reduced flow outflow M2 despite the placing in the closed position of the shutter. Alternatively, one may provide that the shutter substantially prohibits the escape of M2 flows through the collar 68 in the closed position, for example by providing the collar 68 or the shoulder 73 of a suitable gasket.

In the position of closure, the heat-sensitive portion 72, that is to say, the shutter comes into abutment against the collar 68 in the forward direction D2, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The collar 68 thus forms a abutment before the mixing unit 2.

In variant not shown, there is provided a shutter separate from the thermosensitive portion 72. Preferably, the shutter is secured, in particular axially, the thermosensitive portion which is movable relative to the neck 68. In any event, the shutter is actuated by the thermostatic element to move between the closed position and the open position of the main exit 52 described above.

The mixing unit 2 includes a main spring 88 for resiliently returning the thermosensitive portion 72, that is to say of the shutter from the closed position to the open position. This main spring 88 is mounted in compression along the axis X60 between the cup 74 and the closed end 64 of the thermostatic chamber 60, so as to exert an elastic return force in the backward direction D1 on the thermosensitive portion 72. Alternatively a spring, any major element of suitable elastic return may be implemented to return the shutter from the closed position to the open position.

The housing 6 comprises an outlet chamber 78 which extends along the axis X60 from the neck 68, so as to extend the thermostatic chamber 60 of the housing 6. The outlet chamber 78 has a general shape of revolution about of the axis X60, for example cylindrical, and is disposed between the inlet duct 8 and the inlet duct 14, perpendicular, or at least obliquely with respect to the latter, so that the housing 6 is particularly compact. In the present example, part of the thermosensitive portion 72 comprising shoulder 73 extends into the outlet chamber 78.

The chamber 78 ends with an axial outlet 80 opposite the collar 68 and between the two input conduits 8 and 14, between the underside 20 and the upper side 22 of the housing 6, as shown in particular in Figure 4. The axial outlet 80 is directed radially with respect to the axis X4. The chamber 78 further comprises a radial outlet 82, which is provided radially relative to the axis X60 through a wall of the chamber 78. In the present example, the radial outlet 82 is formed by two separate apertures, s extending from the neck 68, over only a part of the wall of the chamber 78, which is situated between the neck 68 and the inlet ducts 8 and 14. the radial outlet 82 opens toward the bottom of the unit mixture 2, more precisely on the lower side 20 of the housing 6, as shown in particular in Figure 4. the output stream M2 passing through the neck 68 is thus separated into axial outflow M3 and M4 a radial outflow, represented in particular on figures 1 and 6 to 8.

Alternatively, the radial outlet 82 comprises a single hearing, or a number of apertures greater than two. Alternatively, the chamber 78 comprises a plurality of radial outlets, extending for example along the axis X60. The combined presence of these axial and radial outputs 80 82 serves to limit the impact of the mixing unit 2 on the rate of efflux M1 facilitating the exhaust efflux M2, M3 and M4 from the housing 6.

In any event, the axial outflow M3 and M4 radial outflow is discharged in the lower chamber 53 of the tap 1, in which they are combined to form the outflow M1 escaping from the spout 3.

As shown in Figures 7 to 8, the thermostatic element 70 comprises a second portion formed in this example by a piston 76 extending in the outlet chamber 78. The piston 76 is for example of cylindrical shape circular base. The piston 76 is coaxial with the axis X60 and is mounted mobile in translation with respect to the thermosensitive portion 72 according to the first X60 axis, under the action of the thermo-expandable body contained within the cup 74. Specifically, the piston 76 is slidably mounted within a guide 77 of the thermostatic element 70, the guide 77 coaxial state with the axis X60 and forming an integral axial sleeve portion 72 of the heat.

The mixing unit 2 also comprises a plunger overtravel 84, against which the piston 76 is in axial abutment along the axis X60. More specifically, the overtravel plunger 84 includes an axial surface 85 which forms a rear stop against which the piston is seated in the rearward direction D1.

The overtravel plunger 84 is movable in translation along the axis X60 in the outlet chamber 78. In the present example, the pusher 84 includes overtravel axial external ribs 86, for example four ribs 86. The ribs 86 are in sliding contact with the wall of the outlet chamber 78 to guide in translation the plunger overtravel 84 along the axis X60. The axial external ribs 86 forming between them of circulation of the axial outgoing flow M3 interstices along the overtravel plunger 84, to facilitate the movement of this flow M3 to the axial outlet 80.

The plunger overtravel 84 translate between a normal position, shown in Figures 6 and 7, is an overtravel position, shown in Figure 8. In moving from the normal position into the overtravel position, the pusher 84 moves overtravel away from the collar 68. in other words, the overtravel position is located according to rear direction D1 with respect to the normal position. In the present example, the housing 6 comprises a pin 90, fixed with respect to the outlet chamber 78, and extending, in this example parallel to the axis X4 across the axial outlet 80. The pin 90 passes through an oblong hole 92 formed through the plunger overtravel 84, perpendicular to the axis X60. The pin 90 thus limits the displacement of the pusher 84 in the direction D2 "wherein a rear end 94 of the slot 92 is capable of coming into abutment against the pin 90 and in the direction D1, in which a front end 96 of slot is capable of coming into abutment against the pin 90. in practice, in the normal position, there is a contact between the end 94 of the slot 92 and the pin, when in position of overtravel, there is a clearance between the front end 96 of the slot 92 and the pin 90. Thus, the pin 90 advantageously helps to guide the overtravel plunger 84 in translation along the axis

X60, while blocking its rotation about this axis X60 relative to the outlet chamber 78.

The housing 6 comprises an auxiliary spring 98 which is compressed axially along the axis X60 between the pin 90 and an axial rear surface of the axial external ribs 86. The auxiliary spring 98 exerts an elastic restoring force of the plunger overtravel 84 since the overtravel position to the normal position. It is anticipated that the elastic restoring force of the auxiliary spring 98 is greater than that of the elastic restoring force of the main spring 88. For this, for example, the auxiliary spring of stiffness constant 98 is equal to a value of about two times the value of the spring constant of main spring 88. in the present example, the chamber 78 forms an envelope the spring 98 over its entire length, so that the casing 6 is particularly compact.

Alternatively to an auxiliary spring 98, any suitable auxiliary member can be implemented to apply an elastic return force of the overtravel plunger 84 since the overtravel position to the normal position.

As a result of the structural arrangements described above, the mixing unit 2 has the following operation. Depending on the temperature Tm of the outflow M2, the thermostatic element 70 changes the relative position of the thermosensitive portion 72 and the piston 76 along the closure axis.

The shutter of the mixing unit 2 can adopt a first configuration, called

"Open configuration" or "open position" illustrated in Figures 1 and 6. The open configuration is obtained when the temperature Tm is lower than a predetermined threshold value, for example 46 ° C (degrees Celsius) , the thermostatic element 70 has a length L1 measured along the axis X60, the value is minimal. Below the predetermined threshold value, the thermo-expandable body of the thermosensitive portion 72 is designed to allow the piston 76 to return to the guide 77, preferably entirely, under the biasing forces of the springs 88 and 98. More specifically the main spring 88 maintains the thermostatic element 70 rests against the axial surface 85 of the plunger overtravel 84, through the end of the piston 76 or the guide 77. in this open configuration, the shoulder 73 is in the open position of the sealing collar 68, being located axially away from the latter. The entire flow rate of the outflow M2 is allowed to escape through the neck 68. In this open configuration, the plunger overtravel 84 is held in normal position, in so far as the stiffness of the auxiliary spring 98 is greater than that of the main spring 88.

The mixing unit 2 can adopt a second configuration, called "closed configuration" or "closed position", shown in Figures 7 and 8. This closed configuration is adopted when the temperature Tm exceeds the value of above threshold, the length L1 of the thermostatic element 70 reaches a value greater than that of the configuration of Figure 6. in particular, the heat expandable body has pushed the piston 76 according to the backward direction D1 so as to increase the value of the length L1. The value of the length L1 is increased to match the main spring 88, which is therefore deformed in compression. The shoulder 73 abuts against the sealing collar 68 in the forward direction D2, so that it forms the shutter is in the closed position. In other words, in the configuration of Figure 7, the heat sensitive portion 72 has been moved relative to the neck 68 in the forward direction D2, with respect to the configuration of Figure 6, until it reaches abutment against the collar 68. In closed configuration, the flow rate of efflux M2 through the neck 68 is limited or interrupted by the shutter. Therefore, the shutter configuration provides a safety configuration, in so far as, if the temperature Tm exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the flow rate of the outflow M1 is limited or interrupted to prevent scalding of the user tap tap 1. Thanks to this particular operation, the user is preferably alerted that the mixing means 34 are set to generate an output stream M2 excessive temperature Tm, for the outflow M1 escaping from the spout 3 is very weak or interrupted. In addition, the flow rate of efflux M1 being lowered when the temperature is too high, hot water saving, that is to say, energy savings are realized.

In this closed configuration, when the temperature Tm is close to the predetermined threshold value, the plunger overtravel 84 is maintained in its normal position as illustrated in Figure 7, to the extent that the stiffness of the auxiliary spring 98 is greater than that of the main spring 88. Accordingly, the piston 76 remains substantially stationary relative to the sealing collar 68 between the configuration of Figure 6 and the configuration of FIG 7.

In this closed configuration, when the temperature Tm is farther from the predetermined threshold value, and exceeds for example 50 ° C as shown in Figure 8, the length L1 reaches a sufficient value for the overtravel plunger 84 is displaced by the piston 76 according to the backward direction D1, until overtravel position. In particular, when the thermostatic element 70 is in abutment against the collar 68 via the shoulder 73, any increase in the value of the length L1 in this closed configuration results in movement of the pusher 84 according overtravel the direction D1, to encounter the auxiliary spring 98.

According to a non-illustrated variant of the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, the additional box 6 is fixedly secured to or is integral with the cartridge 5, so that the mixing unit 2 forms a unitary assembly. More specifically, in this embodiment, the upper side 22 of the housing and the bottom side 32 of the cartridge are combined into one piece integrally, which advantageously avoids the implementation of seals with lobes 28, 30 and 31, while facilitating the assembly of the mixing unit 2 within the body 4.

Figures 9 to 12 illustrate a mixing unit 202 according to the second embodiment, which presents characteristics similar to those of the mixing unit 2 of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8. Similar features first and second above-mentioned embodiment are designated by similar plot in the drawing, and / or reference numerals increased by 200 for the mixing unit 202, with respect to the mixing unit 2.

The mixing unit 202 is configured to be incorporated into a valve body similar to that of Figure 1.

The mixing unit 202 of Figures 9 to 12 defines a main axis and comprises X204, X204 along this axis, a cartridge 205, and an additional casing 206, which has a bottom side 220 and comprises a first conduit input 208 with a lower inlet 210 of a first F1 inflow water at a temperature Tf, and a second 14 with inlet duct a lower input 216 of a second C1 incoming stream of water at a temperature Te.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the additional housing 206 is formed integrally with the cartridge 205, so that the mixing unit 2 forms a unitary assembly. More specifically, the upper side of the housing 206 and the lower side of the cartridge 205 are grouped to form a joint part 222 integrally. The workpiece 222 passes through the two inlet conduits 208 and 214, which open both into a mixing chamber 246 of the inner cartridge 205, respectively via a first input, not shown in the figures, and a second input 250, visible in figures 10 to 12.

In the embodiment of Figures 9 to 12, the inflow F1 and C1 are mixed in the mixing chamber 246 with the aid of mixing means 234 of the cartridge 205, which preferably comprises a plurality of disks, not shown in the figures, similar to that described above. The mixing means 234 are adjustable by means of a control lever 240 of the cartridge 205. The mixing of the flow F1 and C1 gives rise to the emission of an outgoing water flow M2, at a temperature Tm excluding

of the chamber 246 of the cartridge 205, through a main outlet 252, formed in the common area 222.

The housing 206 includes a sealing collar 268, which is fluidly connected to the outlet 252 being formed at a lower surface of the part 222. The collar 268 and the outlet 252 are aligned on a shutter parallel to axis X260 'X204 axis and preferably not coincident with the axis X204.

The mixing unit 202 includes a thermostatic element 270, which extends coaxially with the sealing axis X260. The thermostatic element 270 includes a heat-sensitive portion 272 disposed in a passage section of the outgoing flow M2 bounded perpendicularly to the axis X260 by the collar 268. The heat-sensitive portion 272 comprises a cup 274 with a shoulder 273, coaxial with the axis X260. A blocking unit 275, comprising an inner flange 271 is mounted in axial abutment, downwards, against the shoulder 273, through the inner flange 271. This internal collar 271 surrounds the cup 274, so that the blocking unit 275 is bounded radially to the thermosensitive portion 272.

The heat-sensitive portion 272 and the blocking unit 275 form a shutter and are jointly movable along the axis X260 between an open configuration, illustrated in Figure 10 and a closed configuration, illustrated in Figure 1 1 . Configuration closure, the outer edge of the inner flange 271 abuts against the front collar 268, in a forward direction D2 opposite to the direction D1. This outer edge forms a conical chamfer centered on the axis X260, the collar 268 being devoid of chamfer.

The blocking unit 275 also includes an outer collar 279 axially opposite to the inner flange 271. The mixing unit 202 includes a main spring 288 elastic return interposed between the outer flange 279 and the collar 268 to resiliently exert an axial force tending to separate the stopper of the neck 268, so as to resiliently bias the shutter toward the open configuration.

The thermostatic element 270 also includes a piston 276 coaxial with the axis X260 and mounted axially displaceable relative to the part themosensible 272, via a guide 277 under the action of a body thermo- expandable content of the thermostatic element 270.

The mixing unit 202 also includes an overtravel plunger 284 against a rear stop 285 which the piston 276 is in axial abutment along the axis X260, according to a backward direction D1 pointing downwards in Figure 10. The overtravel plunger 284 is movable in translation along the axis X260, between a normal position, shown in figures 10 to 1 1 is an overtravel position, shown in Figure 12.

The mixing unit 202 also includes a yoke 281, which is attached to the cartridge 205 so as to be axially connected to the latter along the axis X260. The yoke 281 comprises in this case two tabs for attachment to the cartridge 205, parallel to the axis X204, including a tab 283 is partially visible in Figure 9. The attachment tabs 283 extend on either side of the thermostatic element 270 and the neck 268. the fastening tabs are interconnected by a bridge 287 of the bracket 281, the bridge 287 having a U-shape to bypass X260 axis and the pusher overtravel 284. the bridge 287 is provided with an internal channel 289, which forms an axial bearing surface of a shoulder 291 of the pusher 284 in the direction D2.

The unit 202 includes an auxiliary spring 298, which is interposed axially along the axis X60 between a flange 286 of the pusher 284 and the bridge 287 of the bracket 281 so as to elastically push the pusher 284 towards the col 268.

Depending on the position of piston 276 relative to the heat-sensitive portion 272, the length of the thermostatic element 270 is varied, so that the shutter moves between its open configuration, visible in Figure 10, and its configuration shutter, visible in Figure 1 1. In these configurations, the pusher 284 is held in its normal position under the action of the auxiliary spring 298. However, in the closed configuration, if the length of the thermostatic element 270 increases further, the pusher 284 passes over travel position to meeting of the auxiliary spring 298, as illustrated in Figure 12. This movement in the direction D1 of the plunger 284 is obtained by resting the shutter against the collar 268 and increasing the length of the thermostatic element 270. in position over-travel, the pusher 284 is removed the neck 268 in the normal position.

The inlet conduits 208 and 214, the common area 222, and a sealing ring 243 of the cartridge 205 define an outlet housing 278, centered on the axis X260, which accommodates the shutter, the springs 288 and 298 and thus the plunger 284. the outlet housing 278 extends part of the sealing collar 268 and forms a cavity which is open to form an axial outlet 280 in the lower part of the unit 202. in this second embodiment, a portion of the auxiliary spring 298 is released from the outlet housing 278, which does not embrace the entire periphery of said spring 298 in contrast to the outlet chamber 78 of the embodiment of figures 1 to 8 . the particular shape of the outlet housing 278 facilitates the flow of the outgoing stream M2. A radial outlet 282 is optionally provided, radially to the closure axis X260, between conduits 208 and 214. The outflow M2 passing through the neck 68 separates into an axial outflow M3, through the axial outlet 280, and a radial outflow M4, through the radial outlet 282.

Alternatively, the cartridge 205 and the housing 206 are assembled with each other as is the case for the mixing unit 2 of Figures 1-8.

In the examples above defined, the thermostat 70 or 270 unit

2 or 202 form, more generally, a thermosensitive actuator, with a first part, formed by the thermosensitive portion 72 or 272, and a second part, formed by the piston 76 or 276. In these examples, the first part and second part are separate parts from one another.

Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment of the mixing unit, the thermosensitive actuator may be formed integrally, being preferably made of a heat expandable material, such as a shape memory alloy. In this alternative case, the first and second part of the thermosensitive actuator are in one piece, the movement of one part relative to the other being the result of a deformation of the thermally sensitive material.

Figure 13 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention corresponding to the alternative case. This is the mixing unit 2 of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, which has replaced the thermostatic element 70 by a temperature sensitive actuator 470 of shape memory alloy associated with a shutter 475 reported. The thermosensitive actuator 470 has a shape of coaxial or parallel helical spring with the axis X60 shutter. The thermosensitive actuator 470 comprises firstly a first portion 472, thermosensitive, disposed at the main outlet 52, instead of the thermosensitive portion 72 defined above, and secondly a second portion 476 also thermally, forming one piece integrally with the first portion 472. the second portion 476 is actuated in translation by the first portion 472 along the closure axis X60 by deformation of the thermosensitive actuator 470 based on the temperature Tm efflux M2. The shutter 475 has a shape similar to that of the cup 74 defined above, and is carried by the first portion 472 of the actuator 470, so as to move between the open configuration and closure of the neck 68. in Figure 13, the shutter 475 is in the open position. The second portion 476 is in axial abutment against the axial surface 85 of the plunger overtravel 84. The latter is advantageously provided with a guide pin 499 protruding from the surface 85 coaxially with the axis X60, on which the actuator thermosensitive 470 is threaded so as to be radially held or retained.

Alternatively a form of coil spring, other embodiments of the thermosensitive actuator 470 are possible, for example bellows, depending on the application.

The mixing unit 202 of Figures 9 to 12 may also include a temperature-sensitive actuator in shape-memory alloy, the actuator then being adapted to replace the thermostatic element 270.

In the above, it implements water flow. However, whatever the embodiment, other fluids can be used instead of water, preferably liquid fluid flow. Generally, entry 48 corresponds to an inlet of a first inflow fluid F1 having a first temperature Tf, while the inlet 50 or 250 corresponds to an arrival of a second inflow fluid C1 having a second temperature Tc which is higher than the first temperature Tf. The fluids of the first inflow F1 and the second inflow C1 are preferably identical and liquids, but may however be of different nature. Water escaping from the spout 3 of the tap 1 thus corresponds to a fluid outflow M1, which is formed by mixing the first and second inflow F1 and C1 within the mixer tap 1.

The characteristics of each embodiment and variant above may be implemented in other embodiments and variations as far as is technically possible.

CLAIMS
1. - mixing unit (2; 202) for a mixer valve (1), the mixing unit comprising:
- a first input (48) of a first incoming stream (F1) of fluid having a first temperature (Tf),

- a second input (50; 250) of a second inflow (C1) of fluid having a second temperature (Tc) higher than the first temperature,

- mixing means (34; 234) of the first incoming stream with the second incoming stream to form an output stream (M2) having a fluid outlet temperature (Tm),

- a main outlet (52; 252) for the outflow, and

- a thermally sensitive actuator (70; 270; 470), comprising:

o a first portion (72; 272; 472) which is heat-sensitive and which is arranged, at least in part, to the main outlet, and

o a second portion (76; 276; 476), actuated in translation by the first part as a closure axis (X60; X260),

characterized in that the mixing unit (2; 202) comprises a shutter (72, 73; 272, 275; 475) which is actuated by the thermally sensitive actuator (70; 270; 470) so as to evolve between a closed position, at least partial, of the main outlet (52; 252) and an open position of the main output, depending on the relative position of the first part (72; 272; 472) and second portion (76; 276; 476) of the thermosensitive actuator along the closure axis (X60; X260).

2. - Mixing unit (2; 202) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

- the mixing unit comprises a rear stop (85; 285), the second portion (76; 276; 476) bearing against the rear stopper in a rearward direction (D1) along the closure axis ( X60) and

- the shutter (72, 73; 272, 275; 475) is integral with the first portion (72;

272; 472), or is formed at least in part by the first part, the first part being movable between the closed position and the open position.

3. The mixing unit (2; 202) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mixing unit comprises:

- a front stop (68; 268), against which the obturator (72, 73; 272, 275; 475) comes into abutment in a forward direction (D2) opposite to the rearward direction (D1), when the shutter arrives in the closed position,

- an overtravel plunger (84; 284) which is movable in translation along the blocking axis (X60; X260) between a normal position and an overtravel position located in the rear direction (D1) with respect to the normal position, the overtravel plunger comprising the backstop (85; 285), and

- an auxiliary element (98; 298) for resiliently returning the pusher overtravel since the overtravel position to the normal position.

4. - mixing unit (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the overtravel plunger (84) comprises axial external ribs (86) for guiding in translation of the overtravel plunger (84) along the axis shutter (X60), the axial external ribs forming between them traffic interstices of outflow (M3) along the overtravel plunger.

5. - mixing unit (2; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing unit comprises a main element (88; 288) of elastic return of the shutter (72, 73; 272, 275; 475) from the closed position to the open position.

6. - mixing unit (2; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:

- mixing means (34; 234) comprises a mixing chamber

(46; 246), in which open the first inlet (48), the second input (50; 250) and main outlet (52; 252), and

- the mixing unit comprises a sealing collar (68; 268) which is fluidly connected to the main exit and that is configured to be closed by the shutter (72, 73; 272, 275) in the position of closure, the first part (72; 272; 472) being disposed in a passage section of the sealing collar.

7.- mixing unit (2; 202) according to claim 6, characterized in that:

- the mixing unit comprises an outlet chamber (78) or an output housing (278) extending along the closure axis (X60; X260) to

from the sealing collar (68; 268) to an axial outlet (80; 280) of the mixing unit, and

- the outlet chamber or the outlet housing comprises at least one radial outlet (82; 282), which is arranged radially with respect to the closure axis (X60; X260), the radial outlet extending preferably from the sealing collar.

8. - mixing unit (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the mixing unit comprises:

- the outlet chamber (78),

- a first inlet conduit (8) which extends the first inlet (48), and

- a second inlet duct (14) which extends the second input (50), the outlet chamber being disposed between the first inlet conduit and the second inlet conduit.

9. - mixing unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing unit comprises:

- a cartridge (5), which includes mixing means (34) and which comprises a lower side (32) through which the first input (48), the second input (50) and through the main exit (52) and

- an additional housing (6), which contains the temperature sensitive actuator (70) and the shutter (72, 73), and which comprises an upper side (22) through which the additional box is placed against the lower side of the cartridge.

10. - mixing unit (2; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermally sensitive actuator is a thermostatic element (70; 270), in that the first part comprises a cup (74) containing a thermally expandable body, and in that the second part (76; 276) is a piston sliding with respect to the first portion (72; 272) according to the seal center line (X60; X260).

January 1. - mixing unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that:

- the heat-sensitive actuator (470) is formed at least partly of shape-memory alloy, so as to be heat expandable according to the closure axis (X60),

- the second part (476) of the thermosensitive actuator is heat sensitive and forms a piece integral with the first portion (472), and

- the translation of the second part relative to the first part is obtained by deformation of the thermosensitive reversible actuator.

12. - mixing unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing unit has a generally cylindrical shape defining a major axis (X4) of the mixing unit, the d-axis shutter (X60) extending either in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis (X4) is parallel to the axis (X4).

13. - Mixing valve (1) comprising a mixing unit (2; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims.