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.

FR-B-2 876 433 patent discloses a ceramic disc cartridge for a mixer valve, comprising moreover thermostatic means including a shutter of a passage of hot water upstream of the discs, and a thermostatic element including the when a heat-sensitive portion disposed on the path of the mixed flow, and a mobile part in translation with respect to the thermosensitive portion, linked in translation to the shutter. Thermostatic means thus make it possible, when the mixed flow temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value, to close the hot water passage, by movement of the shutter under the action of the thermosensitive portion. The mixed flow temperature is thus automatically limited by the thermostatic means.

Nevertheless, it can happen that in case of accidental overpressure in the passage of hot water, for example caused by a water hammer, that is to say a pressure shock, thermostatic means are ejected from housing, which can cause leakage of hot water directly into the mixed flow, downstream of the discs, the hot water directly through the housing of the thermostatic means and partially left vacant. This leakage is detrimental from an economic point of view and dangerous because of users burn risks.

FR-A1 2,424,459 discloses a mixer tap with a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, ceramic mixing means and a mixed water outlet chamber, which extends in the heat-sensitive part a thermostatic element. In this known mixer tap, it can also happen that in case of accidental overpressure in the hot water inlet, the thermostat is ejected toward the exit, thus causing a leak of hot water exit.

Accordingly, the object of the invention is to propose a new mixing unit, for a mixer tap, which is safer and more reliable.

The invention relates to a mixing unit according to claim 1.

Thanks to the invention, the clearance space of the thermostatic element from its housing is limited by the stop. Thus, in case of ejection of the thermosensitive element under the effect of an accidental excess pressure in the second input, which may occur especially in case of water hammer while the shutter is closed, the thermosensitive element cooperates with the abutment so that the sealing of the housing remains guaranteed, avoiding that opens into the housing a passage that allow the second inflow from leaking to the output.

Further advantageous features of the invention are defined in claims 2 to 9.

The invention also relates to a mixer tap according to claim 10.

The invention will be better understood from reading the description which follows, given solely as non-limiting and non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings:

- Figures 1 and 2 are longitudinal sections of a mixing valve comprising a mixing unit according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the underside of the mixing unit of Figures 1 and 2, on which II and II-II lines correspond to respective section lines of Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal section in the same plane as that of Figure 1, of a mixing unit according to a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 wherein the thermostatic means of the mixing unit have been omitted;

- Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of a mixing unit according to a third embodiment; and

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment detail of the unit of mixture of Figure 6.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a mixing valve 1 into which is inserted a mixing unit 2. The mixer tap 1 is preferably designed to be installed on a sink or shower tray type, or more generally in a sanitary installation. The mixing valve 1 comprises, typically, a 3 to spout from which a mixed flow of water shown by the arrow M1 is to be transmitted. The valve 1 also comprises a body 4 which forms a hollow cylinder defining a main axis X4, which is intended to be disposed vertically when the valve is mounted on the plumbing.

For convenience, the following description is oriented relative to the main axis X4, considering that the terms "upper" and "top" correspond to an axial direction directed towards the upper part of Figure 1, while the terms "lower" and "bottom" correspond to an axial direction in opposite directions.

The mouthpiece 3 form a curved duct which extends from the body 4 obliquely relative to the main axis X4, upwardly, the curvature of the spout 3 to guide the mixed water flow M1 to the bottom. The mixed water flows and progresses obliquely upwardly within the spout of the arrow M2 until the free end of the latter.

The mixer tap 1 also comprises a cold water inlet 5, which is visible in Figure 2, and a hot water inlet 6 which is visible in Figure 1, which are connected to the body 4 at a lower end of the last. The cold water inlet 5 and the hot water inlet 6 are provided for connection to conventional water supply means of the sanitary installation, which are not detailed in this description. Cold water progresses upwardly in the inlet 5, along arrow F1, at a temperature Tf. Hot water progresses in turn upwardly in the inlet 6, according to arrow C1, to a temperature Te. C1 and F1 flows are mixed within the mixer tap 1 to form the M1 flow, a temperature T M between T and Te, and debit supplemented C1 and F1 flows.

The mixing unit 2 is housed within the body 4, by being inserted therein by means of an upper opening 9 of the body 4 along the main axis X4. In this mixing unit 2 that is done mixing and C1 F1 inflows to form the outflow M1.

The mixing unit 2 has a coaxial generally cylindrical shape with the main axis X4. The mixing unit 2 comprises firstly a cartridge 1 1, which contains means 13 for mixing of the first inflow F1 and the second inflow C1 to form the output stream M1, and secondly an additional housing 15 which is mounted to bear upwardly against a bottom wall 45 of the cartridge 1 1 along the main axis X4, so that the cartridge 1 1 is located in the upper part of the body 4, over the additional housing 15 which is located in the lower part of the body 4.

The additional casing 15 has a lower face 24 through which it is itself bears downwards against a supporting wall 23 of the body 4. The latter is substantially discoid and extends radially relative to main axis X4. Arrivals 5 and 6 of the inflow F1 and C1 through the support wall 23 for feeding the additional housing 15 by the bottom face 24. In practice, arrivals 5 and 6 are respectively connected in a leakproof manner, to a first input 19 of the first incoming stream 1, and to a second input 21 of the second inflow opening C1 on the surface of the lower face 24.

As shown in Figure 2, the first incoming stream progresses along arrow F1 to the first inlet 19 and continues its travel through the additional housing 15 from bottom to top according to arrow F2 in a conduit 25 through the housing additional 15 extending parallel to the main axis X4 from the first input 19. the through duct 25 guides the first incoming stream F2 to a mixing chamber 27 of the cartridge 1 1. The mixing chamber 27 up to the mixing means 13. Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 1, the second inflow enters the additional housing 15 through the second inlet 21, and circulates from bottom to top according the arrow C2 through the additional housing 15 in a conduit baffle 32 which s' extends generally upwardly from the second inlet 21. In this case the baffle duct 32 comprises a first portion 31 substantially parallel to the main axis X4 and extending from the second inlet 21. The conduit baffle 32 then comprises a closable portion 29, by a shutter 87 which is described in more detail below, the closable portion 29 extending the first portion 31. Finally, the baffle duct 32 comprises a third portion 35 substantially parallel to the main axis X4 conducting the second inflow C2 until the cartridge 1 1 and extending closable portion 29. The closable portion 29 extends orthogonally to the first portion 31 and third portion 35 so that the baffle duct 32 form an "S".

The mixing chamber 27 includes an inlet 39 for the first flow F1, a second inlet 41 for the second flow C1, and an output 43 for outgoing flow M1. The inputs 39, 41 and the outlet 43 open surface of the bottom wall 45 of the cartridge 1 1. In this case, the bottom wall 45 has a generally discoid shape centered on the main axis X4, the inputs 39 and 41 and the outlet 43 being distributed around the main axis X4.

In the example illustrated, the mixing means 13 comprise a set of mixing discs 13A, 13B and 13C, which are contained in the mixing chamber 27. The mixing discs 13A, 13B and 13C are in contact with each surface other and extend in planes orthogonal to the main axis X4. The mixing assembly of discs comprises a upper disc 13A, 13B an intermediate disc and a lower disc 13C, 13A and 13B the upper intermediate discs being movable relative to the disc 13C which is fixed, 13B intermediate disc being in sliding contact and sealed with the disc 13C. 13B and 13C lower intermediate disks comprise a system of channels and apertures, not shown, which is connected to the inputs 39 and 41 and to the output 43 and, depending on the relative position of the discs 13B and 13C, sets the respective rate of incoming flows F2 and C2 admitted within the disk array by the 39 and 41 inputs. As represented by arrows F3 and C3, incoming flow circulating in the channel system and gills and first pass through the bottom disk 13C, and then in the intermediate disc 13B where they are contacted to be mixed and forming the outflow M3. Efflux M3 is at temperature T then in the intermediate disc 13B where they are brought into contact for mixing and forming the outflow M3. Efflux M3 is at temperature T then in the intermediate disc 13B where they are brought into contact for mixing and forming the outflow M3. Efflux M3 is at temperature TM , the ratio of flow rates of the incoming streams F3 and C3 for adjusting the temperature T MAnd the value of the incoming stream flows F3 and C3 for adjusting the flow rate of the outflow M1. Inflows F3 and C3 then circulate again through the bottom disk 13C from top to bottom. In practice, the passage section of the incoming streams F3 and C3 varies according to the relative position of the discs 13B and 13C, by establishing communication channels and the aforementioned openings. The ceramic discs and duct system are not described in detail because they are well known mixing means as such, and described for example in FR-B1 2876 433. It is also understood that if the is preferred to the implementation of a ceramics disc mixing chamber, any known mixing means and usually implemented in the mixing valves cartridges may be used instead.

Efflux M3 formed by mixing in the mixing chamber 27 is then discharged out of the latter, and out of the cartridge 1 1 into an outlet chamber 37 of the additional housing 15, leading the outflow M3 high at the bottom to an outlet 47 formed through the support wall 23.

As is particularly visible in Figure 3 only illustrating the additional casing 15 and the bottom wall 45 of the cartridge 1 1 as seen from below, the outlet chamber 37, the conduit passing through 25 connected to the first inlet 19 and the conduit closable 29 connected to the second input 21 are distributed around the main axis X4. Similarly, arrivals 5, 6 and the outlet 47, are distributed around the main axis X4.

main axis X4, which closes the body 4 at the lower end thereof. The lower chamber 50 is thus bounded by the sealing ring 71, the body 4, the bottom 49 and the supporting wall 23. The outgoing flow M3 is passed into the lower chamber 50 according to the arrow M4, then to spout 3 through an access opening 51 formed in the wall of the body 4 radially to the main axis X4, communicating the lower chamber 50 with the spout 3.

The mixing unit 2 further comprises a lever 7 which is mounted at the top of the cartridge 1 1, so as to protrude from the body 4 through the upper opening 9, for allowing a user to actuate the lever 7. the actuation of the lever 7 is used to control the mixing means 13, and in particular to move 13A and 13B through upper disc rotating about an axis parallel to the main axis X4, or around axis X4 itself, and in translation along an axis X13 which is orthogonal to the main axis X4. In general, the lever 7 forms a control member for actuating at least one of the disks 13A, 13B and 13C, and thereby control the respective flow rate of the first inflow F1 and the second inflow C1. Thus, the controller 7 adjusts both the temperature and flow rate of the outflow M1 by adjusting the relative position of disks in the set of discs 13A, 13B and 13C. The mixer tap 1 and the cartridge 1 1 may as well be called "single lever" to the extent that the lever 7 is used to control both the flow and temperature of the outflow M1 regulate flows F1 inflows and C1. In practice, the lever 7 is: The mixer tap 1 and the cartridge 1 1 may as well be called "single lever" to the extent that the lever 7 is used to control both the flow and temperature of the outflow M1 regulate flows F1 inflows and C1. In practice, the lever 7 is: The mixer tap 1 and the cartridge 1 1 may as well be called "single lever" to the extent that the lever 7 is used to control both the flow and temperature of the outflow M1 regulate flows F1 inflows and C1. In practice, the lever 7 is:

- to pivot about the main axis X4, which causes a rotation of the upper disc 13A and 13B around the same axis, for adjusting the ratio between the flow of the first and second incoming streams F1 and C1 and thus the temperature of the efflux M1, and

- pivotable about a second axis X7 which is orthogonal to the main axis X4 in order to relocate the upper disc 13A and 13B along the axis X13 and vary equally the flow of the first and second flow, to adjust the flow rate of efflux.

The lever 7 is linked to the set of discs 13A, 13B and 13C, that is to say, to the mixing means 13 by a operating mechanism that is not described in more detail, in so far as it is well known as such.

In practice, the cartridge 1 1 comprises a cover 53 which forms its outer surface and which is of a substantially cylindrical shape with circular base about the main axis X4. The cover 53 contains mixing means 13 and the base of the lever 7, and forms an upper neck 55 of substantially cylindrical shape centered on the main axis X4, and within which is rotatably mounted around the main axis X4, a rotary support 57 of the lever 7. the lever 7 passes through the rotary support 57 and is mounted thereon via a pivot pin 59 of the lever 7 relative to the rotating support 57 about the axis X7. In this example, the set of disks 13A, 13B and 13C is mounted between the rotary support 57 and the bottom wall 45 of the cartridge 1 1

Furthermore, the cover 53 comprises, at the base of the upper collar 55, a crown

63, through which a nut 65 centered around the principal axis X4 plate the mixing unit 2 against the support wall 23. In practice, the nut 65 has an external thread 67 which is screwed into an internal thread 69 of the upper opening 9 of the body 4, the threads 67 and 69 being centered on the main axis X4.

The mixing unit 2 also comprises thermostatic means, particularly visible in Figure 1. These include firstly a thermostatic element 73, extending along a first axis X73 included in the map of Figure 1, and extending substantially perpendicularly to the main axis X4. In particular, closable portion 29 of the baffle duct 32 extends substantially coaxially with the first axis X73. Along this first axis X73, the thermostatic element 73 includes

a thermosensitive portion 75 mounted in a housing 79 of the accessory housing 15. The housing 79 is a coaxial conduit with the first axis X73, and which is arranged in the additional housing 15 so as to connect the outlet chamber 37 and the baffle conduit 32. in practice, the housing 79 and communicates the output 47 with the second inlet 21.

The thermosensitive portion 75 forms a fixed part of the thermostatic element 73 and comprises in particular along the first axis X73, a cup 81 that protrudes from the housing 79 and extending in the passage of the outgoing flow at the M3 exit 47. the cup 81 has a generally cylindrical shape with circular base centered on the first axis X73, and contains a thermally expandable body which is for example a suitable wax. The cup 81 is in contact with the outflow M3, the thermo-expandable body expands and contracts according to the temperature T M of the outgoing flow M3.

A collar 86 is provided around the guide 83, against which collar 86 the seal 85 bears axially, the collar 86 being arranged on the side of the cup 81 to retain the seal 85 in axial translation in the direction of the cup 81. The thermostatic element 73 is thus housed in the housing 79 so as to seal sealing the communication between the outlet 47 and the second inlet 21.

The thermostatic element 73 also comprises a movable portion 77 which forms a cylindrical piston coaxial with the first axis X73. The movable portion 77 is mounted within the guide 83, so as to translate with respect to the thermosensitive portion 75 away from the thermosensitive portion 75, towards the baffle duct 32 according to the first axis X73 in the action of the thermo-expandable body contained in the cup 81.

A shutter 87 belonging to the aforementioned thermostatic means is provided in the closable portion 29, and is adapted to be moved in translation along the first axis X73 by the moving part 77. The shutter 87 is arranged with respect to the part mobile 77 so that the latter can drive the shutter 87

to a position closing the second inlet 21. In this case, the movable portion 77 is in contact with the shutter 87 so as to urge the latter away from the thermosensitive portion 75 in a direction D1 parallel to the axis X73, under the action of heat expandable body contained in the cup 81.

The shutter 87 is in practice mounted in compression between the free end of the movable part 77 and a return spring 89. The latter is itself mounted in compression between the closure 87 and an internal shoulder of the closable portion 29 the conduit 32. A baffle collar 88 centered on the first axis X73 is interposed between the return spring 89 and the internal shoulder. The return spring 89 is a compression spring, designed to bias the shutter 87 in a D2 direction opposite to D1, to an opening position of the duct in baffle 32 and thus the second input 21.

The shutter 87 closes and the closable portion 29, and thus the second input 21, as a degree of variable shutter according to the expansion of the thermally expandable body and therefore of the temperature T M for varying the flow rate of the second inflow C2 accordingly. When the temperature T M reaches a predetermined threshold, for example 50 ° C, the C2 stream is completely or at least partially interrupted by closure of the second inlet 21.

The second inflow C1 is admitted into the mixer tap 1 with a pressure enabling its circulation in the pipes in accordance with the arrows C1, C2 and C3 as defined herein above, so that the thermostatic element 73 is itself subject to this pressure, which tends to push the thermosensitive element 75 out of the housing in the direction D2. The thermosensitive portion 75 is mounted to bear without play against a stop 91 provided in the peripheral wall 93 of the sealing ring 71 of the cartridge 1 1. The stop 91 is designed to retain the heat-sensitive portion 75 in translation along the first axis X73 in the direction D2 parallel to the axis X73 and opposite to the obturator 87, in particular opposite to the pressure of the second inflow. In other words, the space beat of the thermostatic element 73 out of the slot 79 is limited by the stop 91. As shown in Figure 1, the stop 91 is designed to retain the cup 81 in particular. The stop 91 extends over only a portion of the peripheral wall 93, and has a substantially planar geometry, or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75. thermostatic element 73 out of the slot 79 is limited by the stop 91. As shown in Figure 1, the stop 91 is designed to retain the cup 81 in particular. The stop 91 extends over only a portion of the peripheral wall 93, and has a substantially planar geometry, or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75. thermostatic element 73 out of the slot 79 is limited by the stop 91. As shown in Figure 1, the stop 91 is designed to retain the cup 81 in particular. The stop 91 extends over only a portion of the peripheral wall 93, and has a substantially planar geometry, or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75. the stop 91 is designed to retain the cup 81 in particular. The stop 91 extends over only a portion of the peripheral wall 93, and has a substantially planar geometry, or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75. the stop 91 is designed to retain the cup 81 in particular. The stop 91 extends over only a portion of the peripheral wall 93, and has a substantially planar geometry, or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75. or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75. or at least corresponding to the shape of the cup 81. The stop 91 is oriented in a substantially orthogonal plane of extension of the first axis X73 and is crossed by the axis to be in axial alignment with the housing 79 and closable portion 29 of the baffle conduit 32. Thus, any pressure shock does not cause rupture of the seal housing 79, in so far as the stop 91 securely holds the heat sensitive portion 75.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a mixing unit 102 according to a second embodiment and has similar characteristics with the mixing unit 2 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore the following description focuses on the differences between the first and second embodiment. In particular, the common reference numerals to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 4 and 5 refer to the same features and objects as described above for the first embodiment.

In particular, the mixing unit 102 comprises a cartridge 1 1, an additional housing 1 15, a first input for a first incoming stream, a second inlet 21 for a second inflow C2, a baffle duct 32, means mixture to form an outgoing flow M3, an outlet with an outlet chamber 37, a housing 179 and an abutment 191. The mixing unit 102 also comprises thermostatic means comprising firstly a thermostatic element 173 includes both a heat-sensitive portion 175 and a movable part 77, and secondly an obturator 87.

Figures 4 and 5 only show the bottom wall 45 and the additional housing 1 15 of the mixing unit 102, unrepresented characteristics and attached to the cartridge 1 1 and the mixing valve 1 being similar to those described before. In Figure 4, the shutter 89 is shown in the closed position, so that the second fluid stream C2 is actually not allowed in the additional housing 1 15. The arrow C2, however, is shown as if the shutter 89 was open.

In this second embodiment, the thermosensitive portion is linked in translation along the first axis X73 by means of a bracket 95 in the shape of "U". The yoke 95 comprises in this case two legs 96 are substantially parallel therebetween and perpendicular to the first axis X73, and comprises a connecting portion 98 of the legs 96 therebetween. Of support slots 99 of the yoke 95 are formed in the wall of the housing 179, so that the bracket 95 is integral with the latter. In addition, the caliper 95 is arranged in abutment against a restriction diameter 97 of the guide 183 of the heat-sensitive portion 175 so as to oppose the translation of the latter mechanically in the direction D2 relative to the housing 179. in this case the

The cup 81 of the heat-sensitive portion 175 is placed at a distance of game, the stop 191, and is thus not supported against the latter. The distance d set is measured parallel to the first axis X73. Thus, if the pressure of the second inflow were to ruin, or even destroy, the yoke 95 or the notches 99, the clamp 95 would no longer provide its function of maintaining the thermostatic element 173 within the housing 179, the heat-sensitive portion 175 is displaced in the direction D2 by a distance corresponding to the distance of game ,, as a result of which the heat-sensitive portion 175 arrive into abutment against the stop 191. In other words, the space beat the thermostatic element 173 out of the slot 179 is limited by the stop 191. The distance game, is short enough so that this movement of the thermosensitive portion 175 does not open a passage which allow the second inflow C2 from leaking to the outlet chamber 37. In particular, the housing wall 179 and the seal 85 are in contact in an annular manner on a distance, measured parallel to the first axis X73, which is greater than the distance dj play. Thus, the gasket 85 is of sufficient thickness to ensure tightness even when the thermosensitive portion 75 is abutted against the stop 191. seal 85 are in contact in an annular manner on a distance, measured parallel to the first axis X73, which is greater than the distance dj play. Thus, the gasket 85 is of sufficient thickness to ensure tightness even when the thermosensitive portion 75 is abutted against the stop 191. seal 85 are in contact in an annular manner on a distance, measured parallel to the first axis X73, which is greater than the distance dj play. Thus, the gasket 85 is of sufficient thickness to ensure tightness even when the thermosensitive portion 75 is abutted against the stop 191.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a mixing unit 202 according to a third embodiment which has similar characteristics with the mixing units 2 and 102 of the embodiments described above and illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The following description is centered on the differences between the first and second embodiment. In particular, the common reference numerals to Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 6 and 7 refer to the same features and objects as described above for the first and second embodiments.

In particular, the mixing unit 202 comprises a cartridge 1 1, an additional box 215, a first inlet 19 for a first incoming stream, a second inlet 21 for a second inflow C2, a baffle duct, the mixing means to form an outgoing flow M3, an outlet with an outlet chamber 37, a housing and an abutment 191. The mixing unit 202 also comprises thermostatic means comprising firstly a thermostatic element 273 includes both a heat-sensitive portion disposed to a set distance from the stop 191, and a movable part 77, and secondly a shutter.

The mixing unit 202 is devoid of caliper "U", but comprises a bracket 295 called "quarter turn" which provides a similar function for holding the thermostatic element 273 in translation relative to the housing 215 along the first axis X73. In this case, the bracket 273 is shown in a blocking orientation about the first axis X73, wherein it bears in the direction D2, via branches 297 of the two pins 296. The arms 297 each protrude radially

relative to a main gear 298 of the yoke 295, which surrounds a shoulder 300 of the cup 281. The shoulder 300 is in this case supported on the main gear 298 in a plane orthogonal to the first axis X73. The arms 297 each extend along a portion of the circumference of the main gear 298 and are inserted in the lugs 296. For quarter turn of the yoke 295 about the first axis X73, the legs 297 are released of the lugs 296, thereby allowing translation of the yoke 295 and the thermostatic element 273 along the first axis X73. End to be able to operate this rotation using a tool not shown, the bracket 295 is provided with notches 299 for receipt of said tool.

In the above examples, it implements water flow. However, other fluids can be used instead of water, preferably liquid fluid flow. Generally, the arrival of 5 corresponds to an arrival of a first inflow fluid F1 having a first temperature Tf, while the arrival 6 corresponds to an arrival of a second inflow fluid C1 having a second temperature Te 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. The water escaping from the nozzle 3 thus corresponds to a fluid outflow M1,

The embodiments and variations defined above can be combined to create new embodiments.

CLAIMS

1 .- mixing unit (2; 102; 202) for a mixer valve (1), which comprises:

- a first input (19) of a first incoming stream (F1, F2, F3) of fluid having a first temperature (Tf),

a second input (21) of a second inflow (C1, C2, C3) of fluid having a second temperature (Tc) higher than the first temperature,

- mixing means (13) first and second incoming stream to form an output stream (M1, M2, M3, M4),

- an outlet (47) for the outflow,

- thermostatic means comprising:

o a thermostatic element (73; 173; 273) including both a thermosensitive portion (75; 175) disposed at least partially in the outlet and a movable portion (77) in translation with respect to the thermosensitive portion along a first axis (X73),

o a shutter (87) of the second input linked to the movable part (77) in translation along the first axis, and

- a housing (79; 179) which connects the outlet with the second inlet along the first axis, and wherein the thermostatic element is mounted so as to seal sealing the communication between the outlet and the second inlet,

the mixing unit (2; 102; 202) being characterized in that the outlet (47) comprises a stop (91; 191) adapted to retain the thermosensitive portion (75) in translation along the first axis (X73), in a direction (D2) parallel to the first axis (X73) and opposite to the shutter, the abutment (91; 191) limiting the free space of the thermostatic element (73; 173; 273) outside the housing (79; 179) to thereby prevent rupture of the seal housing (79; 179).

2.- mixing unit (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermosensitive portion (75) is mounted to bear without clearance against the stop (91).

3. The mixing unit (102; 202) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fastening element (95; 295) through which the heat-sensitive part (175) is integral with the housing (179 ), the thermosensitive portion being

placed at a set distance (d,) of the stop (191), and being provided with a seal (85) peripheral to ensure sealing of the closure housing (79) by the thermosensitive portion, the seal (85) being in contact in an annular manner with the housing wall for a distance (d c ), measured parallel to the first axis (X73) which is greater than the set distance (d,).

4. - mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (47) is delimited by a peripheral wall having a portion, forming the stop (91) is substantially planar and oriented substantially orthogonally to the first axis (X73).

5. - mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the obturator (87) is arranged with respect to the movable part (77) so that the latter can push the shutter in a second direction (D1) opposed to the direction (D2) to a second input of the closed position (21), the mixing unit further comprising a return spring (89 ) adapted to bias the shutter in the direction (D2), to an opening position of the second input.

6.- mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermosensitive portion (75) comprises, along the first axis (X73):

- a cup (81) through which the stop (91, 191) is adapted to retain the thermosensitive portion (75), the cup extending into the passage of the outflow (M1, M2, M3, M4) at the output (47) and containing a thermally expandable body,

- a guide (83) of the movable part (77), which extends into the housing to (79) from the cup (81) and is provided with a seal (85) peripheral to ensure sealing of the closure housing (79) by the thermosensitive portion, even when the thermosensitive portion is retained by the stop (91, 191).

7.- mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a generally cylindrical shape defining a major axis (X4) orthogonal to the first axis (X73), the mixing unit comprising a lower face (24) on the surface of which the first input (19) and the second input (21) open, the second input being extended by a baffle conduit (32) comprising a closable part (29) by the shutter (87), the closable part (29) extending substantially coaxially with the first axis, and which connects the second input (21) to the mixing means (13), the stop (91, 191) being through which the first axis.

8. - mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises on the one hand a cartridge (1 1) containing the mixing means (13), and secondly an additional housing (15; 1 15; 215) which is mounted to bear against the cartridge and which includes the thermostatic means.

9. - mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control member (7), the mixing means (13) including a mixing chamber ( 27) containing a set of discs (13A, 13B, 13C) mixture, which are made of ceramic, and at least one is actuated by the control member, for controlling the respective flow rate of the first inflow (F1, F2, F3) and second inflow (C1, C2, C3) and adjust both the temperature and flow rate of the outflow (M1, M2, M3, M4) by acting on the control member.

10. - Mixing valve (1) which is equipped with a mixing unit (2; 102; 202) according to any preceding claim.