1. A thermostatic assembly (1), comprising: - a casing (10; 10') in which are delimited: - a chamber (11) which defines a central axis (X-5 X) and in which a hot fluid and a cold fluid mix for forming a mixed fluid, - a hot fluid inlet (14; 14') through which the hot fluid enters the chamber from outside the casing, - a cold fluid inlet (15; 15') through which the cold fluid enters the chamber from 10 outside the casing, and - a mixed fluid outlet (16) through which the mixed fluid contained in the chamber exits the casing, - a thermostatic element (30) which includes a thermosensitive body (31), arranged for being in contact with the mixed fluid, and a piston (32) connected to the casing (10; 10'), 15 the thermosensitive body and the piston moving relative to each other along the central axis (X-X) depending on the temperature of the mixed fluid, and - a spool (20) for regulating the temperature of the mixed fluid, the spool being connected to the thermosensitive body (31) of the thermostatic element (30) so as to be moved along the central axis (X-X) inside the chamber (11) so as to close off, in opposite respective 20 proportions, a hot fluid passage (P1) and a cold fluid passage (P2) which are each delimited, along the central axis, between the spool and the casing (10; 10'), the hot fluid passage being fed by the hot fluid coming from the hot fluid inlet (14; 14') while the cold fluid passage is fed with the cold fluid coming from the cold fluid inlet (15; 15'), characterized in that the spool (20) has, in a section transverse to the central axis (X-X), 25 a profile which is non-circular.

2. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile of the spool (20) has a first dimension (d1), as measured along a first geometric axis (Z1) perpendicular to the central axis (X-X), which is greater than a second dimension (d2) of the profile of the spool, as measured along a second geometric axis (Z2) perpendicular 30 to both the central axis and the first geometric axis.

3. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the profile of the spool (20) is oval, in particular elliptical.

4. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the profile of the spool (20) includes two parallel rectilinear edges, the profile being in particular 35 oblong or rectangular with rounded corners. 13

5. The thermostatic assembly according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the casing (10; 10') has a total dimension (D) measured along the second geometric axis (Z2), which is smaller than all the other total dimensions of the casing.

6. The thermostatic assembly according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the hot fluid inlet (14; 14'), the cold fluid inlet (15; 15') and 5 the mixed fluid outlet (16) extend from the chamber (11) in the same geometric plane (π) containing the central axis (X-X) and the first geometric axis (Z1).

7. The thermostatic assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (10; 10') includes a first housing (12) and a second housing 10 (13), which are distinct from each other, the hot fluid passage (P1) being delimited between the spool (20) and the first housing while the cold fluid passage (P2) is delimited between the spool and the second housing, and in that the first housing (12) and the second housing (13) are rigidly joined to each other by means of an added part (50).

8. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the 15 added part (50) is a fork which is arranged transversely to the central axis (X-X).

9. The thermostatic assembly according to any of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the thermostatic assembly (1) further includes a mechanism (40) for controlling the temperature of the mixed fluid, the mechanism being borne by the second housing (13) and connecting the piston (32) of the thermostatic element (30) to the casing (10; 10’) so as to 20 adjust the position of the piston along the central axis (X-X).

10. The thermostatic assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermostatic assembly forms a thermostatic cartridge (1) suitable for being added in a single piece into a tap body. 25 30

The present invention relates to a thermostatic assembly, in particular a thermostatic
cartridge.
To regulate the temperature of a mixture of a hot fluid 5 and a cold fluid, in particular
a mixture of hot and cold water in a sanitary installation, it is known how to use a
thermostatic element and a spool, which are arranged in a hollow outer casing, typically a
cartridge body to be added into a tap body. The thermostatic element comprises a piston,
which is normally fixed with respect to the casing, and a thermosensitive body, with respect
10 to which the piston can be moved in translation along a central axis under the effect of a
thermal expansion of the thermostatic element, the spool being rigidly attached to the
thermosensitive body. The spool is mounted so as to be apt to be movable in translation
inside a chamber of the casing so as to close, in opposite respective proportions, a first
passage, which is axially delimited between the spool and the casing and which is supplied
15 with hot fluid through a hot fluid inlet delimited by the casing, and a second passage, which
is axially delimited between the spool and the casing and which is supplied with cold fluid
through a cold fluid, inlet delimited by the casing. The hot fluid and the cold fluid the spool
lets through the two passages so as to reach the chamber, mix therein and downstream of
the spool, form a mixed fluid which leaves the casing by flowing along the thermosensitive
20 body of the thermostatic element. The thermostatic regulation temperature i.e. the
equilibrium temperature around which the temperature of the mixed fluid is regulated, can
be set by changing the position of the piston with respect to the casing, usually by means
of an ad hoc control mechanism,
An example of such type of cartridge is provided by FR 2 921 709.
25 The movement of the spool inside the chamber, which is controlled by the
thermostatic element, has to be as accurate as possible so that the temperature of the
mixed fluid around a setpoint value, is reached reliably and efficiently. In practice, the spool
is guided in movement by a lateral wall of the chamber, with the radial interposition, between
the lateral wall of the chamber and the lateral edge of the spool, of a peripheral seal that is
30 located between the hot fluid and the cold fluid inlets delimited by the casing. In such
context, the spool is typically provided with a circular profile, so that the lateral edge of the
spool has a cylindrical shape with a circular base, around which the seal runs and which is
girdled in a supplementary manner by the lateral wall of the chamber. The manufacture and
the assembly of the spool, the seal and the chamber are substantially facilitated, while being
35 particularly economical. Given the above, the circular geometry at the spool establishes
perpendicular to the central axis, a given diametrical dimension related to a minimum value
2
for the mixed fluid flow rate, the minimum value being e.g. established by standards or
sought for the end user. However, the given diametrical dimensioning can be challenging
when the environment wherein the thermostatic assembly is to be implanted, is constrained
from a dimensional point of view, e.g. when the surroundings have a smaller dimension
5 than said other two dimensions.
Another example is provided by EP 0 707 720, the particularity of which is that the
hot fluid inlet, the cold fluid inlet and the mixed fluid outlet are integrated into a central body
of the casing, the central body being circular and being arranged inside the spool which
also has a circular profile.
10 The goal of the present invention is to propose a new thermostatic assembly, in
particular a new thermostatic cartridge, which, while providing efficient thermostatic
regulation, is more adaptable to various geometries of the surroundings.
To this end, the subject matter of the invention is a thermostatic assembly as defined
in claim 1.
15 One of the ideas behind the invention is to step away from the traditional circular
designs for the spool. Such traditional circular designs are associated with the technical
bias that the manufacture of the spool and the mounting thereof in guided translation inside
the casing, is simpler and more efficient. The invention goes against such prejudice by
making the profile (in other words the outer contour) non-circular, the spool presenting said
20 profile in a section transverse to the axis along which the spool is moved in translation so
as to thermostatically regulate the mixture between the hot and cold fluid. It should be clearly
understood that the invention does not relate to dimensional tolerances that known spools
with a circular profile can have along the outer periphery thereof, but that the invention
provides, for the profile of the spool, a predetermined geometry which is intentionally non25
circular, where the non-circular geometry can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. In
other words, the spool according to the invention can be described as a shaped spool. Thus,
the profile of the spool can e.g. be oval or can include one or a plurality of rectilinear edges,
corresponding examples being given in detail and specified thereafter. In all cases, the noncircular
geometry for the spool profile allows the thermostatic assembly according to the
30 invention to save space, by being apt to adapt to surroundings having a constrained
geometry compared to surroundings having dimensions that are sufficient for receiving a
thermostatic assembly the spool of which would be circular. Thus, e.g. when the
surroundings have a smaller dimension than said other two dimensions, the spool of the
thermostatic assembly according to the invention can advantageously be provided with a
35 profile which is longer than is wider, such as an oblong or elliptical profile, and the width of
which extends along the direction of the smallest dimension of the surroundings. In all
3
cases, the performance of the thermostatic assembly according to the invention is similar
to the performance of a known thermostatic assembly with a circular spool as long as the
perimeter of the spool with a non-circular profile provided by the invention is identical to the
perimeter of the circular spool, thus making it possible, between the thermostatic assembly
according to the invention and the known thermostatic assembly, to 5 have a similar fluid flow
cross-section and hence to let through a similar mixed fluid flow rate.
Advantageous additional features of the thermostatic assembly according to the
invention are specified in the other claims.
The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given
10 only as an example and making reference to the drawings, wherein:
- [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view, with partial section, of a first embodiment of
a thermostatic assembly according to the invention, produced in the form of a thermostatic
cartridge;
- [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the cartridge shown in Figure 1;
15 - [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a section along the line III-III shown in Figure 2;
- [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is an plan view of the cartridge shown in Figure 1, according to the
arrow IV shown in Figure 2;
- [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of a spool of the cartridge shown in Figure 1, along
the same direction of observation as Figure 4;
20 - [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2, illustrating a second embodiment of
a thermostatic assembly according to the invention, which is produced in the form of a
thermostatic cartridge; and
- [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a section along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 6.
Figures 1 to 4 show a thermostatic cartridge 1 arranged around and along a central
25 axis X-X. The thermostatic cartridge 1 is suitable for equipping a mixer tap to be supplied
with hot water and cold water, not shown as such in the figures, or, more generally, for
equipping an installation supplied with a hot fluid and a cold fluid to be mixed.
The thermostatic cartridge 1 includes, as the main external component, a hollow
casing 10. The casing 10 is intended for being mounted leak-tight in a body of the
30 aforementioned mixing valve.
The casing 10 internally delimits a chamber 11 that is cylindrical and centered on
the axis X-X. The hot and the cold water to be regulated by the thermostatic cartridge 1 are
designed to mix inside the chamber 11, producing mixed water therein.
For convenience, the remainder of the description is oriented with respect to the axis
35 X-X, in the sense that the terms "upper" and "top" correspond to an axial orientation oriented
4
toward the upper part of Figures 2 and 3, while the terms "lower" and "bottom" correspond
to an axial direction along the opposite direction.
In the example of embodiment considered in the figures, and as can be clearly seen
in Figures 1 to 3, the casing 10 includes two distinct housings, namely a lower housing 12
and an upper housing 13, which are rigidly attached to one another. 5 The chamber 11 is
delimited jointly by the lower housing 12 and the upper housing 13, being formed by an
internal volume of the lower housing 12 inside which the upper housing 13 is arranged leaktight
without the latter occupying the whole aforementioned internal volume. The
embodiment of the casing 10, herein associating the lower housing 12 and the upper
10 housing 13, is not limiting, and it should be noted that advantageous features of such
embodiment of the casing 10 will be detailed hereafter, in connection with certain technical
aspects of the rest of the thermostatic cartridge 1.
Whatever the embodiment thereof, the casing 10 has a hot water inlet 14, a cold
water inlet 15 and a mixed water outlet 16, each of which connects - in a manner distinct
15 from one another - the outside of the casing 10 to the chamber 11 . The opening of the hot
water inlet 14 into the chamber 11 and the opening of the cold water inlet 15 into the
chamber 11 are offset axially from one another, being separated from one another by a
lateral wall 17 of the chamber 11, centered on the axis X-X. The embodiment of the hot
water inlet 14, the cold water inlet 15 and the mixed water outlet 16 is not limiting as long
20 as the hot water inlet 14 forms an entrance through which the hot water enters the chamber
11 from outside the casing 10, that the cold water inlet 15 forms an entrance through which
the cold water enters the chamber 11 from outside the casing 10, and that the mixed water
outlet 16 forms an exit through which the mixed water contained in the chamber 11 leaves
the casing 10.
25 In the example of embodiment considered in the figures, and as more particularly
visible in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the hot water inlet 14 and the cold water inlet 15 extend from
the chamber 11 radially to the axis X-X, occupying respective portions of the casing 10,
about the axis X-X, which are diametrically opposed to each other. As for the mixed water
outlet 16, same extends from the chamber 11 parallel to the central axis X-X, being even
30 substantially centered on the central axis, before being extended by two opposite elbows
which each extend radially to the central axis X-X, being diametrically opposed to each
other. Furthermore, the lower housing 12 delimits both the hot water inlet 14, the cold water
inlet 15 and the mixed water outlet 16 and includes the side wall 17 of the chamber 11.
The thermostatic cartridge 1 further includes a spool 20, which can be seen in
35 Figures 1 to 3 and which is shown alone in Figure 5. The spool 20 is mounted inside the
5
chamber 11 so as to be apt to move along the central axis X-X between two extreme
positions, namely:
- an extreme bottom position, wherein a seat 20A of the spool 20, which is located
at a lower axial end of the spool, bears axially against a seat 10A of the casing 10, which is
located along the central axis X-X, substantially at the outlet of the 5 hot water inlet 14 inside
the chamber 11, and
- an extreme top position, wherein a seat 20B of the spool 20, which is located at an
upper axial end of the spool 20, bears against a seat 10B of the casing 10, which is located,
along the central axis X-X, substantially at the outlet of the cold water inlet 15 inside the
10 chamber 11.
In the example of embodiment considered in the figures, the seat 10A of the casing
10 is formed by the lower housing 12, more precisely by a shoulder of the latter, while the
seat 10B of the casing is formed by the upper housing 13, more precisely by a lower end
edge of the latter. As for the seats 20A and 20B of the spool 20, same are formed by lower
15 and upper end edges respectively, of the spool 20.
In all cases, the axial dimension of the spool 20 separating the opposite seats 20A
and 20B thereof from each other, is less than the axial distance separating the seats 10A
and 10B of the casing 10 from each other. Thus, the seat 20A of the spool 20 and the seat
10A of the casing 10 delimit between them, along the axis X-X, a hot water passage P1
20 through which the hot water inlet 14 opens into the chamber 11. Similarly, the seat 20B of
the spool 20 and the seat 10B of the casing 10 between them define, along the axis X-X, a
cold water passage P2 through which the cold water inlet 15 opens into the chamber 11.
It will be understood that, when the spool 20 is in the extreme bottom position
thereof, the spool closes the hot water passage P1 and thus completely closes, except for
25 leaks, the hot water inlet inside the chamber 11, while opening as much as possible the
cold water inlet in the chamber via the open cold water passage P2. Conversely, when the
spool 20 is in the extreme top position thereof, the spool closes the cold water passage P2
and thus completely closes, except for leaks, the cold water inlet inside the chamber 11,
while opening as much as possible the hot water inlet in the chamber via the hot water
30 passage P1. Of course, depending on the position of the spool 20 along the central axis XX
between the extreme top and bottom positions, the respective closures of the hot water
passage P1 and the cold water passage P2 vary inversely, which amounts to saying that
the quantities of hot water and cold water admitted inside the chamber 11 are regulated, in
respective inverse proportions, by the spool 20 depending on the axial position thereof. In
35 Figures 1 to 3, the spool 20 occupies an intermediate position between the extreme top and
bottom positions.
6
According to an advantageous arrangement, which is implemented in the example
of embodiment considered herein, the hot water passage P1 and the cold water passage
P2 each run about the axis X-X, where appropriate over 360°. For this purpose, the seats
10A, 10B, 20A and 20B each run all about the axis X-X. In this way, the hot water and the
cold water distribution is improved in the hot water P1 5 and cold water P2 passages about
the central axis X-X.
The spool 20 is mounted inside the chamber 11 by making the hot water inlet 14
and the cold water inlet 15, leak-tight from each other outside the spool. To this end, in the
embodiment considered herein, the spool 20 is provided with a peripheral seal 21 which
10 runs all around the outer lateral face of the spool and which is pressed radially against the
lateral wall 17 of the chamber 11 at the central axis X-X, so as to produce leak-tightness
with respect to hot water and cold water between the hot water 14 and the cold water 15
inlets. Moreover, for the cold water admitted into the chamber 11 via the cold water inlet 15
to be able to join and mix with the hot water admitted into the chamber via the hot water
15 inlet 14, so as to form the mixed water flowing downstream of the spool 20 as far as the
mixed water outlet 16, the spool 20 has flow ports 22, which are visible in Figure 5 and
which connect the opposite axial faces of the spool to each other. It should be noted that
the fittings of the spool 20, such as the seal 21, making the hot water 14 and cold water 15
inlets leak-tight to each other outside the spool, and the fittings of the spool, such as the
20 outlet ports 22, letting the flow of cold water past the spool so as to join the hot water, are
not limiting.
To drive the spool 20 in translation along the central axis X-X, the cartridge 1
includes a thermostatic element 30 that includes a thermosensitive body 31 and a piston 32
which, in the assembled state of the components of the cartridge, are substantially centered
25 on the central axis X-X. The thermostatic element 30 is designed so that the thermosensitive
body 31 thereof and the piston 32 thereof, move with respect to each other along the central
axis X-X, such relative movement being controlled by a temperature variation applied to the
thermosensitive body 31. To this end, the thermosensitive body 31 contains e.g. a thermally
expandable material which, during the expansion thereof, triggers the deployment of piston
30 32 with respect to the thermosensitive body 31 and which, during the contraction thereof,
allows the piston to be retracted with respect to the thermosensitive body. Other forms of
thermal actuation are conceivable for the thermostatic element 30. In all cases, so that the
relative axial movement between the thermosensitive body 31 and the piston 32 is
controlled by the temperature of the mixed water contained in the chamber 11, the
35 thermosensitive body 31 is fitted so as to be in contact with the mixed water, being at least
partially arranged in the chamber 11 and/or in the mixed water outlet 16.
7
The thermosensitive body 31 is rigidly connected to the spool 20, e.g. by screwing,
it being underlined that the embodiment of the rigid attachment between the spool 20 and
the thermosensitive body 31 is not limiting and, above all, that the rigid attachment extends
as a kinematic connection from one to the other for the purpose of moving the spool for
closing, in respective inverse proportions, the passages of hot 5 water P1 and cold water P2.
The piston 32 is connected to the casing 10 by a mechanism, referenced 40 and detailed
below.
Assuming that the mechanism 40 holds the position of the piston 32 fixed along the
central axis X-X with respect to the casing 10, the temperature of the mixed water at the
10 outlet of the cartridge 1 is regulated thermostatically by the spool 20 and the thermostatic
element 30. Indeed, under such an assumption, the temperature of the mixed water results
directly from the respective quantities of hot water and of cold water admitted into the
chamber 11 via the hot water passage P1 and the cold water passage P2 respectively,
which are closed off by the spool 20 to a greater or lesser extent, as explained above. If the
15 supply of hot and/or cold water to the cartridge is disturbed and, e.g., the temperature of
the mixed water increases, the piston 32 extends axially with respect to the thermosensitive
body 31, which makes the thermosensitive body 31 and thus the spool 20 to move
downwards: the proportion of hot water circulating through the hot water passage P1
decreases while, conversely, the proportion of cold water circulating through the cold water
20 passage P2 increases, resulting in a decrease in the temperature of the mixed water. A
reverse reaction occurs when the temperature of the mixed water decreases, and it should
be noted that a compression spring 33 is provided for returning the thermostatic body 31
and the piston 32 toward each other when the piston retracts, e.g. during a contraction of
the thermally expandable material contained in the thermosensitive body 31. In the example
25 of embodiment considered in the figures, the return spring 33 is interposed axially between
the casing 10 and the spool 20. The temperature corrections of the mixed water result in a
regulated equilibrium of the temperature of the mixed water, at a thermostatically regulated
temperature that depends on the position, as imposed by the mechanism 40, of the piston
32 along the central axis X-X.
30 The mechanism 40 can be used for adjusting the value of the thermostatically
regulated temperature and thus for controlling the temperature of the mixed water, by acting
on the axial position of the piston 32. In the example of embodiment considered herein, the
mechanism 40 is borne by the upper housing 13 and includes a stop 41 against which the
upper end of the piston 32 bears axially and which is mounted so as to slide along the
35 central axis X-X inside a nut 42, with axial interposition between the stop 41 and the nut 42
of an overtravel spring 43. The axial position of the nut 42 inside the casing 10 and,
8
consequently, the height of the stop 41, can be modified by an adjusting screw 44, which is
centered on the central axis X-X, the upper end of which emerging from the upper housing
13 so as to be connected in rotation with a maneuvering handle, not shown in the figures.
At the lower end thereof, the adjusting screw 44 is screwed into the nut 42, the latter being
connected in rotation about the central axis X-X to the upper 5 housing 13, typically by means
of splines. Thus, when the screw 44 is rotated on itself about the central axis X-X, the nut
42 is translated along the central axis, which triggers the corresponding driving of the stop
41 by means of the overtravel spring 43, being emphasized that the overtravel spring 43 is
substantially stiffer than the return spring 33.
10 The structure and the operation of the adjustment mechanism 40 will not be
described further herein since it is understood that the reader can refer to FR 2 869 087 for
such purpose. It will be recalled that the embodiment of the mechanism 40 does not limit
the invention: other embodiments are known in the [prior] art, e.g. from FR 2 921 709, FR
2 774 740 and FR 2 870 611. Moreover, as a variant (not shown), if the value of the
15 temperature at which the spool 20 regulates the mixture of hot water and cold water is not
regulated, the mechanism 40 can be eliminated from the thermostatic cartridge 1, the piston
32 then being rigidly connected to the casing 10.
We will now return to a more detailed description of the spool 20, referring more
specifically to Figures 2, 3 and 5.
20 As can be seen clearly in Figure 5, the spool 20 has a profile, i.e. an external contour,
which is non-circular in a section transverse to the central axis X-X, in other words in a
projection in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
More precisely, in the example of embodiment considered in the figures, the profile
of the spool 20 is elliptical, being centered on the central axis X-X and defining, a major axis
25 which extends perpendicularly to the central axis X-X and which will be referred to
hereinafter as the "first geometric axis”, being referenced by Z1, and a minor axis, which
extends perpendicularly both to the central axis X-X and to the first geometric axis Z1 and
which will be referred to hereinafter as the "second geometric axis”, being referenced by
Z2. Thus, the profile of the spool 20 is more extended along the first geometric axis Z1 than
30 along the second geometric axis Z2. In other words, as noted in Figure 5, the profile of the
spool 20 has a dimension d1 measured along the first geometric axis Z1 and a dimension
d2 measured along the second geometric axis Z2, the dimension d1 being greater than the
dimension d2.
Of course, the chamber 11 is suitable for the non-circular profile of the spool 20 in
35 the sense that, in a section transverse to the central axis X-X, the chamber 11 has, at the
axial level of the spool 20, a non-circular section that matches the profile of the spool. Thus,
9
as can be seen clearly in Figures 1 to 3, the chamber 11, more precisely the lateral wall 17
of the latter, is cylindrical with an elliptical base, which is centered on the central axis X-X,
the major axis of which extends along the first geometric axis Z1 and the minor axis of which
extends along the geometric axis Z2. The same applies to the seal 21.
It should be noted that the elliptical shape illustrated in the 5 figures is only an example
of a non-circular geometry for the profile of the spool 20 and, consequently, for the matching
section of the chamber 11. Thus, more generally, the profile of the spool 20 is different from
a circle, in the sense that the profile of the spool 20 differs from the profile of known spools,
which is typically substantially circular, i.e. circular within manufacturing tolerances.
10 The non-circularity of the profile of the spool 20 allows the thermostatic cartridge 1
to adapt to various geometries of the surroundings. Thus, it will be understood that when
e.g. the surroundings of the thermostatic cartridge 1 limits the possibility for the latter to
occupy a given portion of the space about the central axis X-X, the profile of the spool 20 is
then advantageously designed truncated in said portion. Consequently, the precise
15 geometry of the profile of the spool 20 is not limiting for the invention as long as the geometry
is non-circular as indicated above. Thus, the profile of the spool 20 can advantageously be
either asymmetrical or symmetrical. Examples of asymmetric profiles include a truncated
circular profile, a multilobed profile, etc. Examples of symmetrical profiles include an oval
profile, a profile including one or a plurality of pairs with parallel opposite rectilinear edges,
20 such as a rectangular or square profile with rounded corners, etc. In all cases, it should be
noted that, compared to a circular profile of known spools, the non-circular profile of the
spool 20 does not limit the flow rate of the mixed water coming from the thermostatic
cartridge 1, in the sense that, compared to a spool with a given circular profile and hence a
corresponding perimeter, the non-circular profile of the spool 20 is advantageously
25 dimensioned so as to have the same perimeter value and thus the same flow cross-section
values for the hot water P1 and the cold water P2 passages.
According to a preferred arrangement, the profile of the spool 20 has a geometric
shape that is more extended along the first geometric axis Z1 than along the second
geometric axis Z2. Such arrangement is implemented in the example of embodiment
30 considered in the figures, as detailed above in relation to the dimensions d1 and d2 of the
elliptical shape. In variants (not shown), such arrangement is implemented with other
geometries for the profile of the spool 20, in particular an oval geometry or a geometry
including two parallel rectilinear edges, such as an oblong geometry or a rectangular
geometry with rounded corners. In all cases, such arrangement advantageously allows the
35 thermostatic cartridge 1 to be apt to be implanted in an environment with reduced width, i.e.
an environment with a dimension smaller than the other two dimensions thereof. Indeed, as
10
in the example of embodiment considered in the figures, the casing 10 can then be provided
"flattened" along the second geometric axis Z2, in the sense that the casing 10 then has a
total dimension, measured along the second geometric axis Z2 and named D in Figures 3
and 4, which is smaller than all the other total dimensions of the casing. Moreover, in order
to leave free the flanks of the casing 10 through which the 5 second geometric axis Z2 passes,
it is then advantageously provided that the hot water inlet 14, the cold water inlet 15 and
the mixed water outlet 16 extend from the chamber 11 in the same geometric plane
containing the central axis X-X and the first geometric axis Z1, the geometric plane being
named π in Figure 1 and corresponding to the sectional plane of Figure 2.
10 In all cases, it should be noted that the non-circular geometry of the profile of the
spool 20 can, as in the embodiment considered in the figures, induce a non-circular
geometry for the casing 10, in particular at the connection interface between the lower
housing 12 and the upper housing 13 of the casing. The fixed connection between the
housings 12 and 13 is then impossible by means of screwing, but is advantageously
15 achieved by an added part. In the example of embodiment considered in the figures, the
added part is referenced 50 and consists of a fork that is fitted transversely to the central
axis X-X. The embodiment of the added part 50 is not limiting.
Finally, various arrangements and variants of the thermostatic cartridge 1 described
up to now are further conceivable. Examples include:
20 - rather than the hot water inlet 14 and the cold water inlet 15 extending from the
chamber 11 radially to the central axis X-X and emerging, opposite the chamber, laterally
to the casing 10, the hot water and cold water inlets can be provided as in Figures 6 and 7
which illustrate a variant wherein the casing, the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of
the thermostatic cartridge are referenced 10', 14' and 15', respectively. The hot water inlets
25 14′ and cold water inlets 15′ extend from the chamber 11 parallel to the axis X-X and
emerge, opposite the chamber, on the side of the casing 10′ opposite the side of the
mechanism 40. The variant of Figures 6 and 7 illustrates the fact that the arrangement of
the hot water and the cold water inlets within the casing of the thermostatic cartridge is not
limiting for the invention, while noting that the casing 10′ herein has the same advantages
30 as the advantages described above for the casing 10 related to the total dimension D and
the geometric plane π; and/or
- rather than the casing 10 or 10', the spool 20 and the thermostatic element 30,
and, where appropriate, the mechanism 40, are assembled together in the form of a
thermostatic cartridge suitable for being added in a single piece in a tap body, such as the
35 thermostatic cartridge 1 envisaged hitherto, the spool 20 and the thermostatic element 30,
11
and in addition to, where appropriate, the mechanism 40, able to be installed directly in a
tap body, the latter then forming a casing functionally similar to the casing 10 or 10'.

I/We Claim:
1. A thermostatic assembly (1), comprising:
- a casing (10; 10') in which are delimited:
- a chamber (11) which defines a central axis (X-5 X) and in which a hot fluid and a
cold fluid mix for forming a mixed fluid,
- a hot fluid inlet (14; 14') through which the hot fluid enters the chamber from
outside the casing,
- a cold fluid inlet (15; 15') through which the cold fluid enters the chamber from
10 outside the casing, and
- a mixed fluid outlet (16) through which the mixed fluid contained in the chamber
exits the casing,
- a thermostatic element (30) which includes a thermosensitive body (31), arranged for
being in contact with the mixed fluid, and a piston (32) connected to the casing (10; 10'),
15 the thermosensitive body and the piston moving relative to each other along the central
axis (X-X) depending on the temperature of the mixed fluid, and
- a spool (20) for regulating the temperature of the mixed fluid, the spool being connected
to the thermosensitive body (31) of the thermostatic element (30) so as to be moved along
the central axis (X-X) inside the chamber (11) so as to close off, in opposite respective
20 proportions, a hot fluid passage (P1) and a cold fluid passage (P2) which are each
delimited, along the central axis, between the spool and the casing (10; 10'), the hot fluid
passage being fed by the hot fluid coming from the hot fluid inlet (14; 14') while the cold
fluid passage is fed with the cold fluid coming from the cold fluid inlet (15; 15'),
characterized in that the spool (20) has, in a section transverse to the central axis (X-X),
25 a profile which is non-circular.
2. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the
profile of the spool (20) has a first dimension (d1), as measured along a first geometric axis
(Z1) perpendicular to the central axis (X-X), which is greater than a second dimension (d2)
of the profile of the spool, as measured along a second geometric axis (Z2) perpendicular
30 to both the central axis and the first geometric axis.
3. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the
profile of the spool (20) is oval, in particular elliptical.
4. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the
profile of the spool (20) includes two parallel rectilinear edges, the profile being in particular
35 oblong or rectangular with rounded corners.
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5. The thermostatic assembly according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized
in that the casing (10; 10') has a total dimension (D) measured along the second geometric
axis (Z2), which is smaller than all the other total dimensions of the casing.
6. The thermostatic assembly according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized
in that the hot fluid inlet (14; 14'), the cold fluid inlet (15; 15') and 5 the mixed fluid outlet (16)
extend from the chamber (11) in the same geometric plane (π) containing the central axis
(X-X) and the first geometric axis (Z1).
7. The thermostatic assembly according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the casing (10; 10') includes a first housing (12) and a second housing
10 (13), which are distinct from each other, the hot fluid passage (P1) being delimited between
the spool (20) and the first housing while the cold fluid passage (P2) is delimited between
the spool and the second housing, and in that the first housing (12) and the second housing
(13) are rigidly joined to each other by means of an added part (50).
8. The thermostatic assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the
15 added part (50) is a fork which is arranged transversely to the central axis (X-X).
9. The thermostatic assembly according to any of claims 7 or 8, characterized
in that the thermostatic assembly (1) further includes a mechanism (40) for controlling the
temperature of the mixed fluid, the mechanism being borne by the second housing (13) and
connecting the piston (32) of the thermostatic element (30) to the casing (10; 10’) so as to
20 adjust the position of the piston along the central axis (X-X).
10. The thermostatic assembly according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the thermostatic assembly forms a thermostatic cartridge (1) suitable
for being added in a single piece into a tap body.
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