Single control mixer valve structure for taps and fittings

Abstract

A single control mixer valve structure for taps and fittings comprising a fixed disk provided with an outlet port and two ports, respectively, one for the hot water and the other for the cold water that come from two inlet openings, formed in a base, mounted in which is the fixed disk on which a mobile disk mounted in a mobile-disk holder is able to slide; the mobile-disk holder and the mobile disk define a mixing opening, which is adapted to connect the inlet openings with an outlet opening, formed in the base, in a position corresponding to the outlet hole on the fixed disk, from which the mixed water flows out; sliding of the mobile disk on the fixed disk causes partial opening or complete closing of one or both of the ports of the fixed disk, thus adjusting the amount of hot water and cold water that passes from the inlet openings to the outlet opening for the mixed water; the mixer valve structure is characterised in that the mobile-disk holder has, on the side facing the fixed disk, a body that is closed or is provided with one or more cavities and is configured so as to reduce the useful area of passage of the mixing opening.

Claims

1. A single control mixer valve structure for taps and fittings comprising a fixed disk (2) provided with an outlet port (3) and two ports, respectively, one for the hot water and the other for the cold water that come from two inlet openings, formed in a base (4) in which said fixed disk (2) is mounted; a mobile disk (5) mounted in a mobile-disk holder (1) being slidable on said fixed disk (2); said mobile-disk holder (1) and said mobile disk (5) defining a mixing opening (8), which is adapted to connect said inlet openings with an outlet opening (7), formed in said base (4), in a position corresponding to said outlet hole (3) on said fixed disk (2), from which the mixed water flows out; sliding of said mobile disk (5) on said fixed disk (2) causing partial opening or complete closing of one or both of said ports of the fixed disk (2), thus adjusting the amount of hot and cold water that passes from the inlet openings to the outlet opening (7) for the mixed water; said mixer valve structure being characterised in that said mobile-disk holder (1) has, on the side facing said fixed disk (2), a body (10) that is provided with a plurality of cavities (11); said body (10) being configured so as to extend into said mixing opening (8) of said mobile disk (5) to reduce the useful area of passage of said mixing opening (8); said cavities (11) being defined by separation walls (12, 13) of said body (10), said separation walls extending into said mixing opening (8) of said mobile disk (5), said body (10) comprising three cavities (11), including a central cavity of said three cavities (11) being defined by a central separation wall (13) arranged completely perimetrically around said central cavity, and two peripheral cavities of said three cavities (11) being defined by peripheral separation walls (12) arranged respectively completely perimetrically around said two peripheral cavities, said peripheral separation walls (12) each having a height greater than a height of said central separation wall (13).

2. The single control mixer valve structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said mobile-disk holder (1) and said mobile disk (5) are driven by a control rod (6).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from an examination of the description of a preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment of the present invention, illustrated by way of indicative and non-limiting example in the attached drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view from beneath of a mobile-disk holder according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the mobile-disk holder;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top part of the mobile-disk holder of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the mobile-disk holder;

(6) FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a mixer valve structure according to the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a section view of the mixer valve structure according to the present invention; and

(8) FIGS. 7 and 8 show a mobile-disk holder of a conventional mixer valve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(9) With particular reference to the reference numbers appearing in the aforesaid figures, the single control mixer valve structure, in particular for taps and fittings, according to the present invention, designated as a whole by the reference number 100, comprises a fixed disk 2 provided with an outlet port 3 and two ports, respectively, one for the hot water and the other for the cold water that come from two inlet openings, which are formed in a base 4, in which the fixed disk 2 is mounted.

(10) A mobile disk 5, mounted in a mobile-disk holder 1, is slidable on the fixed disk 2.

(11) The mobile-disk holder 1 and the mobile disk 5 define a mixing opening 8, which is adapted to connect the inlet openings with an outlet opening 7, formed in the base 4, in a position corresponding to the outlet hole 3 on the fixed disk 2, from which the mixed water comes out.

(12) The mobile-disk holder 1 and the mobile disk 5 are driven by a control rod 6, in a way in itself known.

(13) Sliding of the mobile disk 5 on the fixed disk 2 causes partial opening or complete closing of one or both of the ports of the fixed disk 2, thus adjusting the amount of hot and cold water that passes from the inlet openings to the outlet opening 7 for the mixed water.

(14) According to the present invention, the mobile-disk holder 1 has, on the side facing the fixed disk 2, a body 10 that is closed or is provided with one or more cavities 11, defined by separation walls and projections 12, 13 having variable height.

(15) Illustrated in the figures is an embodiment in which the body 10 has three cavities 11 defined by separation walls 12 having a height different from that of the perimetral and central separation wall 13 of the body 10.

(16) The body 10 is configured so as to reduce the useful area of passage of the mixing opening 8.

(17) The reduction of the useful area of passage of the mixing opening 8 may be varied in the design stage according to the requirements by modifying the dimensions of the body 8, the number and dimensions of the cavities 11, and the heights of the separation walls 12 and 13.

(18) From FIG. 6 it is evident how the body 10 obstructs what, in a conventional mixer valve structure, is a very large cavity.

(19) FIGS. 7 and 8 show a mobile-disk holder of a conventional type which, not being provided with the interference body according to the present invention, enables free circulation of a large amount of water.

(20) It may in practice be noted how the present invention achieves the intended aim and objects.

(21) A novel mixer valve structure is in fact provided, which is characterised by the presence of a mobile-disk holder suitably modified so as to limit delivery of water by the tap in a durable way.

(22) The novel structure according to the present invention provides important advantages at the production, functional, and management levels, thanks to the fact that just one component is modified with respect to a conventional structure.

(23) The new component enables limitation of delivery of water by the tap, in a variable way according to the appropriate sizing.

(24) A further advantage of the present invention is represented by the fact that the limiter device cannot be removed and, in any case, maintains perfect interchangeability of the cartridge.

(25) Moreover, the present invention affords considerable reduction in the production costs of the taps because it enables manufacturers to use standard accessories, for example aerators, and production processes that are simpler and standardized for the different markets.

(26) Of course, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any, according to the requirements.