WO2008017578A1

WO2008017578A1 - Perfected unit for dispensing mixed water

Info

Publication number: WO2008017578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/057504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Natalino Malasorti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-09
Filing date: 2007-07-20
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 2009-02-09
Also published as: EP2049740A1; EP2049740B1; ES2524022T3; ITVI20060251A1

Abstract

The invention is a unit (1; 100) for dispensing mixed water, comprising a mixer unit (2; 102) provided with a manoeuvring handle (3) at the disposal of the user and having a first inlet way (4) for hot water, a second inlet way (5) for cold water, and an outlet way (6; 60) for the mixed water to convey to a dispenser (7; 70). The dispensing unit (1; 100) also comprises a manifold unit (8; 108) provided with a plurality of mouths (12), separate from the mixer unit (2; 102) and interposed between a water supply network (9) and the mixer unit (2; 102) to which it is connected mechanically through adjustable positioning and fixing means (10) and hydraulically through tubular units (11; 110) that connect each inlet way (4; 5) of the mixer unit (2; 102) to a corresponding mouth (12) of the manifold unit (8; 108).

Description

"PERFECTED UNIT FOR DISPENSING MIXED WATER".

DESCRIPTION

The invention concerns a perfected unit for dispensing mixed water, particularly suited to be used in sanitary water dispensing systems. It is known that the units for dispensing mixed water substantially comprise a mixer provided with ways for the inlet of hot and cold water coming from the water mains, with an outlet for the outflow of the mixed water connected to a dispenser and with one or more pins, each one of which is connected to a manoeuvring handle that allows the user to control the dispensed water flow. When dispensing units are to be built into walls, first of all a compartment with suitable dimensions is created into the wall and then the mixer is fitted into it.

The ways of the mixer are then connected to the ends of the pipes of the hot and cold water distribution network and to the end of the dispenser supply pipe. If this is positioned at a certain distance from the mixer, like for example in the case of a shower mixer, this is connected to the mixer via a rigid or flexible pipe, depending on the case.

After carrying out the above mentioned connections, the compartment created in the wall is sealed with mortar, taking care that the pin or pins for application of the handle or handles project/s from the wall.

At this point the work can be terminated by applying plaster or another type of covering.

Once the installation has been completed, therefore, the ends of the pin or pins with the corresponding handles project from the wall. All the known dispensing systems available on the market require the operations described above to be carried out, even if they differ from one another as to execution and appearance.

They therefore pose the drawback that to replace the dispensing unit it is necessary to demolish the wall in the point where the mixer has been installed, disconnect the ends of the pipes from the ways of the mixer to be replaced, fit the new mixer in the compartment created in the wall, connect its ways to the ends of the pipes and finally close the compartment again with mortar and complete the work.

It is clear that this forces the user to bear costs that are often high, considering the time required for carrying out these operations and the high costs of the specialized technicians who work in this sector.

Furthermore, the user also has to suffer the nuisance deriving from the execution of demolition work inside his/her house/flat.

These operations are so complex and expensive that they are carried out only in case of failure and when the replacement of the mixer is absolutely necessary.

In the attempt to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, the holder of this patent application has registered in his own name a patent concerning a unit for dispensing mixed water in which the mixer is associated with a support flange from which the manoeuvring handle projects and which is arranged so as to close a box-shaped body.

This houses the mixer and the ends for connection to the pipes and in turn is housed in a compartment created in the wall.

This embodiment avoids the need to carry out demolition work when the mixer must be replaced, but still poses some acknowledged drawbacks.

In fact, in case of replacement of the mixer it is always necessary to disconnect and reconnect the ends and these operations must be carried out by specialized technicians.

Furthermore, the support flange that closes the box-shaped body is constructed in such a way as to be able to house a specific type of mixer that, therefore, cannot be replaced with any other type of mixer chosen by the user, even if produced by the same manufacturer.

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks listed above.

In particular, it is a first object of the invention to construct a unit for dispensing mixed water in which the mixer can be removed and replaced with no need for intervention on the building work.

It is a further object of the invention to allow for replacement of the mixer with no need for tools for disconnecting and reconnecting the pipe ends.

The objects described above have been achieved through the construction of a unit for dispensing mixed water according to the contents of the main claim, to which the reader should refer for the sake of brevity.

Other details of the dispensing unit are described in the dependent claims.

To advantage, since the dispensing unit that is the subject of the invention allows for replacement of the mixer with no need for demolition work, it makes it possible to reduce maintenance times and costs. Still to advantage, the simplicity and low cost of this operation facilitate the user if he/she wishes to replace the mixer even only for aesthetical reasons. The objects and advantages described above will be highlighted in greater detail in the description of preferred embodiments of the invention that are supplied as indicative, non-limiting examples with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic axonomethc view of the dispensing unit that is the subject of the invention;

- Figure 1 a shows an application of the dispensing unit schematically shown in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 1 b shows an exploded axonometric view of the unit of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 2 shows a schematic axonometric view of a construction variant of the dispensing unit that is the subject of the invention;

- Figure 2a shows an application of the construction variant of the dispensing unit schematically shown in Figure 2;

- Figure 2b shows an exploded axonometric view of the unit of Figure 2;

- Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the dispensing unit of the invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 4 shows an exploded view of Figure 3; - Figures 5 and 6 show two different views of a detail of the dispensing unit of the invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

- Figures 7 and 8 show two different views of a detail of the dispensing unit of the invention according to the construction variant shown in Figure 2;

- Figure 9 shows an axonometric view of the dispensing unit schematically shown in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 10 shows an axonometric view of the construction variant of the dispensing unit schematically shown in Figure 2;

- Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the dispensing unit of Figure 9;

- Figure 12 shows an exploded view of the construction variant of the dispensing unit of Figure 10;

- Figures 13 and 14 show two different assembly positions of the dispensing unit that is the subject of the invention, with reference to the construction variant shown in Figure 10.

The dispensing unit for mixed water that is the subject of the invention is represented in a schematic axonometric view in Figure 1 and in an exploded axonometric view in Figure 1 b, where it is indicated as a whole by 1. It can be observed that it comprises a mixer unit 2 provided with a pair of manoeuvring handles 3 at the disposal of the user, in which there are a first inlet way 4 for hot water, a second inlet way 5 for cold water and an outlet way 6 for the mixed water to be conveyed towards a dispenser 7.

For the sake of clarity, the casing 2a that covers the handles 3 has been partially removed from the mixer.

Each handle 3 manoeuvres a tap 4a, 5a to modulate the flows that converge in the outlet way 6 through the inlet ways 4, 5. According to the invention, the dispensing unit 1 also comprises a manifold unit 8 provided with a plurality of mouths 12, separate from the mixer unit 2 and interposed between a water supply network 9 and the mixer unit 2, to which it is connected mechanically through adjustable positioning and fixing means 10 and hydraulically through tubular units 11 that connect at least each one of the inlet ways 4, 5 of the mixer unit 2 to a corresponding mouth 12 of the manifold unit 8.

According to the embodiment to which the construction configurations of Figures 1 and 1 b and the system configuration of Figure 1 a refer, Figures from 3 to 8 show that the dispenser 7 is directly connected to the outlet way 6 of the mixer unit 2, while the manifold unit 8 comprises a prismatic body 8a in which the mouths 12 comprise:

- a first inlet mouth 13 connected to a hot water supply pipe 9a of the water supply network 9;

- a first channel 14 that places the first inlet mouth 13 in communication with a first outlet mouth 15;

- a second inlet mouth 16 connected to a cold water supply pipe 9b of the water supply network 9;

- a second channel 17 that places the second inlet mouth 16 in communication with a second outlet mouth 18. The connection between the manifold unit 8 and the mixer 2 takes place through the above mentioned tubular units 11 that comprise:

- a first tubular unit 19 that connects the first outlet mouth 15 of the manifold unit 8 to the first inlet way 4 of the mixer unit 2;

- a second tubular unit 20 that connects the second outlet mouth 18 of the manifold unit 8 to the second inlet way 5 of the mixer unit 2. The dispensing unit 1 just described is suited to be used for applications of the type represented in Figure 1 a where, for example, there is a bathtub V or a basin (not represented).

The paths of the hot, cold and mixed water are represented in Figure 1 by the arrows C, F and M, respectively.

From the system point of view, the dispensing unit 1 shown in Figure 1 a is visible in the cross sections of Figures 3 and 4, in which it can be observed that the manifold unit 8 is inserted in a compartment A created in the wall B where it is stable owing to the connection to the cold and hot water pipes 9b and 9a respectively, which make up the water distribution network 9, and due to the fact that it is fixed with mortar.

The mixer unit 2, instead, is arranged against the wall B, being connected to the manifold unit 8 hydraulically through the above mentioned tubular units 11 and mechanically through the adjustable positioning and fixing means 10. In particular, the mixer unit 2 is of the type known per se and can be provided with two manoeuvring handles 3 as shown in the drawings or with a single manoeuvring handle.

As regards the tubular units 19 and 20, indicated as a whole by 11 , it can be observed, in particular in Figure 1 b, that: - the first tubular unit 19 comprises a first tubular element 19a associated through first union means 21 with the first outlet mouth 15 of the manifold 8 and a first tubular body 19b associated through first union means 22 with the first inlet way 4 of the mixer 2;

- the second tubular unit 20 comprises a second tubular element 20a associated through second union elements 23 with the second outlet mouth 18 of the manifold 8 and a second tubular body 20b associated through second union means 24 to the second inlet way 5 of the mixer 2.

Each tubular element 19a, 20a is telescopically fitted inside a corresponding tubular body 19b, 20b as shown in Figure 3 and they achieve mutual water tightness through the interposition of one or more annular gaskets 19c, 20c with radial seal.

As regards the union elements 21 , 23, it can be observed that each one of them comprises a spherical head 21a, 23a created at one end of the respective tubular element 19a, 20a, which is housed in a spherical seat 21b, 23b made in the corresponding mouth 15, 18 of the manifold unit 8 and a threaded nipple 25, 26 arranged so as to pass through the corresponding tubular element 19a, 20a for connection. A gasket 27, 28 is interposed between each spherical seat 21b, 23b and the spherical head 21a, 23a to ensure water tightness. As regards the union means 22, 24, each of them comprises a threaded tubular area with lowered diameter 22a, 24a created at one end of each tubular body 19b, 20b which is coupled with a nut screw present in the respective way 4, 5, with the interposition of a gasket 29, 30. Outside each tubular body 19b, 20b there is a prismatic profile 31 , 32 for coupling a manoeuvring fork wrench.

As regards, on the other hand, the adjustable positioning and fixing means 10, it can be observed that they comprise two screws 31 each of which is associated with the manifold 8 via first connection means 33 and to the mixer 2 via second connection means 35. As regards the first connection means 33, each of them comprises a spherical head 33a created at one end of each screw 31 that is housed in a seat with spherical profile 33b made in the manifold body 8 and a threaded nipple 37 that connects the spherical head 33a in the spherical seat 33b, similarly to the already described connection of each tubular element 19a, 20a to the manifold body 8.

As regards, on the other hand, the second connection means 35, each of them comprises a nut 35a arranged in a through hole 35b made in the mixer 2, which is coupled at the end 33c of the screw 31 arranged on the opposite side of the spherical head 33a and inserted in the through hole 35b. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, it is clear that the combination of the tubular units 11 with the adjustable positioning and fixing means 10 makes it possible to install the dispensing unit 1 of the invention in a wall, according to a configuration that, if needed or desired by the user, allows the mixer 2 to be replaced with no need for intervention on the building work. In fact, it can be observed that to install the dispensing unit 1 , after inserting the manifold unit 8 in the housing A created in the wall B and connecting it to the pipes 9a, 9b of the water network 9, each tubular element 19a, 20a and each screw 31 are connected to it. The manifold unit 8 is then fixed with mortar according to the known technique. At this point the mixer unit 2 is assembled, by fitting each tubular element 19a, 20a in the corresponding tubular body 19b, 20b and at the same time inserting the ends 33c of the screws 31 in the holes 35b of the mixer 2. When the mixer unit 2 rests against the wall B as shown in Figure 3, the nuts 35a are locked from the outside, using a suitable manual tool and thus obtaining the stability of the mixer unit 2 with respect to the manifold unit 8 and against the wall B.

The dispensing unit of the invention, in a construction variant, is represented in Figures 2 and 2b, while an application of the same is shown in Figure 2a, where it is indicated as a whole by 100. Analogously to the embodiment described above, it still comprises a mixer unit 102 and a manifold unit 108, but differs from it due to the fact that the tubular units 110 that connect the manifold unit 108 and the mixer unit 102 also comprise a third tubular unit 200, exactly the same as any one of the tubular units 19 and 20 indicated as a whole by 11. Therefore, the manifold unit 108 also comprises:

- a third inlet mouth 160 connected to the outlet way 60 of the mixed water coming from the mixer 102 through the above mentioned third tubular unit 200;

- a third channel 170 that places the above mentioned third inlet mouth 160 in communication with a third outlet mouth 180 of the mixed water.

This is connected to the dispenser 70 via a pipe 190, the dispenser being in this case arranged in a remote position, as can be observed for instance in the case of a shower system D as shown in Figure 2a. Both embodiments of the dispensing unit described herein are shown in axonometric views in the Figures from 9 to 14.

In this way the embodiment of the dispensing unit 1 of the invention according to the exemplification of Figure 1 can be observed in Figure 9 and in Figure 11 , where the mixer unit 2 comprises two handles 3 each of which, as previously explained, is coupled to a pin 3a to manoeuvre a corresponding tap 4a, 5a that modulates the flows that from the inlet ways 4, 5 converge in the outlet way 6. It is possible to observe the tubular units 19, 20 and the adjustable positioning and fixing screws 31 that connect the mixer unit 2 to the manifold unit 8, the latter being in turn connected to the distribution network 9. Analogously, Figures 10 and 12 show an embodiment of the dispensing unit indicated by 100. With particular reference to Figures 11 and 12, it can be observed that the tubular units 19, 20 and 200, being telescopic, allow the mixer unit 2 and 102 to be easily connected and disconnected after installing the corresponding manifold unit 8 and 108 and that their mutual fastening takes place in a simple way, by locking the nuts 35a at the ends of the screws 31 as previously described.

In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the dispensing unit 1 is suited for application to a wall as shown in Figure 1 a and in general for all the applications where the dispenser 7 is associated with the mixer unit 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the dispensing unit 100 is suitable for applications where the dispenser 70 is in a remote position, for example in a shower system T as shown in Figure 2a.

In both the embodiments described above, the particular configuration with spherical head of the tubular units 11 and 110 and of the adjustable positioning and fixing means 10 ensures the articulation of the mixer unit 2; 102 with respect to the manifold unit 8; 108 during the assembly stage, in such a way as to recover any lack of parallelism.

In this way it is possible to install the mixer 2; 102 always in level position against the corresponding support wall B, even if it is not parallel to the manifold unit 8; 108 installed in the cavity A.

In Figures 13 and 14, which indicatively show only the dispensing unit 100 in the configuration with three tubular units 110, it can be observed that the above mentioned articulation ensures the inclination of the mixer unit 2; 102 with respect to the manifold unit 8; 108, and vice versa, in such a way as to arrange the mixer unit 2; 102 always level with the outer surface of the wall B and resting against it.

On the basis of what has been described, it is clear that the dispensing unit of the invention, in both the embodiments described, achieves all the set objects. In fact, the presence of the tubular units and of the adjustable positioning and fixing means with spherical head allows any misalignment between the manifold unit and the mixer unit to be corrected with no need for the installer to worry about their alignment during installation.

Furthermore, in case of failure the mixer unit can be replaced with no need for building work. Finally, the mixer can be easily replaced with another one whose shape is more appealing for the user.

In the construction phase, further changes and modifications can be made to the dispensing unit of the invention, which are neither represented nor described herein, but which must all be considered protected by the present patent if they fall within the scope of the following claims.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference sings have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1 ) Unit (1 ; 100) for dispensing mixed water, comprising a mixer unit (2; 102) provided with at least one manoeuvring handle (3) at the disposal of the user and having a first inlet way (4) for hot water, a second inlet way (5) for cold water and an outlet way (6; 60) for conveying mixed water towards a dispenser (7; 70), characterized in that it comprises also a manifold unit (8; 108) provided with a plurality of mouths (12), separate from said mixer unit (2; 102) and interposed between a water supply network (9) and said mixer unit (2; 102) to which it is connected mechanically through adjustable positioning and fixing means (10) and hydraulically through tubular units (11 ; 110) that connect at least each one of said inlet ways (4; 5) of said mixer unit (2; 102) to a corresponding one of said mouths (12) of said manifold unit (8; 108).

2) Dispensing unit (1 ) according to claim 1 ), characterized in that said manifold unit (8) comprises:

- a first inlet mouth (13) connected to a hot water supply pipe (9a) belonging to said water supply network (9);

- a first channel (14) that places said first inlet mouth (13) in communication with a first outlet mouth (15); - a second inlet mouth (16) connected to a cold water supply pipe (9b) belonging to said water supply network (9);

- a second channel (17) that places said second inlet mouth (16) in communication with a second outlet mouth (18); and wherein said tubular units (11 ) comprise: - a first tubular unit (19) that connects said first outlet mouth (15) of said manifold unit (8) to said first inlet way (4) of said mixer unit (2);

- a second tubular unit (20) that connects said second outlet mouth (18) of said manifold unit (8) to said second inlet way (5) of said mixer unit (2); said dispenser (7) being directly connected to said outlet way (6) for said mixed water coming from said mixer (2).

3) Dispensing unit (100) according to claim 1 ), characterized in that said manifold unit (108) comprises:

- a first inlet mouth (13) connected to a hot water supply pipe (9a) belonging to said water supply network (9); - a first channel (14) that places said first inlet mouth (13) in communication with a first outlet mouth (15);

- a second inlet mouth (16) connected to a cold water supply pipe (9b) belonging to said water supply network (9);

- a second channel (17) that places said second inlet mouth (16) in communication with a second outlet mouth (18);

- a third inlet mouth (160) connected to said outlet way (60) of said mixed water coming from said mixer unit (102);

- a third channel (170) that places said third inlet mouth (160) in communication with a third outlet mouth (180) of said mixed water, and wherein said tubular units (110) comprise:

- a first tubular unit (19) that connects said first outlet mouth (15) of said manifold unit (108) to said first inlet way (4) of said mixer unit (102);

- a second tubular unit (20) that connects said second outlet mouth (18) of said manifold unit (108) to said second inlet way (5) of said mixer unit (102);

- a third tubular unit (200) that connects said third inlet mouth (160) of said manifold unit (108) to said outlet way (60) of said mixed water coming from said mixer (102); wherein a pipe (190) connects said third outlet mouth (180) of said manifold unit (108) to said dispenser (70).

4) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said tubular units (11 ; 19; 20; 200) comprises a tubular element (19a; 20a) engaged through union elements (21 ; 23) in a corresponding mouth (15; 18; 160) of said manifold unit (8; 108) and a tubular body (19b; 20b) engaged through union means (22; 24) in a corresponding way (4; 5; 60) of said mixer (2; 102), each one of said tubular elements (19a; 20a) being telescopically fitted in a corresponding tubular body (19b; 20b).

5) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 4), characterized in that at least one annular gasket (19c; 20c) with radial seal is interposed between each one of said tubular elements (19a; 20a) and said corresponding tubular body (19b; 20b).

6) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 4), characterized in that each one of said first union elements (21 ; 23) comprises: - one spherical head (21 a; 23a) created at one end of the corresponding tubular element (19a; 20a);

- one spherical seat (21 b; 23b) made in the corresponding mouth (15; 18) of said manifold unit (8; 108) that houses said spherical head (21 a; 23a);

- a threaded nipple (25; 26) for fitting said spherical head (21 a; 23a) in said spherical seat (21 b; 23b).

7) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 6), characterized in that it comprises at least one gasket (27; 28) interposed between said spherical head (21a; 23a) and said spherical seat (21 b; 23b).

8) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 6), characterized in that said nipple (25; 26) is arranged so as to pass through said tubular element (19a; 20a).

9) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 4), characterized in that each one of said union means (22; 24) comprises a threaded tubular area with lowered diameter (22a; 24a) created at one end of each tubular body (19b; 20b) that fits in a corresponding nut screw present in the corresponding way (4; 5).

10) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 9), characterized in that it comprises at least one gasket (29; 30) interposed between said threaded tubular area with lowered diameter (22a; 24a) of each tubular element (19a; 20a) and said corresponding nut screw.

11 ) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 1 ), characterized in that said adjustable positioning and fixing means (10) comprise two or more screws (31 ) each of which is associated with said manifold (8; 108) via first connection means (33) and to said mixer (2; 102) via second connection means (35).

12) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 11 ), characterized in that each of said first connection means (33) comprises:

- one spherical head (33a) created at one end of said screw (31 );

- one spherical seat (33b) created in said manifold (8; 108); - one threaded nipple (37) for fitting said spherical head (33a) in said spherical seat (33b).

13) Dispensing unit (1 ; 100) according to claim 11 ), characterized in that each one of said second connection means (35) comprises a nut (35a) arranged in a through hole (35b) made in said mixer (8; 108) and screwed at one end (33c) of said screw (31 ) inserted in said through hole (35b).