Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1066166
This invention relates to a fluid control valve for maintainLng
a predetermined fluid level in a resevoir.
Flow control v~lves for the water flush tank for toilets
have here~ofore comprised float actuated valves which have a valve
element held in a closed position by the float when the tank is
full. Prior art valves of this type have a float which is mechani-
cally coupled to the valve element. Valves of this type have not
been found completely satisfactory as the float must function to
hold the valve closed against the inlet water pressure and the
linkage necessary to effect direct mechanical coupling of the float
is relatively complex and frequently becomes incorrectly adjusted
after a prolonged period of use.
Float actuated valves of a type which have a valve
element held in a closed position by the inlet water pressure and
adapted to the vertically oriented mounting required for flush
tanks are known in the prior art but these valves have not proven
to be completely satisfactory. Valves illustrative of the known
prior art are disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 2,559,046 and
1,943,769. The valve element in patent No. 1,943,769 is of a constru-
ction and mounting which is actuated in a longitudinally axial direct-
ion onlybya lever arm provided with a float. An inherent disadvantage
of this type of valve construction and operation is that a rela-
tively large force is required to axially displace the valve element
on initial opening movement. Consequently, a valve of this type is
generally restricted to relatively low pressure fluid systems.
A valve of the type illustrated in patent No. 2,559,046
discloses a valve element and lever arm combir~ation of the preferred
angular valve displacement type which requires a substantially
lesser force to initiate opening of the valve. However, the valve
- 1 - ~
1066166
disclosed in this patent is not adaptable for use in a flush tank
as it is incapable of providing the necessary divided flow to the
tank and to the overflow pipe.
The present invention provides a fluid control valve for
maintaining a predetermined fluid level in a reservoir comprising,
a valve body having a valve chamber with a fluid inlet and an upwar-
dly opening fluid outlet, a valve sealing device disposed in circumsc-
ribing relationship to said outlet, a valve closure element positioned
in said valve chamber and normally held in closed relationship to
said sealing device solely by fluid pressure in said valve chamber,
said element movable into and out of fluid sealing engagement with
said valve sealing device and having an elongated actuating stem
rigidly secured thereto, said stem extending vertically upward through
the outlet and projecting a distance outwardly from said valve body
with the outer end portion convergently tapered, and float actuating
means including a lever arm pivotably mounted on said valve body
for swinging movement relative thereto in a plane parallel to the
longitudinal axis of said valve element, said lever arm having a cam
follower contactingly engageable with said actuating stem in opening
said valve and mounted to move onto the tapered end portion of said
stem for increasing rate of movement in closing of said valve element,
and a float attached thereto in spaced relationship to said cam fol-
lower and positionable within the fluid reservoir to respond to the
fluid level therein for actuation of said valve closure element.
1~ 6~1 61~
l An extreme range of valve inlet pressures are readily
accommodated by the valve of this invention through a novel movable
valve element construction and through providing of a weighted
float. In accordance with this invention, the movable valve
- 5 element is preferably fabricated from a light weight material or
formed to have a minimal weight thereby capable of being maintained
in a closed position by a very minimal inlet pressure. Providing
of a weighted float enables operation of the valve at extremely
high pressures in that a substantial force for displacement of the
valve may be readily obtained through addition of a weight or in-
creased weight to the float. Providing of a weight which is
essentially ineffective in the water when the tank is being filled,
results in a substantially greater force for actuating the valve
to an open position when the tank is emptied thereby enabling the
valve to accommodate relatively high inlet pressures.
t
Also included in the main valve body is a check valve
~o prevent reverse flow through the valve in the event of loss of
water inlet ~ressure. This check valve is automatically closed
by loss of inlet pressure and includes a movable element that
moves by gravity into closing relationship to a sealing element.
Any fluid remaining in the tank fuTther aids in'maintaining the
check valve closed by the gravity induced fluid pressure developed
in the tank or reservoir.
~5 ~
These and other objects and advantages of this invention
will be readily apparent from the following detailed description
of an embodiment thereof and the accompanying illustrative drawings.
.
.. . . . _
. . ' 1 1
~066166
1 DESCRIPTI~N OF THF, DRAl~ING FIGURES
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a water flush tank
for a toilet with portions of the front wall thereof broken away
to indicate location and relative positioning of the valve embodying
this invention and other components.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the valve and float
actuating means shown on an enlarged scale.
Pigure 3 i5 a medial vertical sectional view on an enlarged
scale of the valve as seen in Figure 2.
- Figure 3A is a transverse sectional view taken along line
3a-3a of Figure 4.
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken
along line 5-5 of Figure 2.
Pigure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTI~N OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE E~ODIMENT
Having reference specifically to Figure 1 nf the drawings,
there is illustrated a water tank 10 of a type specifically de-
signed for utilization in conjunction with a toilet. This tank
includes a large water outlet 11 which is connected to a toilet
bowl (now shown) provided with a valve member 12 which co-
operatively functions to rapidly release and permit drainage
of substantially all of the water that is normally maintained in
the tank. The normal water level is indica~ted at 13. Also,
positioned in the tank 10 is an overflow pipe 14 having its lower
-- 4 --
~ ~61 6 6
1 end connected to the outlet 11 permitting water to flow into the
toilet bowl and the upper end 15 of the overflow pipe is at a
relative elevation which coincides with or is slightly abo~e the
desired water level 13. A water supply or inlet pipe 16 is pro-
vided for connection with the tank at a bottom wall 17. Thissupply inIet pipe 16 is connectable with a suitable pressurized
'source of water.
. : ~
Positioned interiorly of the tank 10 is the inlet water
.10 control valve 18 embodying this invention. This valve comprises
_ ~ a main body 19 pTovided with a coupling and mounting pipe section
20 adapted to be rigidly secured in fluid tight relationship in a
mounting opening formed in the bottom wall 17 of the tank. The'
lower end of this pipe section 20, which section is vertically
oriented, is connected.to the supply pipe 16. Mechanically coupled
. with the valve 18 is a'float-type actuating arm 21. Extending
from the valve 18 is a flexible tube 22. The free end of the tube
22 extends upwardly and is positioned in the upper opened end 15
of the overflow pipe 14. A housing 23 is mounted on the upper
end of the body 19 with the tube 22 being connected thereto'in
fluid flow communicating relationship to the interior of the
- housing.,
, '
As can be best'seen in Figure 3 the water control val~e
18 is fabricated in several sections with the main body 19 bein'g
integrally formed with the mounting pipe section 20. One end of
the body 19 is formed with a flange 25 forming a mounting base. .
The pipe section 20 and a substantial portion of the.body l9 are
formed with screw threads 26 with a flanged mounting nut ,27 threaded
onto the pipe section which functions to clamp. the unit to the
. .
~0 ~61 ~ 6
1 bottom wall 17 of the tank in cooperation with the flange 25. A
resilient sealing element 28 is interposed between the flange 25
and the bottom surface of the tank wall 17 tas seen in Figure 2)
to provide a fluid tight seal. A conduit coupler 29 is threaded
onto the lower end of the pipe section 20 and secures a flanged
end 16a of the inlet pipe 16 in fluid tight relationship to the
end of the pipe by means of a sealing disc 30 as seen in Figure 3.
.
Rigid assembly of the housing 23 with the main body 19
is accomplished by an interlocking lug configuration which elim-
.
inates the need for the usual fastening devices such as screws. -
Integrally formed with the flange 25 around the outer circular
periphery thereof is an axially projecting cylindrical ring 32.
On the~ring 32 integrally formed lugs 33 extend a distance~radially
inward in angularly spaced relationship to form a number of cir-
cumferentially spaced slots 34 therebetween as can be best seen
in Figure 3 and 3a and a mating number of lugs 35 are formed on
the outer peripheral surface o a cylindrical extension 36 of
the housing 23. These lugs 35 are formed with inclined surfaces
37 on the upper surface thereof to provide axial displacement
of the housng and its cylindrical extension 36. In assembly
of the housing 23 with the main body 19, the extension 36 is
first oriented to align the lugs 35 with respectiYe slots 34.
Upon axial insertion of the lugs through the slots, the housing
23 is rotated about its-axis with the inclined surfaces 37
being revolved into engagement with the inwardly facing surface
of the annular ring 33. Continued rotation of the housing rela~ive
to the main body 19 will then result in a~xial displacement of
the base plate 36 toward the opposed end face of the flange 25.
,
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., . ~
106616~
l Interposed between the end face of the flange 25 and the
base plate 36 of the housing is a circular plate 38. This circular
plate has a diameter less than the internal diameter of the annular
ring 33 to permit axial insertion through the ring into contact
with the ~lange. The relative axial or thickness dimensions of
the circular plate 38 and base plate 36 and associated lugs are
selected so that, in addition to the components having adequate
structural strength, the axial displacement of the housing base
plate during interlocXing assembly with the flange will apply an ~
axial force resulting in Tigid clamping of the plate to the flange.
: . , -,
An axial bore 39 extends through the main body 19 and
mounting pipe section 20 with both ends of this bore opening at -
the respective ends of the valve. This bore 39 is relatively en-
larged at either end thereby defining respective valve chambers40 and 41. A coaxial passage 42 formed in the sealing disc 30
permits flow of water from the inlet pipe 16 through the first
valve chamber 40, the axial bore 39 and out through the open end
of the second valve chamber 41. A coaxial aperture 43 is formed
in the circular plate 38 to permit outflow of water from the
second valve chamber 41.
A series of three annular recesses 44, 45 and 46 of
progressively smaller diameter are formed in the outwardly facing
end of the flange 25 in coaxial relationship to the second valve
chamber 41. Positioned in the recesses is a sealing device 47 having
a central aperture 48 aligned with and of substantially the same
diameter as the aperture 43 in the plate 38. Clamping of the
plate 38 to the flange 25 as previously described secures the
sealing device 47 in the recess through contact with a circular
boss 49 formed on the end face of the plate and which projects into
the first recess 44.
.` . I I
~0661~6
1 The sealing device 47 utilized in the valve of this
invention preferably comprises a resilient element 50 and a rigid
element 51. The resilient element 50 is of circular disc form
having an outer diameter to closely interfit in the first recess
44 and of a thickness to be securely clamped by the boss 49 on the
plate 38 against the end wall of the first recess. An annular
ring 52 is formed with the disc portion in circumscribing relation-
ship to the aperture 48 and projects a distance axially inwara.
Another annular ring 53 is formed with the disc in radially inward
- 10 relationship to the outer periphery of the disc and is of a di-
ameter to interfit within the second recess 45. This ring 53
also projects axially inward from the face of the disc but not
to such an extent that it will contact the end wall of this recess.
It will be noted that the outer periphery of the second ring 53
comprises a cylindrical surface to contactingly engage the opposed
cylindrical wall of the recess and form a fluid tight seal there-
with while the inner face 54 of the ring is inclined resulting in
a Y-shaped cross-section.
The Tigid element 51 comprises a circular ring formed
with a diameter to interfit in the third recess 46 and having an
axial dimension so as to engage the end face of the resilient
element 50. The clamping effect of the plate 38 thus also secured
the rigid element in the desired position. Integrally formed with
the ring at the end adjacent the resilient element is a radially
inwardly projecting rib 55 which terminates at the annular rin~
52. This rib 55 is of a thickness that annular ring 52 projects
a slight distance axially inward of the exposed end face of the
rib .
_
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., . , ,,, . . _ . _ . ... _ . _ . .... . _ . _
~o66l66
1 Positioned in the valve chamber 41 is a relatively movable
valve element 56. This valve element 56 comprises a circular disc
having a tapered outer peripheral rim 57 which has a maximum diameter
that permits interfitting within the rigid element 51 of the sealing
device 47. The opposed axial end faces of the element are flat
surfaced with an uppermost surface 58 normally bearing against the
annular ring 52 and forming a fluid tight seal therewith when the
valve element is in a closed position. Rigidly secured to the
valve element 56 is an axially extending elongated actuating stem
59. The free end of the actuating stem 59 which is cylindrical
extends upwardly through the coaxial aperture 43 of the plate 38
and the central openings in the sealing device 47. It is of a
length to extend a substantial distance upwardly into the interior
. of the housing 23 as will be.hereinafter explained in detail.. It
will also be noted that the valve element 56 has a series of cir-
t- cumferentially spaced slots or grooves 60 which extend axially
across the tapered peripheral rim 57 of the valve element. These
grooves 60 provide greater area for fluid flow as well as permitting
passage of solid particles or impurities.
. . .
This illustrated sealing device 47 provides specific
advantages in this valve as to both effectiveness in forming a-
fluid tight seal and greatly extended life capability. Nhen .the
valve element 56 is maintained in the illustra~ed closed position
of Figure 3, the upper surface 58 is held in contacting en~agement
with the end surface of the annular ring 52 of the resilient element
by the fluid pressure acting within the second valve chamber 41.
The fluid pressure will tend to compTess the resilient element;
however, the annular ring 52 is dimensioned to prevent contact of
the valve element 56 with the rigid element.~l of the sealing
1066166
1 device and thereby maintain a particularly effective fluid tight
seal.
Actuation of the valve element 56 to permit fluid flow
therethrough is illustrated in Figure 4 which is an enlargement
of this area of the valve to better illustrate the advantages of
this sealing device 47. As will be subsequently described,
actuation of the valve results from a lateral displacement of the
actuating stem 59 which rocks the valve element 56 to the illus-
-10 trated angular position where the angular corner at the rim 57
- ~ contacts the surface of rib 55 of the rigid ele-ent 51. This
prevents the relatively sharp edge of the Yalve element 56 from
- causing rapid deterioration of the resilient element 50. It will
also be noted that actuation of the valve elemeDt 56 to this
position provides a substan~ial opening through which wa~er may
~low from the valve chamber 41 and through the central aperture
of the sealing device 47 and coaxial aperture 43 in the circular
J . plate 38. The grooves 60 enhance the rate of water flow.
I . - ; .
¦ 20 Although the valve element 56 in response to fluid
pressure acting directly on the valve, and which pressure also
acts on the rigid seal element 51, may tend to axiaIly displace
the rigid seal element, this will not result in any loss of sealing
effectiveness. The reason for this is that the annular ring 52
maintains an effective seal irrespective of any axial displacement.
A fluid seal is not formed between the rigid seal element 51 and
- the surface of recess 4~ thereby permitting fluid under prescure
to enter recess 45 where it will act on the inner face 54 of ring
53. This results in compression of the ring 53 against t~he cyl-
indrical wall of recess 45 and maintenance of~an effective fluia
seal which is improved with an increase in fluid pressure.
- 10 -
.
~0 6 61 6 6
1 The actuating stem 59 as previously stated extends
axially upward and into the housing 23 for engagement with the
actuating mechanism. The housing 23 is of open bottom shell form
having a short tube 64 opening to the interior and projecting a
distance from the top of the housing. The flexible tube 22 is
secured to this short tube 64. As can be best seen in Figure 3,
the housing-23 includes two vertical side walls 65 which are
speced apart a distance to receive the actuating mechanism.and
extend in one direction a distance beyond the outer periphery of
the flange 25 thus defining a discharge opening 66. Both ends .
.
of the housing are closed by end walls 67 and the top is closed
by a top wall 68 with the short tube 64 being secured in the top
wall.
. , ~ , .
The float-type actuating arm 21 comprises a bent lever
having an end portion 69 that extends into the housing 23 through
the discharge opening 66. A pair of upstanding, spaced parallel
lugs 70 are integrally formed with the circular plate 38 with the
arm portion 69 journalled on an axle pin 71 for pivotal movement
in a vertical plane parallel to the side walls of the housing.
The end portion 69 projects upwardly and across the interior of
the housing 23 toward the valve actuating stem 59. Operating ~-
interconnection of the arm 21 with the valve actuat.ing stem 59.
is effected in accordance with this invention by a cam roller 72
which is journalled on an axle 73 and mounted between bifurcated
arms 74 formed at the extremity o~ end portion 69 of the arm 21.
The rolleT 72 is supported for rotation in a vertical plane and
has a peripheral groove 75 configured to cooperatively engage the
cylindrical surface of the actuating stem 59. Pivotal movement
of the arm 21 in response to fluid level in the tank results in
swinging movement of the arm causing the roller 72 to roll along
~ ~ 66~ 6 6
1 the actuating stem 59 and pivoting of the valve element 56 along
with its actuating stem 59.
In accordance with this invention, the upper end portion
of the valve elements actuating stem 59 is tapered to form a conical
~ surface 76. This configuration enables the valve ~o have a rel-
¦ atively fast closing action during the last stages of closing move-
ment. When the valve is opened with the actuating stem 59 dis-
placed to the broken line position in Pigure 3, the actuating arm
end portion will have been rotated clockwise causing the roller 72
to roll downwardly on the cylindrical surface of the stem. As will
be further explained with reference to other figures of the drawings
j - filling of the tank 10 will cause counterclockwise rotation of the
actuating arm 21 at a rate proportional to the rate at which the
tank fills. As the water level approaches the desired maximum
level, the roller 72 rolls onto the conical surface 76 and thus
permits *he valve to close at a relatively rapid rate.
. ' ' ' ' , .
Since the water flush tank 10 is nor~ally constructed
with the inlet 16 at one side necessitating mounting of the valYe
18 at this location, the actuating arm 21 is formed to extend-up-
wardly in outwardly spaced relationship to the end wall 67 and
then laterally across the top of the housing 23. The spacing of
the arm is such as to avoid interference with the housing during -
normal movement causing actuation of the valve element 56 althoughthe arm is formed to engage the housing wall 67 and thus be limitea
in its clockwise movement. In the illustrated embodiment, a
portion of the arm 21 extends downwardly and outwardly through the
discharge opening 66 and then upwardly and over the housing.
.
- 12 -
., . . . .... ... . . . . ... . .. _ _ . , ~,
-
1066166
1 Attached to the outer end of the arm 21 is a float 80
which responds to the water level in the tank within the limits
of pivotal movement of the arm. To provide a degree of aajustment
in the level to which the tank will be filled, the actuating arm
21 is fabricated in two articulated sections 81 and 82 inter-
connected by an adjustable coupler 83. This coupler 83 as can
be best seen in Figures 2 and 5 comprises an open sided channel
84 formed with the inner arm section 81, a slotted tongue 85
formed with the outer arm section 82 and a connecting screw 86.
A closing side wall 87 of the channel 84 is provided at its outer
¦ end with a-transversely projecting pin 88 which extends into an
aperture foTmed in the outer arm section 82. The outer arm section
82 is thus pivoted relative to the inner arm section and may be
selectively angularly positioned by means of the connecting screw
86. One end of the screw 86 which is threaded through a wall of
the channel 83 is provided with a thumb wheel 89 while the opposite
- end is provided with an extension 90 terminating in an enlargea
head 91. This enlarged head 91 interlockingly engages with an
elongated recess 92 formed in the slotted tongue 85 to provide
positive relative positioning of the two arm sections. Assembly
of the sections is facilitated by the inclined suTface 93 with
enlarged head 91 of the screw readily riding up this surface and
into the recess where it is retained. Adjustment of the screw 86
thus p~ositively positions the two sections of the arm 21.
This float 80 is of a hollow body construction formed
with a filling tube and connector post 9S at the top. A portion
of the filling tube and connector post 95 projects a distance out-
wardly from the cylindrical float body having the end walls ~ertically
disposed and is frictionally engageable with ~ bifurcated end 95a
- 13 -
. . I 1'
1066166
1 of the outer arm section 82. The filling tube portion projects a
distance into the interior of the float 80. By filling the float
with water to the maximum level as dictated by the distance which
;
the tube extends inwardly, the float will have a preaetermined
air space that determines its effective buoyancy. The weight of
the water in the float is ineffective when the float is immersed
in the water and the air space is then fully effective.~
~ The valve of this invention is also provided with a
~ check valve to prevent reverse flow of water from the tan} 11 in
the event that the system pressure should fail. This check valve
as is best seen in Figures 3 and 6 is incorporated with the main
body 19 of the valve and comprises a check element 96~disposed in
and movable axially through the first valve chamber 40 in relation
! 15 to the sealing disc 30. The check element 96 is an elongated bar
t ~ of square cross-section having a diametrical dimension substantiallythe same as the diameter of the cylindrical valve chamber 40.
Since the axial bore 39 interconnecting the two valve chambers is
of a smaller diameter but greater than the width of the check
element, and axial displacement of the check element 96 is stopped
at the upper end of the chamber as shown in broken lines ana water
will flow from the chamber and through the axial bore around the
end of the check element.
Reverse flow of water is prevented when the check element
96 is displaced into axial engagement with the sealing disc 30.
An effective seal is obtained by forming the sealing disc 30 formed
from a resilient material with an upstanding annular ring 97 in
coaxial relationship with the passage 42. A circular graové 98
is formed in the end face of the check elemen~ and receives the
- 14 -
... . .. . : . . .. _ . _ _ .. . ...
. . I 1
10661166
l marginal end portion of the ring 97. It will be noted that the
ring 97 is of stepped configuration while the passage 42 is conical
to permit a reduced wall thickness. This construction enhances
the flexibility of the ring 97 and permits the ring to flare out-
wardly as shown in Pigure 6 when water flows therethrough pro-
viding control over the flow rate and reducing the noise. Loss
of water pressure does not result in interference from the valve
element 56 as that element is of a diameter greater than that of
the axial passage 42 and will be stopped at that point if released
.
from the cam roller 72. - -
Operation of the valve embodying this invention can bebest seen by reference to Figures l, 2 and 3. Assuming that the
valve 18 is installed in a water flush tank l0 as previously
described and that the tank is filled to the desired level I3,
the float 80 will have pivoted the arm 21 to the solid line position
in the several figures. The arm end portion 69 will have been
pivoted upwardly to a position permitting the valve~actuating stem
59 to extend vertically upwaTd. The pressure of the inlet water
will exeTt a force on the valve element 56 to maintain the upper
surface 58 in contact with the sealing Ting 52 and forming a
fluid tight seal against the ring. Water is free to flow into
the two valve chambers 40 and 41 through the check valve located
at the inlet end.
Lowering of the water level 13 results in pivoting of
the arm 21 in a clockwise direction as seen in Figure 3 causing
the cam roller 72 to roll along the actuating stem 59 and push
the actuating stem si~eways. This movement of the actuating stem
59 rocks the valve closure element 56 to a tiltëd position as shown
- 15 -
1066166
1 in broken lines. Water will then flow outwardly through the
apeTture 43 and into the housing 23 with the water flow also dis-
placing the check element 96 to the broken line position. A small
portion of the water thus entering the housing 23 will flow through
the tube 22 and into the overflow pipe 14 to maintain a small water
flow into the toilet bowl for the short period of time that the
tank 10 is refilling. Most of the water flows out through the
discharge opening 66. Since the discharge opening 66 generally
remains below water in the tank, there will be little noise generated
by the water flow. When the tank has filled to the desired level,
the float 80 will have swung the arm 21 to a position again per-
mitting the valve element 56 to form a seal with the ring 52 of
the resilient sealing element 50 in response to the inlet water
¦ pressure.
j 15
` Materials found specifically useful in fabrication of
-this valve have not been discussed in great detail but it will be
apparent that any material that is not readily corroded by water
would be acceptable. However, it is preferred to use a suitable
thermosetting plastic or synthetic resin capable of achieving the
required structural strength. A material of this nature, in
! addition to the desired attribute of being essentially non-
corrodable, is relatively light weight which in the case of the
valve element 56 with its actuating stem enables the valve to
operate and be maintained in a closed position with a minimal
water pressure.
O
It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed
description of the illustrative embodiment, that an improved valve
is provided for water flush tanks. The cam roller engagement with
- 16 -
~o66~66
1 the tapered actuating stem of the valve element permits-the
desired fast action at the end of the closing cycle. The valve
has improved operating characteristics over the prior art valves
and the float has adjustability features enabling precise adjust-
ment of the point of valve actuation.
,.............. . . .
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-.
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