Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and useful improvements
in float valve assemblies for the tanks of water closets and
the like.
Conventionally, such float valve assemblies incor-
porate a float with a substantially horizontal arm actuating
a conventional valve assembly which controls the level of
water within the tank. When the tank is flushed, the float
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falls thus opening the valve and letting water into the
tank to replace the water drained therefrom. As the water
level in the tank rises, the float rises and gradually
closes off the valve assembly. As the valve assembly appro-
aches the closed position, considerable noise is evident inthe form of thumping or hissing and a condition known as
"wire drawing" often occurs when the valve is almost closed
which causes considerable wear to occur at the valve and
seat interface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages
inherent with conventional float valve assemblies by provid-
ing a relatively simple construction which is accomplished
by the reduction of consumption of materials. The device
includes a flexible diaphragm extending over a valve seat
and being actuated by a plunger which in turn is operatively
connected to the float arm.
The relationship of the parts is such that the dia-
phragm is held off the seat with increasing resistance until
it more or less "snaps" shut thus eliminating "wire drawing"
and, due to the flexibility and arrangement of the diaphragm,
eliminates the majority of noise usually associated with con-
ventional valve assemblies.
Furthermore, the space requirement for the present
mechanism is reduced so that it can be mounted in a more re-
stricted space and the entire assembly can be mounted on the
side of the outflow tube of the flush valve assembly remote
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from the operating parts thereof so that no interference occurs
between the two.
In accordance with the invention there is provided,
in one aspect thereof, in a water closet tank which includes a
float, connecting means extending from said float, an overflow
tube in said tank and a water supply connection through the wall
of said tank; the improvement comprising a float operated valve
assembly in said tank, said valve assembly including a body, a
valve seat in said body, means operatively connecting said
water supply connection to said valve seat, outlet means in
said body operatively connecting with the interior of said tank,
a valve action having an open position and a closed position,
situated within said body and controlling the flow of water
past said valve seat and into said tank, said valve action in- . .
cluding a flexible diaphragm mounted in said body and spanning
said valve seat and engaging said valve seat when said valve
action is in the closed position, means operatively connecting
to said connecting means to permit opening of and to close said
valve action relative to said valve seat, said last mentioned
means including mechanical means for moving said diaphragm and
holding same onto said valve seat when said valve action is in
the closed position and means to control, the pressure of water
on both sides of said diaphragm when said diaphragm is moved
away from said valve seat thereby reducing the effective hydrau-
lic pressure holding said diaphragm away from said seat and re-
ducing the mechanical pressure from said mechanical means, re-
quired to move said diaphragm towards said valve seat.
In another aspect of the invention there is provided,
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in a water closet tank which includes a float, connecting means
extending from said float, an overflow tube and a water supply
connection through the wall of said tank; the improvement com-
prising a valve assembly in said tank, and operatively connect-
ed to said water supply connection and valve assembly body hav-
ing a first portion and a second portion secured together, a
valve action within said body controlling the flow of water
from said water supply connection to the interior of said tank,
means operatively connected to said connecting means to permit
opening of and to close said valve action, said means including
a valve actuating plug reciprocal within said second portion of
said body, and a dome shaped segment cam component connected to
said connecting means, said cam component including a curved
outer surface and a peneplain shaped inner face, means in said
second portion of said body substantially sealably mounting said
cam component for partial rotative movement in said second por-
tion, said inner face engaging the outer side of said valve
actuating plug when said valve action is in the open position
and engaging said outer side of said plug adjacent the inter-
section of said inner face and the curved outer surface of thesegment, when said valve action is in the closed position said
valve action including a flexible diaphragm, said diaphragm in-
cluding a perimetrical mounting portion, said diaphragm being
mounted by said perimetrical mounting portion between said first
and second portions of said body, said water connection being
operatively connected to said first portion a valve seat formed
on the inner end of said first portion, said diaphragm engaging
said valve seat when said valve action is in the closed position,
and being clear of said valve seat when in the open position, an
annular rib situated between said inner end of said first por-
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tion and said diaphragm concentric to said valve seat and de-
fining an annular cavity outboard of said rib, said rib acting
as a restriction to said cavity when said diaphragm approaches
the closed position upon said valve seat and permitting free
flow from said valve seat to said cavity when said diaphragm
moves away from said valve seat towards the open position at
least one water conducting channel communicating between said
annular cavity and the interior of the associated tank, said
cam urging said valve actuating plug into engagement with the
side of said diaphragm opposite to said valve seat and holding
said diaphragm on said seat when in the closed position, the -
pressure of the water from said water supply connection lifting
said diaphragm from said seat when said action is in the open
position, and means to control the pressure of water on both
sides of said diaphragm when said diaphragm is moved away from
said valve seat thereby reducing the effective hydraulic pres-
sure holding said diaphragm away from said seat and reducing
the mechanical pressure from said mechanical means, required to
move said diaphragm towards said valve seat.
With the foregoing in view, and other such advantages
as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which
this invention relates as this specification proceeds, my inven-
tion consists essentially in the arrangement and construction
of parts all as hereinafter more particularly described, refer-
ence being had to the accompanying drawings in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of one end
of a water closet tank showing the device in position together
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with the float and overflow tube assembly.
Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional
view of the valve assembly per se with the valve assembly in the
open position, substantially along the line 2-2 of Figure 4.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing
the valve in the closed position and is situated on the sheet
of drawings containing Figures 11 and 12.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the valve assembly and
is situated on the sheet of drawings containing Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the diaphragm per se.
Figure 6 is a side elevation of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is an underside view of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a cross sectional view along the line 8-8
of Figure 5.
lS Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
design of the diaphragm taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 10.
Figure 9A is a fragmentary partially schematic cross
section of the diaphragm of Figure 9 in the open position but
showing a modified valve construction and is situated on the
sheet of drawings containing Figure 13.
Figure 10 is a top plan view of Figure 9. .
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Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary partially
schematic view of the diaphragm in position and in the wide
open position.
Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11, but show-
ing the diaphragm in the nearly closed position.
Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing
the valve assembly of Figures 14-17.
Figure 14 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional
view of an alternative embodiment of the valve assembly in
the closed position.
Figure 15 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional
view of a further alternative embodiment of the valve assem-
bly in the closed position.
Figure 16 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional
view of the preferred embodiment of the valve assembly in the
closed position.
Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 but showing
the valve in the open position.
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In the drawings like characters of reference in-
dicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
BRXEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Before proceeding with the detailed description of
the invention, reference should first be made to Figure 1 in
which 10 illustrates a portion of a water closet tank with a
water inlet connection 11 being situated adjacent one end
wall of the tank, said connection forming part of the valve
assembly collectively designated 12. The water connection
takes the form of a relatively short externally screw threaded
tube 13 engaged through an aperture 14 in the base 15 of the
tank and being sealably clamped in position by means of nut
16 and a sealing washer 17, all of which are basically con-
ventional.
A float 18 adjustably connects to a vertically situa-
ted connecting rod 19 by means of collar and thumb screw 20
with the upper end of the connection rod 19 passing through
an aperture in a flexible strip 21 which extends from and is
supported by the conventional overflow tube 22 so that as the
float rises and falls, the flexible strip 21 flexes thus sup-
porting the float rod 19 and maintaining same in the substan-
tially vertical position. A water feed tube 23 connects to
the upper end of the overflow tube 22 and extends to the valve
assembly 12 and supplies water through the overflow tube as-
sembly, to the water trap normally situated within the toiletbowl (not illustrated). This tube 23 connects to the valve
assembly 12 as will hereinafter be described.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In detail, reference should be made to Figures 2 and
3 which show the valve assembly 12 in cross section.
It comprises a body portion collectively designated
24, said body portion including a lower or first portion 25
and an upper or second portion 26. The lower portion includes
the aforementioned threaded sleeve or tube 13 terminating in
a substantially planar disc 27. The upper end of the inside
of the sleeve or tube 13 narrows to a central bore 28 which
opens up onto the disc 27 and an annular valve seat 29 extends
around the upper end of bore 28 and extends above plane of the
planar disc 27.
Spaced concentrically outwardly from the valve seat
29 is an annular rib 30, the elevation of which is slightly
less than the elevation of the valve seat 29 and outboard of
this rib is an annular cavity which includes or consists of a
channel 31 also concentric with the seat 29. This annular
channel is spaced inwardly from the outer edge 32 of the
disc 27.
A diaphragm collectively designated 33 is clamped bet-
ween the disc 27 and the upper portion 26 of the body by means
of screws 34 and details of this diaphragm will be hereinafter
described.
The upper portion 26 includes a hollow cylindrical
portion 35 having an outwardly extending flange 36 formed on
the lower or inner end thereof through which screws 34 extend.
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An outwardly and downwardly extending deflector 37 is situa-
ted on the outer perimeter of the flange 36, the purpose of
which will hereinafter be described.
A pair of spaced and parallel vertically situated
flanges 38 extend upwardly from the upper end of the portion
35 and act as guides for an arm 39 pivotally connected by
the outer end thereof to the lower end of the connecting rod
19, said pivotal connection being indicated by reference
character 40.
A lightweight cylindrical valve actuating plug 41
slidably engages within the bore 42 within the port~on 35,
said plug being preferably made of plastic, and the lower end
of this plug engages the upperside of the diaphragm 33.
A substantially spherical or curved surfaced segment
cam component collectively designated 43 is secured to the
inner end of the arm 39, said inner end being downturned at
right angles to the arm as indicated by reference character
44. This downturned end 44 is secured to the curved upper
surface 45 of the cam component which is mounted for partial
rotation with in a cam seat 46 formed on the upper end of the
portion 35 as clearly illustrated. ~:
The lower chordal surface 47 of the cam component
is peneplain shaped or slightly curved and engages the upper
end of the plug 41.
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From the foregoing and with reference to Figures 2
and 3, it will be seen that when the float is in the upper-
most position as indicated by the arm 39 in Figure 3, the
spherical cam is rotated so that the junction 48 between the
planar lower surface 47 and the curved surface 45, engages
the plug 41 and moves same downwardly thus engaging the dia-
phragm upon the valve seat 29 and closing off the water supply
flowing through the conduit or sleeve 13. Conversely, when
the float is in the lowermost position as indicated by the
position of arm 39 in Figure 2, the spherical cam is in the
position shown in Figure 2 with the majority of the flat or
lower surface 47 engaging the upper end of the plug 41. This
allows the water pressure present at the conduit 13, to raise
the diaphragm from the seat and allow water to flow into the
tank as will hereinafter be described.
Details of the diaphragm 33 are shown in Figures 5 .
to 8. It comprises an annular mounting portion 49 and a mem-
brane 50 extending across the area bounded by the mounting
portion. The diaphragm is made from an elastomeric material
and is flexible and is formed preferably with the membrane
biassed downwardly with reference to Figure 8 so that the
tendency of the membrane is to return to the position shown
in Figure 8. A plurality of apertures 51 are provided through
the mounting portion through which screws 34 engage and a
plurality of radially extending channels or grooves 52 are
formed on the underside of the mounting portion as shown in
Figures 6 and 7. When installed, these grooves form a water
communication between the annular channel 31 and the interior
of the tank 10 as indicated by arrows 53 in Figure 2.
Before proceeding with the further construction of
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the diaphragm and action thereof, reference should be made
to Figures 1 and 2 in which details are shown of the feed
to the conduit 23 which supplies water for the water trap.
A hollow cylindrical boss 54 extends upwardly from
one side of the upper portion 26 of the body and this boss
includes a bore 55 having a wedge shaped or inwardly tapered
lower end 56.
The lower end 57 of the tube or conduit 23 is cut
away to form a downwardly extending flexible tongue 58 and
this lower end 57 is frictionally engaged within the boss 54
so that the tongue engages the surface 56. By adjusting the
relationship of the conduit 57 with the boss 54, the lower
end of the tongue can control the area of the lower end 59
of the bore of the boss thus controlling the volume of water
which is fed to the water trap on each operation of the .
toilet.
In this connection, reference should once again be
made to Figure 5 through 8 illustrating the diaphragm 33.
An aperture or hole 60 extends through the mounting .
portion 49 and a relatively short groove or channel 61 ex~
tends from the inner side or wall 62 of the mounting portion,
to this aperture or hole 60 thus communicating with the annu-
lar channel 31 and allowing water to pass from this annular
channel, through the groove 61 to the aperture 60 which is in
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alignment with the underside of the boss 54 and thus in
alignment with the entrance 59 to the feed to the conduit
23.
When the float is in the lowermost position as
shown in Figure 2, water under pressure is supplied to the
valve action through the threaded tubular connection 13.
This water impinges upon the underside of the diaphragm
membrane 50 thus resulting in a pressure build-up in the
area immediately below the diaphragm bounded by the rib 30.
The membrane moves upwardly to the position shown in Figures
2 and 11 thus allowing water to flow radially outwardly bet- -
ween the rib 30 and the membrane 50 into the annular channel
31 from which it passes through the grooves or channels 52
formed in the underside of the mounting portion 49 of the
diaphragm whereupon it impinges against the annular deflect-
ing rim 37 hereinbefore described and then enters the tank.
At the same time, of course, water passes through
the aperture or drilling 60 into the conduit 23 as hereinbe-
fore described, the volume being adjustable by the position-
ing of the lower end of the conduit.
It should also be noted that the hole or drilling60 is provided with a discharge slot 61A on the upper side
of the mounting portion 49 which permits a portion of the
water passing to the boss 54, to discharge into the tank
thereby reducing the pressure in this area and facilitating
the adjustment of the water flow into the tubing 23 and re-
ducing turbulence.
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When the diaphragm is moved upwardly as hereinbe-
fore described and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 11, water
present in the space or volume above the diaphragm (indicated
by reference character 63) has to be displaced. This is done
eit:her by leakage between the plug 41 and the wall of the
portion 26 and past the spherical cam 43, or by passing down-
wardly through a variable orifice 64 formed in the membrane
50 of the diaphragm, this orifice being referred to as a
pressure adjusting valve.
This orifice is situated between the inner wall 62
of the mounting portion 49 and the portion of the diaphragm
engaging the annular rib 30 and is a wedge shaped slit formed
in the membrane with the wide end of the wedge at the upper
face of the membrane (see Figures 5 and 8). It is located in
an area of maximum flexing of the membrane as the latter moves
upwardly and downwardly and when the membrane is in the posi-
tion shown in Figure 2, the lower face of the membrane is
distended so that the orifice or slit 64 is relatively fully
opened permitting the pressure in the area of the annular
groove 31 to act upon or above the membrane within the area
63 thus tending to limit further upward movement of the dia-
phragm at this point which is undesirable. Without this
feature, the membrane would rise further and during the clos-
ing action hereinafter to be described, would cause turbulence
and noisy operation due to insufficient back pressure. How-
ever, with this particular valve, the portion of the membrane
above the rib 30 and outboard thereof moves down relatively
quickly during the closing action to restrict the flow bet-
ween the membrane and the rib 30 thus preventing turbulence.
It should be remembered that the membrane is urged downwardly
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at all times by the formation thereof as hereinbefore des-
cribed and clearly illustrated in Figure 8.
As the water level rises in the tank, the float
rises thus liftlng connection rod 19 and rotating arm 39 in
an arc in the direction of arrow 65. This also rotates the
spherical cam 43 in the same direction thus forcing the plug
41 downwardly against the center of the membrane 50 of the
diaphragm 33. As this downward movement progresses, the
membrane restricts the flow across the rib 30 (assisted by
the formation of the membrane) thus causing a build-up of
pressure in the area bounded by the rib 30. This build-up
of pressure produces a force which opposes the downward move-
ment of plug 41, sufficiently to cause the lever or arm 39
to retard its rotation slightly until the float 18 is subject
to sufficient upward buoyancy as the water level continues
to rise, to overcome this pressure build-up and also to over-
come the result of increased friction between the spherical
cam surface 47 and plug 41. When these pressures are over-
come, the membrane is moved rapidly to the closed position
eliminating noise, turbulence and "wire drawing".
A slit 66 formed in the membrane substantially oppo-
site to the valve 64, but situated inboard of the rib 30,
leaks some water through the membrane to the area above the
membrane which tends to reduce the effective upward force of
the membrane against the plug 41. At this nearly closed posi-
tion, such leakage through this slit 66 is possible, while
in the more open position as illustrated in Figure 2, the
upper face of the membrane in the area of the slit is in a
state of compression due to the degree of flexing that occurs
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1~76919
near the outer area of the membrane so that such leakage is
prevented.
At the nearly closed position illustrated in Figure
12, the variable slit or valve 64 is closed as the flexing
action is at a minimum and the leakage through slit 66 here-
inbefore mentioned, results accordingly in a pressure build-
up above the membrane. This build-up exerts a downward thrust
over the entire surface of the membrane including the area -
over the annular channel 31, the pressure in the latter area
becoming relatively insignificant with the valve almost clos- ~,
ed, and resulting in a net downward force on the membrane over
the channel 31 against the rib 30. At the same time, the up-
ward force exerted on that portion of the diaphragm bounded
by the rib 30 is reduced so that the necessary rise of water
level in the tank to achieve the final rapid closing by the
float, is reduced.
Figure 3 shows the valve action in the closed posi-
tion with the portion 48 of the spherical cam forcibly hold-
ing the plug 41 against ths membrane of the diaphragm which
in turn has its lower face held tightly against the valve
seat 29. As the lever or arm 39, the cam 43 and the plug 41
move from the positions illustrated in Figure 2 to the posi-
tions illustrated in Figure 3, the edge or junction 48 of
the cam bearing against the upper surface of the plug 41
progressively moves towards the center of this upper surface
thereby effectively reducing the resistance arm through which
the forces of the water acting against the diaphragm, are able
to act. As the valve approaches more and more the fully clos-
` ed position, the resistance to closing increases. Simulta-
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neously, the above progressive reduction of the resistance
arm enables the float to overcome the increasing resistance
and, at the nearly fully closed position, this action is
responsible for the rapid closing or "snap" action once the
back pressure and friction are over-balanced by the buoyancy
of the float and it is this feature of the design that per-
mits the valve to operate with a relatively short lever
(approximately 2-1/2 inches long).
The "effective resistance arm" is the horizontal
distance between the outer edge of cam 19 bearing against ,
the upper surface of plug 41, and a vertical line through
the center of the inner tapered circular portion or seat 46
of the upper portion 26 of the body.
The non-spherical portion of the cam 43 is chamfer-
ed slightly on the portion thereof closest to the outboardend of the lever 39 so that when this lever or arm drops down
and rests against the upper portion of the body at point 67,
in Figure 2, the cam does not force the plug downwardly. Re-
latively silent operation is provided by the shape and forma-
tion of the annular groove 31 which is preferably semi-
circular thus reducing turbulence by allowing the tumbling of
water. Furthermore, the balancing of the outer flow is occa-
sioned by the plurality of radial slots or grooves 52 within
the underside of the mounting portion of the diaphragm and
finally, the underside or lower face of the plug 41 is cham-
fered at the edge thereof to permit the correct flexing of
the membrane of the diaphragm for quiet operation.
Figures 9 and 10 show an alternate design of the
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diaphragm 33 and where common parts occur, similar reference
characters have been given, but with the suffix "A" added.
In this embodiment, the pressure release valve or
means 66 and the pressure adjusting valve 64, have been re-
placed by a flap valve assembly collectively designated 67operating within an orifice or port 68 formed in the membrane.
This flap valve and the orifice are formed by par-
tially cutting a circle through the membrane thus leaving a
valve flap 69 hinged along the uncut line shown by reference
character 70. A projection 71 is formed on the upper surface
and an extension 72 is formed on the under surface to limit
the upward movement of the flap 69.
In this embodiment and on application of water under
pressure through the threaded connection 13, the membrane of
the diaphragm moves upwardly until the upper face of the plug
41 engages the spherical cam 43 and the lower face of the
plug engages the projection or lug 71 of the flap valve 67
which is normally in the closed position. Upward movement
of the membrane has been facilitated by the free e~haust of
water from the region above the membrane through a groove or
port 73 formed on the upper side of the mounting portion 49
and shown clearly in Figures 9 and 10.
As soon as the valve flap 69 is forced downwardly
by the engagement of the plug with the projection 71, water
flows freely through the orifice 68 into the region above the
membrane thereby reducing the pressure difference across the
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latter sufficiently to arrest further upward movement.
In this connection, the groove 73 does not have sufficient
capacity of flow to prevent pressure build-up above the
membrane with valve 67 partially opened.
When the float moves upwardly due to buoyancy, plug
41 moves downwardly and opens valve 67 fully thus effecting
an even greater reduction of the pressure difference across
the membrane. This upward force is thus reduced allowing
the membrane to move downwardly so that very little force on
the plug 41 is required especially in view of the tendency
of the membrane to move downwardly in order to relax from its
distended state as hereinbefore described.
Valve 67 remains open even to the fully closed posi-
tion thus sustaining pressures in the region above the mem-
brane until complete shut-down. This pressure becomes sub-
stantially greater than that in the annular groove or cavity
31 as the restriction increases between the membrane and the
rib 30 and this results in a downward force on the membrane
over the annular groove or cavity 31 which increases the re-
striction even more so. This causes a pressure build-up in
the area below the diaphragm membrane bounded by the rib 30.
The flow through valve 67 and groove 73 increases accordingly
and the pressure differences across the membrane are corres-
pondingly increased. This produces a resistance to the down-
ward travel of the plug and once again the float is retarded
in its upward travel until sufficient buoyancy is provided by
the rising water level in the tank.
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At this point, the plug is forced downwardly thus
throttling off the water with a "snap" action so that the
above forces on the diaphragm are dissipated and the valve
moves quickly to the fully closed position. It is believed
that the pressures discussed above in the area above the mem-
brane are considerably higher than those experienced with the
diaphragm described in the first embodiment.
On the next filling cycle, the float drops down
thus releasing the downward force on the plug 41 so that
the membrane rises sufficiently to commence flowing water,
part of which passes through valve 67 and the pressure dif-
ference across the latter as well as the elimination of the
downward force of plug 41, causes valve 67 to close and the
diaphragm progresses again to the fully opened position as
hereinbefore described.
The aforementioned extension of rim 72 maintains a
tight seal of the orifice 68 in the diaphragm as it distends
in progessing to the open position.
It will be noted that a vane shaped member 74 is
provided in the threaded conduit 13 below the bore 28 and
the seat 29 which prevents the incoming jet of water from
impinging directly on the diaphragm through the orifice or
bore 28 leading to the seat. This jet is erratic in its be-
haviour which, without the provision of this vane 74, strikes
the side walls of the housing part of the time and passes
directly through the throat at other times striking force-
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fully against the diaphragm. This causes varying pressures
in the area underneath the membrane of the diaphragm thus
resulting in fluctuating flow rates and some turbulence in
the water supply system. Vane or vanes 74 smooth out the
flow and prevent direct impingement of water onto the dia-
phxagm membrane.
The base of the conduit 13 is tapered slightly (not
illustrated) and the sides of the vane are also tapered so
that the vane is held in position by a wedging action al-
though other methods of securement may, of course, be used.
Reference should once again be made to the attach-
ment of the float and support thereof. Several apertures or
holes are provided in the flexible strip 21 adjacent the dis-
tal end thereof so that the connecting rod 19 and the float
18 can be positioned approximately vertically and the float
is clear of any other components within the tank throughout
its travel. The collar 20 is provided with a threaded upward
end which passes through one of these holes and the float is
screwed onto the collar to retain this support in engagement
with the collar. The vertical adjustment of the collar 20
on the connecting rod 19 through the thumb screw 75, controls
the water level within the tank.
Reference should next be made to Figure 9A which
shows a variation of the diaphragm shown in Figure 9.
Instead of the valve 67, a relatively short cylin-
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drical pin 76 is relatively loosely mounted through a cy-
lindrical drilling 77 through the web of the diaphragm.
The principle of operation is similar to that des-
cribed for the flap valve 67 and is used for adjusting the
pressure differential above and below the diaphragm to en-
sure that the "snap" action is obtained.
The pin 76 rides freely but with little clearance
in the aperture in the membrane of the diaphragm and as the
water leaves the tank, the float lowers and the cam is rota-
ted so that the force on plug 41 is removed. The diaphragm -
lifts off seat 29 by the inlet water pressure and a pressure
build-up below the membrane causes flow past pin 76 and final-
ly through port 73 to the exterior of the diaphragm.
As the membrane deflects as shown in Figure 9A, the
aperture 77 deflects and allows the passage of water past the
pin to the other side of the membrane. Water continues to
flow through the aperture until the pressure differential
across the membrane produces just enough force to keep the
membrane in the distended state.
When the float rises as the tank refills, plug 41
moves the pin and the membrane downwardly so that the mem-
brane moves towards the valve seat 29.
At this point, the pressure above the membrane ex-
erts a thrust over the annular channel outside of rib 30 which
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is now at low pressure because of th e reduced flow rate.
This causes a pressure build-up in the area confined by the
rib thereby resisting further travel of the plug 41 until
the buoyancy of the float builds up sufficiently to over-
come this resistance and thrusts the plug and the membranefirmly onto seat 29 to shut off the valve with a "snap" ac-
tion. At this moment of course all water flows collapse
and all pressures downstream of the seat 29 are dissipated. -
Dealing next with the improvements shown in Figures
13 to 17 inclusive, it should be stressed that one of the
important characteristics of the present device is the com-
bination mechanical and hydraulic forces which act upon the
diaphragm and moves same towards the closed or shut-off posi-
tion.
By adjusting the pressure differential between each
side of the diaphragm, a relatively short lever can be used
between the cam and float thus permitting mounting of the de-
vice on the overflow tube of the flush valve where it is of
course above the water level and is the only way of guaran-
teeing a completely anti-siphon installation every time, a
requirement of the majority of plumbing codes in most areas.
Reference should first be made to Figure 13 in
which similar numbers have been given parts corresponding
to those illustrated in Figure 1.
Water under pressure passes into the tank via the
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10769~9
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threaded connecter 13 into a flexible tubing 78 which is
sealed onto the inner end of the connection 11 by means
of a clamp 79.
This tubing 78 is also connected by the other end
thereof to the valve collectively designated 79, by means
of a further clamp 80. The valve 79 includes an attaching
portion 81 by which the valve is secured to and supported
upon the upper end of the overflow tube 22, by means of ad-
justable clamp 82 as clearly illustrated.
The float 18 is attached to the distal end of lever
83 by means of a screw 84 held captive by the flattened dis-
tal end 85 although of course other methods of attachment of
the float to the lever 83 may be utilized.
Referring next to Figure 14, the partsof the valve
assembly which correspond to parts hereinbefore described,
have been given similar reference numbers but with the suffix
"A" attached thereto.
A spherical cam 43A is secured to the inner end of
lever 83 and bears within the cam seat 46A formed within the
second portion 35A of the housing and it is desired that the
seal between the spherical surface of the cam and the seat
be sufficient to prevent leakage of water therepast or, if
such leakage does occur, to maintain such leakage at a mini-
mum so that pressure differentials can be obtained as will
hereinafter be described.
- 24
.. . . . .
. . :
10769i9
,
The plug or plunger 41A is acted upon by the pene-
plain surface of the cam together with a small projection 86
formed upon one side of the cam and the junction between the
peneplain surface and the spherical surface as clearly illus-
trated. This projection gives additional leverage for ac-
tuation of the plug 41A as the float rises.
When the float is in the uppermost position illus-
trated in Figure 14, the plug or plunger 41A is forced to
the left with respect to the drawings, and bears against
the diaphragm 33A which is similar to the diaphragm shown
in Figure 9A. The plunger 4lA holds the diaphragm firmly
upon valve seat 29A and of course shuts off the flow of water
from tube or conduit 78 which is connected to the inlet por-
tion 28A of the first housing portion 25A.
An outlet housing 87 is adhesively secured to the
mating end of the second or cap housing 26A at the junction
88 and is sealed to the first housing 25A either adhesively
or by means of an O ring 89 surrounding the inlet portion as
clearly shown in Figure 14.
This outlet housing 87 forms a circumferential out-
let space or area 90 which communicates with an outlet 91 to
which is attached an outlet conduit or tube 92 which is also
flexible and which terminates adjacent the base of the tank
15 as clearly illustrated in Figure 13.
When the flush valve is actuated in the normal way,
- 25
~(~769~9
the water discharges from the tank and the float 18 pivots
downwardly rotating the cam 43A so that the plug 41A is no
longer held forceably against the diaphragm. Water under
pressure therefore passes through the inner or first housing
25A, past the seat 29A and into the space between the flange
27A and the diaphragm 33A.
It then passes radially outwardly through radial
slots 52A to the space or area 90 enclosed by the one end
of the cap housing 26A and the outlet or secondary housing
87 hereinbefore described. The water then passes through
the connection 91 to the outlet tube 92 and thence to the
tank.
The pressure built up on the left side of the mem-
brane with reference to Figure 14, causes flow through the
valve or aperture 77 within the membrane (see Figure 9A), -
into the area or space on the opposite side of the membrane.
Because this space is substantially sealed by the cam 43A
bearing against cam seat 46A, pressure builds up in this
space and causes flow through a bleed orifice 73 which, in
this embodiment, is formed in the periphery of the diaphragm.
However, it will be appreciated that this orifice
can be formed in the inner surface of the cap housing 26A.
This discharges into the space 90 and ultimately into the
tank via the conduit 92. This bleed orifice or groove 73
maintains the pressure on the right-hand side of the diaphragm
somewhat less at all times than the pressure on the left-hand
- 26
1076919
side of the diaphragm so that the membrane of the diaphragm
is subject to a hydraulic force to the right with reference
to drawings, overcoming the flexural resistance of the mem-
brane and keeping it away from the seat.
As the float rises, lever 83 is rotated in a coun-
ter-clockwise direction with reference to the drawings, caus-
ing the cam 43A to thrust the plug 41A against the diaphragm
overcoming the hydraulic force on the membrane and moving
the membrane to the left.
As the membrane approaches the seat, the discharge
is progressively throttled thereby reducing the pressure in
all areas downstream from the seat 29A. This gradually re-
duces the hydraulic force across the membrane, which reduc-
tion, along with the progressively greater mechanical advan-
tage gained by the float as it rotates the cam so that the
cam lobe 86 moves towards the center of the plug, permits the
float, near the end of its travel, to seat the membrane upon
the valve seat 29A with a positive "snap action".
The valve in the membrane consisting of pin 76 and
aperture 77 should not be considered as simply a restricted
orifice because it varies its effective opening according to
the position of the membrane. When the float has dropped
down and the cam is in the fully opened position, the cam
lobe 86 is at the position of least mechanical advantage,
i.e. the resistance arm is at its maximum. Under these cir-
cumstances, the diaphragm distends to the right stretching
the aperture 77 within which pin 76 is retained thus allow-
- 27
1~7~9~g
ing a greater flow through what is an effectively larger
opening. This allows a greater pressure build-up on the
right side of the membrane although still less th an the
pressure on the opposite side thereby reducing the effective
hydraulic force on the membrane so that the float can operate
the cam and thrust the plug to the left with reference to
Figure 14, without excessive sinking of the float when it
is first buoyed up by the rising water level within the
tank.
As the membrane moves leftward, the membrane is -
less and less distended so that the effective opening of
this valve 76 and 77 within the membrane, becomes less and
less. Only as the membrane approaches the end of its travel
does the pressure downstream from the valve seat 29A fall
off and permit the snap action closing hereinabove described.
The supply of water to the trap of the toilet bowl
(not illustrated) is obtained through an opening 93 in the
outlet housing 87 immediately above the attaching portion 81
of the valve housing and this discharges directly into the
overflow tube.
It should also be noted that a check ball 94 engages
a seat 95 formed through the periphery of the diaphragm and
aligned with a drilling 96 formed through the cap housing 35A.
This check ball engages the seat when the valve is opened
thereby preventing release of water through the drilling 96
and is unseated thereby allowing entry of air when the valve
shuts off to preclude any possibility of back siphoning of
- 28
7~gi9
water from the tank through opening 93 if due to some mal-
function, water levels were raised above the top of the over-
flow tube 22 and the opening 93. Such a malfunction as a
defective float would cause extraordinarily high water levels.
The device illustrated in Figure 15 is similar to
that shown in Figure 14 so th at corresponding reference
characters have been given.
However, it will be noted that the pin and aperture
76 and 77 have been eliminated in this particular embodiment.
This embodiment includes means for building up pres-
sures on the side of the membrane or diaphragm opposite from
the valve seat 29A which assists the float in moving the mem-
brane towards the closed position thereby making a relatively
short float lever 83, feasible.
In this variation, the build-up of pressure is
achieved in the outer casing and communicated from there
through a passageway to the side of the membrane remote
from the valve seat 29A thereby eliminating the necessity
of the valve in the membrane.
The radial slots 52A are made slightly larger in
this embodiment and water passes from the inlet, outwardly
through these slots to the area or space 90 as hereinbefore
described and thence to the outlet 91 and the outlet tube 92.
- 29
,
10769~9
The pressure build-up in the secondary housing
or area 90 is transmitted into the space on the opposite
side of the membrane through the aforementioned slit 73
formed across the perimeter of the diaphragm or, alterna-
tively, formed in the cap housing adjacent this area.
The hydraulic pressure is greatest in the space
surrounding seat 29A and a pressure drop occurs through the
radial slots 52A so that the pressure in the secondary hous-
ing or space 90 is somewhat less. As outlined above, commu-
nication between the space on the plug side of the diaphragmand the secondary housing space 90 is obtained by the radial
slot or slit 73 and because there are only minimal flows bet-
ween these two spaces, the pressure in these two spaces are
for practical purposes equal. The membrane then moves to the
right with reference to Figure 15 because the pressure is low-
er on the right side and a small flow of water passes from
the membrane area, through slit 73 into the area or space 90
as it is displaced by the membrane moving to the right. An
insignificant amount leaks at all times between the cam and
its seat while the valve is open.
The hydraulic force acting across the membrane is
proportional to the pressure of the water supply to the valve.
The greater the pressure the greater the flow through radial
slots 52A and the greater the pressure difference between the
seat area and the secondary housing space 90 and hence the
greater the force acting across the membrane. In other words
the membrane opens more and more as the supply pressure is
- 30
.
1~';'6919
, . . .
increased. For any given water supply pressure the membrane
moves to the right until its flexural resistance equals the
hydraulic force acting over its surface. The effective open-
ing provided by radial slots 52A governs the magnitude of
the pressure difference acting across the diaphragm. The
greater the opening the less difference in pressure and the
lower the hydraulic force. By correctly sizing slots 52A,
the force required to thrust plug 41A towards the closed
position is small thereby enabling the float to rotate the
lever 83 without excessive displacement.
This is perhaps the simplest design possible but
has a drawback of producing insufficient flows at lower water
pressures due to the omission, in this embodiment, of the
annular rib 30 which is due to the fact that at low pressure,
as the membrane leaves the seat, the build-up of pressure on
the valve seat side of the membrane is low so that only minor
flows occur. The pressure in the space immediately surround-
ing the seat is only slightly higher than it is in the space
downstream from the radial slots of the diaphragm and hence
in the space on the opposite side of the membrane. This means
that there is very little pressure difference across the mem-
brane so that it is deflected from the seat only slightly.
However, for normal operating pressures, this embodi-
ment is satisfactory.
The preferred embodiment is therefore shown in Figures
16 and 17 and once again similar parts have been given similar
reference characters.
.
10769~9
In this embodiment, the aforementioned annular rib
30A is incorporated together with the annular U-shaped chan-
nel 31A outboard of the rib.
As the membrane of the diaphragm is moved towards
the valve seat 29A, it comes into close proximity or in con-
tact with the annular rib 30A as hereinbefore described.
When the flush valve is actuated, water discharges --
from the tank and the float moves downwardly rotating the
cam 43A so that the plug 41A is no longer held against the
membrane. Water under pressure passes through the inlet 28A,
past the valve seat 29A and into the space bounded by the rib
30A and the membrane. Flow of water through the narrow space
between the membrane and the rib 30A is restricted in part
causing a pressure build-up in the space bounded by the rib
which distends the membrane thereby in turn permitting greater
flow because of the increased clearance between the membrane
and the rib.
The flow into the annular channel 31A outboard of
the rib increases and the pressure build-up in this area
20 causes flow through the radial slots 52A of the diaphragm
periphery which, in turn, builds up pressure in the space 90
defined by the housing 87 which of course is in sealed engage-
ment with the cap housing 35A of hereinbefore described.
This pressure build-up in the outer casing is trans-
mitted through the radial slit 73 to the space on the oppositeside of the membrane and opposes the hydraulic force build-up
- 32
- ~0~69i9
in the area on the valve seat side of the membrane. secause
only minimal flows occur through radial slit 73 consisting of
the volume of water displaced by the membrane as it moves to
the right with reference to Figure 16 and a similar volume
restored through the slit as the membrane moves towards the
with
closed position, along/the insignificant amount which leaks
past the cam seat 46A, the pressures in the outer casing and
the space on the right-hand side of the membrane area, for
all practical purposes, equal.
The pressure build-up on the right side of the mem-
brane is sufficient to permit travel or movement of plug 41A
towards the closed position, with relative ease. As the mem-
brane nears the closed position, the pressure downstream from
rib 30 falls off due to the restriction of flow between the
membrane and the rib. As the membrane continues towards the
closed position, the clearances at both the rib and the valve
seat 29A are reduced so that the flow is throttled in both
locations substantially to the same degree,thereby maintaining
an approximately constant pressure and hydraulic force in the
space bounded by the rib. Because the pressure downstream
from the rib falls off progressively, the pressure on the
opposite side of the membrane drops off so that slightly greater
force is required to move the plug towards the closed position.
However, as the cam rotates closer and closer towards
the closed position, its mechanical advantage increases until
at some point it overwhelms the hydraulic force and the float
lever cam and plug drive the membrane rapidly to the fully
closed position with the aforementioned "snap" action.
- 33
107~919
This design has advantages over prior designs here-
inbefore described inasmuch as it provides relatively good
flows at relatively low water pressures. This is because the
pressure build-up in the space bounded by rib 30A produces a
considerable hydraulic force which moves the membrane away
from the rib to allow good flow. secause the perimeter of the
rib is relatively long, only a slight movement of the membrane
at the rib is required to effect a relatively large opening.
In fact it has been found that movement of slightly more than
1/64 of an inch, produces an effective opening equal to a 1/4
inch diameter hole.
Although the rib is shown in the drawings as being
formed on the flange 32A, nevertheless it will be appreciated
that, if desired, it can be formed on the diaphragm although
manufacture may be slightly more difficult. However, the
operation would be similar.
Since various modifications can be made in my inven-
tion as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely
different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope
of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it
is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying
specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and
not in a limiting sense.
- 34
.
