CA1090229A - Fill valve - Google Patents
Fill valveInfo
- Publication number
- CA1090229A CA1090229A CA306,003A CA306003A CA1090229A CA 1090229 A CA1090229 A CA 1090229A CA 306003 A CA306003 A CA 306003A CA 1090229 A CA1090229 A CA 1090229A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- lever
- wall
- tank
- flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
- E03D1/30—Valves for high or low level cisterns; Their arrangement ; Flushing mechanisms in the cistern, optionally with provisions for a pre-or a post- flushing and for cutting off the flushing mechanism in case of leakage
- E03D1/32—Arrangement of inlet valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K21/00—Fluid-delivery valves, e.g. self-closing valves
- F16K21/04—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
- F16K21/18—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation closed when a rising liquid reaches a predetermined level
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
- Y10T137/7339—By weight of accumulated fluid
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
- Y10T137/7358—By float controlled valve
- Y10T137/7368—Servo relay operation of control
- Y10T137/7371—Fluid pressure
- Y10T137/7374—Flexible diaphragm valve
Abstract
FILL VALVE
Abstract of the Disclosure A fill valve for controlling liquid level in a toilet tank or other tank includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet, a valve, and a level sensing mechanism for opening the valve to permit flow when the liquid level is below a predetermined value. A flow impedance path including a compact array of many baffles defining multiple consecutive right angle turns dissipates fluid pressure without substantial velocity increases and consequent cavitation and noise.
Stable valve closure when the predetermined level is reached is effected by the mounting and configuration of a valve control lever. The fill valve may be disassembled for service without removal from the tank. A coupling and mounting nut assembly facilitates mounting without tools in a variety of tanks. A backflow preventer including few simple parts may be incorporated to provide redundant cross-connection protection.
Abstract of the Disclosure A fill valve for controlling liquid level in a toilet tank or other tank includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet, a valve, and a level sensing mechanism for opening the valve to permit flow when the liquid level is below a predetermined value. A flow impedance path including a compact array of many baffles defining multiple consecutive right angle turns dissipates fluid pressure without substantial velocity increases and consequent cavitation and noise.
Stable valve closure when the predetermined level is reached is effected by the mounting and configuration of a valve control lever. The fill valve may be disassembled for service without removal from the tank. A coupling and mounting nut assembly facilitates mounting without tools in a variety of tanks. A backflow preventer including few simple parts may be incorporated to provide redundant cross-connection protection.
Description
The present invention relates to improvements in Eill valves for controlling liquid level in a tank such as a toilet tank.
Fill valves function to maintain a predetermined liquid level in a tank or reservoir, and are used widely in toilet tanks and other tanks. A typical fill valve includes an inlet adapted to be connected to a liquid supply, an outlet communicating with the tank, a valve for permitting or preventing flow from the inlet to the outlet, a device for detecting the level of liquid in the tank, and a control assembly coupled between the detecting device and the valve for opening the valve when the liquid level is below a predetermined level.
In the past, the most widely used fill valve has been a ball cock wherein the valve is controlled by a float. My United States patent number 3,895,645 granted July 22, 1975 discloses a fill valve which is substantially more compact and less expensive to manufacture than a ball cock. The fill valve disclosed in that patent is entirely submerged and utili~es a diaphragm responsive to liquid pressure to detect liquid level.
While the device disclosed in the above noted United States patent 3,895,645 has been successful in fulfilling its intended purposes, the present invention relates to improvements in fill valves of that type. In addition, the improvements to which the present invention relates can be applied to other types of fill valves including float controlled valves such as ball cocks.
The invention provides a valve assembly for controlling the liquid level in a tank and comprising in combination: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a flow path in said housing between said inlet and outlet; a valve including a valve member and a valve seat along said flow path, said valve member and seat being movable relative to one another between open and closed positions; sensing means for detecting the level of liquid in said tank; valve operating means coupled between said sensing means and said valve for opening said valve in response to liquid level changes to
Fill valves function to maintain a predetermined liquid level in a tank or reservoir, and are used widely in toilet tanks and other tanks. A typical fill valve includes an inlet adapted to be connected to a liquid supply, an outlet communicating with the tank, a valve for permitting or preventing flow from the inlet to the outlet, a device for detecting the level of liquid in the tank, and a control assembly coupled between the detecting device and the valve for opening the valve when the liquid level is below a predetermined level.
In the past, the most widely used fill valve has been a ball cock wherein the valve is controlled by a float. My United States patent number 3,895,645 granted July 22, 1975 discloses a fill valve which is substantially more compact and less expensive to manufacture than a ball cock. The fill valve disclosed in that patent is entirely submerged and utili~es a diaphragm responsive to liquid pressure to detect liquid level.
While the device disclosed in the above noted United States patent 3,895,645 has been successful in fulfilling its intended purposes, the present invention relates to improvements in fill valves of that type. In addition, the improvements to which the present invention relates can be applied to other types of fill valves including float controlled valves such as ball cocks.
The invention provides a valve assembly for controlling the liquid level in a tank and comprising in combination: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a flow path in said housing between said inlet and outlet; a valve including a valve member and a valve seat along said flow path, said valve member and seat being movable relative to one another between open and closed positions; sensing means for detecting the level of liquid in said tank; valve operating means coupled between said sensing means and said valve for opening said valve in response to liquid level changes to
2~
enable flow along said flow path; and a flow impedance means in said flow path for dissipating fluid pressure along said flow path while minimizing fluid velocity increases; said flow impedance means including inner, intermediate and outer telescoped cylindrical walls, the region within said inner wall communicating with said inlet, one end of said inner wall defining said valve seat; an aperture in said intermediate wall permltting flow between said region and the space between said intermediate and outer walls, a passage through said outer wall permitting flow from sald space to said outlet, said passage and said aperture being angularly spaced from one another, a first plurality of baffles extending radially outward from said intermediate wall toward said outer wall, and a second plurality of baffles extending radially inward from sald outer wall toward said intermediate wall, said first and second baffles being interspersed with one another between said aperture and said passage.
Fluid flowing through a fill valve from a liquid source such as a pressurized ~ater supply to an unpressurized tank experiences a substantial drop in pressure. Moreover, in many situations it is necessary or desirable to restrict inlet flow velocity; for example, in a toilet tank the fill rate should be restricted in order to avoid a possible overflow condition. In known fill valves, flow is restricted by one or a few restricted passages or orifices along the flow path wherein fluid pressure is dissipated. This results in local velocity increases causing difficulties such as cavitation and noise.
It has been recognized that pressure may be dissipated and velocity attenuated through the use of a multiplicity of consecutive right angle flow path turns. This approach for example has been employed in large industrial velocity control elements for liquid and gas pipelines and the like. How-ever, this approach has not been successfully utilized in a small device such as a fill valve due to the difficulty of providing a sufficiently comr pact flow path incorporating multiple right angle turns.
1C190~29 The present invention provides an improved fill valve having a novel flow impedance means for dissipating pressure and reducing flow while avoiding problems such as cavitation and noise attendant upon substantial localized velocity increases. The flow impedance means can be in a compact arrangement avoiding the necessity for a bulky or complex housing.
In many types of fill valves including that disclosed in United States 3,895,645, a control lever ls used to operate the valve in response to movement of a diaphragm or other level detecting device. A predetermined liquid level may be established by the application to the lever of a reference force typically provided by a spring, Difficulties can be encountered with this arrangement in effecting consistent and stable valve closure at the predetermined level. Such difficulties can arise from factors such as friction and mechanical instability. In addition, difficulties can arise from changes in effective lever arm length such that the reference force applied to the lever does not achieve reliable valve closure.
The novel fill valve of the present invention preferably includes a control arrangement coupled between a level detecting device and a valve for effecting stable valve operation. The valve preferably includes a lever configuration and mounting permitting precise and reliable positioning of the valve and avoiding problems of friction. The lever configuration and mounting involve application of a reference spring force in such a way that consistent valve closure is obtained.
Fill valves used in tank filling operations are subject to wear as well as to contaminants or particles which may be present in the supply of water or other liquid. Consequently, it is desirable that provision be made for servicing and repair. In some known fill valves including that disclosed in United States 3,895,645, disassembly of the fill valve without removal from the tank is not possible.
, i. , ~
.~, :a9~z,~9 The novel fill valve preferably provides for disassembly of the valve while the valve remains mounted in a tank. Separation of portions of the housing of a fill valve permits access to internal components of the valve without disturbing the mounting of the valve and without altering the ad;ustment of the valve.
It is desirable that a fill valve be capable of being installed in a wide variety of tanks. For example3 toilet tanks may differ in wall thickness and in the configuration of the existing water supply pipe ad;acent the tank inlet opening. When the fill valve is mounted with a mounting nut and coupled to the supply conduit with a coupling assembly including a coupling nut, it is desirable that this be accomplished by hand rather than with the use of tools which could damage the tank or the valve.
An improved mounting and coupling nut assembly for attaching a fill valve to a tank is preferably capable of accomplishing fill valve mounting without tools, and of rendering a fill valve adaptable to a sub-stantial range of tank wall thicknesses and inlet pipe configurations.
The disclosed fill valve prevents backflow or siphonage from the tank to the supply collduit. However, in order to provide redundant pro-tection and to provide a fill valve having addltional backflow protection, it may be desirable to provide the fill valve with a backf].ow preventer or ~90ZZ9 antisiphon device. Moreover, such a device may have wide application not only to fill valves of various types but also to other devices or fixtures connected to a water system An improved backflow preventer is disclosed having a small nun~ber of inexpensive, easily fabricated, and easily assembled parts. The backflow preventer is in the form of a module adaptable to different installations and fixtures; and is capable of perfor~ing a straining function.
Preferably the control assembly coupled between the liquid level control device and the valve includes a lever pivoted at one point along its length and to which a spring biasing force is applied in the valve opening direction at another point. The lever is shaped and mounted so that the spring force application direction approaches perpendicular to the line between the pivot point and the spring force application point as the valve opens.
_ . .
3L~90;2Z9 In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the valve housing includes a body and a cover between which are supported the valve and the level detecting device in the form of a diaphragm. The valve control assembly including the lever is supported on the coverl and at least one fastener accessible from above the housing holds the cover and the body in assembled relation. The reference biasing spring is supported only by the cover so that the housing may be disassembled for access to interior components without removing the body from its installed position in the tank and without disturbing the spring force adjustmen~.
A further preferred feature of the present invention relates to the provision of a novel backflow preventer adapted to be installed in the ill valve inlet or other liquid conduit between a pair of interfacing shoulders. The backflow preventer includes a disc abutting the upstream shoulder and an elastomeric body including an annular ring portion and two inwardly extending check valve portions having central openings. The up-stream check valve portion overlies upstream flow passages in the disc, and a cup member is received between the upstream and downstream check valve portions and includes downstream flow passages controlled by the downstream check valve portion. The upstream passages can perform a straining function, and IO~O~Z~
pxojections formed simult~neously with the downstream flow passages prevent the upstream check valve portion from closi.ng the downstream flow passages, The above and other objects and advantages of the invention may be best understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention illus~
trated .in the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top ~iew of a fill valve embodying the features of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line.2-2 o~ FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG..2;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 7~7 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is an exploded p~rspective view of components of the fill valve of FIG. 1, with some components shown in partial section;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary exploded pexspective view of components of the fill ualve of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged fragmentar~ sectional view taken along the line 11~11 of FIG. 6;
~090229 ~IG. 12'is a sectional view similar to part o~ FIG.
2 illustrating an alternative embodimenl: of the invention; and FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-11 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a fill valve'constructed i.n accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated as a whole by the reerence numeral 20. The fill ~valve 20 includes a hbusing generally designated as 22 adapted lD to be mounted to the wall 24 of a tank such as a toilet tank of which`a fragment is shown in FIGS.:2, 3, 6 and 12. The valve is supplied with liquid from a water supply or other liquid conduit 26 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and maintains the liquid within the tank at a seIected predetermined level.
In some respects~- the fill valve 20 is similar to that disclosed in U. S. patent 3`,895,645 granted on July 22, .
` ~ 975. ~he entirc di~lo~urc-e~-t~at~ e~t~ ~Re~or~t~d her1~ by rcfc~e~ee.`
In general,,the fill valve 20 includes an inlet 28 communicating with'the supply conduit 26,,an outlet 30 communicating with the'~interior of the tank, and a valve assembly generally designated as 32 disposed in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A diaphragm 34 detects leveI changes of the liquid within the'tank and a control assembly 36 including a control lever 38 operates the valve assembly 32.in response to diaphragm movement in order to open the valve assembly when the'liquid .level is below the predetermined level and to close the valve assembly when the liquid leveI reaches the'predetermined leveI.
Proceeding now to a more detailed .description of the structure ~nd operation of the fill valve 20, the housing 22 109~12Z9 incluaes a bod~ or n~a.in portion 40 and a cover 42 defining therebetween a valve'chamber:44 and a diaphragm cham~er 46.
The body 40 includes a projecting shank portion 4g extending through an opening 50 in the tank wall 24. A gasket 52 is held in sealing relation betweell the body 40 and the tank wall 24 at the opening 50 to prevent leakage of fluid from t,he tank.
Diaphragm chamber 46 is communicated to fluid pres-sure within the tank by means of an opening 54 in the cover 42.
The diaphragm 34 includes a lip.56 held in sealing relation between the body 40 and the co.ver 42, and the upper surace of the diaphragm is exposed to fluid pxessure so that the diaphragm moves downward as liquid level increases.
In order to provide compensation for atmospheric pressure changes, the underside of the diaphragm 34 is communicated with the exterior of.the tank. More specifically, the lowermost portion of the diaphragm chamber 46 co~unicates with a pair of openings 58 separated by a rib or web 60 and leading to the projecting shank 48. In the region of the gasket 52,,the shank'48 includes a number of axially extending ribs 62 and an annular rib 64 to assure'clearance ~or the passage of air within the gasket 52. As can be seen in FIG. 3, annular rib 64 is interrupted by a pair of notches 66 for pressure communication across the rib'64. ~ibs 62 are provided with projections or barbs 68 for retaining the gasket 52 in assembly, and the region below the gasket.52 communicates with the exterior of the tank .through'the tank opening 50.
In accoraance with one feature of .the present inven-tion, there is provided a mounting and coupling nut assembly generally designated by the reference:numeral 80 (FIG. 2) for _ 9 _ ~9q~Z9 mounting the fill valve 20 -to..the tank wall 24 and ~or coupling the inlet 28 to the supply conduit 26. The assembly 80 is capable of assembly without the use of tools, and accommodates tank walls of a wide range o~ thickness, yet is a compact assembly adaptable to various inlet pipe configurations.
More specifically, the mounting and coupling nut assembly 80 includes a mounting nut 82 and a coupling nut 84 each having internal threads and received on external threads provided on projecting shank portion 48 within which is located the fill valve'inlet ~8. The mounting nut ~2 is threaded first onto the projection 48 until its innermost end engages the.~tank wall 24 in order to mount the fill valve 20 in position and to effect a seal between the body 40 and the tank wall 24 with:the'gasket 52. The nut 82 is provided with 15- a number of spaced apart projections 86 permitting air flow be~ween the projections and c'ompleting the path for venting to atmosphere of the portion of diaphragm cha'mber 46 beneath the diaphragm 34. A par-allel flow path is defined by a groove or notch 86 ~FIG. 9) in the'threads of the project;,on 48 so that venting is accomplished reliably eVen if one or the other of the parallel paths is blocked through the improper use of pipe joining compound or .otherwise.
Coupling nut 84 is threaded onto projection 48 after installation of the mounting nut :82, and includes a flanged end 88 which functions through the agency of a washer 90 to deform a cone washer 92'into sealing enyagement be~ween the supply conduit 26 and the outermost end of projection 48.
It is an important advantage of the mounting and coupling nut assembly'80 that both nuts 82:and 84 can be hand tightened without the use'of wrenches or other tools. Hand ~O~(~ZZ9 tightening is facilitated by p~ovidin~ .sexrations 94 and 96 on circular outer peripheries.o~ the nuts 82 ~nd'84. Hand tightening of the nuts 82 and 84 prevents poss.ible damage to the tank wall 24 and/or the fill valve 20 upon installation, and renders installation of the fill valve 20 convenient, particularly when the fill. valve'20 is installed by a home-owner rather than by a tradesman.
In oxder to permit hand tightening of the mounting nut 82, its axial length must be'substantial in order to permit grasping by the fingers of the installer. While a nut intended to be tigh~ened with a wrench could be'substantially thinner, fo~r hand tightening it is desirable that the mounting nut have an axial length at least equal to approximately half of the axial length of the coupling nut 84 which is of standard conventional size. . The necessity for a mounting nut of substantial axial .length would result in an undesirable axial length of the entire mounting and coupling nut assembly were normal nut configurations. to be utili.zed.
In addition, it is:desirable that the fill valve 20.
be capable of mounting in tanks. having tank walls o .substantial thickness. In order to accommodate a wall of .s.ubstantial thickness and to permit mounting of conventional mounting and coupling nuts, the projection or shank 48 would have to be of substantial axial length. Difficulties c~n be. encountered 2~ with'a pro.jection of great .length because this would increase the overall s.ize of the ~ill valve, and because in some installations the'projection could interfe~e With a bend or other obstruction along .the supply conduit.26 adjacent the tank wall.
In accordance with .the'present invention, the mounting and coupling nut assembly 80 provides an extxemely compact ~09C~2Z9 arran~ement permitting .substantial axial .len~th'of the mounting nut 82 and accommodating thick tank walls without a lar~e overall length of the projection 48 and the assembl~ 80~ As can be seen in FIG.:2,. the mounting nut 82 includes a circular cross-section substantially larger in diameter than the complementary circular cross-section o~ the coupling nut 84.
Moreover,,the outermost wall of .the nut 82 is provided with an annular recess 98 into which'the innermost end 100 of the coupling nut ~4 may be`received'. This permits the nuts to be overlapped or telescoped one within the other so that ~ith a thick tank wall,: the 'axial distance'required by the nuts 82 and 84 is less than the sum o~ their indi~idual lengths.
Control of liquid flow from the inlet 28 to the outlet 30 of .the fill valve.'20 is efec.ted by the valve assembly 32 under the control of the'control assembly 36 and l.ever 38. . Valve'assembly 32.includes a main valve member 104 cooperating with a valve .sea.t 106 and a valving surface 108, together with a pilot valve member 110 carried by the lever 38 and cooperating with a pilot val.ve .seat 112~.
In the closed position of the valve.assembly 32 illustrated in.the drawings,: the pilot valve member 110 contacts the pilot valve:seat 112.to pr.event communication between the interior of the tank'and a valve control chamber 114 immediately above the main valve member 104. The region within and below the valve .seat 106 is exposed to inle~ pressure, which pressure is communicated to chambex 114 by means of blee~ passages or grooves 116 in a projection 118 in wipin~ contact with a central opening in the ~alve.member,104. Because the underside of the main valve member 104 radially outside of the val~e.
seat 106.is at tank or outlet pressure, the main valve member .
1~ -93~Z~9 is biased closed by the inlet pressure in the contxol chamber 11~ .
When liquid level in the tank drops beIow the prede-termined level, resulting movement of lever 38 moves the pilot valve member 110 away from the'pilot valve seat 112. Pressure within the control chamber 114 drops due'to interconnection of the chamber with tank by way of a passage 122 having a larger cross-sectional area than the bleed passages 116 and surrounded by the pilot valve'seat 112. As control chamber pressure drops, the inlet pressure within valve'seat 106 causes the main valYe member 104 to move'upwardly away from the valve seat 106 and surface~108. A rolling or peeling action is achieved by the provision of a number of generally triangular ports 124 . in the valving surface' 108.
When the valve'assembIy 32 is in.its open condition, fluid flows from the'inlet 28,,through the'valve seat 106, radially outward over the valving surface 108, and through the ports 124 toward the outlet 30. In the open position of valve member 104, its upper sur~ace engages ridges or projections 1,26 formed within the val.ve'ch'amber 44 on the'cover'42,,assuring that pres'sure within the'control chamber 114 is communicated over. the upper surface'o~ :the valve member 104.
When the'predetermined liquid .leveI is attained by flow through'the fill valve:20,. the pilot valYe member 110 engages the pilot valve.'seat 112 to close'the passage 122.
Consequently, pressure ~ithin the controI chamber 114 again rises as inlet pressure'communicates thraugh'bleed passages 116...The main valve.member 104.is .returned to it5 illwstrated, closed position by the increased pressure in.control chamber 114.
1090~Z~
Movement of the diaphragm 34 in response to liquid level changes is utilized to operate the valve.assembly 32 between -closed and open.positions through the a~ency of the control assembly 36 and control l.ever 38. As best illustrated in FIGS~'4 and 9, withi.n the'diaphragm chamber 46 the lever 38 terminates in a generally planar circular portion 130 received in a slot 132 formed by a lip 134 of the diaphragm 3~. ~s a result,. upward and downward movernent of the diaphra~m 34 results in upward or down~ard movement of the end pQrtion 130 of the lever 38. The 'end portion 130 of the .lever 38 is provided with'a central aperture 136 permitting deflection of the central.~portion of the diaphragm 34 when pressurized.
In accordance with an irnportant feature of the inven--tion, the lever 38 is-shaped and mounted to provide stable' closing of the valve~assembly 3~ when the predeter~ined liquid .level is reachedO This important .result i.s:attained by the way in .which' the:l.ever is' mounted for pivoting movement and by the positioning reIative.to the'lever of a reference biasing struc.ture generally designated by the reference numeral 136.
Moxe specifically, and as bes't seen in FIGS. 9-11, lever 38 includes a paix of pivot proj.ections 138 terminating in points 140 (FIG. 11). Cover 4~.is provided with a pair of sockets 142:complementary. in shape to the projections.138 and within which'points 140 are pivotally received. Points 140 thus define the pivot point about which le~er 38 pivots~
This arrangement provides :for p.ivoting of the .lever 38 with a minimum of friction, and captures .the lever 38 in a precisely determined position from which'it cannot.str~ during handling, -installation or operation. As a result/ problems due'to )2~9 interference or friction o~ the lever movin~ against portions of the cover or other structure arising from unintentional displacement of the lever are avoided. Moreover, the .lever arm distances along the'lever 38 are.reliably and exactly determined since the pivot point.is precisely Iccated on the lever. In particular, the'relatively short lever arm distance ~etween the pivot point l~O.~nd the reference biasing structure is precisely determined and fixed.
The reference biasing str.ucture 136 includes a biasing spring 144 heId in compression against the lever 38 opposite'the'diaphragm engaging end 130. Liquid pressure acting upon diaphragm 34 .tends to pivot the lever 38 in the clockwise, valve-closing direction as viewed in FIG. 2 around the pivot point 140, and the spring 144 tends to pivot the lever 38 in the counterclockwise,'. valve-opening direction.
Thus, the spring 144 provides: a re.ference biasing force establishing .the predetermined liquid level at which .the pilot valve member 110 closes the seat 112 .thereby to operate the valve assembly 32.to the:closed.position.
In order to support-and permit adiustment of the spring 144, there'is provided an adjustiny scre~ 148 prefer-ably formed of molded plastic and having a .threaded portion 150 received in an opening 152 in the cover 42.. An easily manu-~actured configuration.is achieved by providin~ .the opening 152 with'only a single .thread convolution 154 (F.IG. 7) which can be molded without machining or complex:coxing.
Adjusting screw :148-includes a shank portion 156 around which the spring 144 is received, together with a head 158 under which the spring is captured. The head 158 is provided with'serrations so that it can be'easily turned by ~o90~z~
hand. Moreover, a recess 160 in the head i.ncludes radially inwardly directed projec'tians 162 so that the ad~usting screw can be:rotated with'a screwdriver or other tool if it is desired to effect an ad~.ustment without reachi'ng into liquid within the tank.
The spring 144 applies'a valve-openiny foxce.to the lever 38 at a force appl.ication point .or region designated as 164 spaced by an effective l.ever axm distance ~rom the pivo-t point 140. The reference` spring.force'is applied v~rtically as illustrated in FIG. 2 to .the ~orce application point 164, and in the valve closed position illustrated in the drawings, the point 164.is substantially above :the pivot point 140, i..e., in the illustrated configuration the effective .lever arm or line between the points 140 and 164 is not horizontal. Conse~
quently, in the valve'closed position, the reference force `direction forms a nonperpendicular an~le to a li.ne extending bet~een the pivot point and the force application point.
As the'lever 38 moves:to the valve open position by piVoting about the pivot point 140,. the :force appl.ication point 164 moves relatively downward.towaxd an orientation wherein the reference spring force :is perpendicular to a line bet~een the pivot point.:and the force application point; i.e~, the effective lever arm or line between points 140.and 164.
approaches horizo.ntal. In .this perpendicular or.ientation, the . effective spring force:is maximized s.ince it acts normal to the eff.ective lever arm. During mo.vement ~rom the open to the closed.position, the ef.fective. spring force xeIatively decreases because, as the'an~.le between .the force application direction and the effecti.ve.:l.ever arm moves furthex fxom -perpendicular, the component of .the sprin~.force nor~al to the effective lever arm reIatively decreases.
. - 16 -laso22~
. An important advanta~e o this arrangement is that : stabIe and accurate valve.closure'occurs when the predetermined liquid leveI is attained. As .the predetermined level is approached, the .lever. nears the valve closed position. During this movement the'e~fective'reference spring biasing for.ce applied in the valve'opening direction relativel~ decreases.
This provides.what might be'termed a self~rein~orcing closing action.
In order to augment:this desirable closing action, ~he outlet 30 is arranged to create turbulence'in the'region o~ the fill val.ve 20 in order to reduce the pressure sensed by diaphragm 34 while'filling is'occurring. More specifically, with:reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, it can be'se n that outlet 30 comprises a pair of outlet ports 1'68 and 170 discharging fluid generally horizontally as viewed in the'drawings~ and in opposite'directions. Dischar.ged fluid in the'plane of the fill val~e.'20 creates turbulence'in the'region of the fill. valve and in the'region of the'opening.54 leading to the diaphragm chamber 46. As a res'ult, during fill-ingj the diaphragm 34 experiences a pressure somewhat.:less :than wouLd occur in the ~bsence.of turbulence'. ~5 :the:lever 38 approaches the val.ve closed position, the valve.'assembly 32 begins.to close and to dec:rease flow through'the outlet ports 168 and 170. As a result, turbulence decreases and.the diaphxagm 34 experiences not only .the .increased pressure due to increasing liquid level, but:also an increase in sensed pressure due'to the reduction in turbulence'.
In combination, thb decrease'in the'ef~ective:valve-opening spring force acting in concert with'the increase in sensed pressure due to decreasing turbulence'serves to provide 109~229 a.stable and reliable shuto:~f of th~. valve assembl:~ .32.at a consistent liquid level.
In accordance with an important feature of the inven-.tion, there is provided a flow impedance arxangement generally designated as 180 in the'flow pa.th between the inlet 28 and outlet 30 of the fill valve.20. The flow .impedance arrangement 180.serves to limit flow.~elocity through:the ~ill valve'20'to a .desired rate, while dissipating f.luid inlet pressur~ without the excessive'locali:zed vel:ocity, cavitation and noise inherent in devices.using small a,rea 10w restrictions. Rather, as appears bblow, the'flow .impedance`arrangement 180 incorporates relati.vely large area passages wherein locali.zed veIocity increases do not:occur. ..These passages include'structure defining a multiplicity of cons.ecutive right ang.le .turns in the flow path necessitating numerous directional changes of the:flowing fluid for reducing ~low ra.te and dissipating pressure.
.The flow impedance'arrangement 180.is incorporated into a compact,:,cartridge-like.ass-embly generally:designated as 182 and inc.luding an inner wall 184,.an intermediate wall 186 and an outer wall 188. The walls 184, ,186 and lB8 are of complementary,. circular.configuration (FIG. 5), axe of generally equal length, and are .in telescoped relation rel'ative:to one ano.ther.
.Inner wall 184.defines and surrounds a central, reduced diame:ter inlet passage'l90 commun.icating with the inlet 28. . The main valve seat 106 is defined.at the`upper end (as viewed .in the'drawings): of the inner wall 184 Concentric ann-ular passages or chambers 1.92 and 194 are :def.ined respecti.veIy betw.een the .inner and intexmediate ~alls 18~ and 186 and between the intermediate and outer walls ~9~29 186 and 188. An upper end wall 196 incorporateS the.valving sur~ace 108 and the trian~ular ports 124,,and blocks one end o~ the outer annular chamber 194, An opposite or lower end wall 198 blocks the opposite ends o~ both annular ch~mbers 192 and 194.
The cartridge assembl~ 182, including its various.
~alls and chambers, could be formed as a separate assembly or incorporated into the'fill valve'20 in any desired way~ In the illustrated arrangement, the inner wall 184 and the end wall 198 are parts of an insert member 200 haviny a collar 202 received in an enlarged diameter portion 204 of the inlet 28.
The intermediate wall 186 ana the end wall 196 are part of a diffuser element 206 inserted into the body 40 after mounting of the insert 200. The ou'cex ~all 188 is an integral portion of the body'40.
When the valve'assembly 32 is in the open condition and the main valve mem~er.104 is spaced from the seat 106, fluid.flows axially relative to the cartridge assembly 182 along the central inlet passage 190. As the fluid passes the valve.seat 106, it changes direction and moves radially out~ardly in all directions -across the'valving surface 108.
- In order to flow through'the triangular ports 124,,the fluid again changes direction and flows in the'opposite axial di~ection into ports 124 and through wall 196 ~here it enters khe'annular chamber 192 and is distributed around its entire periphery.
Flow in the radially outward direction from the 'inner annul~r chamber 192 into.. the. ~uter annular chamber 194 is accommodated by a.port 208 (FIG.'5) provided in the intermediate wall 186.. Consequently,,all of the fluid entering around the 90ZZ~
periphery o~ chamber` 192 moves.toward and .thr:ou~h'the port 208.
As best appears in FIG. 5, the port 208 is loc~ted at a point in the wall 186 diametrically opposite from the fil.l valve outlet 30.
In order .to reach the region of the outlet 30, the fluid entering the annular chamber 1~4 i.s subdivided into two equal components flowing initially in opposite directions between the intermediate'and outer walls 186 an~ 18~ Diametri-cally opposed to the port 2~8 in the wall 186 there is provided a port 2IO in the wall 188 in communication with the outlet ports 168 and 170. Flow is reunited at the port 210.
The annular chambex 194 includes tw~ semicircular, similar, parallel flow path .segments defined between the inter-mediate and outer walls lS6 and 1.88 and each extending from the port 208 to the'port 2I0. These'flow pa.th'segments 212 and 214 are~further defined by the end walls 196 and lg8 which block the ends of the'annular cha'mber 194.
This arrangement of two semicixcular flow path - segments provides a. compact configuration wherein the'flow impedance'arrangement 180'.of the present invention.is found.
A number of inner baffles 2I6 exten~ radially outwa.rd from the intermediate wall 186 at regularly spaced intervals. A numb~.r of outer baffles.218 extend radially inwardly'fxom the outer wall 188 and are interspersed between the 'inner baf~les.216.
Each of the baffles 2I6 and 218 extends across more :than half of the radial distance bet~een the interfacing walls.186 and 188.
Liquid flo~in~ in each'of the .semicircular segmellts 212 and 214:is caused by: the baffles 216 and.218 to make a large number of substantially right' angle turns. Each'of the - 2~ -man~ ri~ht angle .turns results.in loss of. ener~y in.the flowing liquid. 'Consequelitly/,the'efect o~ numerousl~ xepeated right angle turns is to regulate'the flow velocit~ throu~h the fill valve 20 to a desired value while dissipati,ng inlet pressure.
The`changes in direct'ion in other regions along the ~low path, for example those'occurring at the inlet passage'l90, the valving surface 1~8, ,the'ports 124, the chamber 192, and the port.208, have a similar ef~ect.
The body .20 is provided with an outlet :section 220 incorporating thb'outlet ports 168 and 170 and providing further right angle'turns to whi'ch:the fluid ~low is subjected.
~ithin the:outlet section 220,,ther'e is provided a baffle str.ucture 222 subdividing the flow from the port 210 into . separate flows through'the ports 168 and 170 and re~uiring additional right angle'turns.to be'expexienced by the flowing liquid.
It is important to nQte that at:no.point in the flow path is the liquid required to.1Ow through an orifice or restriction or othex xe~ion of gxeatly reduced cros~.sectional area. As a result, localized velocit~ incxeases are not encountered, and flow rate is:cont~olled and pressure is dissipated without the p~oblems of caVitation and noise.
A refill component is ex~racted ~rom flow through the'fill. valve'20 and ma~ be'used to re~ill the bb~l of a toilet ~ith which::the fill. valve.'20 is used. C.over:42 is provided with a nipple.'226 to which'a refill tube may be connected. The underside o the cover ~2'.includes a refill passage.228 (FIGS. 4:and 9) extending to the'nipple'226 from a region between the'port 210'and the baf~le.structure 222, As liquid flows through the fill ~alve 20, impurities,.
contaminants, sediments and particulate matter rnay interfere ~1~9~Z29 ~ith .itS operation, Because.no small area restr.ictions or orifices-are found in the ~low path of the fill valve~' this probIem is minimized in the illustrated arrangement~ Neverthe-less,,it is desirable that the fill valve:'20 be capable o~
convenient disassembly for repair or repIacement of parts.
In accordance'with a ~eature of the invention, the~
fill valve 20 can be'disassembled without disturbing the mounting of the valve'in the tank wall 24 and without disturbing thè position of the adjusting'screw 1~8 and thus the setting of thè predetermined li~uid level. This is accomplished through the provision o a releasable hi'nge structure 234 and a pair of fasteners 236 securing the cover'42 against the body 40.
More specifically~ in the region of the outlet section 220,. the bbdy includes a raised portion defining a pair of slots 238 adjacent the'outlet ports 168. The cover includes an aligned pair of tabs 240'~hich'~hen inserted into the slots 238 provide a pivotal interconnection of the cover 42 to the body 40. When the cover 42:is pivoted down into contact with the body,,a pair of project'ions.242:on the body axe received in bosses. 2'44 on the'cover assuring that .the cover and body are properly aligned. The fasteners 236,,which' may. be.sel~-tapping ' 'screws,,are'inserted from abo.~e .the fill valve housing 22 through the bosses 244 into the'pro.jections 242.
This arrangement of interconnecting the'body and cover. has important advantages. One advantage:is that the region of the valve'assembl~ 32'is firml~ clamped to~ether with a triangular, three point system including the' ~eleasable hinge structure.234 and.the t~o fas.teners 236. In .this manner, it is-assured that fluid within the valve chamber'~4 adjacent the 'main valve member 104 does not leak'between the cover 42 and , - 22 -~O~Z9 the. body 40 and bypass ~he flow impedance ar.rarlgemenk 180.
Reliable sealin~ of this region is provided b~ a gaske't-like rim portion 246 of -the main valve member 104, The cover 42 can be removed from the body'40 without removing the body 40 from the'opening 50 and tank wall 24.
When the fasteners 236 are removed,. the coVe.r need be simply pivoted upwardly to release .the tabs 24 n from the slots 238.
Since the fasteners 236 are inserted ~rom above rather than from be`low the fill valve 20,..they are'ac.cessible from within the tank without removal of the'fill valve 20.
The adj~sting screw 148 is a~tached to the'fill valve 20 solely by its engagement with'the'thread 154 in the openi.ng 150.' If the screw 148 is threaded inwardl~ as illustrated in . the drawings to the`region of the body 40, the tip portion of the screw is received within the clearance'provided by a circular wall 248 associated with the baffle structure 222.
The:screw 148 extends through'but does not functionally obstruct the inlet portion.of the refill passage 228.
~hen the housing 22'is disassembIed by xe~oval of the cover 42-fro~ the body'40, the~diaphragm 34:is lifted from the diaphragm chamber ~6 by the :lever 38. The'entixe control assembly 36, lever 38 and diaphragm 34 remains assembled so that reassembly and readjustment thereof is not required.
M~reover, when the cover 42'is removed tho.se'portions of the fill. valve 20 which might' require.cleaning or replacement are readily .accessible.' These`portions include the diaphragm 34, th~ insert member 200,' the diffuser 206 and the main valve member 104. In addition, access may readily be had to the region of the backflow preventer described hexeinafter.
In accordance with'oIle`impoxtant feature'of the present invention, a backflow preventer generally designated 1~Y10~2~
b~ the refexenGe numeral 2~0.is.associated with the ill valve 20. Flow throuyh the ~ill valve f~o~ the interior of the tank to the inlet 28 is prevented b~. the structure ~nd operation of the fill valve~ However~ in some instances it ~ay be desirable positively to prevent any possibility of backflow through the provision of an additional backflow preventer or antisiphon device.
In general, the backflow preventer 260 in accordance with the present invention comprises a modu].ar unit oE compact, wafe.rlike confi~uration rece'ived in the'enlar~ed diametér portion 204 of the inlet passa~e 28 between a lower shoulder 262 and an -upper shoulder 264 pxovided by the'collar 202 of the insert member 200. Because of its modular construction . and convenient size, the backflow pre~entex 260 ma~ be used in connection with a wide Variety of fixtures and devices wherein it can be mounted in a passage bet.ween in.terfacing - shoulders or equivalent structure.
The backflow'pr.eventer 260 includes only three components: an upstream disc member 266, an elastomeric body `20 268, and a concavo-conVex cu~ member 270. Each of these components is capable'of being inexpensiveIy manufactured, and the cost of the backflo~ preventer 260 is minimal.
. The upstream disc member 266 may be fabricated of any desired material:such.as a sheet' metal, and in the'illus . trated arrangement is cir:cul-ar to fit within the passa~e:204.
An annular array of upstream flow ports 272 is provided in the disc member 266. If desired,.the ports 272 may be'of a .selected small size in order .to strain out particles present in the liquid flowing through .the back~low preVenter 260, The elastomeric body 268 is- preferably a molded paxt formed of rubber or other flexible material. An outer ring or rim portion 274 is snugly recei~ed in seal.ing relation against the wall o~.the passa~e 204, ~ pair of seal.ing beads 276 are provided on the rim 274,. and the .shoulder,264 clamps the rim 274 and the disc member.266 ayainst the shoulder 264.
The elastomeric.body 268 ~urth:er includes spaced apart upstream and downstream check member~.27g and 280 extend-ing radially inwardly fxom the rim portion 274, The upstream check.278 overlies the cir.cular arxay of ports 272 and engages the downstream face of the disc member 266, ~ .central openiny 282 in the'check 278 is bounded by a lip 284 providing a fluid ti.~ht seal when the downstxeam side of the check 278 is pressurized~. When the upstream side is pressurized, the check 278 is resiliently .deflected in the'downstream direction to uncover and permit .flow .through .the ports 272.~
Cup member.270.is:received between the checks 278 and 280, ,and includes an outer cir.cul~r rim .portion 286 in engage~ent with:the:inner wall of the rim 274 of the elasto~
mer.ic body.268. The rim.286. engages the ring 274 between the beads 276 and is sized.so .that it presses the'ring.274 radially outwardly to effect a liquid tight seal of .the ~eads 276 against .the wall of.the passage,204 . The con.vex si.de of .the cup member -27.0 is directed downstream to support.the downstream check.280 .and to provide a space or region between the two checks.27~ and.280. . A
circular array of ports.290,is pro~ided ,in .the'cup member.270, and .the check.280 over.lies :these ports. When the downstream side of the check. 280 is pres.suri.zed, it is biased against .the cup member 270.to p~eVent .fl,o~ .through :the ports,290,, When the upstream side'of the'check. 280 is pressuri.zed, it.is resiliently def.lec'.ted away fxom :th.e ports.290 and fluid flows l~O~Z9 throu~h these port~ and throu~h'a centx~l ~pening 2.92.in the check 280.
Formed sheet' metal or any other suitable material is used to fabricate'the cup ~ember 270. The pQrts 290 are formed by stamping or otherwise removing material ~rom the body ` of the cup member. This material may be.'entirely severed, or as-in the'illustrated arrangement may be de~.lec.ted in the upstream direction to for~ a number of projections 2'94 extend-.
ing toward the'upstream check:'278. These p~ojections prevent the upstream check'fxom moving downstream and sealing against the 'cup member 270'.thex.eby blocking the ~ownstrea'm ports.290.
In the'illustrated arrang'ement, alterna.te ones' of the'ports 290 are associated with'one'of the projections 294...~his provides ample:space'between adjacent pro.jections for the flow of liquid between the upstream ports.272 and :the downstream ports 290.
Having reference: no~ 'to FIGS. 12 and 13r there is illustrated a fill valve 300.comprising an alternative embodi-ment o the pre.sent invention. In most xespects~ the'fill val.ve.'300 is s'imilar to .th.e'fill: valve '20 described abbve in connection with FIGS. 1-ll-. Con.sequently, the'same'reference numerals are employed for similar parts,- and the'detailed description.thereof is not repeated.
The'fill valve 300. is not provided wi.th'a back'flow 25 preventer260. Conse~quently, .its structure:is'.modi~ied in some respects to achieve'equivalent perfbrmance and to r.educe costs. As can be :seen i~'~IG. 12,.;the inner wall 184 and the end wall 198 of the cartrid~e assembly 182:are:formed integrally with the'bbdy'40 rather' than as a part of an insert member. The diameter' o.the inlet passage 28 is uniform throughout its length.' ~0~022g It.is desirable that .the fill valve 3~0 be character-ized by the same flow r~te':as the'fill valve.20. Since the flo~7 restr.iction provided by the backflow preventer 260 is not present in the fill valve'300, the flow impedance arran~ement 180.is augmented (FIG. 13) by an additional pair of baffles 302.
These, baffles 302 are:adiacent the port 210 and require fluid flowing in the semicircular ~low path segments 212 and 214 to exec.ute'additional right angle tu~ns before leaving the port.2I0 and impinging upon the baffle structure'222.
While the`invention has been described with`re~erence to details o the illustrated embodiments,,such'details are not intended to~limit the'scope of the invention as defined iIl the following claims.
enable flow along said flow path; and a flow impedance means in said flow path for dissipating fluid pressure along said flow path while minimizing fluid velocity increases; said flow impedance means including inner, intermediate and outer telescoped cylindrical walls, the region within said inner wall communicating with said inlet, one end of said inner wall defining said valve seat; an aperture in said intermediate wall permltting flow between said region and the space between said intermediate and outer walls, a passage through said outer wall permitting flow from sald space to said outlet, said passage and said aperture being angularly spaced from one another, a first plurality of baffles extending radially outward from said intermediate wall toward said outer wall, and a second plurality of baffles extending radially inward from sald outer wall toward said intermediate wall, said first and second baffles being interspersed with one another between said aperture and said passage.
Fluid flowing through a fill valve from a liquid source such as a pressurized ~ater supply to an unpressurized tank experiences a substantial drop in pressure. Moreover, in many situations it is necessary or desirable to restrict inlet flow velocity; for example, in a toilet tank the fill rate should be restricted in order to avoid a possible overflow condition. In known fill valves, flow is restricted by one or a few restricted passages or orifices along the flow path wherein fluid pressure is dissipated. This results in local velocity increases causing difficulties such as cavitation and noise.
It has been recognized that pressure may be dissipated and velocity attenuated through the use of a multiplicity of consecutive right angle flow path turns. This approach for example has been employed in large industrial velocity control elements for liquid and gas pipelines and the like. How-ever, this approach has not been successfully utilized in a small device such as a fill valve due to the difficulty of providing a sufficiently comr pact flow path incorporating multiple right angle turns.
1C190~29 The present invention provides an improved fill valve having a novel flow impedance means for dissipating pressure and reducing flow while avoiding problems such as cavitation and noise attendant upon substantial localized velocity increases. The flow impedance means can be in a compact arrangement avoiding the necessity for a bulky or complex housing.
In many types of fill valves including that disclosed in United States 3,895,645, a control lever ls used to operate the valve in response to movement of a diaphragm or other level detecting device. A predetermined liquid level may be established by the application to the lever of a reference force typically provided by a spring, Difficulties can be encountered with this arrangement in effecting consistent and stable valve closure at the predetermined level. Such difficulties can arise from factors such as friction and mechanical instability. In addition, difficulties can arise from changes in effective lever arm length such that the reference force applied to the lever does not achieve reliable valve closure.
The novel fill valve of the present invention preferably includes a control arrangement coupled between a level detecting device and a valve for effecting stable valve operation. The valve preferably includes a lever configuration and mounting permitting precise and reliable positioning of the valve and avoiding problems of friction. The lever configuration and mounting involve application of a reference spring force in such a way that consistent valve closure is obtained.
Fill valves used in tank filling operations are subject to wear as well as to contaminants or particles which may be present in the supply of water or other liquid. Consequently, it is desirable that provision be made for servicing and repair. In some known fill valves including that disclosed in United States 3,895,645, disassembly of the fill valve without removal from the tank is not possible.
, i. , ~
.~, :a9~z,~9 The novel fill valve preferably provides for disassembly of the valve while the valve remains mounted in a tank. Separation of portions of the housing of a fill valve permits access to internal components of the valve without disturbing the mounting of the valve and without altering the ad;ustment of the valve.
It is desirable that a fill valve be capable of being installed in a wide variety of tanks. For example3 toilet tanks may differ in wall thickness and in the configuration of the existing water supply pipe ad;acent the tank inlet opening. When the fill valve is mounted with a mounting nut and coupled to the supply conduit with a coupling assembly including a coupling nut, it is desirable that this be accomplished by hand rather than with the use of tools which could damage the tank or the valve.
An improved mounting and coupling nut assembly for attaching a fill valve to a tank is preferably capable of accomplishing fill valve mounting without tools, and of rendering a fill valve adaptable to a sub-stantial range of tank wall thicknesses and inlet pipe configurations.
The disclosed fill valve prevents backflow or siphonage from the tank to the supply collduit. However, in order to provide redundant pro-tection and to provide a fill valve having addltional backflow protection, it may be desirable to provide the fill valve with a backf].ow preventer or ~90ZZ9 antisiphon device. Moreover, such a device may have wide application not only to fill valves of various types but also to other devices or fixtures connected to a water system An improved backflow preventer is disclosed having a small nun~ber of inexpensive, easily fabricated, and easily assembled parts. The backflow preventer is in the form of a module adaptable to different installations and fixtures; and is capable of perfor~ing a straining function.
Preferably the control assembly coupled between the liquid level control device and the valve includes a lever pivoted at one point along its length and to which a spring biasing force is applied in the valve opening direction at another point. The lever is shaped and mounted so that the spring force application direction approaches perpendicular to the line between the pivot point and the spring force application point as the valve opens.
_ . .
3L~90;2Z9 In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the valve housing includes a body and a cover between which are supported the valve and the level detecting device in the form of a diaphragm. The valve control assembly including the lever is supported on the coverl and at least one fastener accessible from above the housing holds the cover and the body in assembled relation. The reference biasing spring is supported only by the cover so that the housing may be disassembled for access to interior components without removing the body from its installed position in the tank and without disturbing the spring force adjustmen~.
A further preferred feature of the present invention relates to the provision of a novel backflow preventer adapted to be installed in the ill valve inlet or other liquid conduit between a pair of interfacing shoulders. The backflow preventer includes a disc abutting the upstream shoulder and an elastomeric body including an annular ring portion and two inwardly extending check valve portions having central openings. The up-stream check valve portion overlies upstream flow passages in the disc, and a cup member is received between the upstream and downstream check valve portions and includes downstream flow passages controlled by the downstream check valve portion. The upstream passages can perform a straining function, and IO~O~Z~
pxojections formed simult~neously with the downstream flow passages prevent the upstream check valve portion from closi.ng the downstream flow passages, The above and other objects and advantages of the invention may be best understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention illus~
trated .in the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top ~iew of a fill valve embodying the features of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line.2-2 o~ FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG..2;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 7~7 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is an exploded p~rspective view of components of the fill valve of FIG. 1, with some components shown in partial section;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary exploded pexspective view of components of the fill ualve of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged fragmentar~ sectional view taken along the line 11~11 of FIG. 6;
~090229 ~IG. 12'is a sectional view similar to part o~ FIG.
2 illustrating an alternative embodimenl: of the invention; and FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-11 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a fill valve'constructed i.n accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated as a whole by the reerence numeral 20. The fill ~valve 20 includes a hbusing generally designated as 22 adapted lD to be mounted to the wall 24 of a tank such as a toilet tank of which`a fragment is shown in FIGS.:2, 3, 6 and 12. The valve is supplied with liquid from a water supply or other liquid conduit 26 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and maintains the liquid within the tank at a seIected predetermined level.
In some respects~- the fill valve 20 is similar to that disclosed in U. S. patent 3`,895,645 granted on July 22, .
` ~ 975. ~he entirc di~lo~urc-e~-t~at~ e~t~ ~Re~or~t~d her1~ by rcfc~e~ee.`
In general,,the fill valve 20 includes an inlet 28 communicating with'the supply conduit 26,,an outlet 30 communicating with the'~interior of the tank, and a valve assembly generally designated as 32 disposed in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A diaphragm 34 detects leveI changes of the liquid within the'tank and a control assembly 36 including a control lever 38 operates the valve assembly 32.in response to diaphragm movement in order to open the valve assembly when the'liquid .level is below the predetermined level and to close the valve assembly when the liquid leveI reaches the'predetermined leveI.
Proceeding now to a more detailed .description of the structure ~nd operation of the fill valve 20, the housing 22 109~12Z9 incluaes a bod~ or n~a.in portion 40 and a cover 42 defining therebetween a valve'chamber:44 and a diaphragm cham~er 46.
The body 40 includes a projecting shank portion 4g extending through an opening 50 in the tank wall 24. A gasket 52 is held in sealing relation betweell the body 40 and the tank wall 24 at the opening 50 to prevent leakage of fluid from t,he tank.
Diaphragm chamber 46 is communicated to fluid pres-sure within the tank by means of an opening 54 in the cover 42.
The diaphragm 34 includes a lip.56 held in sealing relation between the body 40 and the co.ver 42, and the upper surace of the diaphragm is exposed to fluid pxessure so that the diaphragm moves downward as liquid level increases.
In order to provide compensation for atmospheric pressure changes, the underside of the diaphragm 34 is communicated with the exterior of.the tank. More specifically, the lowermost portion of the diaphragm chamber 46 co~unicates with a pair of openings 58 separated by a rib or web 60 and leading to the projecting shank 48. In the region of the gasket 52,,the shank'48 includes a number of axially extending ribs 62 and an annular rib 64 to assure'clearance ~or the passage of air within the gasket 52. As can be seen in FIG. 3, annular rib 64 is interrupted by a pair of notches 66 for pressure communication across the rib'64. ~ibs 62 are provided with projections or barbs 68 for retaining the gasket 52 in assembly, and the region below the gasket.52 communicates with the exterior of the tank .through'the tank opening 50.
In accoraance with one feature of .the present inven-tion, there is provided a mounting and coupling nut assembly generally designated by the reference:numeral 80 (FIG. 2) for _ 9 _ ~9q~Z9 mounting the fill valve 20 -to..the tank wall 24 and ~or coupling the inlet 28 to the supply conduit 26. The assembly 80 is capable of assembly without the use of tools, and accommodates tank walls of a wide range o~ thickness, yet is a compact assembly adaptable to various inlet pipe configurations.
More specifically, the mounting and coupling nut assembly 80 includes a mounting nut 82 and a coupling nut 84 each having internal threads and received on external threads provided on projecting shank portion 48 within which is located the fill valve'inlet ~8. The mounting nut ~2 is threaded first onto the projection 48 until its innermost end engages the.~tank wall 24 in order to mount the fill valve 20 in position and to effect a seal between the body 40 and the tank wall 24 with:the'gasket 52. The nut 82 is provided with 15- a number of spaced apart projections 86 permitting air flow be~ween the projections and c'ompleting the path for venting to atmosphere of the portion of diaphragm cha'mber 46 beneath the diaphragm 34. A par-allel flow path is defined by a groove or notch 86 ~FIG. 9) in the'threads of the project;,on 48 so that venting is accomplished reliably eVen if one or the other of the parallel paths is blocked through the improper use of pipe joining compound or .otherwise.
Coupling nut 84 is threaded onto projection 48 after installation of the mounting nut :82, and includes a flanged end 88 which functions through the agency of a washer 90 to deform a cone washer 92'into sealing enyagement be~ween the supply conduit 26 and the outermost end of projection 48.
It is an important advantage of the mounting and coupling nut assembly'80 that both nuts 82:and 84 can be hand tightened without the use'of wrenches or other tools. Hand ~O~(~ZZ9 tightening is facilitated by p~ovidin~ .sexrations 94 and 96 on circular outer peripheries.o~ the nuts 82 ~nd'84. Hand tightening of the nuts 82 and 84 prevents poss.ible damage to the tank wall 24 and/or the fill valve 20 upon installation, and renders installation of the fill valve 20 convenient, particularly when the fill. valve'20 is installed by a home-owner rather than by a tradesman.
In oxder to permit hand tightening of the mounting nut 82, its axial length must be'substantial in order to permit grasping by the fingers of the installer. While a nut intended to be tigh~ened with a wrench could be'substantially thinner, fo~r hand tightening it is desirable that the mounting nut have an axial length at least equal to approximately half of the axial length of the coupling nut 84 which is of standard conventional size. . The necessity for a mounting nut of substantial axial .length would result in an undesirable axial length of the entire mounting and coupling nut assembly were normal nut configurations. to be utili.zed.
In addition, it is:desirable that the fill valve 20.
be capable of mounting in tanks. having tank walls o .substantial thickness. In order to accommodate a wall of .s.ubstantial thickness and to permit mounting of conventional mounting and coupling nuts, the projection or shank 48 would have to be of substantial axial length. Difficulties c~n be. encountered 2~ with'a pro.jection of great .length because this would increase the overall s.ize of the ~ill valve, and because in some installations the'projection could interfe~e With a bend or other obstruction along .the supply conduit.26 adjacent the tank wall.
In accordance with .the'present invention, the mounting and coupling nut assembly 80 provides an extxemely compact ~09C~2Z9 arran~ement permitting .substantial axial .len~th'of the mounting nut 82 and accommodating thick tank walls without a lar~e overall length of the projection 48 and the assembl~ 80~ As can be seen in FIG.:2,. the mounting nut 82 includes a circular cross-section substantially larger in diameter than the complementary circular cross-section o~ the coupling nut 84.
Moreover,,the outermost wall of .the nut 82 is provided with an annular recess 98 into which'the innermost end 100 of the coupling nut ~4 may be`received'. This permits the nuts to be overlapped or telescoped one within the other so that ~ith a thick tank wall,: the 'axial distance'required by the nuts 82 and 84 is less than the sum o~ their indi~idual lengths.
Control of liquid flow from the inlet 28 to the outlet 30 of .the fill valve.'20 is efec.ted by the valve assembly 32 under the control of the'control assembly 36 and l.ever 38. . Valve'assembly 32.includes a main valve member 104 cooperating with a valve .sea.t 106 and a valving surface 108, together with a pilot valve member 110 carried by the lever 38 and cooperating with a pilot val.ve .seat 112~.
In the closed position of the valve.assembly 32 illustrated in.the drawings,: the pilot valve member 110 contacts the pilot valve:seat 112.to pr.event communication between the interior of the tank'and a valve control chamber 114 immediately above the main valve member 104. The region within and below the valve .seat 106 is exposed to inle~ pressure, which pressure is communicated to chambex 114 by means of blee~ passages or grooves 116 in a projection 118 in wipin~ contact with a central opening in the ~alve.member,104. Because the underside of the main valve member 104 radially outside of the val~e.
seat 106.is at tank or outlet pressure, the main valve member .
1~ -93~Z~9 is biased closed by the inlet pressure in the contxol chamber 11~ .
When liquid level in the tank drops beIow the prede-termined level, resulting movement of lever 38 moves the pilot valve member 110 away from the'pilot valve seat 112. Pressure within the control chamber 114 drops due'to interconnection of the chamber with tank by way of a passage 122 having a larger cross-sectional area than the bleed passages 116 and surrounded by the pilot valve'seat 112. As control chamber pressure drops, the inlet pressure within valve'seat 106 causes the main valYe member 104 to move'upwardly away from the valve seat 106 and surface~108. A rolling or peeling action is achieved by the provision of a number of generally triangular ports 124 . in the valving surface' 108.
When the valve'assembIy 32 is in.its open condition, fluid flows from the'inlet 28,,through the'valve seat 106, radially outward over the valving surface 108, and through the ports 124 toward the outlet 30. In the open position of valve member 104, its upper sur~ace engages ridges or projections 1,26 formed within the val.ve'ch'amber 44 on the'cover'42,,assuring that pres'sure within the'control chamber 114 is communicated over. the upper surface'o~ :the valve member 104.
When the'predetermined liquid .leveI is attained by flow through'the fill valve:20,. the pilot valYe member 110 engages the pilot valve.'seat 112 to close'the passage 122.
Consequently, pressure ~ithin the controI chamber 114 again rises as inlet pressure'communicates thraugh'bleed passages 116...The main valve.member 104.is .returned to it5 illwstrated, closed position by the increased pressure in.control chamber 114.
1090~Z~
Movement of the diaphragm 34 in response to liquid level changes is utilized to operate the valve.assembly 32 between -closed and open.positions through the a~ency of the control assembly 36 and control l.ever 38. As best illustrated in FIGS~'4 and 9, withi.n the'diaphragm chamber 46 the lever 38 terminates in a generally planar circular portion 130 received in a slot 132 formed by a lip 134 of the diaphragm 3~. ~s a result,. upward and downward movernent of the diaphra~m 34 results in upward or down~ard movement of the end pQrtion 130 of the lever 38. The 'end portion 130 of the .lever 38 is provided with'a central aperture 136 permitting deflection of the central.~portion of the diaphragm 34 when pressurized.
In accordance with an irnportant feature of the inven--tion, the lever 38 is-shaped and mounted to provide stable' closing of the valve~assembly 3~ when the predeter~ined liquid .level is reachedO This important .result i.s:attained by the way in .which' the:l.ever is' mounted for pivoting movement and by the positioning reIative.to the'lever of a reference biasing struc.ture generally designated by the reference numeral 136.
Moxe specifically, and as bes't seen in FIGS. 9-11, lever 38 includes a paix of pivot proj.ections 138 terminating in points 140 (FIG. 11). Cover 4~.is provided with a pair of sockets 142:complementary. in shape to the projections.138 and within which'points 140 are pivotally received. Points 140 thus define the pivot point about which le~er 38 pivots~
This arrangement provides :for p.ivoting of the .lever 38 with a minimum of friction, and captures .the lever 38 in a precisely determined position from which'it cannot.str~ during handling, -installation or operation. As a result/ problems due'to )2~9 interference or friction o~ the lever movin~ against portions of the cover or other structure arising from unintentional displacement of the lever are avoided. Moreover, the .lever arm distances along the'lever 38 are.reliably and exactly determined since the pivot point.is precisely Iccated on the lever. In particular, the'relatively short lever arm distance ~etween the pivot point l~O.~nd the reference biasing structure is precisely determined and fixed.
The reference biasing str.ucture 136 includes a biasing spring 144 heId in compression against the lever 38 opposite'the'diaphragm engaging end 130. Liquid pressure acting upon diaphragm 34 .tends to pivot the lever 38 in the clockwise, valve-closing direction as viewed in FIG. 2 around the pivot point 140, and the spring 144 tends to pivot the lever 38 in the counterclockwise,'. valve-opening direction.
Thus, the spring 144 provides: a re.ference biasing force establishing .the predetermined liquid level at which .the pilot valve member 110 closes the seat 112 .thereby to operate the valve assembly 32.to the:closed.position.
In order to support-and permit adiustment of the spring 144, there'is provided an adjustiny scre~ 148 prefer-ably formed of molded plastic and having a .threaded portion 150 received in an opening 152 in the cover 42.. An easily manu-~actured configuration.is achieved by providin~ .the opening 152 with'only a single .thread convolution 154 (F.IG. 7) which can be molded without machining or complex:coxing.
Adjusting screw :148-includes a shank portion 156 around which the spring 144 is received, together with a head 158 under which the spring is captured. The head 158 is provided with'serrations so that it can be'easily turned by ~o90~z~
hand. Moreover, a recess 160 in the head i.ncludes radially inwardly directed projec'tians 162 so that the ad~usting screw can be:rotated with'a screwdriver or other tool if it is desired to effect an ad~.ustment without reachi'ng into liquid within the tank.
The spring 144 applies'a valve-openiny foxce.to the lever 38 at a force appl.ication point .or region designated as 164 spaced by an effective l.ever axm distance ~rom the pivo-t point 140. The reference` spring.force'is applied v~rtically as illustrated in FIG. 2 to .the ~orce application point 164, and in the valve closed position illustrated in the drawings, the point 164.is substantially above :the pivot point 140, i..e., in the illustrated configuration the effective .lever arm or line between the points 140 and 164 is not horizontal. Conse~
quently, in the valve'closed position, the reference force `direction forms a nonperpendicular an~le to a li.ne extending bet~een the pivot point and the force application point.
As the'lever 38 moves:to the valve open position by piVoting about the pivot point 140,. the :force appl.ication point 164 moves relatively downward.towaxd an orientation wherein the reference spring force :is perpendicular to a line bet~een the pivot point.:and the force application point; i.e~, the effective lever arm or line between points 140.and 164.
approaches horizo.ntal. In .this perpendicular or.ientation, the . effective spring force:is maximized s.ince it acts normal to the eff.ective lever arm. During mo.vement ~rom the open to the closed.position, the ef.fective. spring force xeIatively decreases because, as the'an~.le between .the force application direction and the effecti.ve.:l.ever arm moves furthex fxom -perpendicular, the component of .the sprin~.force nor~al to the effective lever arm reIatively decreases.
. - 16 -laso22~
. An important advanta~e o this arrangement is that : stabIe and accurate valve.closure'occurs when the predetermined liquid leveI is attained. As .the predetermined level is approached, the .lever. nears the valve closed position. During this movement the'e~fective'reference spring biasing for.ce applied in the valve'opening direction relativel~ decreases.
This provides.what might be'termed a self~rein~orcing closing action.
In order to augment:this desirable closing action, ~he outlet 30 is arranged to create turbulence'in the'region o~ the fill val.ve 20 in order to reduce the pressure sensed by diaphragm 34 while'filling is'occurring. More specifically, with:reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, it can be'se n that outlet 30 comprises a pair of outlet ports 1'68 and 170 discharging fluid generally horizontally as viewed in the'drawings~ and in opposite'directions. Dischar.ged fluid in the'plane of the fill val~e.'20 creates turbulence'in the'region of the fill. valve and in the'region of the'opening.54 leading to the diaphragm chamber 46. As a res'ult, during fill-ingj the diaphragm 34 experiences a pressure somewhat.:less :than wouLd occur in the ~bsence.of turbulence'. ~5 :the:lever 38 approaches the val.ve closed position, the valve.'assembly 32 begins.to close and to dec:rease flow through'the outlet ports 168 and 170. As a result, turbulence decreases and.the diaphxagm 34 experiences not only .the .increased pressure due to increasing liquid level, but:also an increase in sensed pressure due'to the reduction in turbulence'.
In combination, thb decrease'in the'ef~ective:valve-opening spring force acting in concert with'the increase in sensed pressure due to decreasing turbulence'serves to provide 109~229 a.stable and reliable shuto:~f of th~. valve assembl:~ .32.at a consistent liquid level.
In accordance with an important feature of the inven-.tion, there is provided a flow impedance arxangement generally designated as 180 in the'flow pa.th between the inlet 28 and outlet 30 of the fill valve.20. The flow .impedance arrangement 180.serves to limit flow.~elocity through:the ~ill valve'20'to a .desired rate, while dissipating f.luid inlet pressur~ without the excessive'locali:zed vel:ocity, cavitation and noise inherent in devices.using small a,rea 10w restrictions. Rather, as appears bblow, the'flow .impedance`arrangement 180 incorporates relati.vely large area passages wherein locali.zed veIocity increases do not:occur. ..These passages include'structure defining a multiplicity of cons.ecutive right ang.le .turns in the flow path necessitating numerous directional changes of the:flowing fluid for reducing ~low ra.te and dissipating pressure.
.The flow impedance'arrangement 180.is incorporated into a compact,:,cartridge-like.ass-embly generally:designated as 182 and inc.luding an inner wall 184,.an intermediate wall 186 and an outer wall 188. The walls 184, ,186 and lB8 are of complementary,. circular.configuration (FIG. 5), axe of generally equal length, and are .in telescoped relation rel'ative:to one ano.ther.
.Inner wall 184.defines and surrounds a central, reduced diame:ter inlet passage'l90 commun.icating with the inlet 28. . The main valve seat 106 is defined.at the`upper end (as viewed .in the'drawings): of the inner wall 184 Concentric ann-ular passages or chambers 1.92 and 194 are :def.ined respecti.veIy betw.een the .inner and intexmediate ~alls 18~ and 186 and between the intermediate and outer walls ~9~29 186 and 188. An upper end wall 196 incorporateS the.valving sur~ace 108 and the trian~ular ports 124,,and blocks one end o~ the outer annular chamber 194, An opposite or lower end wall 198 blocks the opposite ends o~ both annular ch~mbers 192 and 194.
The cartridge assembl~ 182, including its various.
~alls and chambers, could be formed as a separate assembly or incorporated into the'fill valve'20 in any desired way~ In the illustrated arrangement, the inner wall 184 and the end wall 198 are parts of an insert member 200 haviny a collar 202 received in an enlarged diameter portion 204 of the inlet 28.
The intermediate wall 186 ana the end wall 196 are part of a diffuser element 206 inserted into the body 40 after mounting of the insert 200. The ou'cex ~all 188 is an integral portion of the body'40.
When the valve'assembly 32 is in the open condition and the main valve mem~er.104 is spaced from the seat 106, fluid.flows axially relative to the cartridge assembly 182 along the central inlet passage 190. As the fluid passes the valve.seat 106, it changes direction and moves radially out~ardly in all directions -across the'valving surface 108.
- In order to flow through'the triangular ports 124,,the fluid again changes direction and flows in the'opposite axial di~ection into ports 124 and through wall 196 ~here it enters khe'annular chamber 192 and is distributed around its entire periphery.
Flow in the radially outward direction from the 'inner annul~r chamber 192 into.. the. ~uter annular chamber 194 is accommodated by a.port 208 (FIG.'5) provided in the intermediate wall 186.. Consequently,,all of the fluid entering around the 90ZZ~
periphery o~ chamber` 192 moves.toward and .thr:ou~h'the port 208.
As best appears in FIG. 5, the port 208 is loc~ted at a point in the wall 186 diametrically opposite from the fil.l valve outlet 30.
In order .to reach the region of the outlet 30, the fluid entering the annular chamber 1~4 i.s subdivided into two equal components flowing initially in opposite directions between the intermediate'and outer walls 186 an~ 18~ Diametri-cally opposed to the port 2~8 in the wall 186 there is provided a port 2IO in the wall 188 in communication with the outlet ports 168 and 170. Flow is reunited at the port 210.
The annular chambex 194 includes tw~ semicircular, similar, parallel flow path .segments defined between the inter-mediate and outer walls lS6 and 1.88 and each extending from the port 208 to the'port 2I0. These'flow pa.th'segments 212 and 214 are~further defined by the end walls 196 and lg8 which block the ends of the'annular cha'mber 194.
This arrangement of two semicixcular flow path - segments provides a. compact configuration wherein the'flow impedance'arrangement 180'.of the present invention.is found.
A number of inner baffles 2I6 exten~ radially outwa.rd from the intermediate wall 186 at regularly spaced intervals. A numb~.r of outer baffles.218 extend radially inwardly'fxom the outer wall 188 and are interspersed between the 'inner baf~les.216.
Each of the baffles 2I6 and 218 extends across more :than half of the radial distance bet~een the interfacing walls.186 and 188.
Liquid flo~in~ in each'of the .semicircular segmellts 212 and 214:is caused by: the baffles 216 and.218 to make a large number of substantially right' angle turns. Each'of the - 2~ -man~ ri~ht angle .turns results.in loss of. ener~y in.the flowing liquid. 'Consequelitly/,the'efect o~ numerousl~ xepeated right angle turns is to regulate'the flow velocit~ throu~h the fill valve 20 to a desired value while dissipati,ng inlet pressure.
The`changes in direct'ion in other regions along the ~low path, for example those'occurring at the inlet passage'l90, the valving surface 1~8, ,the'ports 124, the chamber 192, and the port.208, have a similar ef~ect.
The body .20 is provided with an outlet :section 220 incorporating thb'outlet ports 168 and 170 and providing further right angle'turns to whi'ch:the fluid ~low is subjected.
~ithin the:outlet section 220,,ther'e is provided a baffle str.ucture 222 subdividing the flow from the port 210 into . separate flows through'the ports 168 and 170 and re~uiring additional right angle'turns.to be'expexienced by the flowing liquid.
It is important to nQte that at:no.point in the flow path is the liquid required to.1Ow through an orifice or restriction or othex xe~ion of gxeatly reduced cros~.sectional area. As a result, localized velocit~ incxeases are not encountered, and flow rate is:cont~olled and pressure is dissipated without the p~oblems of caVitation and noise.
A refill component is ex~racted ~rom flow through the'fill. valve'20 and ma~ be'used to re~ill the bb~l of a toilet ~ith which::the fill. valve.'20 is used. C.over:42 is provided with a nipple.'226 to which'a refill tube may be connected. The underside o the cover ~2'.includes a refill passage.228 (FIGS. 4:and 9) extending to the'nipple'226 from a region between the'port 210'and the baf~le.structure 222, As liquid flows through the fill ~alve 20, impurities,.
contaminants, sediments and particulate matter rnay interfere ~1~9~Z29 ~ith .itS operation, Because.no small area restr.ictions or orifices-are found in the ~low path of the fill valve~' this probIem is minimized in the illustrated arrangement~ Neverthe-less,,it is desirable that the fill valve:'20 be capable o~
convenient disassembly for repair or repIacement of parts.
In accordance'with a ~eature of the invention, the~
fill valve 20 can be'disassembled without disturbing the mounting of the valve'in the tank wall 24 and without disturbing thè position of the adjusting'screw 1~8 and thus the setting of thè predetermined li~uid level. This is accomplished through the provision o a releasable hi'nge structure 234 and a pair of fasteners 236 securing the cover'42 against the body 40.
More specifically~ in the region of the outlet section 220,. the bbdy includes a raised portion defining a pair of slots 238 adjacent the'outlet ports 168. The cover includes an aligned pair of tabs 240'~hich'~hen inserted into the slots 238 provide a pivotal interconnection of the cover 42 to the body 40. When the cover 42:is pivoted down into contact with the body,,a pair of project'ions.242:on the body axe received in bosses. 2'44 on the'cover assuring that .the cover and body are properly aligned. The fasteners 236,,which' may. be.sel~-tapping ' 'screws,,are'inserted from abo.~e .the fill valve housing 22 through the bosses 244 into the'pro.jections 242.
This arrangement of interconnecting the'body and cover. has important advantages. One advantage:is that the region of the valve'assembl~ 32'is firml~ clamped to~ether with a triangular, three point system including the' ~eleasable hinge structure.234 and.the t~o fas.teners 236. In .this manner, it is-assured that fluid within the valve chamber'~4 adjacent the 'main valve member 104 does not leak'between the cover 42 and , - 22 -~O~Z9 the. body 40 and bypass ~he flow impedance ar.rarlgemenk 180.
Reliable sealin~ of this region is provided b~ a gaske't-like rim portion 246 of -the main valve member 104, The cover 42 can be removed from the body'40 without removing the body 40 from the'opening 50 and tank wall 24.
When the fasteners 236 are removed,. the coVe.r need be simply pivoted upwardly to release .the tabs 24 n from the slots 238.
Since the fasteners 236 are inserted ~rom above rather than from be`low the fill valve 20,..they are'ac.cessible from within the tank without removal of the'fill valve 20.
The adj~sting screw 148 is a~tached to the'fill valve 20 solely by its engagement with'the'thread 154 in the openi.ng 150.' If the screw 148 is threaded inwardl~ as illustrated in . the drawings to the`region of the body 40, the tip portion of the screw is received within the clearance'provided by a circular wall 248 associated with the baffle structure 222.
The:screw 148 extends through'but does not functionally obstruct the inlet portion.of the refill passage 228.
~hen the housing 22'is disassembIed by xe~oval of the cover 42-fro~ the body'40, the~diaphragm 34:is lifted from the diaphragm chamber ~6 by the :lever 38. The'entixe control assembly 36, lever 38 and diaphragm 34 remains assembled so that reassembly and readjustment thereof is not required.
M~reover, when the cover 42'is removed tho.se'portions of the fill. valve 20 which might' require.cleaning or replacement are readily .accessible.' These`portions include the diaphragm 34, th~ insert member 200,' the diffuser 206 and the main valve member 104. In addition, access may readily be had to the region of the backflow preventer described hexeinafter.
In accordance with'oIle`impoxtant feature'of the present invention, a backflow preventer generally designated 1~Y10~2~
b~ the refexenGe numeral 2~0.is.associated with the ill valve 20. Flow throuyh the ~ill valve f~o~ the interior of the tank to the inlet 28 is prevented b~. the structure ~nd operation of the fill valve~ However~ in some instances it ~ay be desirable positively to prevent any possibility of backflow through the provision of an additional backflow preventer or antisiphon device.
In general, the backflow preventer 260 in accordance with the present invention comprises a modu].ar unit oE compact, wafe.rlike confi~uration rece'ived in the'enlar~ed diametér portion 204 of the inlet passa~e 28 between a lower shoulder 262 and an -upper shoulder 264 pxovided by the'collar 202 of the insert member 200. Because of its modular construction . and convenient size, the backflow pre~entex 260 ma~ be used in connection with a wide Variety of fixtures and devices wherein it can be mounted in a passage bet.ween in.terfacing - shoulders or equivalent structure.
The backflow'pr.eventer 260 includes only three components: an upstream disc member 266, an elastomeric body `20 268, and a concavo-conVex cu~ member 270. Each of these components is capable'of being inexpensiveIy manufactured, and the cost of the backflo~ preventer 260 is minimal.
. The upstream disc member 266 may be fabricated of any desired material:such.as a sheet' metal, and in the'illus . trated arrangement is cir:cul-ar to fit within the passa~e:204.
An annular array of upstream flow ports 272 is provided in the disc member 266. If desired,.the ports 272 may be'of a .selected small size in order .to strain out particles present in the liquid flowing through .the back~low preVenter 260, The elastomeric body 268 is- preferably a molded paxt formed of rubber or other flexible material. An outer ring or rim portion 274 is snugly recei~ed in seal.ing relation against the wall o~.the passa~e 204, ~ pair of seal.ing beads 276 are provided on the rim 274,. and the .shoulder,264 clamps the rim 274 and the disc member.266 ayainst the shoulder 264.
The elastomeric.body 268 ~urth:er includes spaced apart upstream and downstream check member~.27g and 280 extend-ing radially inwardly fxom the rim portion 274, The upstream check.278 overlies the cir.cular arxay of ports 272 and engages the downstream face of the disc member 266, ~ .central openiny 282 in the'check 278 is bounded by a lip 284 providing a fluid ti.~ht seal when the downstxeam side of the check 278 is pressurized~. When the upstream side is pressurized, the check 278 is resiliently .deflected in the'downstream direction to uncover and permit .flow .through .the ports 272.~
Cup member.270.is:received between the checks 278 and 280, ,and includes an outer cir.cul~r rim .portion 286 in engage~ent with:the:inner wall of the rim 274 of the elasto~
mer.ic body.268. The rim.286. engages the ring 274 between the beads 276 and is sized.so .that it presses the'ring.274 radially outwardly to effect a liquid tight seal of .the ~eads 276 against .the wall of.the passage,204 . The con.vex si.de of .the cup member -27.0 is directed downstream to support.the downstream check.280 .and to provide a space or region between the two checks.27~ and.280. . A
circular array of ports.290,is pro~ided ,in .the'cup member.270, and .the check.280 over.lies :these ports. When the downstream side of the check. 280 is pres.suri.zed, it is biased against .the cup member 270.to p~eVent .fl,o~ .through :the ports,290,, When the upstream side'of the'check. 280 is pressuri.zed, it.is resiliently def.lec'.ted away fxom :th.e ports.290 and fluid flows l~O~Z9 throu~h these port~ and throu~h'a centx~l ~pening 2.92.in the check 280.
Formed sheet' metal or any other suitable material is used to fabricate'the cup ~ember 270. The pQrts 290 are formed by stamping or otherwise removing material ~rom the body ` of the cup member. This material may be.'entirely severed, or as-in the'illustrated arrangement may be de~.lec.ted in the upstream direction to for~ a number of projections 2'94 extend-.
ing toward the'upstream check:'278. These p~ojections prevent the upstream check'fxom moving downstream and sealing against the 'cup member 270'.thex.eby blocking the ~ownstrea'm ports.290.
In the'illustrated arrang'ement, alterna.te ones' of the'ports 290 are associated with'one'of the projections 294...~his provides ample:space'between adjacent pro.jections for the flow of liquid between the upstream ports.272 and :the downstream ports 290.
Having reference: no~ 'to FIGS. 12 and 13r there is illustrated a fill valve 300.comprising an alternative embodi-ment o the pre.sent invention. In most xespects~ the'fill val.ve.'300 is s'imilar to .th.e'fill: valve '20 described abbve in connection with FIGS. 1-ll-. Con.sequently, the'same'reference numerals are employed for similar parts,- and the'detailed description.thereof is not repeated.
The'fill valve 300. is not provided wi.th'a back'flow 25 preventer260. Conse~quently, .its structure:is'.modi~ied in some respects to achieve'equivalent perfbrmance and to r.educe costs. As can be :seen i~'~IG. 12,.;the inner wall 184 and the end wall 198 of the cartrid~e assembly 182:are:formed integrally with the'bbdy'40 rather' than as a part of an insert member. The diameter' o.the inlet passage 28 is uniform throughout its length.' ~0~022g It.is desirable that .the fill valve 3~0 be character-ized by the same flow r~te':as the'fill valve.20. Since the flo~7 restr.iction provided by the backflow preventer 260 is not present in the fill valve'300, the flow impedance arran~ement 180.is augmented (FIG. 13) by an additional pair of baffles 302.
These, baffles 302 are:adiacent the port 210 and require fluid flowing in the semicircular ~low path segments 212 and 214 to exec.ute'additional right angle tu~ns before leaving the port.2I0 and impinging upon the baffle structure'222.
While the`invention has been described with`re~erence to details o the illustrated embodiments,,such'details are not intended to~limit the'scope of the invention as defined iIl the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A valve assembly for controlling the liquid level in a tank and comprising in combination: a housing including an inlet and an outlet; a flow path in said housing between said inlet and outlet; a valve including a valve member and a valve seat along said flow path, said valve member and seat being movable relative to one another between open and closed positions;
sensing means for detecting the level of liquid in said tank;
valve operating means coupled between said sensing means and said valve for opening said valve in response to liquid level changes to enable flow along said flow path; and a flow impedance means in said flow path for dissipating fluid pressure along said flow path while minimizing fluid velocity increases; said flow impedance means including inner, intermediate and outer telescoped cylindrical walls, the region within said inner wall communicating with said inlet, one end of said inner wall defining said valve seat; an aperture in said intermediate wall permitting flow between said region and the space between said intermediate and outer walls, a passage through said outer wall permitting flow from said space to said outlet, said passage and said aperture being angularly spaced from one another, a first plurality of baffles extending radially outward from said intermediate wall toward said outer wall, and a second plurality of baffles extending radially inward from said outer wall toward said intermediate wall, said first and second baffles being interspersed with one another between said aperture and said passage.
sensing means for detecting the level of liquid in said tank;
valve operating means coupled between said sensing means and said valve for opening said valve in response to liquid level changes to enable flow along said flow path; and a flow impedance means in said flow path for dissipating fluid pressure along said flow path while minimizing fluid velocity increases; said flow impedance means including inner, intermediate and outer telescoped cylindrical walls, the region within said inner wall communicating with said inlet, one end of said inner wall defining said valve seat; an aperture in said intermediate wall permitting flow between said region and the space between said intermediate and outer walls, a passage through said outer wall permitting flow from said space to said outlet, said passage and said aperture being angularly spaced from one another, a first plurality of baffles extending radially outward from said intermediate wall toward said outer wall, and a second plurality of baffles extending radially inward from said outer wall toward said intermediate wall, said first and second baffles being interspersed with one another between said aperture and said passage.
2. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, said passage and said aperture being generally diametrically opposed to one another to define two generally semicircular flow segments from said aperture to said passage.
3. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of said first and second baffles extends more than half the distance separating said intermediate and outer walls.
4. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, said sensing means comprising level detecting means movable in response to changes in liquid level in the tank, and a control system coupled between said detecting means and said valve for opening said valve when the liquid level is below a predeter-mined level and for closing said valve when the liquid level reaches said predetermined level, said control system including a lever supported relative to said housing at a pivot point, said valve operating means being associated with said lever for closing said valve when said lever is in a first position and for opening said valve when said lever is pivoted from said first position, means interconnecting said lever and said detecting means for pivoting said lever to said first position as liquid level reaches said predetermined level, reference means applying a biasing force to said lever tending to pivot said lever away from said first position, said biasing force being applied in a selected direction to a force application point on said lever spaced from said pivot point, the line between said pivot and application points approaching perpendicular to said given direction as the lever pivots from said first position.
5. The valve assembly of claim 4 wherein said housing includes means for supporting said housing within said tank below said predetermined level, and said detecting means compris-ing a pressure responsive diaphragm exposed to liquid pressure adjacent said housing.
6. The valve assembly of claim 5, said outlet includ-ing a plurality of outlet ports discharging liquid generally horizontally at approximately the height of said pressure responsive diaphragm.
7. The valve assembly of claim 4, said lever including a projecting pivot member, and said housing including a socket pivotally capturing said pivot member at said pivot point.
8. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said housing includes an externally threaded projecting conduit defining said inlet and adapted to extend outwardly through a wall of the tank, an internally threaded mounting nut adapted to be threaded onto said conduit against the wall of the tank;
an internally threaded coupling nut adapted to be threaded onto said conduit adjacent said mounting nut to effect a liquid coupling with said conduit; said mounting nut having an axial length at least as great as about one-half the axial length of said coupling nut; said mounting nut and coupling nut having interfacing end walls of generally circular shape; one said end wall having a diameter larger than the diameter of the other end wall; and said one end wall having an annular recess adapted to receive said other end wall to permit said mounting nut and coupling nut to overlap.
an internally threaded coupling nut adapted to be threaded onto said conduit adjacent said mounting nut to effect a liquid coupling with said conduit; said mounting nut having an axial length at least as great as about one-half the axial length of said coupling nut; said mounting nut and coupling nut having interfacing end walls of generally circular shape; one said end wall having a diameter larger than the diameter of the other end wall; and said one end wall having an annular recess adapted to receive said other end wall to permit said mounting nut and coupling nut to overlap.
9. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, said housing including a body and a cover; said body adapted to be mounted adjacent a wall of the tank, a valve. chamber and a diaphragm chamber defined between said body and cover; said valve member being supported in said valve chamber, a diaphragm in said diaphragm chamber responsive to liquid level in said tank;
valve control means including a lever pivotally supported on said cover and extending between said diaphragm and said valve member for opening and closing said valve in response to liquid level changes; fastening means including at least one releasable fastener mounting said cover onto said body and releasable from above said housing; and biasing means supported only by said cover for applying a reference biasing force to said lever.
valve control means including a lever pivotally supported on said cover and extending between said diaphragm and said valve member for opening and closing said valve in response to liquid level changes; fastening means including at least one releasable fastener mounting said cover onto said body and releasable from above said housing; and biasing means supported only by said cover for applying a reference biasing force to said lever.
10. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a backflow preventer in said flow path, said backflow preventer comprising an upstream disc member having an annular array of upstream flow passages surrounding an impervious center region, a unitary elastomeric body including an outer ring and upstream and downstream radially inwardly extending checks each having a central opening; said upstream check overlying said upstream flow passages; a cup member between said checks and having its convex side facing downstream; a rim on said cup member abutting the inner wall of said ring;
an annular array of downstream flow passages in said cup member surrounding an impervious central region; said upstream check overlying said upstream flow passages; and projections of said cup member adjacent said downstream flow passages extending upstream toward said upstream check.
an annular array of downstream flow passages in said cup member surrounding an impervious central region; said upstream check overlying said upstream flow passages; and projections of said cup member adjacent said downstream flow passages extending upstream toward said upstream check.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US809,382 | 1977-06-23 | ||
| US05/809,382 US4180096A (en) | 1977-06-23 | 1977-06-23 | Fill valve |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1090229A true CA1090229A (en) | 1980-11-25 |
Family
ID=25201215
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA306,003A Expired CA1090229A (en) | 1977-06-23 | 1978-06-22 | Fill valve |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4180096A (en) |
| AR (1) | AR214805A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1090229A (en) |
Families Citing this family (34)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4258745A (en) * | 1979-03-12 | 1981-03-31 | Dean Nicholson | Control device for a liquid level maintaining system or the like |
| DE2950888A1 (en) * | 1979-12-18 | 1981-06-25 | Stabilus Gmbh | SHOCK PISTON FOR PNEUMATIC, HYDRAULIC AND HYDROPNEUMATIC AGGREGATE |
| US4646779A (en) * | 1983-09-28 | 1987-03-03 | Masco Corporation | Adjustable vacuum breaker fill valve |
| DE3448371C2 (en) * | 1983-09-28 | 1994-06-30 | Masco Corp | Liquid level control unit e.g. toilet cistern |
| US4574826A (en) * | 1983-09-28 | 1986-03-11 | Masco Corporation | Adjustable vacuum breaker fill valve |
| US4632142A (en) * | 1985-01-04 | 1986-12-30 | Shames Sidney J | Ballcock assembly |
| US4600031A (en) * | 1985-05-20 | 1986-07-15 | Clevepak Corporation | Ball cock and float assembly |
| US4655243A (en) * | 1985-11-25 | 1987-04-07 | Kris Keller | Automatic pool filler |
| US4842011A (en) * | 1987-11-09 | 1989-06-27 | Elwyn V. Harp | Flushing means |
| US4887635A (en) * | 1989-04-03 | 1989-12-19 | Masco Corporation Of Indiana | Fluid fill valve with accurate fill level mechanism |
| US5154205A (en) * | 1992-01-03 | 1992-10-13 | Langill Edwin R | Method and apparatus for maintaining level of water in above-ground swimming pools |
| US5255703A (en) * | 1992-07-08 | 1993-10-26 | Johnson Dwight N | Float operated fill valve |
| US5918415A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1999-07-06 | Locke; Randal D. | Multi-purpose self-watering system |
| US5782035A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-07-21 | Locke; Randal D. | Multi-purpose automatic filling and leveling fluid basin with water transfer |
| US5842498A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-12-01 | Locke; Randal D. A. | Mounting adapter and assembly for rendering fill valves for tank-type instantly dismountable |
| US5678600A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-10-21 | Locke; Randal D. | Filling valve |
| EP1006775A4 (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 2000-06-14 | Lazzzy Way | Multi-purpose automatic filling and leveling liquid basin with liquid transfer |
| US5771921A (en) * | 1995-09-19 | 1998-06-30 | Ctb, Inc. | Pressure regulator |
| US5715859A (en) * | 1996-10-02 | 1998-02-10 | Hunter Plumbing Products | Adjustable fill valve assembly |
| US5887848A (en) * | 1997-09-18 | 1999-03-30 | Sloan Valve Company | Flush valve bypass and filter |
| USD408501S (en) * | 1998-04-01 | 1999-04-20 | American Standard Inc. | Fill valve |
| AU2969999A (en) * | 1999-01-12 | 2000-08-01 | Lazzzy Way | Mounting adapter and assembly for rendering fill valves for tank-type toilets instantly dismountable |
| US6244292B1 (en) * | 2000-01-19 | 2001-06-12 | Bruce A. Antunez | Ballcock valve for water tanks |
| US6286808B1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-09-11 | Kohler Co. | Gravity flow faucet |
| US8590067B2 (en) | 2005-02-03 | 2013-11-26 | Danco, Inc. | Control of toilet bowl fill flow |
| US7516753B2 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2009-04-14 | Morrison Robert P | Toilet tank plumbing fixture assembly |
| US7293577B2 (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2007-11-13 | Morrison Robert P | Toilet tank plumbing fixture assembly |
| WO2011049705A1 (en) | 2009-10-19 | 2011-04-28 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Seal assembly |
| CN102466045B (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2013-11-06 | 李飞宇 | Closestool water inlet valve and control method thereof |
| CN104024708B (en) | 2011-12-14 | 2017-06-23 | 纽曼蒂克公司 | Pressure-control valve can be adjusted |
| EP3097333B1 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2019-05-01 | Asco, L.P. | Pressure controlled and pressure control valve for an inflatable object |
| WO2018137052A1 (en) * | 2017-01-24 | 2018-08-02 | 厦门立业卫浴工业有限公司 | Water stop valve |
| US11365827B2 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2022-06-21 | Eric Hainzer | Toilet tank valve |
| EP4006399A4 (en) * | 2019-05-27 | 2024-04-03 | Xiamen R&T Plumbing Technology Co Ltd | Water inlet mechanism |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1877567A (en) * | 1931-09-02 | 1932-09-13 | William P Erbes | Hot and cold water mixer for showers |
| US3242940A (en) * | 1963-11-19 | 1966-03-29 | Sirotek Louis | Liquid flow control valve for toilet flush tanks |
| US3495803A (en) * | 1966-06-23 | 1970-02-17 | Adolf Schoepe | Valve for controlling the flow of fluid in ball cock and the like |
| US3559675A (en) * | 1969-03-20 | 1971-02-02 | Adolf Schoepe | Fluid flow passage and valve assembly for ball cocks |
| US3693649A (en) * | 1970-03-31 | 1972-09-26 | American Standard Inc | Water control for toilet tanks |
| US3895645A (en) * | 1973-03-09 | 1975-07-22 | Jh Ind Inc | Fluid level control valve |
| US3870236A (en) * | 1973-03-14 | 1975-03-11 | Sahagun Barragan Jaime | Dripping irrigation tubing |
| US3952766A (en) * | 1974-08-13 | 1976-04-27 | Jh Industries, Inc. | Backflow preventer |
| US4079754A (en) * | 1977-01-14 | 1978-03-21 | Sargent Industries, Inc. | Apparatus for eliminating noise in the flow of fluids |
-
1977
- 1977-06-23 US US05/809,382 patent/US4180096A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1978
- 1978-06-22 CA CA306,003A patent/CA1090229A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-23 AR AR27269778A patent/AR214805A1/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AR214805A1 (en) | 1979-07-31 |
| US4180096A (en) | 1979-12-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |