阅读说明：本技术 阀 (Valve with a valve body ) 是由 彼得·科恰尔迪 于 2020-02-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种阀(1)包括阀装置(10)、阀臂(20)和浮动件(32)。阀装置(10)包括阀体(11)、阀臂铰接件(14)和阀活塞(12)。阀体(11)包括阀入口(13a)、阀出口(13b)、阀通道(15)和阀活塞通道(16a)。阀臂铰接件(14)通过枢转连接件将阀臂(20)连接至阀体(11)。阀活塞(12)在阀活塞通道(16a)中线性地移动。阀活塞(12)包括接触阀臂(20)的第一阀活塞端部(17a)和可以在阀通道(15)的一部分上形成密封以阻止流体流过阀通道(15)的第二阀活塞端部(17b)。其中,接触第二阀活塞端部(17b)的加压流体向第二阀活塞端部(17b)施加力。阀臂(20)从第一阀臂位置到第二阀臂位置的移动允许阀活塞(12)在施加至第二阀活塞端部(17b)的力的作用下从关闭位置移动至打开位置并且允许流体流动通过阀通道(15)。处于第一阀臂位置的浮动件(32)高于浮动件(32)在处于第二阀臂位置时的位置。浮动件(32)在流体中具有足够的浮力以提升浮动件自身和阀臂(20)。浮动件(32)定位在箱体(40)内。如果箱体(40)中的流体低于临界箱体流体水平,则阀臂(20)从第一阀移动臂位置移动至第二阀臂位置。阀臂(20)的第二端部(26)以一阀臂(20)角接触阀体(11),使得阀臂(20)不能低于阀臂角。浮动件(32)直接附接至阀臂(20)的第一端部(24),或者浮动件(32)附接至与阀臂(20)的第二端部(26)附接的浮动件水平调节器(30)。浮动件水平调节器(30)包括一个或更多个安装表面,其中,安装表面将浮动件水平调节器(30)连接至阀臂(20)。(A valve (1) comprises a valve device (10), a valve arm (20) and a float (32). The valve device (10) comprises a valve body (11), a valve arm hinge (14) and a valve piston (12). The valve body (11) includes a valve inlet (13a), a valve outlet (13b), a valve passage (15), and a valve piston passage (16 a). The valve arm hinge (14) connects the valve arm (20) to the valve body (11) by a pivot connection. The valve piston (12) moves linearly in the valve piston channel (16 a). The valve piston (12) includes a first valve piston end (17a) that contacts the valve arm (20) and a second valve piston end (17b) that may form a seal over a portion of the valve passage (15) to prevent fluid flow through the valve passage (15). Wherein the pressurized fluid contacting the second valve piston end (17b) exerts a force on the second valve piston end (17 b). Movement of the valve arm (20) from the first valve arm position to the second valve arm position allows the valve piston (12) to move from the closed position to the open position under force applied to the second valve piston end (17b) and fluid to flow through the valve passage (15). The float member (32) in the first valve arm position is higher than the position of the float member (32) when in the second valve arm position. The float member (32) has sufficient buoyancy in the fluid to lift the float member itself and the valve arm (20). The float (32) is positioned within the tank (40). The valve arm (20) moves from a first valve moving arm position to a second valve arm position if the fluid in the tank (40) is below a threshold tank fluid level. The second end (26) of the valve arm (20) contacts the valve body (11) at an angle of the valve arm (20) such that the valve arm (20) cannot be lowered below the valve arm angle. The float member (32) is attached directly to the first end (24) of the valve arm (20) or the float member (32) is attached to a float member level adjuster (30) attached to the second end (26) of the valve arm (20). The float level adjuster (30) comprises one or more mounting surfaces, wherein the mounting surfaces connect the float level adjuster (30) to the valve arm (20).)

1. A valve (1) adapted for use with a valve arm (20) and a float (32), the valve (1) comprising:

a valve body (11), the valve body (11) comprising:

a valve inlet (13a) and a valve outlet (13 b);

a valve passage (15) and a valve piston passage (16 a);

a valve arm hinge mounting member (19 a); and

a valve body contact surface (7),

a pivot connection adapted to receive a valve arm hinge (14), the valve arm hinge (14) connecting the valve arm (20) to the valve body (11) and including one or more apertures, the valve arm (20) being of the type having a first distal end (24) and a second end (26), the first distal end (24) being adapted to be attached to the float (32), the second end (26) having a terminal portion (25) adapted to extend beyond the valve arm hinge (14); and

a valve piston (12), the valve piston (12) being adapted to move linearly in the valve piston channel (15), the valve piston (12) comprising:

a first valve piston end (17a), the first valve piston end (17a) being adapted to contact the valve arm; and

a second valve piston end (17b), the second valve piston end (17b) being adapted to form a seal over a portion of the valve passage (15) to resist or prevent fluid flow through the valve passage (15),

the second valve piston end (17b) is adapted to exert a sealing force on a pressurized fluid contacting the second valve piston end (17b) in a closed position,

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the valve piston (12) is adapted to move from an open position to the closed position when a force is applied to the first valve piston end (17a) by the valve arm (20) moving from a lower valve arm position to an upper valve arm position, thereby being adapted to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the valve passage (15);

the valve arm hinge (14) is positioned such that: the terminal portion (25) of the second end is adapted to abut the valve body contact surface (7) in the open position to limit rotational travel of the valve arm about the valve arm hinge (14); and

the valve arm hinge mounting member (19a) does not include a positioning means in the form of an aperture or stop means offset from and parallel to the axis of the valve arm hinge (14).

2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve outlet is located on a base of the valve body (11) and an integrally formed shroud (111) which is part of the valve body (11) covers the entire valve passage (15) except the base.

3. A valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve piston (12) comprises a valve piston insert (5c), a valve piston body (5b) and a valve piston seal (5 a).

4. A valve according to claim 3, wherein the valve piston insert (5c) is not attached to the valve piston body (5b) but only contacts the valve piston body (5b) such that the valve piston seal (5a) is attached to the valve piston body (5b) by a press fit.

5. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the relationship between the length B of the terminal portion (25) and the spacing a of the valve arm contact surface (7) from the valve arm hinge (14) is represented by the formula 0.5A > -B < ═ a.

6. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a float level adjuster, wherein the float level adjuster (30) comprises one or more mounting surfaces (31), wherein the mounting surfaces (31) connect the float level adjuster (30) to the valve arm (20).

7. A valve according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in use, the valve arm (20) is adapted not to fall below a level by a valve arm angle even when the fluid level is low, the terminal portion (25) being adapted to contact the valve body contact surface (7) when the valve arm (20) exceeds the valve arm angle (θ), the valve arm angle (θ) being between 20 ° and 40 °.

8. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve arm angle is 30 °.

9. Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve arm comprises a bend between the main portion (21) and the second end portion (26), said bend having a bend angle comprised between 70 ° and 110 ° or between 70 ° and 110 °.

10. The valve of claim 9, wherein the bend angle comprises 90 ° to 92 ° or between 90 ° to 92 °.

11. A valve according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the valve arm hinge mounting member (19a) comprises a plate (19a, 19b), the plate (19a, 19b) forming a pair of spaced apart and parallel flanges extending rearwardly of the valve body (11), the plate (19a, 19b) forming a channel or passage within which the hinged end (26) of the valve arm (20) rotates reciprocally.

12. The valve according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the plates (19a, 19b) are tapered inwardly and downwardly towards the valve arm hinge (14).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to valves. More particularly, the present invention relates to a float valve for controlling the water level in a water storage unit.

Background

The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to, and should not be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following discussion of the prior art should not be construed as referring to what is known or known to those skilled in the art, but rather should be construed as contributing to the inventive process and understanding of the present invention.

In the float valve already described, the float arm may be provided in a variety of curved configurations, curved in a linear curve, to accommodate the spatial arrangement of a particular water storage unit. However, the individual float arms described are not suitable for use in a variety of different structural configurations, but rather for use in a particular configuration. Furthermore, in the float valve already described, the float valve body requires an additional hinge position of the valve arm and an additional cotter pin to prevent movement of the valve arm. These features add to the cost of the valve and the complexity of the valve assembly. In addition, float valves have been described having a small diameter inlet to reduce the flow of water through the valve, since the valve arm assembly cannot handle higher flow rates. And such a reduction in the flow rate of water is undesirable.

It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages of the prior art or at least to provide a useful alternative to the above disadvantages.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided:

a valve adapted for use with a valve arm and a float, the valve comprising:

the valve body, the valve body includes:

a valve inlet and a valve outlet;

a valve passage and a valve piston passage;

a valve arm hinge member mounting member; and

the contact surface of the valve body is contacted with the valve body,

a pivot connection adapted to receive a (acomod) valve arm hinge connecting the valve arm to the valve body, the valve arm being of the type having a first distal end adapted to be attached to the float and a second end having a terminal portion adapted to extend beyond the valve arm hinge; and

a valve piston adapted to move linearly in the valve piston passage, the valve piston including a first valve piston end adapted to contact the valve arm and a second valve piston end adapted to form a seal over a portion of the valve passage to resist or prevent fluid flow through the valve passage,

the second valve piston end is adapted to exert a sealing force against pressurized fluid contacting the second valve piston end in the closed position,

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the valve piston is adapted to move from an open position to a closed position when a force is applied to the first valve piston end by the valve arm moving from a lower valve arm position to an upper valve arm position, thereby being adapted to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the valve passage;

the valve arm hinge is positioned such that: a terminal portion of the second end adapted to abut the valve body contact surface in the open position to limit rotational travel of the valve arm about the valve arm hinge; and

the valve arm hinge mounting member does not include a positioning device in the form of an orifice or stop device offset from and parallel to the axis of the valve arm hinge.

Alternatives, options and preferences

The valve arm may be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. Preferably, the valve arm is made of a single piece. The valve arm may be made substantially or entirely of plastic, metal, wood or a composite of different materials. Preferably, the valve arm is made of metal, most preferably stainless steel. The valve arm may comprise a solid cylindrical rod, a hollow cylindrical rod, a square rod, a rectangular rod, a beam having an I-shaped cross-section, a beam having a T-shaped cross-section, or other support structure. Preferably, the valve arm comprises a solid cylindrical rod. The valve arm may include a curved portion, such as a cylindrical stem having a bend. The valve arm may include an angled portion. Preferably, the valve arm comprises a curved portion, preferably comprising between 70 and 110 degrees of curvature, more preferably between 85 and 95 degrees of curvature, and most preferably 90 to 92 degrees of curvature.

The float level adjuster may be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. Preferably, the float level adjuster is made of one piece. The float level adjuster may be made of a material including metal, plastic, wood or a composite of different materials. Preferably, the float level adjuster is made of metal, most preferably stainless steel.

The float may be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. Preferably, the float is made of a single piece. The float may be made of a material including metal, plastic, wood, rubber, polystyrene or a composite of different materials. Preferably, the float is made of plastic. The floatation member may have one or more sealed air chambers inside the floatation member. Preferably, the float has a sealed air chamber inside the float. The float may be attached to the float level adjuster or valve arm by a threaded connection, a hole and pin connection, a cylindrical hole and grub screw, or other interlocking feature. Preferably, the float is attached to the float adjuster or valve arm by a threaded connection.

The valve body may be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. Preferably, the valve body is made of a single piece. The valve body may be made of materials including metal, plastic, wood or a composite of different materials. Preferably, the valve body is made of metal, most preferably stainless steel. The valve inlet and outlet may include threads or other connection features. Preferably, the valve inlet comprises a screw thread. Preferably, the valve outlet does not include any threads or other connection features.

The valve passage may include a bend, such as a 90 ° bend. Preferably, the valve passage comprises a 90 ° bend. The valve passage may include smooth corners and edges to reduce pressure loss through the valve passage. Preferably, the valve channel does not include smooth corners and edges. The valve piston passage may include a cylindrical passage, a square passage, or a rectangular passage. The valve piston passage may include a slot to receive a feature on the valve piston. Preferably, the valve piston passage includes a cylindrical passage and does not include a slot. The valve piston passage may form part of the valve passage. Preferably, the valve piston passage forms part of the valve passage. There may be a secondary valve piston passage to further control the movement of the valve piston. Preferably, there is a secondary valve piston passage to further control the movement of the valve piston.

The valve arm hinge may include a pin or shaft through hole in the valve arm and valve body or ball or other type of support. Preferably, the valve arm hinge includes a pin through hole in the valve body and the valve arm. The pin may be a cotter pin or other type of pin. Preferably, the pin is a cotter pin. The valve body may include features for limiting movement of the valve arm along the longitudinal axis of the valve arm hinge pin or shaft. Preferably, the valve body includes a feature for limiting movement of the valve arm along a longitudinal axis of the valve arm hinge pin.

The valve piston may be made of one or more pieces. Preferably, the valve piston is made of three pieces. The valve piston may be made of materials including metal, plastic, rubber or wood. Preferably, the two parts of the valve piston are made of metal, most preferably stainless steel. Preferably, the other part of the valve piston is made of rubber. The valve piston may include one or more cylindrical portions, square portions, rectangular portions, or other features that slide in the valve piston passage. The valve piston may include one or more cylindrical, square, rectangular, or other shaped pieces that slide in the valve piston channel. Preferably, the valve piston comprises two cylinders sliding in the valve piston channel. The valve body may include other cylindrical passages or slots to receive cylindrical portions or other features on the valve piston. Preferably, the valve body comprises further cylindrical passages to receive the cylindrical member of the valve piston. The valve piston may not include a valve piston seal, or may include one or more valve piston seals to prevent flow through the valve passage. Preferably, the valve piston includes a valve piston seal to prevent flow through the valve passage. The valve piston seal may be included in the valve body or the valve piston. Preferably, the valve piston seal is comprised within the valve piston. The valve piston may form a seal on the valve inlet, valve outlet or partially through the valve passage. Preferably, the valve piston forms a seal in part by the valve passage. The valve piston seal may contact a seal ring surface or other sealing surface on the valve body. Preferably, the valve piston seal contacts a seal ring surface on the valve body. The valve piston seal may be made of rubber, silicone, elastomeric plastic or other elastomeric material. Preferably, the valve piston seal is made of rubber. The valve piston seal may be attached to other components of the valve piston by press fitting, screws, or other attachment methods. Preferably, the valve piston seal is attached to the other components of the valve piston by a press fit. The valve piston may block fluid flow through the valve passage when the valve piston is in the closed position. The valve piston may restrict fluid flow through the valve passage when the valve piston is in the closed position. Preferably, the valve piston prevents fluid flow through the valve passage when the valve piston is in the closed position.

The fluid may be water or other fluid. Preferably, the fluid is water. The fluid may have a high or low pressure. Preferably, the fluid has a high pressure, such as typical tap water pressure. "pressurized fluid" includes fluid pressurized by natural forces including gravity.

The valve arm is adapted to move from a first valve arm position corresponding to a closed position of the valve to a second valve arm position corresponding to an open position of the valve. The first valve arm position may be an angle of the valve arm in which the float is located above the valve body. The first valve arm position may be an angle of the valve arm in which the float is vertically horizontal with the valve body. The first valve arm position may be an angle of the valve arm in which the float is located below the valve body. Preferably, the first valve arm position is at an angle of the valve arm in which the float is vertically horizontal to the valve body. The second valve arm position may be an angle of the valve arm in which the float is located above the valve body. The second valve arm position may be an angle of the valve arm in which the float is vertically horizontal with the valve body. The second valve arm position may be an angle of the valve arm in which the float is located below the valve body. Preferably, the second valve arm position is the angle of the valve arm in which the float is located below the valve body. The second valve arm position may be a series of positions, such as a series of positions that are lower than the angle of the valve arm. More preferably, the second valve arm position is a series of positions that are lower than the angle of the valve arm.

The float member is preferably adapted to have sufficient buoyancy in the fluid to lift the float member itself and the valve arm. The float is preferably operable to be positioned within the tank. The density of the floatation member may be greater than or less than half of the fluid density. Preferably, the density of the float is less than half of the density of the fluid. The float may be attached directly to the first end of the valve arm.

Alternatively, the float is preferably attached to a float level adjuster. The float level adjuster is preferably attached to the second end of the valve arm. The float level adjuster preferably comprises one or more mounting surfaces, wherein the mounting surfaces connect the float level adjuster to the valve arm.

The float level adjuster may be oriented parallel to the valve arm. The float level adjuster may be oriented perpendicular to the valve arm. The float level adjuster may be oriented at other angles to the valve arm. The float level adjuster can be oriented at multiple angles to the valve arm. Preferably, the float level adjuster can be oriented perpendicular, parallel or at 45 degrees to the valve arm. The float level adjuster may include a mounting surface relative to the valve arm. The float level adjuster may include more than one mounting surface relative to the valve arm. Preferably, the float level adjuster includes three mounting surfaces relative to the valve arm. The mounting surface may be positioned at a plurality of locations along the length of the float level adjuster. The mounting surface may be positioned at a location over the length of the float level adjuster. Preferably, the mounting surface is positioned at a plurality of locations along the length of the float level adjuster. The float level adjuster may have threads at each end of the float level adjuster. Preferably, the float level adjuster has a single thread at one end of the float level adjuster. The male and female threads at each end of the float level adjuster may be fitted into one another in series to form a chain of float level adjuster components between the valve arm and the float. The mating holes and shafts at each end of the float level adjuster may be fitted into one another in series to form a chain of float level adjuster components between the valve arm and the float.

The valve arm hinge mounting member does not include a positioning device in the form of an orifice or stop device offset from and parallel to the axis of the valve arm hinge. Instead, the valve body includes a wall aligned generally parallel to the axis of the valve arm that prevents rotation of the terminal portion when the valve arm reaches the open position. The second end of the valve arm includes a terminal portion. The terminal portion is preferably relatively short and is defined as the portion of the second end that is on the other side of the valve hinge 14, the portion between the valve hinge and the extreme end of the second end. The length of the terminal portion may be defined by a distance B. Where the diameter of the valve arm is X, the distance B from the centre line (the axis of the bore forming part of the valve hinge) extending coaxially through the bore or alignment bore in the valve body 11 to the hinged second end of the valve arm is 0.5X < ═ B > -X, and preferably about 0.7X. Advantageously, B has a size of 0.7X. The distance (dimension a) from the centerline through the hole in the valve body to the valve body contact surface is also 0.5X < ═ a > -X, and preferably about 0.7X. Advantageously, a has a size of 0.7X. Still more preferably, dimension a is 0.7X and dimension B is 0.7X. The ratio of dimension a to dimension B is preferably 1: 1. The ratio of the diameter (1) of the valve arm 20 to the dimension a (2) and to the dimension B (3) is advantageously 10:7: 7.

The second end of the valve arm may be adapted to contact the valve body at a valve arm angle. The valve arm angle θ is the angle between the valve arm in the open position and the valve arm in the closed position, and provides an indication of the degree of rotation of the valve arm between the open position and the closed position. Advantageously, the valve arm cannot be lower than the second open valve arm position. Furthermore, the second end of the valve arm may contact the valve body with a valve arm angle such that the movement of the valve arm cannot exceed the valve arm angle of the valve arm relative to its orientation in the closed position. The valve arm angle may be greater than, less than, or equal to 30 ° below the horizontal. Preferably, the valve arm angle is between 20 ° and 40 ° below the horizontal.

The valve outlet may be located on the top, side, and/or base of the valve body. Preferably, the valve outlet is located on the base of the valve body. Preferably, the valve passage is covered by a shield integrated into the valve body, surrounding the entire valve passage except for the base, to prevent water from exiting the valve passage upwards or sideways.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood in light of the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve with a valve arm in a first valve arm position;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the valve with the valve arm in a first valve arm position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the valve with the valve arm in a first valve arm position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the valve with the valve arm in a second valve arm position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the valve inside the tank with the valve arm in the first valve arm position and fluid at a critical tank fluid level;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a regulator according to one aspect;

FIGS. 7 a-7 b are perspective views of a prior art valve body and its shield;

fig. 8a, 8c and 8d are perspective views of a valve body according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8b is a bottom plan view of the valve body shown in FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 8e is an axial cross-sectional view of the central cartridge; and

FIG. 8f is a side cross-sectional view of the valve body shown in FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the valve with the valve arm in the first position.

Detailed Description

Preferred features of the invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the features illustrated in the drawings and described with reference to the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, a valve 1 is shown to include a valve apparatus 10, a valve arm 20, a float level adjuster 30 and a float 32.

The valve 1 comprises a valve device 10, a valve arm 20 and a float 32. The valve device 10 includes:

a valve body 11, the valve body 11 including a valve inlet 13a, a valve outlet 13b, a valve passage 15, and a valve piston passage 16 a;

a pivot connection comprising a valve arm hinge 14 connecting the valve arm 20 to the valve body 11; and

a valve piston 12, the valve piston 12 linearly moving in a valve piston channel 16a, the valve piston 12 comprising a second valve piston end 17b, the second valve piston end 17b being adapted to form a seal over a portion of the valve channel 15 to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the valve channel 15.

The valve device 10 further comprises a first valve piston end 17a contacting the valve arm 20. The valve piston 12 is adapted to move when a force is applied to the second valve piston end 17b by the pressurized fluid. Movement of the valve arm 20 from the first closed position (fig. 3) to the second open position (fig. 4) allows the valve piston 12 to move under the force applied to the second valve piston end 17b, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the valve passage 15. The second end 26 of the valve arm 20 contacts the valve body 11 at the angle θ of the valve arm 20 such that the valve arm 20 cannot be below the valve arm angle θ.

In use, the float member 32 is adapted to be higher in the first closed position (fig. 3) than in the second open position of the float member 32 when in the second valve arm position. The float 32 is positioned within the tank 40 and has sufficient buoyancy in the fluid to lift the float 32 itself and the valve arm 20;

the configuration of the valve device 10 is such that: the valve arm 20 is adapted to move from a first valve arm position to a second valve arm position in the event that the fluid in the tank 40 is below a threshold tank fluid level.

The float 32 may be attached directly to the first end 24 of the valve arm 20, or the float 32 may be attached to the float level adjuster 30. The float level adjuster 30 is preferably attached to the second end 26 of the valve arm 20. The float level adjuster 30 includes one or more mounting surfaces. The mounting surface connects the float level adjuster 30 to the valve arm 20.

The valve arm hinge 14 connects the valve arm 20 to the valve body 11 through a pivotal connection.

The valve piston 12 moves linearly in the valve piston passage 16a, and the valve piston 12 includes a second valve piston end 17b that may form a seal over a portion of the valve passage 15 to prevent the fluid 52 from flowing through the valve passage 15.

Further, in use, the pressurized fluid may contact the second valve piston end 17b and exert a force on the second valve piston end 17 b.

Movement of the valve arm 20 from a first closed valve arm position (as viewed in fig. 1-3 and 5, wherein the float member 32 is raised) to a second open valve arm position (as viewed in fig. 4, wherein the float member 32 is lowered due to low fluid levels) allows the valve piston 12 to move. Under the force applied to the second valve piston end 17b, the valve piston 12 is adapted to move from the first closed position (fig. 1-3 and 5) to the second open position (fig. 4) and allow the fluid 52 to flow through the valve passage 15.

The float member 32 in the first closed valve arm position (FIG. 5) is higher than the float member 32 in the second valve arm position (FIG. 4)ⁱThe position of the time. The regulator 30 is optionally floating relative to the float in a desired configuration of one of many possibilitiesMovable member 32 is stationary. This enables the float 32 to be positioned in any one of a number of different orientations relative to the valve body 11.

The float member 32 has sufficient buoyancy in the fluid 52 to lift the float member 32 itself, the float member level adjuster 30 and the valve arm 20 through an arc within the range of positions of the float member 32 within the water storage unit, such as the tank 40. The valve arm 20 is adapted to move from a first valve arm position to a second valve arm position in the event that the fluid 52 in the tank 40 is below a threshold tank fluid level 54. The regulator 30 may be selectively inserted between the components at two or more alternative locations so that the height or positioning of the float 32 relative to the valve 11 may be varied to suit a particular field application. The adjuster 30 may be attached between the float 32 and another float level adjuster 30, or the adjuster 30 may be attached between the valve arm 20 and the float 32. Alternatively, the float 32 is attached directly to the valve arm 20.

The valve 1 is placed in use within a tank 40 as seen in figure 5. A hose or other water line fitting is connected to the valve inlet 13a by the valve body threaded portion 4. The valve body threaded portion 4 can be made in various sizes, such as 2 inches, 1 inch¹/₂Inch, 1¹/₄Inches, 1 inch, and 3/4 inches. This supplies pressurized water to the valve inlet 13 a. When the valve arm 20 is in the first valve arm position, the pressurized water applies pressure to the valve piston 12, but the valve piston 12 does not move from the closed position (see fig. 1-3 and 5). This is because the valve arm contact surface 22 contacts the first valve piston end 17a when the valve arm 20 is in the first valve arm position. The valve piston seal 5a forms a seal on the valve passage sealing surface 2 when the valve piston 12 is in the closed position. This prevents any water from passing through the valve passage 15 when the valve piston 12 is in the closed position.

The valve piston 12 is made of 3 parts, the 3 parts being a valve piston seal 5a, a valve piston body 5b and a valve piston insert 5 c. The valve piston seal 5a is attached to the valve piston body 5b by press-fitting, and the valve piston body 5b is not attached to the valve piston insert 5c (the valve piston body 5b and the piston insert 5c are only in contact with each other). The valve piston insert 5c retains the valve piston body 5b within the valve body 11 due to the sleeve 8 on the valve piston body 5 b. The sleeve 8 is retained in a bore 9 in the valve piston insert 5 c. The valve piston insert 5c is retained within the valve piston secondary channel 16b due to the valve arm contact surface 22 blocking the path of the valve piston insert 5c, otherwise the valve piston insert 5c would tend to leave the valve piston secondary channel 16 b. The valve arm 20 is adapted not to be lower than the valve arm angle θ. The valve arm 20 is adapted not to be higher than the horizontal plane, so that the valve arm contact surface 22 is adapted to prevent the valve piston insert 5c from leaving the valve piston secondary channel 16 b. The angle theta of the valve arm 20 is in the range between 20 deg. and 40 deg. below the horizontal plane.

The second end 26 has a shorter terminal portion 25 on the other side of the valve hinge 14. The length of the terminal portion 25 is defined by the distance B. With a diameter X of the valve arm 20, the distance B (dimension B in fig. 9) from the centerline (axis of the bore 28B) extending coaxially through the pair of aligned bores 28B in the valve body 11 to the hinged second end 26 of the valve arm 20 is advantageously 0.7X. The distance (dimension a) from the center line passing through the two holes 28b in the valve body 11 to the valve body contact surface 7 is advantageously 0.7X. The ratio of dimension a to dimension B is advantageously 1: 1. The ratio of the diameter (1) of the valve arm 20 to the dimension a (2) and to the dimension B (3) is advantageously 10:7: 7.

When the water level in the tank 40 is above the critical tank fluid level 54, the valve arm 20 is in the first valve arm position. This is because the valve arm 20 is pushed upward by the buoyancy of the float member 32. The valve arm 20 does not rise above the first valve arm position because the valve arm contact surface 22 contacts the first valve piston end 17 a.

When the water level in the tank 40 drops below the critical tank fluid level 54, the valve arm 20 moves downward to a second valve arm position (which is any position of the valve arm 20 below the first valve arm position). The valve arm 20 pivots about the valve arm hinge 14 as the valve arm 20 moves. The valve arm hinge 14 includes a valve body pin 18, the valve body pin 18 being inserted through two holes 28b in the valve body 11 and one hole 28b in the valve arm 20. The movement of the valve arm 20 along the longitudinal axis of the valve body pin 18 is limited by the mechanism (agency) of the first and second valve body plates 19a, 19b, which axially limits the travel of the second end 26 of the valve arm 20 along the pin 18 and between the plates 19a, 19b, as may be determined by considering the structure and shape of the valve bodies 11, 111 shown in fig. 8a to 9 and the description herein. As may be determined by considering the structure and shape of the valve body 11, 111 shown in fig. 8 a-9 and the description herein, the degree of downward rotational movement of the valve arm 20 about the axis of the valve body pin 18 is limited by the valve body contact surface 7, and the upward rotational movement of the valve arm is limited by the second end 26 abutting the valve piston insert 5c at the degree of full axial travel of the valve piston 12 at the first closed position.

As shown, the valve arm 20 is shown in the form of a rod including a second valve arm end 26. Even when the water level is lower than the valve 1, the valve arm 20 does not fall below 45 degrees below the horizontal plane. This is because the terminal portion 25 at the extreme end of the stem 6 contacts the valve body contact surface 7 when the valve arm 20 reaches a distance or valve arm angle θ relative to the valve arm 20 in the first closed position, which may correspond to the horizontally aligned main linear portion 21. Advantageously, the valve arm 20 does not drop below the valve arm angle θ during operation, since otherwise the valve piston insert 5c would fall out. That is, the degree of rotation of the valve arm 20 is limited to hold the valve piston 12 with the valve piston secondary channel 16 b. The distance between the first bore 28b in the valve arm 20 and the end of the rod 6 and the distance between the valve arm hinge 14 and the valve body contact surface 7 are specifically selected. The extreme end portion of the rod 6 corresponding to the tip of the terminal portion 25 thus contacts the valve body contact surface 7 when the valve arm is angled at an arm angle θ below the horizontal plane. This eliminates the need for additional locating features (detentes), stops, welds, lugs, cotter pins and holes in the valve body 11 to prevent the valve arm 20 from falling below the horizontal valve arm angle θ. The prior art valve body includes two additional cotter pins and holes to enable the prior art valve to be used with either high or low pressure water supplies. Eliminating the need for additional cotter pins reduces the manufacturing cost of the valve assembly 10 and makes the valve assembly 10 easier to assemble.

The valve arm 20 includes a main linear section 21 extending between the float level adjuster 30 and a bend 23, the bend 23 transitioning the valve arm 20 from the linear section 21 through a second 26. The linear portion 21 and the second end 26 are disposed at a substantially normal angle with respect to each other, and in particular are preferably disposed at an angle of about 90 ° to 90 °. Furthermore, the length of the straight portions of the valve arm 20 on either side of the 90 ° to 92 ° bends 23 is configured and dimensioned such that the vertical force exerted by the float 32 on the valve arm 20 is sufficient to maintain a water pressure of up to 1000kPa in the valve inlet 13 a. This is because the force applied to the valve piston 12 from the valve arm 20 depends on the length of the straight portions of the valve arm 20 on either side of the 90 ° to 92 ° bends 23 and the depth of the water in the tank 40. As shown in fig. 3, 4 and 9, the relative length of the main linear portion 21 and the lever distance L between the valve arm contact surface and the valve arm hinge 14 determine the leverage applied through the second end 26 that can be derived from the force applied to the first end 24 by the float 32. Having a long main linear portion 21 and a short leverage distance L means that a correspondingly large force can be applied to the valve piston insert 5c by the valve arm 20 while providing only a short axial travel range of the valve piston 12.

1000kPa is the industry standard maximum pressure for a valve assembly embodying the present invention, such as the type exemplified in the form of valve assembly 10. A prior art solution to the high pressure problem is to reduce the relative diameter of the inlet to account for the high pressure in the valve inlet. However, this reduces the possible flow through the valve body. The present valve device 10 delivers at a rate of 4 litres per second at 200 kPa. In addition, the present valve device 10 has an inner diameter of the inlet 13a that is about 2 to about 3 times the diameter of the corresponding prior art inlet. The present valve device 10 has an inner diameter of the inlet 13a of about 25mm compared to the prior art inlet inner diameter as low as 8 mm.

As the first end 24 of the valve arm 20 moves generally through a vertical plane, the articulated second end 26 of the valve arm 20 moves through an arc in the vertical plane. The arc is so small that in practice the main linear part 21 of the valve arm 20 moves substantially horizontally. A 90 ° to 92 ° bend 23 in the valve arm 20 joins the second end 26 of the valve arm 20 to the main linear section 21. Thus, as the valve arm 20 moves downward from the first valve arm position to the second valve arm position, the valve arm contact surface 22 (with the valve arm contact surface 22 being located on the hinged second end 26 of the valve arm 20) moves away from the valve piston 12 (in the rotational direction D2).

The plates 19a, 19b form a pair of spaced apart and parallel flanges extending rearwardly of the valve body 11. The plates 19a, 19b form a channel or passage within which the hinged second end 26 of the valve arm 20 reciprocates through a limited arc of rotation. The reciprocating movement of the hinged second end 26 is controlled by the valve piston end 17a and the action of the valve piston end 17a on the contact surface 22. The contact surface may be cammed or sloped to provide a smooth and curved surface for the first valve piston end 17a to ride on. As shown in fig. 9, the outer curve in the bend 23 terminates at the valve arm contact surface 22. The curved portion 23 has an outer radius R. The outer curve of the bend 23 may act as a cam surface to change the relationship between the degree of rotation of the second end 26 about the valve arm hinge 14 relative to the degree of travel of the valve piston 12, thereby enabling the relationship to change according to a proportional linear relationship. Preferably, the valve arm contact surface 22 is located in the region of the linear portion of the second arm 26. In the first closed position, the valve arm 20 may be oriented substantially horizontally in situ. As shown in fig. 9, the linear portion of the second end 26 may be tilted away from the valve piston insert 5c or biased away from the valve piston insert 5c from a vertical plane. The first valve piston end 17a is rounded at its end, preferably in the shape of a hemisphere. Thus, the lower half of the first valve piston end 17a is continuously supported on the valve arm contact surface 22 as the valve arm contact surface 22 rotates away from the valve inlet 13 a.

Since the valve piston 12 is subjected to pressure from the pressurized water in the valve inlet 13a, when the valve arm contact surface 22 moves in the rotational direction D2, the valve piston 12 correspondingly moves in the linear direction D1. The movement of the valve piston 12 is restricted to the longitudinal axis of the valve piston 12 by the valve piston passage 16a and the valve piston secondary passage 16 b. As the valve piston 12 moves in the linear direction D1, water may flow through the valve passage 15.

As water flows through the valve passage 15, out the valve outlet 13b and into the tank 40, the water level in the tank 40 rises until the water level again reaches the critical tank fluid level 54. At the critical tank fluid level 54, the valve arm 20 returns to the first valve arm position (see FIG. 5) because the level of water in the tank 40 and the float 32 determine the position of the valve arm 20. When the valve arm 20 returns to the first position (see fig. 5), the valve piston 12 has moved back to the closed position and again blocks water flow through the valve passage 15. Thus, the valve 1 is adapted to maintain the water level in the tank 40 at the critical tank fluid level 54.

The float level adjuster 30 includes one or more mounting surfaces 31. The mounting surface 31 may be in the form of mounting surfaces 31a, 31b, 31 c. Referring to fig. 6, in this embodiment, the mounting surface of the float level adjuster 30 is in the form of apertures 131a to 131 c. The mounting surfaces 31a, 31b, 31c connect the float level adjuster 30 to the valve arm 20 at the remote first end 24 of the valve arm 20. The float level adjuster 30 has a male threaded portion 38 at an upper end that extends coaxially with the body portion 130 of the adjuster 30. The male thread 38 is attached to the float member 32 by means of a female thread 39 located in the float member 32 or the female thread 39 of the float member 32, the female thread 39 engaging with the male thread 38 of the adjuster.

The float may be positioned higher or lower relative to the valve arm 20 by mounting the valve arm 20 to the float level adjuster 30 at the first, second or third mounting surfaces 31a, 31b or 31c (or by mounting the float 32 directly to the valve arm 20, with the farther first end being a male thread or otherwise having a sleeve receivable in an aperture in the float 32). The selection of the respective mounting surfaces 31a to 31c enables a change in the position of the float member 32 relative to the position of the valve arm 20 and enables a constant positioning of the valve body 11 relative to the housing 40 for ease of mounting.

Additionally, the float level adjuster 30 may include multiple components (i.e., multiple adjuster modules). A plurality of regulators 30 may be installed in series. The plurality of regulators 30 may form a chain or branched array of similar regulators 30. These may be used to raise or lower the float 32 to a desired position relative to the valve arm 20 or valve body 11.

The valve arm 20 is attached to the float level adjuster 30 at the first distal end 24 of the valve arm 20 by a float level adjuster pin 34. The pin 34 may be in the form of a cotter pin. The pin 34 may be inserted through the float level adjuster arm holes 36a, 36b and the first valve arm hole 28a in the first end 24 of the valve arm 20. The float level adjuster 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the valve arm 20. In this regard, the first, second, or third mounting surfaces 31a, 31b, 31c may be threadably or otherwise fixedly mounted to the first end 24 of the valve arm 20.

The mounting surface 31 is in the form of a series of apertures 131 formed in the regulator body 130 of the regulator 30 or formed through the regulator body 130 of the regulator 30. The regulator body 130 includes a generally cylindrical shaft 133 having a longitudinal axis E. The shaft 133 is threaded at the engagement end 138 to form a threaded sleeve 38, which threaded sleeve 38 may be used to connect to the float 32 or to another similar component in the form of a replica of the adjuster 30. The first end 24 of the valve arm 20 has a longitudinal axis B. The shaft 133 is generally hollow and each of the apertures 131 is formed in a cylindrical wall 135 of the shaft 133.

The apertures 131 each include an aperture axis A₁、A₂And E. The first end 24 of the valve arm 20 advantageously fits tightly within any of the apertures 131 a-131 c. The first end 24 of the valve arm 20 is inserted into one of the apertures 131 such that the female engagement recess or member 39 of the float 32 extends at an obtuse, acute, right or parallel angle relative to the main linear portion 21 of the valve arm 20. Preferably, the aperture axis A₁Aligned at about 30 ° to 60 °, more preferably at 40 ° to 50 °, and most preferably at about 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis E of the adjuster 30. Axis of perforation A₂Preferably aligned generally normal to the longitudinal axis E.

The float 32 is attached to the float level adjuster 30 with the sleeve 38 by attaching the male float level adjuster threaded sleeve 38 to the female float threaded portion 39. The float of the prior art is described as being mounted directly to the male valve stem threaded portion on the first distal end of the valve stem. The regulator 30 according to the preferred aspect of the present invention is interposed between the valve arm 20 and the float member 32 in a fixed engagement using these conventional threaded engagement means.

Referring to fig. 7B, applicants' previous configuration of valve body V includes an inlet T at the front f of the valve body V and left and right hand side valve outlets u, l in the middle portion B of the valve body V. The valve outlets u, l are on the surface side openings formed in the side portions of the solid valve body V of the intermediate portion B. Thus, unless the existing valve V is substantially submerged, the pressurized fluid will tend to spray to the side and also blow up and down the valve outlet and into the tank and elsewhere. While downward spraying may be acceptable (but tends to increase evaporation), upward spraying is problematic, involves waste and poor control of the water being treated, and is potentially confusing, among other things, to the user. To correct this, the shroud S is clamped over the upper portion of the middle portion B of the existing valve V to deflect and redirect the upward flow and spray downward. An equivalent, separate shield is not required in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Depending on whether the valve V is set up in the field for high pressure or low pressure applications, the existing valve body V needs to provide three apertures a for the hinge pin and a pair of alternative positions for the stopper pin. The present valve body 11 of the present embodiment of the invention includes a single pair of opposed apertures through which the hinge pin 18 extends and is positioned. The hinge pin 18 provides a hinge: the second end 26 of the valve arm 20 rotates about the hinge. The contact surface 22 of the hinged end portion 26 transitions to the main linear portion 21 of the valve arm 20 by a bend or elbow 23. The contact surface 22 is positioned below the elbow 23 on the second end 26 of the valve arm 20.

Referring to fig. 8a to 8f, in the valve body 11 manufactured according to the embodiment of the present invention, the valve body 11 is installed in the orientation shown in fig. 2. The valve body 11 includes a central barrel 111 that provides an upper covering and an inner deflection surface that deflects and redirects the upward flow and jet downwardly through the outlet 13 b. Thus, the valve body 11 has a single downwardly facing outlet 13 b. The position of the valve outlet 13b on the base of the valve body 11 directs flow to the water in the tank 40 with the valve body above the water level in the tank 40. This prevents water from being sprayed to the outside of the case 40.

In addition, the valve body V of the prior art configuration includes a thicker wall surrounding the valve piston passage 16 a. The wall of the present valve body 11 surrounding the valve piston passage 16a is thin. The thickness of the wall 112 of the central cylinder 111 is in the range between 3% and 10% of the outer diameter of the cylinder 111. More preferably, the thickness of the wall 112 is between 5% and 7.5% of the outer diameter of the barrel 111. The plates 19a, 19b may have a thickness similar to the thickness of the wall 112. The reduced thickness of the wall 112 or plates 19a, 19b is counter-intuitive as it is believed to reduce the capacity of the valve 1 to accommodate higher water flow and high pressures, and results in a higher failure rate. However, the reduced wall and plate thickness results in a cost reduction while enhancing the structural integrity of the valve body 11 through the addition of the central barrel 111. A dramatic saving in material for the wall 112 and the plates 19a, 19b can be achieved because the additional material used to form the central cylinder 111 reinforces the entire valve body 111 and imparts rigidity to the valve body 111.

The central cartridge 111 comprises an upper semi-cylindrical shroud that covers between about 70% and 80%, and more specifically 74% to 76%, of the top portion of the central region of the valve body 11 defining the outlet 13b, as best shown in fig. 8 f. The shield forms the wall of the valve passage 15.

In the side view shown in fig. 8f, the plates 19a, 19b taper inwardly and downwardly toward the hinge 14 along a rear wall 119 extending from the upper protruding nose 116. The upper surface of the nose 116 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the central barrel 111. The inner surfaces of the plates 19a, 19b include a generally horizontal pair of opposed slots 115a, the slots 115a being axially parallel and extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second piston channel 16 b. The inner surfaces of the plates 19a, 19b also include a pair of generally vertical opposed slots 115b located forward, preferably immediately forward, of the hinge 14. The grooves 115a, 115b act as over center cam surfaces to thereby align (register) the elbow or bend 23, or adjacent portions of the valve arm 20 at extreme ends of the range of rotation of the valve arm 20.

The diameter of the inlet 13a may vary to fit a range of standard coupling sizes. The inlet 13a may be varied by manufacturing a series of otherwise identical valve bodies 11 differing only in diameter from the inlet 13 a.

Definition of

Throughout the specification and claims, the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary, explicit description or context requires otherwise. That is, the terms "comprises" and its derivatives should be interpreted as referring to the elements, steps, or features listed in the list as if they were directly incorporated by reference, but also to other elements, steps, or features not specifically listed, unless expressly stated to the contrary or otherwise required by the context.

In this specification, object terms such as "device," "apparatus," "device," and "means" may refer to the singular or plural items, and are intended to refer to a set of features, functions, or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more components. It is contemplated that if an object term is described as a single object, functionally equivalent objects having multiple components are to be considered within the scope of the object term, and similarly, where an object term is described as having multiple components, functionally equivalent but single objects are also to be considered within the scope of the object term, unless expressly stated to the contrary or the context requires otherwise. Where the term "for" is used to define a use or application of a subject term, the term "for" is only limited in the sense that the device or component is "adapted to" the use or application.

Orientation terms such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower as used in the specification and claims should be construed as relative and based on the premise that the component, item, article, device, apparatus or instrument will generally be considered in a particular orientation, typically wherein the bore 28b is located at a lower position in the valve body 11 and the inlet 13a is located in front of the valve 1.