AU8945498A - Valve - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: SWAN CONCRETE WORKS PTY LTD and IVAN TOMICH IVAN TOMICH WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Valve" Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): P09909 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- The present invention relates to a valve for controlling fluid flow. The invention also relates to a fluid reticulation system incorporating such a valve.

Valves are used for controlling flow of liquids or gaseous fluids and are typically operated by a valve stem in the form of a spindle which is rotatable for opening and closing the valve. The need to rotate the spindle can be time consuming and may limit applications of the valve. Indeed, there are various applications where it would be advantageous to provide a valve which can be opened and closed simply by linear displacement of the valve stem rather than by rotation of it.

The present invention provides a valve comprising a valve body defining a valve chamber having a longitudinal axis, an end wall closing one end of the valve chamber, first and second ports opening onto the valve chamber in spaced apart relation along the longitudinal axis of the chamber, a valve member slidably mounted in the valve chamber for reciprocal movement towards and away from said end wall for controlling fluid flow through the valve chamber between the first and second ports, the end of the valve member remote from said end wall being exposed to atmospheric pressure, the valve member having a piston section in sliding and sealing engagement with the valve chamber, a vent chamber defined within the valve chamber between said piston section and said end wall, and a vent port venting the vent chamber to atmosphere.

The end wall serves to inhibit entry of foreign matter into the valve body at said one end of the chamber while the vent chamber and associated vent port allows intake of air into, and expulsion of air from, the vent chamber to equalise pressure on the valve member at opposed ends thereof.

The piston section may control fluid flow between the ports either by establishing and interrupting a fluid flow path therebetween or by varying the fluid flow path in some fashion so as to regulate the rate of fluid flow.

-3- There may be one or more further ports opening onto the valve chamber whereby fluid flow through the various ports can be selected by movement of the valve member.

A control means may be associated with the valve member for controlling movement of the valve member within the valve chamber.

In one arrangement, the valve member may comprise a valve stem extending beyond the valve body through an end thereof opposite said end wall, and the control means may be associated with the outer end of the stem. In this arrangement, the control means may comprise a handle such as a cross bar attached to the stem by means of which a user can grip the stem to push or pull it and thereby impart reciprocal movement to the valve member.

In another arrangement, the control means may comprise means responsive to a characteristic of fluid entering or leaving the valve member. In this arrangement, the control means may comprise a spring acting between the valve body and the valve member and arranged to be contacted by fluid entering the valve through one of said ports whereby said spring expands or contracts according to the fluid temperature thereby causing movement of the valve member according to the particular temperature of the fluid.

A seal may be provided between the valve body and the valve member for preventing leakage of fluid through the valve body at the end thereof opposite to said end wall.

The vent port may be defined by an axial passage extending along the valve member to vent the vent chamber at the end of the valve body opposite to said end wall.

A biasing means may be provided for using the valve member into a predetermined position which may, for example, correspond to a closed -4condition in which the valve is closed to block fluid flow between the first and second ports.

The biasing means may comprise a spring means acting between the end wall of the valve chamber and the valve member.

A stop means may be provided for limiting compression of the spring. The stop means may comprise a hollow stop accommodated within the spring.

An adjustable means may be provided for selectively limiting the extent of movement of the valve members in the direction of the end wall of the valve chamber. The limit means may comprise a stop threadably engaged on the valve stem for selective axial movement therealong.

The invention also provides a fluid reticulation system incorporating a valve according to the invention as defined hereinbefore. The invention still further provides a fluid reticulation system incorporating two valves each in accordance with the invention as defined hereinbefore, the two valves being connected one to the other in a series relationship.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a valve according to a first embodiment shown in a closed condition; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the exception that the valve is shown in an open condition; Figure 3 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 and 2, showing a valve according to a second embodiment with a biasing means, in a closed condition; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 with the exception that the valve is shown in an open condition; Figure 5 is a representation of a application of the valve depicted in Figure 3 and; Figure 6 is a view according to a valve according to a third embodiment, showing a threaded stop safety device.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a valve according to a fourth embodiment having a two-way function involving two inlets and one outlet, the valve being shown in a closed condition; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 with the exception that the valve is shown in a first open condition in which a fluid path is established between one inlet and the outlet; Figure 9 is also a view similar to Figure 7 with the exception that the valve is shown in a second open condition in which a fluid path is established between the other inlet and the outlet; Figure 10 is a schematic view of a valve according to a fifth embodiment having two inlets, a mixing chamber and one outlet, the valve being shown in a closed condition; Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 with the exception that the valve is shown in a condition in which only one inlet is opened; Figure 12 is also a view similar to Figure 10 with the exception that the valve is shown in a condition in which both inlets are opened.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of two valves, similar to the valves depicted in Figure 10, connected in series, the first valve shown in an open position and the other valve In a closed position; Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 with the exception that the second valve is shown with one inlet open and the second inlet closed; Figure 15 is also a view similar to Figure 13 with the exception that the second valve is shown with the first inlet closed and the second inlet open.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a valve according to a further embodiment having a single inlet and three outlets all of which are opened and closed at the same time; Figure 17 is a schematic view showing a valve according to a still further embodiment installed in a water delivery line for a urinal; Figure 18 is a schematic sectional view of a thermostat valve according to a still further embodiment; and Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the thermostat valve.

The first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings is directed to a valve 10 for installation in a fluid reticulation system such as a water supply line to regulate water flow along the line.

The valve 10 comprises a valve body 11 having a cylindrical side wall 13 and an end wall 15 at one end of the valve body. The other end 17 of the valve body is open. A cylindrical passage 19 extends into the valve body 13 from the open end 17 to the end wall 15. The cylindrical passage 19 defines a valve chamber -7- First and second ports 21 and 22 respectively open into the valve chamber through the cylindrical side wall 13 of the valve body. The two ports are spaced axially along the longitudinal extent of the valve body. Each port 21, 22 is surrounded by a connector portion 23 formed integrally with the cylindrical side wall 13 to facilitate connection to the water supply line.

The valve can be installed in the water supply line with either of the two ports 21, 22 functioning as the inlet port and the other port functioning as the outlet port. For the purposes of this description, however, port 21 will be described as the inlet port and port 22 will be described as the outlet port.

A valve member 24 is slidably and sealingly received in the valve chamber The valve member 24 comprises a valve stem 25 having a first piston section 27 at the inner end thereof and a second piston section 29 spaced from the first piston section a distance corresponding at least to the spacing between the two ports 21, 22.

The first piston section 27 has two circumferential recesses 31 spaced axially along the piston section, the spacing being greater than the diameter of the outlet port 22. Seals 33a and 33b in the form of O-rings are accommodated within the two circumferential recesses 31.

Similarly, the second piston section 29 is provided with a circumferential recess 35 which accommodates a seal 37 in the form of an O-ring. The second piston section 29 serves to seal against leakage through the open end 17 of the valve body.

A vent chamber 40 is defined within the valve chamber 20 between the piston section 27 and the end wall 15 of the valve body. The vent chamber remains sealed from the remainder of the valve chamber 20 and from the two ports 21, 22 by virtue of the innermost seal 33b on the first piston section 27. The vent chamber 40 is open to atmosphere by way of a vent port 41 comprising a

NNOMMENN

-8longitudinal bore 43 extending axially through the stem 25 from the inner end of the stem to a transverse bore 45 adjacent the outer end of the stem.

The valve stem 25 projects through the open end 17 of the valve body 11 and has a handle 47 fitted onto the outer end thereof. By gripping the handle 47, a user can slide the valve member 24 axially within the passage 19 defining the valve chamber 20 so as to open and close the valve.

The valve is closed when the valve member 24 is in the position shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. In this position, the first piston section 27 blocks water flow through the inlet port 21 to the outlet port 22 via the valve chamber When the valve member is pushed axially into the valve body 11 from the closed position as shown in Figure 1 into the open position as shown in Figure 2, the first piston section 27 moves clear of the outlet port 22 and so a fluid flow path is established between the inlet port 21 and the outlet port 22. In this way, water can flow through the inlet port 21 and along the region of the valve chamber between the two piston sections 27, 29 to the outlet port 22. If full water flow is not required, the valve member 24 can be moved into an intermediate position where the first piston section 27 only partially blocks the outlet port 22 and thereby allows limited water flow.

The space occupied by the vent chamber 40 accommodates movement of the valve member 24 between the open and closed positions. As the valve member moves from the closed position as shown in Figure 1 towards the open position as shown in Figure 2, the volume of the vent chamber 40 progressively decreases. Air within the vent chamber 40 is expelled to atmosphere through the vent port 41 as the volume of the vent chamber reduces. This expulsion of the air prevents the air in the vent chamber from being compressed to an extent which would otherwise prevent full movement of the valve member from the closed condition to the open condition. Similarly, when the valve member 24 is moved from the open condition to the closed condition, the vent port 41 allows -9air to be drawn into the expanding vent chamber 40 to ensure that the movement of the valve member is not resisted by a suction effect in the vent chamber As mentioned above, with the first port 21 acting as an inlet port and the second port 22 acting as an outlet port, the valve is opened by pushing the valve member 24 inwardly and closed by pulling the valve member 24 outwardly. In this way, the valve 10 can be operated in a convenient and easy fashion without the need for rotation of a spindle as is required with conventional taps employed in water lines.

An alternative to this is shown in Fig 3 and 4, where a valve according to a second embodiment is provided with a biasing means, such as a spring 42, and a hollow stop 44 which is moveable and is located within the coils of the spring.

A spring end is located in a recess 46, in the end face of the first piston section 27, in an orientation so as not to obstruct the vent port 41, and the other spring end is positioned over a spigot 48 protruding from the end wall 15 of the valve body. This maintains a central position of the spring within the vent chamber Figure 3 shows the valve, 10 in a closed position, with the spring 42 in a normal state. As mentioned above, pushing the valve member 24 inwards causes the spring 42 to compress and opens the valve, allowing fluid to enter through port 21, into valve chamber 20 and exit through port 22. Full flow is achieved when the spring 42 is compressed to a length determined by the length of the hollow stop 44.

Releasing the handle 47 allows the spring 42 to expand and push the valve member 24 in an outward direction, closing the outlet port 22, and stopping the flow of water.

This spring mechanism maybe utilised in many applications one of which is shown in Fig 5, whereby the users leg 58 is used to push against the extended handle 47a, compressing the spring and moving the valve member 24, allowing the water to flow. Removing the leg 58 will allow the spring to expand, forcing the valve member 24 to close the port and prevent fluid flow.

A third embodiment is depicted in Fig 6, showing an adjustable limit means in the form of a threaded stop 50 positioned on the threaded section 52 of valve member 24, between the handle 47 and the adjacent end 54 of the valve body 11. The threaded stop 50 can be positioned anywhere along the threaded section 52.

When the valve member 24 is positioned such that the desired flow from the exit port 22 is achieved, the stop 50 can be moved to a position where the bottom face of the stop 56 comes into contact with the end face 54 of the valve stem This will prevent any further inward movement of the valve member 24, and hence change to the flow. If the valve member 24 is extended outward, the original position can be quickly and accurately restored.

This maybe used as a safety device where a full flow from the valve 10 is not required. The valve member 24 may be positioned such that a section of a port aperture is blocked by the piston section, restricting the flow. The threaded stop could be adjusted to ensure the aperture can not be made larger until the threaded stop is moved.

Referring now to Figures 7, 8 and 9, there is shown a valve 10 according to a fourth embodiment in which there is provided two inlet ports 21a and 21b, and one outlet port 22. This arrangement allows there to be two water supply lines each connected to a respective one of the inlet ports 21a, 21b, and one outlet line connected to the outlet port 22. This would typically be used in a situation where the valve operates as a two way valve to deliver either hot or cold water.

In such an arrangement, a hot water inlet line would be connected to one of the inlets and a cold water inlet line would be connected to the other inlet. The tap

II

-11has two open positions and delivers either hot water or cold water to the outlet 22 according to the particular open position.

The valve is shown in a closed condition in Figure 7 of the drawings and so flow to the outlet 22 from both inlets 21a and 21b is blocked. More particularly, the first piston section 27 blocks flow from inlet 21a to the outlet 22 and a third piston section 49 blocks flow from the inlet 21b to the outlet 22. The third piston section 49 is positioned between the first piston section 27 and the second piston section. The second piston section 29 is provided on the valve stem to seal against fluid leakage through the open end 17 of the valve body 11.

Inward movement of the valve member 24 to an intermediate position as shown in Figure 8 moves the first piston section 27 clear of inlet port 21a so as to establish a fluid flow path between that inlet port and the outlet port. At this stage, fluid flow from inlet port 21b to the outlet port 22 continues to be blocked by the third piston section 49.

Further inward movement of the valve member 24 into its innermost position moves the third piston section 49 into a position in which it blocks flow from inlet port 21a to outlet port 22 and allows fluid flow from inlet port 21b to outlet port 22, as shown in Figure 9.

As with the earlier embodiment, the vent chamber 40 accommodates movement of the valve member within the valve body between the various operating positions of the valve.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Fig 10, 11 and 12, the valve has two inlet ports 21a, 21b and one outlet port 22. The valve stem 25 has the first piston section 27 and the second piston section 29 spaced a distance corresponding to the spacing between the two inlet valves 21a and 21b. When the valve member 24 is pushed in, the valve is opened, and full flow from 21a -12and 21b enters chamber 20. This allows the fluids to mix before exiting the chamber 20 through outlet port 22, as shown in Figure The valve member 24 may be adjusted so as to partially or completely close one of the inlet ports 21a, 21b, a closed position of which is shown in Figure 11.

This will alter the amount of a particular fluid from one of the inlets entering the mixing chamber 20, and will vary the mix of the fluid that will exit through port 22.

Extending the valve member 24 out further, Fig 12, will prevent any further flow.

This embodiment may be used for mixing hot and cold water, using the valve member 24 to produce the desired temperature of the exiting fluid.

Referring now to Figures 13, 14 and 15, there is shown a valve according to a sixth embodiment, with a hot and cold water supply connected to the inlet ports 21a, 21b, connected in series with another valve lOa. The valves 10, lOa are connected such that the outlet port 22, of valve 10, becomes the inlet port 21c for the second valve lOa, which is of similar configuration as valve 10, and the second inlet port 21d maybe connected to a cold water supply. The valve lOa is configured such that only one inlet valve 21c or 21d is completely or partially opened at a time.

When the valve member 24 is extended out, as shown in Figure 13, the outlet port 22a is closed and there is no flow leaving the system.

Adjusting the position of the handle 47 on the valve member 24 of valve results in the exit port 22a opening and the inlet port 21d partially or completely opening, leaving inlet port 21c in a closed condition, allowing the flow of cold water only, as shown in Figure 14.

Moving the valve member 24 of the second valve 10a, further inwards, allows the inlet port 21c to be partially or completely opened as shown in Figure whilst the other inlet port 21d is closed. A partial opening of inlet 21c will result -13in less fluid entering the system, and a decrease in pressure and fluid flow leaving the exit port 22a.

Referring now to Figure 16 of the drawings, there is shown a valve which has one inlet 60 and three outlets 61, 62 and 63. This valve has a closed position and an open position so that in the closed position water flow from the inlet to all of the outlets is blocked and in the open position a fluid flow path is established between the inlet and each of the outlets at the same time. In this way, the valve delivers water to each of the outlets simultaneously. This allows the valve to be used in circumstances say where three hose pipes are to be connected to a garden tap and all allowed to operate at the same time.

Referring now to Figure 17, there is shown a valve 71 according to a further embodiment installed in a water delivery line 73 for a conventional urinal The valve 61 is of a similar construction to the valve 10 shown in the first embodiment in that it has a single inlet and a single outlet. Operation of the valve 61 between open and closed positions is controlled by inward and outward movement of the valve stem 77 extending beyond the valve body 79. In this embodiment, the valve stem 77 is operatively connected to a foot pedal 81 such that the valve can be moved from the closed position to the open position by a user depressing the foot pedal 81. A biasing means (not shown) such as a spring mechanism is provided to return the foot pedal 81 to its uppermost position after depression by the user so as to return the valve 17 from the open position to the closed position. With this arrangement, a user can simply depress the pedal using his foot to deliver a charge of water to the urinal for flushing purposes.

Referring now to Figures 18 and 19 of the drawings, there is shown a valve according to a still further embodiment which functions as a thermostat valve.

The valve 90 comprises a valve body 11 accommodating a valve member 24.

The valve body has two inlet ports 21a and 21b respectively, port 21a being a -14hot water inlet port and port 21b being a cold water inlet port. The outlet port 22 receives a mixture of hot and cold water, the mixture being at a constant temperature according to the setting of the thermostat valve as will be explained later.

The valve body 13 incorporates two internal ports 95 and 97 which are connected by way of a bypass passage 99. With this arrangement, hot water entering the valve chamber 20 through the inlet 21a flows from the valve chamber 20 through port 95 into bypass passage 99 and then returns to the valve chamber 20 through port 97.

The valve member 24 has a valve stem 25 and two piston sections being an inner piston section 91 and an intermediate piston section 93.

The inner piston section 91 operates to open and close the cold water inlet port 21b and the intermediate piston section 93 operates to open and close the port 97 so regulating the flow of hot water therethrough and consequently regulating flow of hot water into the valve through the hot water inlet 21a.

Movement of the valve member 24 along the passage 19 defining the valve chamber 20 is controlled by means 101 responsive to the temperature of the hot water entering the valve through the inlet 21a. The temperature responsive means 101 comprises a helically wound spring 103 acting between a stop 105 fitted into the valve body 11 and a collar 107 fixed to the valve member. The spring 103 is fixed at one end to the stop 105 and is fixed at the other end to the collar 107. With this arrangement, expansion and contraction of the spring 103 according to the temperature of the water causes axial movement of the valve member 24 within the valve body 11 and accordingly opens and closes the ports 97 and 21b to allow mixing of hot and cold water as necessary in order to deliver water at a prescribed temperature to the outlet 22. The preload on the compression spring 103 is set according to the desired temperature of the water required at the outlet 22. The preload can be adjusted by moving the stop 105 axially along the passage so as to increase or decrease the initial tension on the spring. For this purpose, the stop 105 has a threaded section 109 which threadably engages an internal thread formation 111 on the body. The stop 105 also incorporates an engaging recess 113 which is appropriately shaped to receive a tool to allow the stop to be rotated so that its position can be adjusted for varying the preload on the compression spring. Typically, the recess 113 is in the form of a socket which can receive an Alan key for adjustment purposes.

As with earlier embodiments, the valve body 11 incorporates a vent chamber which is open to atmosphere through a vent port 41 comprising an axial passage 43 extending through the valve member and opening to atmosphere at the end of the valve body opposite the closed end of the passage 19.

A seal 115 is provided for sealing between the valve member 24 and the stop 105 at the open end of the valve body 11.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a valve which can be operated by a sliding motion between open and closed conditions.

This arrangement allows the valve to be simple to operate and have various areas of application including taps for water lines as previously described, mixing taps which can selectively deliver hot water, cold water or a mixture of hot and cold water, and thermostat valves which allow automatic delivery of water at a preset temperature.

It should, however, be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the various embodiments described.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (17)

1. A valve comprising a valve body defining a valve chamber having a longitudinal axis, an end wall closing one end of the valve chamber, first and second ports opening onto the valve chamber in spaced apart relation along the longitudinal axis of the chamber, a valve member slidably mounted in the valve chamber for reciprocal movement towards and away from said end wall for controlling fluid flow through the valve chamber between the first and second ports, the end of the valve member remote from said end wall being exposed to atmospheric pressure, the valve member having a piston section in sliding and sealing engagement with the valve chamber, a vent chamber defined within the valve chamber between said piston section and said end wall, and a vent port venting the vent chamber to atmosphere.

2. A valve according to claim 1 further comprising one or more further ports opening onto the valve chamber whereby fluid flow through the various ports can be selected by movement of the valve member.

3. A valve according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a control means associated with the valve member for controlling movement of the valve member within the valve chamber.

4. A valve according to claim 3 wherein the valve member comprises a valve stem extending beyond the valve body through an end thereof opposite said end wall, and the control means is associated with the outer end of the stem. A valve according to claim 4 wherein the control means comprises a handle attached to the stem by means of which a user can grip the stem to push or pull it and thereby impart reciprocal movement to the valve member.

6. A valve according to claim 3 wherein the control means comprises means responsive to a characteristic of fluid entering or leaving the valve member. -17-

7. A valve according to claim 6 wherein the control means comprises a spring acting between the valve body and the valve member and arranged to be contacted by fluid entering the valve through one of said ports whereby said spring expands or contracts according to the fluid temperature thereby causing movement of the valve member according to the particular temperature of the fluid.

8. A valve according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a seal is provided between the valve body and the valve member for preventing leakage of fluid through the valve body at the end thereof opposite to said end wall.

9. A valve according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vent port is defined by an axial passage extending along the valve member to vent the vent chamber at the end of the valve body opposite to said end wall. A valve according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising biasing means for urging the valve member into a predetermined position.

11. A valve according to claim 10 wherein the predetermined position corresponds to a condition in which the valve is closed to block fluid flow through the valve member between the first and second ports.

12. A valve according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the biasing means comprises a spring means acting between the end wall of the valve member and the valve chamber.

13. A valve according to claim 12 wherein a stop means is provided for limiting compression of the spring.

14. A valve according to claim 13 wherein the stop means comprises a hollow stop accommodated within the spring. -18- A valve according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising selectively adjustable limit means for selectively limiting the extent of movement of the valve members in the direction of the end wall of the valve chamber.

16. A valve according to claim 15 wherein limit means comprises a stop threadably engaged on the valve stem for selective axial movement therealong.

17. A fluid reticulation system incorporating a valve according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. A fluid reticulation system incorporating two valves each in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the two valve being connected one to the other in a series relationship.

19. A valve substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A fluid reticulation system substantially with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this twenty-first day of October 1998. Swan Concrete Works Pty Ltd and Ivan Tomich Applicants Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicants