CA2022585A1 - Safety device for a sanitary fitting - Google Patents
Safety device for a sanitary fittingInfo
- Publication number
- CA2022585A1 CA2022585A1 CA 2022585 CA2022585A CA2022585A1 CA 2022585 A1 CA2022585 A1 CA 2022585A1 CA 2022585 CA2022585 CA 2022585 CA 2022585 A CA2022585 A CA 2022585A CA 2022585 A1 CA2022585 A1 CA 2022585A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- flow
- safety device
- actuating
- water
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002308 calcification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/10—Devices for preventing contamination of drinking-water pipes, e.g. means for aerating self-closing flushing valves
- E03C1/104—Devices for preventing contamination of drinking-water pipes, e.g. means for aerating self-closing flushing valves using a single check valve
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/10—Devices for preventing contamination of drinking-water pipes, e.g. means for aerating self-closing flushing valves
- E03C1/108—Devices for preventing contamination of drinking-water pipes, e.g. means for aerating self-closing flushing valves having an aerating valve
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
- Check Valves (AREA)
- Self-Closing Valves And Venting Or Aerating Valves (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A sanitary fitting which has a safety device for preventing water from flowing back into the supply line. The valve body is rigidly connected to the actuating body through which the water flows. Under normal operating conditions, in which the actuating body is under pressure by the water in the direction of flow, the sealing lip bears against the valve seat. The closed valve separates the flow path from a venting path. Under backflow conditions, the actuating body is pressured counter to the direction of flow, which causes it to be moved counter to the direction of flow and the simultaneous compulsory opening of the valve. The supply line of the fitting is thus connected to the surrounding air by venting path.
A sanitary fitting which has a safety device for preventing water from flowing back into the supply line. The valve body is rigidly connected to the actuating body through which the water flows. Under normal operating conditions, in which the actuating body is under pressure by the water in the direction of flow, the sealing lip bears against the valve seat. The closed valve separates the flow path from a venting path. Under backflow conditions, the actuating body is pressured counter to the direction of flow, which causes it to be moved counter to the direction of flow and the simultaneous compulsory opening of the valve. The supply line of the fitting is thus connected to the surrounding air by venting path.
Description
r~ ~ $ ~3 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a safety device for preventing water from flowing back into a supply line of a sanitary fittiny.
Sanitary fittings exist wherein if dirty water is sucked back into the supply line, the quality of the feed-water may be put at risk. These fittings include in particular wash-basin and sink fittings with a pull-out hose sprayhead, as well as shower and bath regulators with a hose sprayhead. It may occur with such fittings that the sprayhead lies in a basin or in a bath while, for example, the supply line is broken. If the control cartridge of the fitting is then opened, the basin or the bath may be emptied through the sprayhead as a result of the low pressure, (i.e. vacuum) which is built up in the supply line as a result of the water having flowed out. These fittings must have safety devices by means of which dirty water is prevented from being sucked back into the supply line.
A safety device of this type is ~nown from German Offen-legungsschrift 3,603,503. The fitting described in this German Offenlegungsschrift has~a shut-off valve which is inserted into the flow path between the supply line and the outlet of the fitting.
A venting path, into which a valve of the safety device is inserted, : ~ .
branches off from the flow path downstream from the shut-off valve as seen in the direction o flow of the water. This valve is des~igned as a sensitive nonreturn valve which is situated under normal operating conditions in the closed position. The valve opens : ~ : : : : :
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Sanitary fittings exist wherein if dirty water is sucked back into the supply line, the quality of the feed-water may be put at risk. These fittings include in particular wash-basin and sink fittings with a pull-out hose sprayhead, as well as shower and bath regulators with a hose sprayhead. It may occur with such fittings that the sprayhead lies in a basin or in a bath while, for example, the supply line is broken. If the control cartridge of the fitting is then opened, the basin or the bath may be emptied through the sprayhead as a result of the low pressure, (i.e. vacuum) which is built up in the supply line as a result of the water having flowed out. These fittings must have safety devices by means of which dirty water is prevented from being sucked back into the supply line.
A safety device of this type is ~nown from German Offen-legungsschrift 3,603,503. The fitting described in this German Offenlegungsschrift has~a shut-off valve which is inserted into the flow path between the supply line and the outlet of the fitting.
A venting path, into which a valve of the safety device is inserted, : ~ .
branches off from the flow path downstream from the shut-off valve as seen in the direction o flow of the water. This valve is des~igned as a sensitive nonreturn valve which is situated under normal operating conditions in the closed position. The valve opens : ~ : : : : :
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-2- ~5561-67 automatically under conditions enabling backElow and vents the supply line and the flow path in order to prevent the water from flowing back. It is now possible, under normal operating con-ditions, for a vacuum to be built up momentarily in the flow path following the shut-off valve/ in particular if the shut-off valve closes quickly, as a result of which the valve of the safety device can be forced to open/ which may have the consequence that water penetrates through this valve in drops. In order to prevent this, German Offenlegungsschrift 3,805,462 proposes arranging two valves 10 in the venting path, one behind another in such a way that, when the water dispensing process is suddenly interrupted, the vacuum affects only the first valve lying closer to the flow path. The delay be-tween the two valves ensures that the second valve does not open under these operating conditions, so that a drop of water penetrat-ing through the first valve is caught in the region between the two valves. In the event of low pressure vacuum of longer duration, as occurs under conditions enabling backflow, both valves of the safety device open in order to vent the supply line and the flow path and to prevent water from flowing back into the supply line.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Starting from the above-noted state of the art, it is an objeot of the present invention to provide a safety device for a sanitary fitting which is functionally reliable and prevents water from penetrating through the venting path even when the shut-off valve is closed suddenly.
The lnvention provides a safety device for preventing water from flowlng back into a supply line of a sanitary fitting ~which comprlses: a shut-off valve inserted into a flow path . ~ :
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Starting from the above-noted state of the art, it is an objeot of the present invention to provide a safety device for a sanitary fitting which is functionally reliable and prevents water from penetrating through the venting path even when the shut-off valve is closed suddenly.
The lnvention provides a safety device for preventing water from flowlng back into a supply line of a sanitary fitting ~which comprlses: a shut-off valve inserted into a flow path . ~ :
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conducting the water from the supply line to an outlet; a venting means for connecting the outlet to the surrounding air; a valve inserted into the venting means, which valve is closed under normal operating conditions and open under conditions enabling backflow in order to vent the supply line; and an actuating member, pressured by the flow in the flow means and connected to the valve body of the valve, wherein said actuating member is automatically movable by the flow of the water under conditions enabling backflow from an operating position of the actuating member assumed under normal operating conditions, in which the valve is held closed, into a backflow postion, and wherein movement into the backflow position of said actuating member causes opening of the valve.
Under normal operating conditions, the actuating member is held in the operatLng position by the flow, which ensures that under these conditions the valve is at all times closed. As a result, the low pressure or vacuum built up by the closing oE the shut-off valve cannot open the valve, even when the flow of water is suddenly interrupted. Under conditions enabling backflow, the actuating member is under pressure in the opposite direction to the flow, which causes the actuating member to be moved into a backflow position. As a result of this movement into the backflow position the valve is forciblyopenedby the active connection between the actuating member and the valve body. Under conditions enabling backfio~, the supply line ls consequently unfaillngly vented.
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Under normal operating conditions, the actuating member is held in the operatLng position by the flow, which ensures that under these conditions the valve is at all times closed. As a result, the low pressure or vacuum built up by the closing oE the shut-off valve cannot open the valve, even when the flow of water is suddenly interrupted. Under conditions enabling backflow, the actuating member is under pressure in the opposite direction to the flow, which causes the actuating member to be moved into a backflow position. As a result of this movement into the backflow position the valve is forciblyopenedby the active connection between the actuating member and the valve body. Under conditions enabling backfio~, the supply line ls consequently unfaillngly vented.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~NINGS
The present invention will now be descri~ed in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which purely diagrammatically:
Fig. 1 shows in partial section a sink fitting with a pull-out hose sprayhead and a safety device;
Figs. 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of a safety device under normal operating conditions and under conditions enabling backflow, respectively;
Figs. 4 and 5 show the safety device corresponding to Figs. 2 and 3 respsctively in plan view and in a horizontal sectional view taken along line V in Fig. 2;
Figs. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the safety device, and Figs. 8 and 9 show the safety device corresponding to Figs. 6 and 7 equipped with a throttle element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIM~NTS
The sanitary fitting shown in Fig. 1 has a fitting housing 10 and a pull-out type hose sprayhead 120 The fitting housing 10 essentially consists of three parts, these being a lower and an .
upper housing part 14 and 16, respectively, which form a Pixed housing part 16a, as well as a casing element 20 mounted on the latter so as to be able to pivot about an axis 18 extending in the vertical directlon. The lower housing part 14 is designed essentially in the form of a sleeve, so as to pierce, with a :: :: :
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, fastening connector 22, an approximately horizontall~ extending edge 24 or a sink 26 and is held on the sink 26 by means of a nut 28 screwed onto the fastening connector 22. The upper housing part 16 is seated on the lower housing part 14 and fastened thereto.
The essentially cylindrical and fixed housing part 16a, formed from the lower and upper housing part 14, 16, is surrounded by the casing element 20 which is mounted thereon so as to be able to pivot about the axis 18.
The upper housing part 16 has a cylindrical housing recess 30 open at the top and in the form of a blind hole, into which a control cartridge 32, indicated only diagrammatically, ls inserted.
The control cartridge 32 is a single-lever mixing valve, as is generally known and described in detail, for example, in Swiss Patent Specifications 651,119 and 654,088. On the inlet side, the control cartridge 32 is connected to supply lines 34 for cold and warm water, only one of the supply lines 34 being shown in Fig. 1.
The supply lines 34 are led through the fastening connector 22 and the lower housing part 14 from below and open out into a bore, not shown, in the upper housing part 16, which bore connects the supply 20 ~ lines 34 to the control cartridge 32 on the inlet side.
A safety device 36, indicated only diagrammatically in this figure, is connected downstream from the control cartridge 32 and is inserted into a further housing recess 38 in the upper housing part 16 which is open on the side facing the lower housing part 14 and is in the form of a blind hole. A passage opening 40, which cornects the control cartridge 32 to the safety device 36 in terms of ~
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2~322~3 flow, is provided between the housing recess 30 and the further housing recess 38. A tube 42, which is led through the fastening connector 22 under the sink 26l leads away and downwards from the safety device 36 in the direction of the axis 18. The end of the tube 42 on this side is connected to a flexible hose 44 of the hose sprayhead 12, which hose is led with the other end region back through the fastening connector 22, forming a storage loop underneath the sink 26. The lower housing part 14 has an opening 46 extending approximately in a radial direction and through which the end region of the hose 44 is passed into a neck 48 integrally formed on the casing element 20 and projecting from the latter obliquely upwards. The hose 44 opens into a sprayhead 50 the handle 50', of which, with the end region on the hose side, is plugged into a guide bush 48' arranged in the neck 48 and can be pulled out from it again. The outlet of the hose sprayhead 12 is designated by number 52. The opening 46 for the hose 44 is designed so as to be so large in the circumferential direction of the lower housing part 14 that it is possible for the casing element 22 to easily pivot about the axis 18.
A venting channel 54, which runs from the further housing recess 38 to the neck 48, is provided in the upper housing part 16.
~A hole 56 is provided on the upper side of the neck 48, which, forming a venting path 58 together with the neck 48 and the venting channel 54, connects the safety device 36 to the surrounding air.
A further possible embodiment of the venting path 58 is described in Swiss Patent Application 04 481/89-9. The flow path 60 connects ':
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the supply line 34 to the outlet 52. It runs through the control cartridge 32, the safety device 36, situated downstream from the latter when seen in the direction of flow S of the water, the tube 42, the hose 44 and the sprayhead 50.
A first embodiment of the safety device 36 is illustrated in Figs.2 and 3, shown in vertical section under normal operating conditions and under conditions enabling backflow respectively.
The safety device 36 is inserted from below into the further housing recess 38 of the upper housing part 16. The safety device 36 is more advantageously fastened to the upper housing part 16 in such a way that it can be dismantled easily, for example for maintenance. It is thus possible to design the safety device 36 such that it can be screwed into the upper housing part 16 or fastened in a known manner by means of screws, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, having studs or spring rings. The passage opening 40, which connects in terms of flow the safety device 36 inserted downstream - as seen in the direction of flow S of the water - from the control cartridge 32 to the latter, opens into the further recess 38 from above (cf. also Fig. 1). The flow path connecting the supply line to the outlet 52 is indicated in Figures 2 and 3 by an arrow 60.
The venting channel 54 of the venting path 58 opens into the further housing recess 38 laterally.
The safety device 36 has a housing 62 which is essentially symmetrical in rotation~about the axis 38' of the cylindrical further housing recess 38, is introduced into the further housing recess 38 from below and extends to a point above the venting `' '-: : , , .
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channel 54. On the side facing the passage opening 40, the housing 62 has a recess 64 in the form of a blind hole and symmetrical in rotation about the axis 38', in which an actuating body 68 is arranged, which body is designed as an actuating member for a valve 66 and is likewise essentially symmetrical in rotation. An annular valve seat 70 extending about the axis 38, which borders a vent opening 72, is located on the base 64', of the recess 64O The vent opening 72 extends from the valve seat 70, firstly downwards in the direction of the axis 38' and then radially to a circumferential groove 74 which is provided on the housing 62 and is connected in terms of flow to the venting channel 54. The vent opening 72 is part of the venting path 58 and, with the valve 66 open (Fig. 3), connects the flow path 60 to the venting channel 54, and thus to the surrounding air.
Around the valve seat 70, the base 64' has a groove-shaped depression 76 from which originate flow bores 78 extending parallel to the axis 38' and opening out at their lower end into an outlet opening 80 in the housing 62. The outlet opening 80 is connected in terms of flow to the tube 42 which is tightly inserted into a cylindrical outlet passage 82 attached to the housing 62 and extending in the direction of the axis 38', and held therein.
The actuating body 68 has a lower body part 84 and a perforated disk 86 bearing against the latter from above. Flow passages 88, which are arranged in two circles concentric with the axis ~38', are aligned with one another and extend parallel to the axis 38', ext-n- through the perforated disk 86 and the body part :: : ::
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84, as is evident especially clearly in the plan view of the safety device 36 shown in Fig. 4. The flow passages 88 open into a cup-or bell-shaped cavity 90, which is open in a downward direction, in the body part 84. The perforated disk 86 is secured on the body part 84 by a set screw 92 projecting into the cavity 90, bearing against the body part 84 with a screw shoulder 94 and piercing the body part 84 with its screwthread 94' adjoining the screw shoulder 94 in an upward direction. The screwthread 94' is screwed into a ~orresponding counterthread in the perforated disk 86. A valve body 98 of the valve 66, which valve body has a sealing lip 100 interacting with the valve seat 70 at its lower end region, is seated on the stem 96 of the set screw 92. The valve body 98 is held on the stem g6 between the head 94" of the set screw 92 and a guard screen 102 integrally formed with the stem 96. The guard screen 102 provided between the screw shoulder 94 and the valve body 98 widens conically, as seen in the direction of flow S, and tapers in one step, forming a flank 102' against which the valve body 98 abuts. The annular valve body 98, made from rubber-elastic material, has a shape similar to that of the guard screen 102, the sealing lip 100 being separated by a circumferential groove 100' from the part of the valve body 98 widening conically. The profile of the guard screen 102 and of the valve body 98 forms, in vertical se~tion,~a sawtooth shape, whose steep flanks face away from the direction of flow S.
At the upper end, the safety device 36 has a sealing member 104~made from rubber-elastic material which is designed in the form : --: :, , .
' ' ' ' ' ~ ''~ ' ' ~J~3 of a rolling diaphragm. The annular and, in cross-section, U-shaped sealing member 104 surrounds the upper end 62' of the housing 62 and is held securely clamped at its inner end region between the body part 84 of the actuating body 68 and the perforated disk 86. ~t its outer end region, the sealing member 104 has a circumferential bead 104' which engages in a circumferential securing groove 106 in the housing 62 and bears, along its circumference, against the upper housing part 16. The sealing member 104 thus prevents water from flowing through between the housing 62 and the actuating body 68, but at the same time seals off the circumferential groove 74 with its bead 104' so that no water can pass between the housing 62 and the upper housing part 16 into the circumferential groove 74, and thus into the venting path 58.
A circumferential sealing groove 108, in which an 0-ring 110 is arranged which bears against the upper housing part 16 below the venting channel 54 on the circumference side in order to seal off the venting path 58 from the surroundings in the region of the safety device 36, is integrally formed with the housing 62 beneath the circumferential groove 74. The invention thus serves to :
prevent any water penetrating into the venting path 58 from being able to flow out in an uncontrolled manner from the fitting.
As shown in Fig. 2, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position assumed under normal operating conditions. In this operating position, the actuating body 68 is supported by a ; shoulder 112 integrally formed with the body part 84, counter to :
2~2258~
the direction of flow S, against a stop 114 on the housing 62 interacting with this shoulder 112. It is thus ensured that under normal operating conditions the sealing lip lO0 bears precisely against the valve seat 70.
At its lower end region, the body part 84 has a sliding bead 116 by means of which the actuating body 68 is guided smoothly on the housing 62 in and counter to the direction of flow S.
Calcification of the safety device 36 between the sliding bead 116 and the sealing member 104 in the region between the housing 62 and the actuating body 68 is thereby also prevented.
In Fig. 3, the actuating body 68 is shown as being raised into the backflow position 68' counter to the direction of flow S. The sealing member 104 in the form of a diaphragm here abuts, at the upper end 38'' of the further housing recess 38, the upper housing ~art 16 and limits movement of the actuating body 68 counter to the direction of flow S. Since the valve body 98 is connected rigidly to the actuating body 68, with the actuating body 68 being situated in the backflow position 68', the valve 66 is opened by the sealing lip 100 being lifted off the valve seat 70. In this case, the flow path 60, and thus the supply line 34 (see also Fig. 1), is connected to the venting path 58, and thus to the surrounding air, and i5 vented.
Fig. 5 shows a sectional view taken along the height of the line V in Fig. 2 through a further possible embodiment of the housing 62 of the safety device 36. The vent opening 72 extends in this embodiment initially in the direction of the axis 38', and ~: ~ - , :
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then forks into two arms 72' extending in a radial direction which are aligned with each other. On both sides of the two arms 72' three flow bores 78 extend in each case in the direction of the axis 38', and connect the recess 64 in the housing 62 to the outlet opeining 80 (cf. also Figures 2 and 3). The flow bores 78 are distributed in a circle about the axis 38'.
The safety device 36 shown in Figures 2 to 5 works as follows: under normal operating conditions, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position shown in Fig. 2. The valve 66 is closed here and the flow path 60 is thus separated from the venting path 58. When the control cartridge 32 is opened (cf. Fig~
1), the water flows in the direction of flow S through the passage opening 40 into the further housing recess 38 and thereby pressures the actuating body 68 and the sealing member 104. The shoulder 112 abutting-the stop 114 thus prevents movement of the actuating body 68 in the direction of arrow S counter to the force generated by the stress of the water in the direction of flow S. The sealing lip 100 of the valve 66 consequently bears precisely against the valve seat 70. The water flows along the flow path 60 through the flow passages 88 in the actuating body 68 to the cavity 90 from where, flowing through the flow bores 78, it passes into the outlet opeing 80. From here the water is conveyed through the tube 42, the hose 44 and the spayhead 50 to the outlet 52. The guard screen 102 and the thickened section on the valve body 98 meanwhile prevent the sealing lip 100 from being pressured directly by the .
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water flowing through the flow passages 88 and from suffering damage as a result.
Even when the water dispensing process is shut off suddenly by quickly closing the control cartridge 32, the valve 66 remains closed since, in spite of a low pressure or vacuum which may have built up as a result in the part of the flow path 60 down-stream from the control cartridge 32 when seen in the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is drawn by the inertia of the column of water in the direction of flow S, which prevents the sealing lip 100 from lifting off the valve seat 70. Under normal operating conditions, the possibility of water penetrating through the venting path 58 is consequently prevented.
If the extremely rare situation occurs where, with the control cartridge 32 open, a low pressure or vaccum is created in the feed line 34, the water then attempts to flow back into the supply line counter to the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is thus stressed counter to the direction of flow S, which results in it being raised from the operating position shown in Fig. 2 into the backflow position 68' shown in Fig. 3. The valve 66 is thus compuIsorily opened. This now results in the supply ; line 34 being connected to the surrounding air by the venting path 58 and the flow path 60, and consequently being vented. Water as a result is prevented from being subsequently drawn from the outlet 52 into the supply line 34. The sawtooth-shaped embodiment of the guard screen :
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102 and of the valve body 98 has a larger flow resistance counter to the direction of arrow S than in the direction of arrow S, which, under conditions enabling back flow, increases the force counter to direction of arrow S for raising the actuating body 68 into the backflow position 68'. As a result, an even more rapid opening of the valve 66 is obtained. It should be taken into consideration that, with the valve 66 open, the outlet side of the fitting is also vented by the. venting path 58. When fresh water is first conveyed in the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is then transferred immediately back into the operating position by the stress, which causes the valve 66 to close.
Figures 6 and 7 show, in a vertical section, a further embodiment of the safety device 36, which is very similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4. The essential difference is that a nonreturn valve 118 is provided in the outlet opening 80 and closes automatically under conditions enabling backflow, in order to prevent water from being sucked through the outlet 52. The parts corresponding to each other in Figures 6 and 7~ and 2 and 3 respectively are provided with identical reference numerals and will only be described further where this is necessary for understanding of Figures 6 and 7. For further details, reference should be made to the corresponding description of Figures 2 to 4.
The safety device 36 is inserted from below into the further housing recess 38 of the upper housing part 16 and is held by means of a locking screw 120 extending in the radial direction relative i: to the axis 38' and screwed into the upper housing part 16. The ' ~' . ' ,~ , ' ' .
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locking screw 120 has a frustoconical tip at its end region facing the housing 62 of the safety device 36 and engages into a securing groove 122 provided circumferentially on the housing 62.
On the side facing the passage opening 40, the housing 62, which is essentially symmetrical in rotation about the axis 38', has the recess 64 in the form of a blind hole in which the actuating body 68 for the valve 66 is provided. The annular valve seat 70 of the valve 66, which seat delimits the vent opening 72, is designed on the base 64' of the recess 64. This vent opening 72 extends from the valve seat 70, firstly downwards in the direction of the axis 38' and subsequently in the radial direction to the circumferential groove 74 which is integrally formed on the housing 62 and connected in terms of flow to the venting channel 54 in the upper housing part 16. The valve 66 thus separates the venting path 58 from the flow path 60 of the water. The depression 76 in the base 64', away from which depression the flow bores 78 extend parallel to the axis 38' to the outlet opening 80, extends around the~valve seat 70. These flow bores 78 are arranged in a circle around the axis 38'.
The nonreturn valve 118 provided in the outlet opening 80 has a valve body element 124 which is made from rubber-elastic materlal, is in the form of an annular disk and is securely clamped with its inner end region by means of a screw 126 between the upper wall 80 of the outlet opening 80 and a washer 128. As seen in the radial direction, the washer 128 ends before thP flow bores 78 open into~the outlet opening 80 and is bent downwards at its outer :
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edge region. seyond the clamping region between the upper wall 80' and the washer 128, the valve body element 124 is bent downwards in the shape of a bell, when water flows in the direction of flow S, as is shown in Fig. 6. If, on the other hand, no water flows, the valve body element 124 bears, as a result of its inherent stiffness, against the upper wall 80' (cf. Fig. 7). The bent-back edge of the washer 128 prevents injury to the valve body element 124 when it is stressed by the water flowing out from the flow bores 78 in the direction of flow S. The screw 126 pierces, with its shank, as one moves away from the vent opening 72, the housing wall 62 " between the vent opening 72 and the outlet opening 80, the annular valve body element 124 and the washer 128, and a nut 126' is seated on it from below.
A connecting flange 130, in which the end region of the tube 42 on this side is inserted and secured, is screwed into the downwardly pointing outlet opening 80. The outlet opening 80 is sealed off relative to the surroundings by means of an 0-ring 132 which is laid in an undercut 134 behind the screw thread 130' of the connecting flange 130 and bears against the housing 62 on the circumference side.
In Flg. 7, the nonreturn valve 118 is shown under conditions enabling backflow. If water attempts to flow counter to the direction of flow S from the outlet 52 (cf. Fig. 1) in the direction towards the supply line 34, the rubber-elastic valve body element 124 is stressed from below, which results in the valve body element 124 being pressed against the upper wall 80' and the .
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The actuating body 68 has the lower body part 84 which is essentially symmetrical in rotation and the perforated disk 86 arranged above it and bearing against it. Flow passages 88, whi~h are aligned with one another, are arranged in a circle about the axis 38' and extend parallel to this axis 38', extend through the perforated disk 86 and the body part 84. The bell- or cup-shaped cavity 90, into which the flow passages 88 open and which is open in a downward direction, is integrally formed on the body part 84.
The valve body 98, interacting with the valve seat 70 and with which the sealing lip 100 is integrally formed on the side facing the valve seat 70, is provided in this cavity 90. The annular valve bodv 98 is seated on a stem 136 which extends in the direction of the axis 38', bears with a stem shoulder 136' against the body part 84, penetrates the latter and engages with its upper end region into a blind hole 138 in the perforated disk a6. The stem 136 is designed with a finned or ribbed shape at its end region engaging into the blind hole 138 in order to hold the stem .
136 in the perforated disk 86. Downstream from the stem shoulder 136', when viewed in the direction of flow S, the guard screen 102 widening out conically is designed on the stem 136 and tapers, forming the:flank~102', in the form of a step. A rib 136 " is :
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integrally formed on the lower end region of the stem. The valve body 98 seated on the stem 136 is held between this rib 136 " and the flank 102', fixed in terms of displacement.
The upper end 62' of the housing is surrounded by the rolling diaphragm-like sealing member 104, U-shaped in cross section and made from rubber-elastic material, which sealing member is secured at its outer end by means of the bead 104l engaging into the securing groove 106 of the housing 62. On the circumference side, the bead 104' bears against the upper housing part 16. The bead 104' thus also seals off the circumferential groove 74 from above.
The sealing member 104 is clamped with its inner end region between the body part 84 and the perforated disk 86.
In the operating position of the actuating body 68 shown in Fig. 6, the latter bears with the circumferential shoulder 11~
against the stop 114 of the housing 62, it thus being ensured that the lip 100 bears precisely against the valve seat 70 when the valve 66 is closed.
In Fig. 7, the actuating body 68 is shown, under conditions enabling backflow, raised into the backflow position 68'. In this position, the valve 66 is compulsorily opened and the flow path 60 as a result is connected to the venting path 58. By moving back and forth, the actuating body 68 is slidingly and smoothly guided from the operatlng position into the backflow position, and vice versa, by means of the sliding bead 116 on the housing 62. Tilting is thereby also prevented by the sealing member 104 in the form of a diaphragm.
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Under normal operating conditions, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position shown in Fig. 6. The valve 66 is closed at all times and the nonreturn valve 118 is closed as long as no water is flowing. With the control cartridge 32 open (cf. Fig. 1), the water flows in the direction of flow S along the flow path 60 through the flow passages 88 in the actuating body 68 and the flow bores 78, with the nonreturn valve 118 being held open, to the outlet opening 80 where it is conveyed to the tube 42. The tube 42 conducts the water to the hose 44 which guides it as far as the hose sprayhead 12 from which it emerges at the outlet 52. The venting path 58 is separated from the flow path 60 by the closed valve 66. If, with the control cartridge 32 open, a low pressure or vacuum is now set up in the supply line 34, it is possible for water to be sucked from the outlet 52 counter to the direction of flow S. Under these conditions enabling backflow, the nonreturn valve 118 closes automatically, as a result of which water is prevented from flowing back into the supply line 34.
Simultaneously, as a result of the low pressure or vacuum existing on the supply side, the actuating body 68 is raised into the backflow position 68' shown in Fig. 7, which causes the valve 66 to open compulsorily. As a result, the supply line 34 is connected by the venting path 58 to the surrounding air. When ; fresh water is next conveyed in the direction of flow S, the actuating body~68 is~moved back again into the operating position :
by the pressure of the water, which causes the valve 66 to close compulsorily.~ ~
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It is, of course, also conceivable for the nonreturn valve 118, which is inserted into the flow path and inserted downstream in the direction of flow S from the opening of the venting path 58 into the flow path 60, to be designed differently. A ball valve is thus also in particular conceivable.
Figures 8 and 9 show the safety device 36 shown in Figures 6 and 7 but where a throttle element 140 made from rubber-elastic material and seated on the stem 96 has been provided instead of the guard screen 102. The reference numerals in Figs. 8 and 9 correspond to those in Figures 6 and 7 and, as for the structure and functioning of the safety device 36, reference should be made to these figures and the corresponding description.
The annular throttle element 140 has a cross-section like that of a bell so that it bears against the body part 84 on the side facing the cavity 90 when there is no water flowing in the direction of flow S and covers the flow passages on the body part 84 (Fig. 9). A through-hole 142 is provided in the throttle element 140 which is aligned with one of the flow passages 88 and has a narrower free cross~section than the corresponding flow passage 88'. When water flows in the direction of flow S through the flow passages 88, the throttle element 140 is deformed by the downward pressure of the water, as shown in Fig. 8. It thereby :
assumes the same guard function for the sealing lip 100 as the guard screen 102 (Figs. 2,3,6,7).
~ The stem 96 has, on the side facing the body part 84 relative to~the valve body 98,~a circumferential securing rib 144 in order ::: ~ = ~
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to hold the valve body 98 securely between it and the rib 136" and to clamp securely the throttle element 140 between it and the body part 84. In the region of the throttle element 140 and the body part 84, the stem 96 is cylindrical and it is secured in the perforated disk 86 with its upper end region of a fin- or rib-like design which engages in the blind hole 138.
Under normal conditions, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position shown in Fig. 8, the sealing lip 100 bearing against the valve seat 70 in order to keep the valve 66 closed. With the control cartridge 32 open (Fig. 1), the watex flows in the direction of flow S through the safety device 36, the throttle element 140 being deformed into the position shown in Fig.
8 and the nonreturn valve 118 being opened. If the flow of water is interrupted by closing the control cartridge 32, the throttle element 140 b~ars automatically against the body part 84 and the nonreturn valve 118 closes.
If a low pressure or vacuum is set up in the supply line 34, with the conl:rol cartridge 32 open, the nonreturn valve 118 closes, the throttle element 140 bears against the body part 84, sealing all the flow passages 88 with the e~ception of flow passage 88', and the actuating body 68 is raised into the backflow position 68' as a result of the supply-side suction effect (Fig. 2). As a result of this movement of the actuating body 68 into the backflow position 68', the valve 66 is compulsorily opened. As a result of the relatively small cross section of the through-hole 142 relative to ehe cross-~e_tions of the venting path 58 and of the part of the :
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flow path 60 situated downstream from the throttle element 140 as seen in the direction of flow S, the force on the actuating body 68 for moving the same into the backflow position 68' becomes greater than in an embodiment according to Figs. 2 to 7 with no throttle element 140. ~ven with relatively small cross-sections of the venting path 58 and the closed nonreturn valve 118, a very rapid opening of the valve 66 is thereby achieved under conditions enabling backflow. The supply-side low pressure is then eliminated by air flowing through the flow path and the through-hole 142.
When water next flows in the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is brought back into the operating position by under pressure with water, which causes the valve 66 to close compulsorily.
The restriction of the flow path 60 by the throttle element 140 also helps to prevent water from flowing back in the event that the nonreturn valve 118 is defective. It can be seen that the safety device 36 shown in Figures 2 and 3 can also be equipped with a corresponding throttIe element.
It is, of course, also possible to provide several through-holes, but the cross-section of all the through-holes taken together should be smaller than the smallest flow cross-section of the venting path 58.
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The actuating member may, of course, have a design other than that shown in the figures. In any case, it is situated in the flow path and is pressured by the water. It may, for example, be designed as a throttle element or as a resisting member and is actively connected to the valve body.
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The present invention will now be descri~ed in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which purely diagrammatically:
Fig. 1 shows in partial section a sink fitting with a pull-out hose sprayhead and a safety device;
Figs. 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of a safety device under normal operating conditions and under conditions enabling backflow, respectively;
Figs. 4 and 5 show the safety device corresponding to Figs. 2 and 3 respsctively in plan view and in a horizontal sectional view taken along line V in Fig. 2;
Figs. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the safety device, and Figs. 8 and 9 show the safety device corresponding to Figs. 6 and 7 equipped with a throttle element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIM~NTS
The sanitary fitting shown in Fig. 1 has a fitting housing 10 and a pull-out type hose sprayhead 120 The fitting housing 10 essentially consists of three parts, these being a lower and an .
upper housing part 14 and 16, respectively, which form a Pixed housing part 16a, as well as a casing element 20 mounted on the latter so as to be able to pivot about an axis 18 extending in the vertical directlon. The lower housing part 14 is designed essentially in the form of a sleeve, so as to pierce, with a :: :: :
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, fastening connector 22, an approximately horizontall~ extending edge 24 or a sink 26 and is held on the sink 26 by means of a nut 28 screwed onto the fastening connector 22. The upper housing part 16 is seated on the lower housing part 14 and fastened thereto.
The essentially cylindrical and fixed housing part 16a, formed from the lower and upper housing part 14, 16, is surrounded by the casing element 20 which is mounted thereon so as to be able to pivot about the axis 18.
The upper housing part 16 has a cylindrical housing recess 30 open at the top and in the form of a blind hole, into which a control cartridge 32, indicated only diagrammatically, ls inserted.
The control cartridge 32 is a single-lever mixing valve, as is generally known and described in detail, for example, in Swiss Patent Specifications 651,119 and 654,088. On the inlet side, the control cartridge 32 is connected to supply lines 34 for cold and warm water, only one of the supply lines 34 being shown in Fig. 1.
The supply lines 34 are led through the fastening connector 22 and the lower housing part 14 from below and open out into a bore, not shown, in the upper housing part 16, which bore connects the supply 20 ~ lines 34 to the control cartridge 32 on the inlet side.
A safety device 36, indicated only diagrammatically in this figure, is connected downstream from the control cartridge 32 and is inserted into a further housing recess 38 in the upper housing part 16 which is open on the side facing the lower housing part 14 and is in the form of a blind hole. A passage opening 40, which cornects the control cartridge 32 to the safety device 36 in terms of ~
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2~322~3 flow, is provided between the housing recess 30 and the further housing recess 38. A tube 42, which is led through the fastening connector 22 under the sink 26l leads away and downwards from the safety device 36 in the direction of the axis 18. The end of the tube 42 on this side is connected to a flexible hose 44 of the hose sprayhead 12, which hose is led with the other end region back through the fastening connector 22, forming a storage loop underneath the sink 26. The lower housing part 14 has an opening 46 extending approximately in a radial direction and through which the end region of the hose 44 is passed into a neck 48 integrally formed on the casing element 20 and projecting from the latter obliquely upwards. The hose 44 opens into a sprayhead 50 the handle 50', of which, with the end region on the hose side, is plugged into a guide bush 48' arranged in the neck 48 and can be pulled out from it again. The outlet of the hose sprayhead 12 is designated by number 52. The opening 46 for the hose 44 is designed so as to be so large in the circumferential direction of the lower housing part 14 that it is possible for the casing element 22 to easily pivot about the axis 18.
A venting channel 54, which runs from the further housing recess 38 to the neck 48, is provided in the upper housing part 16.
~A hole 56 is provided on the upper side of the neck 48, which, forming a venting path 58 together with the neck 48 and the venting channel 54, connects the safety device 36 to the surrounding air.
A further possible embodiment of the venting path 58 is described in Swiss Patent Application 04 481/89-9. The flow path 60 connects ':
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the supply line 34 to the outlet 52. It runs through the control cartridge 32, the safety device 36, situated downstream from the latter when seen in the direction of flow S of the water, the tube 42, the hose 44 and the sprayhead 50.
A first embodiment of the safety device 36 is illustrated in Figs.2 and 3, shown in vertical section under normal operating conditions and under conditions enabling backflow respectively.
The safety device 36 is inserted from below into the further housing recess 38 of the upper housing part 16. The safety device 36 is more advantageously fastened to the upper housing part 16 in such a way that it can be dismantled easily, for example for maintenance. It is thus possible to design the safety device 36 such that it can be screwed into the upper housing part 16 or fastened in a known manner by means of screws, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, having studs or spring rings. The passage opening 40, which connects in terms of flow the safety device 36 inserted downstream - as seen in the direction of flow S of the water - from the control cartridge 32 to the latter, opens into the further recess 38 from above (cf. also Fig. 1). The flow path connecting the supply line to the outlet 52 is indicated in Figures 2 and 3 by an arrow 60.
The venting channel 54 of the venting path 58 opens into the further housing recess 38 laterally.
The safety device 36 has a housing 62 which is essentially symmetrical in rotation~about the axis 38' of the cylindrical further housing recess 38, is introduced into the further housing recess 38 from below and extends to a point above the venting `' '-: : , , .
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channel 54. On the side facing the passage opening 40, the housing 62 has a recess 64 in the form of a blind hole and symmetrical in rotation about the axis 38', in which an actuating body 68 is arranged, which body is designed as an actuating member for a valve 66 and is likewise essentially symmetrical in rotation. An annular valve seat 70 extending about the axis 38, which borders a vent opening 72, is located on the base 64', of the recess 64O The vent opening 72 extends from the valve seat 70, firstly downwards in the direction of the axis 38' and then radially to a circumferential groove 74 which is provided on the housing 62 and is connected in terms of flow to the venting channel 54. The vent opening 72 is part of the venting path 58 and, with the valve 66 open (Fig. 3), connects the flow path 60 to the venting channel 54, and thus to the surrounding air.
Around the valve seat 70, the base 64' has a groove-shaped depression 76 from which originate flow bores 78 extending parallel to the axis 38' and opening out at their lower end into an outlet opening 80 in the housing 62. The outlet opening 80 is connected in terms of flow to the tube 42 which is tightly inserted into a cylindrical outlet passage 82 attached to the housing 62 and extending in the direction of the axis 38', and held therein.
The actuating body 68 has a lower body part 84 and a perforated disk 86 bearing against the latter from above. Flow passages 88, which are arranged in two circles concentric with the axis ~38', are aligned with one another and extend parallel to the axis 38', ext-n- through the perforated disk 86 and the body part :: : ::
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84, as is evident especially clearly in the plan view of the safety device 36 shown in Fig. 4. The flow passages 88 open into a cup-or bell-shaped cavity 90, which is open in a downward direction, in the body part 84. The perforated disk 86 is secured on the body part 84 by a set screw 92 projecting into the cavity 90, bearing against the body part 84 with a screw shoulder 94 and piercing the body part 84 with its screwthread 94' adjoining the screw shoulder 94 in an upward direction. The screwthread 94' is screwed into a ~orresponding counterthread in the perforated disk 86. A valve body 98 of the valve 66, which valve body has a sealing lip 100 interacting with the valve seat 70 at its lower end region, is seated on the stem 96 of the set screw 92. The valve body 98 is held on the stem g6 between the head 94" of the set screw 92 and a guard screen 102 integrally formed with the stem 96. The guard screen 102 provided between the screw shoulder 94 and the valve body 98 widens conically, as seen in the direction of flow S, and tapers in one step, forming a flank 102' against which the valve body 98 abuts. The annular valve body 98, made from rubber-elastic material, has a shape similar to that of the guard screen 102, the sealing lip 100 being separated by a circumferential groove 100' from the part of the valve body 98 widening conically. The profile of the guard screen 102 and of the valve body 98 forms, in vertical se~tion,~a sawtooth shape, whose steep flanks face away from the direction of flow S.
At the upper end, the safety device 36 has a sealing member 104~made from rubber-elastic material which is designed in the form : --: :, , .
' ' ' ' ' ~ ''~ ' ' ~J~3 of a rolling diaphragm. The annular and, in cross-section, U-shaped sealing member 104 surrounds the upper end 62' of the housing 62 and is held securely clamped at its inner end region between the body part 84 of the actuating body 68 and the perforated disk 86. ~t its outer end region, the sealing member 104 has a circumferential bead 104' which engages in a circumferential securing groove 106 in the housing 62 and bears, along its circumference, against the upper housing part 16. The sealing member 104 thus prevents water from flowing through between the housing 62 and the actuating body 68, but at the same time seals off the circumferential groove 74 with its bead 104' so that no water can pass between the housing 62 and the upper housing part 16 into the circumferential groove 74, and thus into the venting path 58.
A circumferential sealing groove 108, in which an 0-ring 110 is arranged which bears against the upper housing part 16 below the venting channel 54 on the circumference side in order to seal off the venting path 58 from the surroundings in the region of the safety device 36, is integrally formed with the housing 62 beneath the circumferential groove 74. The invention thus serves to :
prevent any water penetrating into the venting path 58 from being able to flow out in an uncontrolled manner from the fitting.
As shown in Fig. 2, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position assumed under normal operating conditions. In this operating position, the actuating body 68 is supported by a ; shoulder 112 integrally formed with the body part 84, counter to :
2~2258~
the direction of flow S, against a stop 114 on the housing 62 interacting with this shoulder 112. It is thus ensured that under normal operating conditions the sealing lip lO0 bears precisely against the valve seat 70.
At its lower end region, the body part 84 has a sliding bead 116 by means of which the actuating body 68 is guided smoothly on the housing 62 in and counter to the direction of flow S.
Calcification of the safety device 36 between the sliding bead 116 and the sealing member 104 in the region between the housing 62 and the actuating body 68 is thereby also prevented.
In Fig. 3, the actuating body 68 is shown as being raised into the backflow position 68' counter to the direction of flow S. The sealing member 104 in the form of a diaphragm here abuts, at the upper end 38'' of the further housing recess 38, the upper housing ~art 16 and limits movement of the actuating body 68 counter to the direction of flow S. Since the valve body 98 is connected rigidly to the actuating body 68, with the actuating body 68 being situated in the backflow position 68', the valve 66 is opened by the sealing lip 100 being lifted off the valve seat 70. In this case, the flow path 60, and thus the supply line 34 (see also Fig. 1), is connected to the venting path 58, and thus to the surrounding air, and i5 vented.
Fig. 5 shows a sectional view taken along the height of the line V in Fig. 2 through a further possible embodiment of the housing 62 of the safety device 36. The vent opening 72 extends in this embodiment initially in the direction of the axis 38', and ~: ~ - , :
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then forks into two arms 72' extending in a radial direction which are aligned with each other. On both sides of the two arms 72' three flow bores 78 extend in each case in the direction of the axis 38', and connect the recess 64 in the housing 62 to the outlet opeining 80 (cf. also Figures 2 and 3). The flow bores 78 are distributed in a circle about the axis 38'.
The safety device 36 shown in Figures 2 to 5 works as follows: under normal operating conditions, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position shown in Fig. 2. The valve 66 is closed here and the flow path 60 is thus separated from the venting path 58. When the control cartridge 32 is opened (cf. Fig~
1), the water flows in the direction of flow S through the passage opening 40 into the further housing recess 38 and thereby pressures the actuating body 68 and the sealing member 104. The shoulder 112 abutting-the stop 114 thus prevents movement of the actuating body 68 in the direction of arrow S counter to the force generated by the stress of the water in the direction of flow S. The sealing lip 100 of the valve 66 consequently bears precisely against the valve seat 70. The water flows along the flow path 60 through the flow passages 88 in the actuating body 68 to the cavity 90 from where, flowing through the flow bores 78, it passes into the outlet opeing 80. From here the water is conveyed through the tube 42, the hose 44 and the spayhead 50 to the outlet 52. The guard screen 102 and the thickened section on the valve body 98 meanwhile prevent the sealing lip 100 from being pressured directly by the .
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water flowing through the flow passages 88 and from suffering damage as a result.
Even when the water dispensing process is shut off suddenly by quickly closing the control cartridge 32, the valve 66 remains closed since, in spite of a low pressure or vacuum which may have built up as a result in the part of the flow path 60 down-stream from the control cartridge 32 when seen in the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is drawn by the inertia of the column of water in the direction of flow S, which prevents the sealing lip 100 from lifting off the valve seat 70. Under normal operating conditions, the possibility of water penetrating through the venting path 58 is consequently prevented.
If the extremely rare situation occurs where, with the control cartridge 32 open, a low pressure or vaccum is created in the feed line 34, the water then attempts to flow back into the supply line counter to the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is thus stressed counter to the direction of flow S, which results in it being raised from the operating position shown in Fig. 2 into the backflow position 68' shown in Fig. 3. The valve 66 is thus compuIsorily opened. This now results in the supply ; line 34 being connected to the surrounding air by the venting path 58 and the flow path 60, and consequently being vented. Water as a result is prevented from being subsequently drawn from the outlet 52 into the supply line 34. The sawtooth-shaped embodiment of the guard screen :
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102 and of the valve body 98 has a larger flow resistance counter to the direction of arrow S than in the direction of arrow S, which, under conditions enabling back flow, increases the force counter to direction of arrow S for raising the actuating body 68 into the backflow position 68'. As a result, an even more rapid opening of the valve 66 is obtained. It should be taken into consideration that, with the valve 66 open, the outlet side of the fitting is also vented by the. venting path 58. When fresh water is first conveyed in the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is then transferred immediately back into the operating position by the stress, which causes the valve 66 to close.
Figures 6 and 7 show, in a vertical section, a further embodiment of the safety device 36, which is very similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4. The essential difference is that a nonreturn valve 118 is provided in the outlet opening 80 and closes automatically under conditions enabling backflow, in order to prevent water from being sucked through the outlet 52. The parts corresponding to each other in Figures 6 and 7~ and 2 and 3 respectively are provided with identical reference numerals and will only be described further where this is necessary for understanding of Figures 6 and 7. For further details, reference should be made to the corresponding description of Figures 2 to 4.
The safety device 36 is inserted from below into the further housing recess 38 of the upper housing part 16 and is held by means of a locking screw 120 extending in the radial direction relative i: to the axis 38' and screwed into the upper housing part 16. The ' ~' . ' ,~ , ' ' .
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locking screw 120 has a frustoconical tip at its end region facing the housing 62 of the safety device 36 and engages into a securing groove 122 provided circumferentially on the housing 62.
On the side facing the passage opening 40, the housing 62, which is essentially symmetrical in rotation about the axis 38', has the recess 64 in the form of a blind hole in which the actuating body 68 for the valve 66 is provided. The annular valve seat 70 of the valve 66, which seat delimits the vent opening 72, is designed on the base 64' of the recess 64. This vent opening 72 extends from the valve seat 70, firstly downwards in the direction of the axis 38' and subsequently in the radial direction to the circumferential groove 74 which is integrally formed on the housing 62 and connected in terms of flow to the venting channel 54 in the upper housing part 16. The valve 66 thus separates the venting path 58 from the flow path 60 of the water. The depression 76 in the base 64', away from which depression the flow bores 78 extend parallel to the axis 38' to the outlet opening 80, extends around the~valve seat 70. These flow bores 78 are arranged in a circle around the axis 38'.
The nonreturn valve 118 provided in the outlet opening 80 has a valve body element 124 which is made from rubber-elastic materlal, is in the form of an annular disk and is securely clamped with its inner end region by means of a screw 126 between the upper wall 80 of the outlet opening 80 and a washer 128. As seen in the radial direction, the washer 128 ends before thP flow bores 78 open into~the outlet opening 80 and is bent downwards at its outer :
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edge region. seyond the clamping region between the upper wall 80' and the washer 128, the valve body element 124 is bent downwards in the shape of a bell, when water flows in the direction of flow S, as is shown in Fig. 6. If, on the other hand, no water flows, the valve body element 124 bears, as a result of its inherent stiffness, against the upper wall 80' (cf. Fig. 7). The bent-back edge of the washer 128 prevents injury to the valve body element 124 when it is stressed by the water flowing out from the flow bores 78 in the direction of flow S. The screw 126 pierces, with its shank, as one moves away from the vent opening 72, the housing wall 62 " between the vent opening 72 and the outlet opening 80, the annular valve body element 124 and the washer 128, and a nut 126' is seated on it from below.
A connecting flange 130, in which the end region of the tube 42 on this side is inserted and secured, is screwed into the downwardly pointing outlet opening 80. The outlet opening 80 is sealed off relative to the surroundings by means of an 0-ring 132 which is laid in an undercut 134 behind the screw thread 130' of the connecting flange 130 and bears against the housing 62 on the circumference side.
In Flg. 7, the nonreturn valve 118 is shown under conditions enabling backflow. If water attempts to flow counter to the direction of flow S from the outlet 52 (cf. Fig. 1) in the direction towards the supply line 34, the rubber-elastic valve body element 124 is stressed from below, which results in the valve body element 124 being pressed against the upper wall 80' and the .
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', ~: ' , . ~ . , 2022~8a openings of the flow bores 78 being tightly sealed. Water as a result is prevented from flowing back counter to the direction of flow S.
The actuating body 68 has the lower body part 84 which is essentially symmetrical in rotation and the perforated disk 86 arranged above it and bearing against it. Flow passages 88, whi~h are aligned with one another, are arranged in a circle about the axis 38' and extend parallel to this axis 38', extend through the perforated disk 86 and the body part 84. The bell- or cup-shaped cavity 90, into which the flow passages 88 open and which is open in a downward direction, is integrally formed on the body part 84.
The valve body 98, interacting with the valve seat 70 and with which the sealing lip 100 is integrally formed on the side facing the valve seat 70, is provided in this cavity 90. The annular valve bodv 98 is seated on a stem 136 which extends in the direction of the axis 38', bears with a stem shoulder 136' against the body part 84, penetrates the latter and engages with its upper end region into a blind hole 138 in the perforated disk a6. The stem 136 is designed with a finned or ribbed shape at its end region engaging into the blind hole 138 in order to hold the stem .
136 in the perforated disk 86. Downstream from the stem shoulder 136', when viewed in the direction of flow S, the guard screen 102 widening out conically is designed on the stem 136 and tapers, forming the:flank~102', in the form of a step. A rib 136 " is :
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integrally formed on the lower end region of the stem. The valve body 98 seated on the stem 136 is held between this rib 136 " and the flank 102', fixed in terms of displacement.
The upper end 62' of the housing is surrounded by the rolling diaphragm-like sealing member 104, U-shaped in cross section and made from rubber-elastic material, which sealing member is secured at its outer end by means of the bead 104l engaging into the securing groove 106 of the housing 62. On the circumference side, the bead 104' bears against the upper housing part 16. The bead 104' thus also seals off the circumferential groove 74 from above.
The sealing member 104 is clamped with its inner end region between the body part 84 and the perforated disk 86.
In the operating position of the actuating body 68 shown in Fig. 6, the latter bears with the circumferential shoulder 11~
against the stop 114 of the housing 62, it thus being ensured that the lip 100 bears precisely against the valve seat 70 when the valve 66 is closed.
In Fig. 7, the actuating body 68 is shown, under conditions enabling backflow, raised into the backflow position 68'. In this position, the valve 66 is compulsorily opened and the flow path 60 as a result is connected to the venting path 58. By moving back and forth, the actuating body 68 is slidingly and smoothly guided from the operatlng position into the backflow position, and vice versa, by means of the sliding bead 116 on the housing 62. Tilting is thereby also prevented by the sealing member 104 in the form of a diaphragm.
~ ` ' ~'` ' ~ ' " . ' -' ~ 2~22~
Under normal operating conditions, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position shown in Fig. 6. The valve 66 is closed at all times and the nonreturn valve 118 is closed as long as no water is flowing. With the control cartridge 32 open (cf. Fig. 1), the water flows in the direction of flow S along the flow path 60 through the flow passages 88 in the actuating body 68 and the flow bores 78, with the nonreturn valve 118 being held open, to the outlet opening 80 where it is conveyed to the tube 42. The tube 42 conducts the water to the hose 44 which guides it as far as the hose sprayhead 12 from which it emerges at the outlet 52. The venting path 58 is separated from the flow path 60 by the closed valve 66. If, with the control cartridge 32 open, a low pressure or vacuum is now set up in the supply line 34, it is possible for water to be sucked from the outlet 52 counter to the direction of flow S. Under these conditions enabling backflow, the nonreturn valve 118 closes automatically, as a result of which water is prevented from flowing back into the supply line 34.
Simultaneously, as a result of the low pressure or vacuum existing on the supply side, the actuating body 68 is raised into the backflow position 68' shown in Fig. 7, which causes the valve 66 to open compulsorily. As a result, the supply line 34 is connected by the venting path 58 to the surrounding air. When ; fresh water is next conveyed in the direction of flow S, the actuating body~68 is~moved back again into the operating position :
by the pressure of the water, which causes the valve 66 to close compulsorily.~ ~
:: :
.. ~,,.~ - ' ' .
' ~ :
~ 2~22~8~
It is, of course, also conceivable for the nonreturn valve 118, which is inserted into the flow path and inserted downstream in the direction of flow S from the opening of the venting path 58 into the flow path 60, to be designed differently. A ball valve is thus also in particular conceivable.
Figures 8 and 9 show the safety device 36 shown in Figures 6 and 7 but where a throttle element 140 made from rubber-elastic material and seated on the stem 96 has been provided instead of the guard screen 102. The reference numerals in Figs. 8 and 9 correspond to those in Figures 6 and 7 and, as for the structure and functioning of the safety device 36, reference should be made to these figures and the corresponding description.
The annular throttle element 140 has a cross-section like that of a bell so that it bears against the body part 84 on the side facing the cavity 90 when there is no water flowing in the direction of flow S and covers the flow passages on the body part 84 (Fig. 9). A through-hole 142 is provided in the throttle element 140 which is aligned with one of the flow passages 88 and has a narrower free cross~section than the corresponding flow passage 88'. When water flows in the direction of flow S through the flow passages 88, the throttle element 140 is deformed by the downward pressure of the water, as shown in Fig. 8. It thereby :
assumes the same guard function for the sealing lip 100 as the guard screen 102 (Figs. 2,3,6,7).
~ The stem 96 has, on the side facing the body part 84 relative to~the valve body 98,~a circumferential securing rib 144 in order ::: ~ = ~
, :, 2~2~8~
to hold the valve body 98 securely between it and the rib 136" and to clamp securely the throttle element 140 between it and the body part 84. In the region of the throttle element 140 and the body part 84, the stem 96 is cylindrical and it is secured in the perforated disk 86 with its upper end region of a fin- or rib-like design which engages in the blind hole 138.
Under normal conditions, the actuating body 68 is situated in the operating position shown in Fig. 8, the sealing lip 100 bearing against the valve seat 70 in order to keep the valve 66 closed. With the control cartridge 32 open (Fig. 1), the watex flows in the direction of flow S through the safety device 36, the throttle element 140 being deformed into the position shown in Fig.
8 and the nonreturn valve 118 being opened. If the flow of water is interrupted by closing the control cartridge 32, the throttle element 140 b~ars automatically against the body part 84 and the nonreturn valve 118 closes.
If a low pressure or vacuum is set up in the supply line 34, with the conl:rol cartridge 32 open, the nonreturn valve 118 closes, the throttle element 140 bears against the body part 84, sealing all the flow passages 88 with the e~ception of flow passage 88', and the actuating body 68 is raised into the backflow position 68' as a result of the supply-side suction effect (Fig. 2). As a result of this movement of the actuating body 68 into the backflow position 68', the valve 66 is compulsorily opened. As a result of the relatively small cross section of the through-hole 142 relative to ehe cross-~e_tions of the venting path 58 and of the part of the :
:.
........ , : . . ..
: ' : ~ :
~ .
2~2258~
flow path 60 situated downstream from the throttle element 140 as seen in the direction of flow S, the force on the actuating body 68 for moving the same into the backflow position 68' becomes greater than in an embodiment according to Figs. 2 to 7 with no throttle element 140. ~ven with relatively small cross-sections of the venting path 58 and the closed nonreturn valve 118, a very rapid opening of the valve 66 is thereby achieved under conditions enabling backflow. The supply-side low pressure is then eliminated by air flowing through the flow path and the through-hole 142.
When water next flows in the direction of flow S, the actuating body 68 is brought back into the operating position by under pressure with water, which causes the valve 66 to close compulsorily.
The restriction of the flow path 60 by the throttle element 140 also helps to prevent water from flowing back in the event that the nonreturn valve 118 is defective. It can be seen that the safety device 36 shown in Figures 2 and 3 can also be equipped with a corresponding throttIe element.
It is, of course, also possible to provide several through-holes, but the cross-section of all the through-holes taken together should be smaller than the smallest flow cross-section of the venting path 58.
~` :
~2258~
The actuating member may, of course, have a design other than that shown in the figures. In any case, it is situated in the flow path and is pressured by the water. It may, for example, be designed as a throttle element or as a resisting member and is actively connected to the valve body.
~ :
::
~:
. ~ . - .
~.
:
Claims (13)
1. A safety device for preventing water from flowing back into a supply line of a sanitary fitting which comprises:
a shut-off valve inserted into a flow path conducting the water from the supply line to an outlet;
a venting means for connecting the outlet to the surrounding air;
a valve inserted into the venting means, which valve is closed under normal operating conditions and open under conditions enabling backflow in order to vent the supply line; and an actuating member, pressured by the flow in the flow means and connected to the valve body of the valve, wherein said actuating member is automatically movable by the flow of the water under conditions enabling backflow from an operating position of the actuating member assumed under normal operating conditions, in which the valve is held closed, into a backflow position, and wherein movement into the backflow position of said actuating member causes opening of the valve.
a shut-off valve inserted into a flow path conducting the water from the supply line to an outlet;
a venting means for connecting the outlet to the surrounding air;
a valve inserted into the venting means, which valve is closed under normal operating conditions and open under conditions enabling backflow in order to vent the supply line; and an actuating member, pressured by the flow in the flow means and connected to the valve body of the valve, wherein said actuating member is automatically movable by the flow of the water under conditions enabling backflow from an operating position of the actuating member assumed under normal operating conditions, in which the valve is held closed, into a backflow position, and wherein movement into the backflow position of said actuating member causes opening of the valve.
2. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating member has an actuating body, having flow passages for the water, which is moveable backwards and forwards to a limited extent and counter to the direction of flow of the water.
3. The safety device as claimed in claim 2, which comprises a housing having a recess wherein the actuating body having the flow passages is mounted in said recess of said housing so as to be displaceable therein, and wherein a sealing member is provided for preventing the through flow of water between the housing and the actuating body.
4. The safety device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing member comprises a rubber-elastic material and is in the form of a rolling diaphragm and is tightly connected at one end to the actuating body and at a second end to the housing.
5. The safety device as claimed in claim 2, which comprises means for engaging and disengaging the valve body from the valve seat in a direction of movement of the actuating body.
6. The safety device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the actuating body is rigidly connected to the valve body.
7. The safety device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the valve seat delimits a vent opening in the housing and is annularly shaped, and the valve body has a sealing lip interacting with the valve seat.
8. The safety device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the actuating body includes a stem extending essentially in the direction of movement of the actuating body and on which the valve body is seated.
9. The safety device as claimed in claim 3, which comprises a stop member formed on the housing wherein the actuating body interacts with said stop and determines the operating position of the actuating body.
10. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, which comprises a nonreturn valve, inserted into the flow path and mounted downstream from a position where the venting means branches off from the flow path, as seen in the direction of flow, and which includes means for automatically closing said non-return valve under backflow conditions.
11. The safety device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the actuating body includes a cup- or bell-shaped cavity which is open in a downstream direction and into which the flow passages open.
12. The safety device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the valve body of the valve is provided in said cavity.
13. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, which comprises a throttle element for interacting with the actuating means and for narrowing the cross-section of the flow path under backflow conditions.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CH00972/90-2 | 1990-03-23 | ||
| CH97290A CH681238A5 (en) | 1990-03-23 | 1990-03-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2022585A1 true CA2022585A1 (en) | 1991-09-24 |
Family
ID=4199486
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2022585 Abandoned CA2022585A1 (en) | 1990-03-23 | 1990-08-02 | Safety device for a sanitary fitting |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0447777A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2022585A1 (en) |
| CH (1) | CH681238A5 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE9305634U1 (en) * | 1993-04-15 | 1993-06-17 | Metallwerke Gebr. Seppelfricke Gmbh & Co, 4650 Gelsenkirchen | Pipe aerators for drinking water installations |
| ES2106393T3 (en) * | 1993-08-17 | 1997-11-01 | Kwc Ag | SANITARY PROTECTION DEVICE TO PREVENT THE RETURN OF WATER. |
| EP0639675B1 (en) * | 1993-08-17 | 1997-09-24 | Kwc Ag | Backflow prevention valve |
| EP1234917B1 (en) | 2001-02-27 | 2007-01-03 | Kwc Ag | Sanitary fitting |
| EP1918619A1 (en) | 2006-11-02 | 2008-05-07 | Kwc Ag | Faucet |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE206227C (en) * | ||||
| US3636968A (en) * | 1970-10-05 | 1972-01-25 | Watts Regulator Co | Cross-connection control valve |
| CH571673A5 (en) * | 1973-04-23 | 1976-01-15 | Braukmann Armaturen | |
| US4013089A (en) * | 1975-09-17 | 1977-03-22 | Braukmann Armaturen Ag | Back flow preventer valve |
| DE8813390U1 (en) * | 1988-10-25 | 1989-01-05 | Flege, Uwe, Dipl.-Ing., 2104 Hamburg | Sink mixer |
| DE3839650C1 (en) * | 1988-11-24 | 1990-02-15 | Hansa Metallwerke Ag, 7000 Stuttgart, De |
-
1990
- 1990-03-23 CH CH97290A patent/CH681238A5/de not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-08-02 CA CA 2022585 patent/CA2022585A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1991
- 1991-02-06 EP EP91101556A patent/EP0447777A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CH681238A5 (en) | 1993-02-15 |
| EP0447777A1 (en) | 1991-09-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |