CA2062731A1 - Diaphragm-type operative valve - Google Patents
Diaphragm-type operative valveInfo
- Publication number
- CA2062731A1 CA2062731A1 CA 2062731 CA2062731A CA2062731A1 CA 2062731 A1 CA2062731 A1 CA 2062731A1 CA 2062731 CA2062731 CA 2062731 CA 2062731 A CA2062731 A CA 2062731A CA 2062731 A1 CA2062731 A1 CA 2062731A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- diaphragm
- valve
- chamber
- fluid
- plunger
- 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
Abstract
A diaphragm-type operating valve (10) suitable for use in an automatic faucet arrangement is provided with an improved latching, solenoid actuated operator (14), for either a high pressure or low pressure pilot arrangement in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention. In further aspect of the invention, a filter (80) is provided to prevent particulate matter from entering the pilot arrangement. A manually actuatable by-pass valve (300) is provided to by-pass operation of the diaphragm-type operating valve (10) in the event of a malfunction thereof.
Description
~WO91/~7380 ~ 2 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 IMPROVED DIAPHRAGM-TYPE OPERATING VALVE
Related Applications This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. , entitled ~Improved Ultra-Sonic Sensor Arrangement for an Automatic Faucet System~ (Docket #117-3002) and U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
, entitled nImproved Automatic Faucet System"
(Docket #117-3006), both filed on even date herewith.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to diaphragm-type operating valves and more particularly to valves of this type which are suitable for use in automatic fluid dispensing systems such as an automatic faucet system incorporating one or more of the inventions disclosed in the above referenced patent applications.
Background of the Invention In diaphragm-type operating valves to which this invention pertains, a diaphragm movable in response to fluid pressure is the operative valve element, in contra-distinction to valves having other types of valve elements, such as ball valves or gate valves. Generally speaking, upon actuation of diaphragm-type valves, a valve pilot opens for discharging fluid from a chamber above the diaphragm. Under these conditions, the inlet pressure bearing against the underside of the diaphragm is greater than the force above the diaphragm. Consequently, the diaphragm is lifted from its seat, thereby opening a main valve passageway.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,943,975 issued to Schnittker discloses a valve of this type having a solenoid actuated operator. Whenever the operator remains unenergized, high pressure fluid in a diaphragm chamber immediately above the diaphragm maintains it in a position to fluidicly separate an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber. The high pressure fluid is introduced into the diaphragm chamber from the inlet chamber via radially offset, unlined bleed holes through the diaphragm. Upon energizing the solenoid, the operator's plunger is electromagnetically withdrawn to open a central passage through the diaphragm and associated valve structure that constitutes that valve pilot, so as to permit the flow of fluid therethrough from the diaphragm chamber to the outlet .
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WOgl/17380 2 ~ ~ 2 1 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 .r ' .
chamber. The resulting loss of pressure above the diaphragm permits the relatively high pressure in the inlet chamber to lift the diaphragm to open the main valve passageway. The diameters of the bleed holes are sufficiently smaller than that of the central passage to permit a substantial net flow out of the diaphragm chamber upon operator actu~ion. In the particular arrangement of the Schnittker patent, a spring assist is provided for lifting the diaphragm on actuation of the operator where relatively low inlet pressure is available, and for urging the diaphragm against the seat at all other times.
It will be appreciated that leakage for any reason of high pressure fluid from the diaphragm chamber other than through the pilot passage on actuation of the operator, such as through the central passage to the outlet chamber, would institute faulty valve performance. If the pressure in the diaphragm chamber is sufficiently reduced due to such leakage, it may actually cause the opening of the operating valve other than when intended.
Furthermore, valve designs of this type, which depend for proper operation on relatively small diameter passages through the diaphragm and associated valve structure, are susceptible to impaired performance due to contaminant build-up in the passages, whether due to fluid-borne particulars or corroding of valve components in the fluid flow. Also, wear-induced permanent deformation of the diaphragm which impedes flow through the unlined holes therethrough could have a deleterious effect on valve operation.
Another solenoid actuated, diaphragm-type operating valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,295,631 issued to Allen. A
solenoid coil, when energized, causes the withdrawal of a pilot plunger from its seat, against the bias of a plunger return spring. An upper fluid chamber above the diaphragm is thereupon connected to the valve outlet chamber via a pilot valve tube extending through the diaphragm. The fluid pressure within the upper fluid chamber is thereby referenced to the downstream pressure of the outlet. Valve inlet pressure in a lower fluid chamber on the underside of the diaphragm is then effective in moving the diaphragm upwardly '-. ~
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~WO91/17380 ~ 2 7 3 1 PCT/USS0/02504 from its valve seat against the bias of a diaphragm return spring to open the primary valve passageway.
Upon de-energizing the solenoid coil, the pilot valve plunger is returned into engagement with its valve seat by the plunger return spring. The diaphragm is returned to its seat to close the primary valve passageway by the diaphragm return spring. A bleed hole or orifice in the diaphragm is provided for equalizing the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm to facilitate its return to its seat.
`~- In that this design is similar in many ways to that of Schnittker, it likely would suffer many of the same difficulties and drawbacks. The same is true of other such diaphragm-type valves, for example, such as that taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,179,096 issued to Fromfield.
Another form of diaphragm-type operating valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,895,645 and 4,065,095, both issued to Johnson. These patents teach a valve for controlling the level of water in a toilet flush tank. A
diaphragm is held in a diaphragm chamber between the valve cover and body, an air passage vents the diaphragm chamber to atmosphere, and liquid pressure is communicated through the valve cover to the opposite side of the diaphragm. Movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in water level in the tank results in opening and closing of a valve member to maintain the desired water level. The Johnson patents do not disclose a valve operator. Also, the disclosed valve design is susceptible to impaired performance in the event that its pilot passages become narrowed, e.g., due to contaminant build-up.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the invention aims to provide an improved diaphragm-type operating valve suitable for an automatic faucet system for domestic or commercial use.
Another object of the invention is to provide a highly serviceable diaphragm-type operating valve having an economy of component parts, and an improved valve operator and pilot arrangement, for more reliable and efficient valve operation.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a diaphragm-type operating valve in which the valve operator is .
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WO91/173~0 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 ~ 1 PCT/US90/02S04 an improved, solenoid actuated, magnetically latching operator.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a ;diaphragm-type operating valve with a self-cleaning arrangement for preventing particulate matter from entering its diaphragm passage.
Briefly, a diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with the invention supplies fluid to a spout, e.g., of an automatic faucet system, in response to an actuating signal.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the valve is provided with a latchable, solenoid actuated operator for controlling fluid flow through a valve pilot which, in turn, controls movement of the diaphragm and thereby the opening and closing of the valve.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the valve includes a housing and first and second, threadedly connected valve body elements that each are of integral, one-piece, plastic construction. The valve housing is preferably of two-piece construction, having a valve casing and a valve cap. During assembly, the diaphragm is captllred -between the first and second body elements after they are screwed together, the operator is screwed into place eccentrically on the second valve body element, and then this sub-assembly is inserted into the casing prior to the valve cap being screwed onto the casing so as to complete the assembly of the valve. This construction permits the valve to be of compact design and readily assembled during manufacture or readily disassembled for repair.
; According to yet another aspect of the invention, a filter is provided for preventing particulate matter from entering passages of the valve pilot. More specifically, the filter is inserted in and attached to the diaphragm and is disposed in an inlet chamber located upstream of the diaphragm and disposed over the pilot passage or channel through the diaphragm. When so situated, the holes through the filter preferably are oriented orthogonally with respect to the main fluid flow in the lower chamber, so that there is no force ; component due to that flow that would tend to drive .. '-. " ' . ', ' ' : ' ' , .. . . . .
WO91/17380 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 particulate matter through the filter or lodge such material in the filter holes.
In another aspect of the invention, the diaphragm is mounted on a guide pin formed by the second valve body element. The guide pin preferably has an axial channel along its periphery that forms part of the valve pilot for permitting fluid to flow through the diaphragm. This channel preferably is the only orifice or passage through the diaphragm. Where the above described filter is employed, it preferably is mounted onto the diaphragm coaxially with respect to the guide pin. A preferred way of mounting the filter in this arrangement is to provide the filter with a mounting ring which is received with a tight fit in an annular groove in the diaphragm. The flow through the inlet chamber tends to reinforce this mounting arrangement.
Still another aspect of the invention is to have the operator open and close a control passage which is connected thxough to the inlet chamber and, thus, is normally at full line pressure when the valve is closed. This is the ~high pressuren version of the invention.
In an alternative ~low pressure~ version, the operator is called upon to open or close a different control passage, a discharge pas~age. Consequently, unlike the nhigh pressure"
version, here, the control passage is not at full line pressure. Also, in this version, fluid at full operating pressure is permitted to flow into the operator's housing to fill a space behind its plunger. Thus, in this version, the water pressure above the plunger urges the operator toward the closed position, and a relatively weak return spring is sufficient to urge the plunger to its normally closed position for more reliable valve operation.
These and other aspects of the invention are described below.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the appended claims.
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;WO~1/17380 2 ~ 3 ~ ~ 3 ~ PC~/US90/02504~-Brief Description of the Drawinqs The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: -FIG. 1 is a longitudinal view in cross-section of an improved diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with the invention;
FIG. lA is an enlarged detail view taken along line lA of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of component parts of the operating valve of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter element of the operating valve of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal view in cross-section of the operating valve of FIG. 1 in its open condition;
FIG. 6 is a partial longitudinal view in cross-section of a diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with an -alternative embodiment of the invention;
; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the operator plunger of the operating valve of FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned, partially broken away view of an automatic kitchen faucet system incorporating the improved operating valve of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description_of the Preferred_Embodiment Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a diaphragm-type operating valve 10 in accordance with the ~invention. A generally tubular valve casing 12A threadedly ; receives a thin-walled, open-topped valve cap 12B over its upper end, so as together to form a valve housing 12. A
latching solenoid actuated valve operator 14 is situated within the valve cap 12B and partially extends therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the operating valve 10 is in its closed condition with the operator 14 not actuated.
In ~he lower end of the casing 12A, a transversely oriented inlet pipe 16 opens to an inlet cavity or space 18 which, in turn, opens to an axially oriented lower chamber 20 defined in a stationary, integrally formed first valve body element 22. The first body element 22 is preferably of /
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.WO91/17380 ~J 2 7 3 ~ PCT/US90/~2504 one-piece construction and has a raised annular gland or seat 24, preferably inte~rally formecl circumferentially about the upper end of lower chamber 20.
Bridging across this end of the lower chamber 20 and sealingly contacting the gland 24 when the valve lO is closed, is a transversely oriented, flexible diaphragm 30. The diaphragm 30 is mounted in and retained by a stationary, integrally formed second valve body element 32, preferably of one-piece construction, which is threadedly affixed to the first valve body element 22. The construction of the first and second valve body elements 22, 32 and the diaphragm 30 can be more readily appreciated from the exploded perspective illustration of FIG. 2. The diaphragm 30 separates the lower chamber 20 from a generally annular outlet chamber 48. The outlet chamber 48 is disposed below the diaphragm 30, about the upper end of the lower chamber 20, and between the first valve body element 22 and the valve casing 12A. The inle~ and outlet chambers 20, 48 together form the main passageway through the operating valve lO.
-The pilo~ arrangement for controlling the opening and closing of this main passageway will be described next. With continued reference now to FIGS. l and 2, an upper chamber 34 is disposed immediately above the diaphragm 30, between it and the second valve body element 32. The upper chamber 34 will also be referred to as the diaphragm chamber.
-Extending vertically for fluidic communication between the lower chamber 20 and the upp~r chamber 34 is an axially extending groove 36 (see also FIG. 2A) preferably formed along the periphery of a rigid guide pin 38. The guide pin 38 is an integral part of the second valve body element 32 and serves as a diaphragm hole liner by projecting axially through a -central hole 39 (FIG. 2) of the diaphragm 30 to channel fluid therethrough.
Above, parallel to and laterally offset from the guide pin 38 is an axially oriented control passage 40 defined by the second valve body element 32. The control passage 40 extends between the upper diaphragm chamber 34 and a variable volume, first pilot discharge port 42 (see FIG. 2) disposed axially thereabove and open to the control passage 40 whenever ' : .
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Related Applications This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. , entitled ~Improved Ultra-Sonic Sensor Arrangement for an Automatic Faucet System~ (Docket #117-3002) and U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
, entitled nImproved Automatic Faucet System"
(Docket #117-3006), both filed on even date herewith.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to diaphragm-type operating valves and more particularly to valves of this type which are suitable for use in automatic fluid dispensing systems such as an automatic faucet system incorporating one or more of the inventions disclosed in the above referenced patent applications.
Background of the Invention In diaphragm-type operating valves to which this invention pertains, a diaphragm movable in response to fluid pressure is the operative valve element, in contra-distinction to valves having other types of valve elements, such as ball valves or gate valves. Generally speaking, upon actuation of diaphragm-type valves, a valve pilot opens for discharging fluid from a chamber above the diaphragm. Under these conditions, the inlet pressure bearing against the underside of the diaphragm is greater than the force above the diaphragm. Consequently, the diaphragm is lifted from its seat, thereby opening a main valve passageway.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,943,975 issued to Schnittker discloses a valve of this type having a solenoid actuated operator. Whenever the operator remains unenergized, high pressure fluid in a diaphragm chamber immediately above the diaphragm maintains it in a position to fluidicly separate an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber. The high pressure fluid is introduced into the diaphragm chamber from the inlet chamber via radially offset, unlined bleed holes through the diaphragm. Upon energizing the solenoid, the operator's plunger is electromagnetically withdrawn to open a central passage through the diaphragm and associated valve structure that constitutes that valve pilot, so as to permit the flow of fluid therethrough from the diaphragm chamber to the outlet .
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.
WOgl/17380 2 ~ ~ 2 1 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 .r ' .
chamber. The resulting loss of pressure above the diaphragm permits the relatively high pressure in the inlet chamber to lift the diaphragm to open the main valve passageway. The diameters of the bleed holes are sufficiently smaller than that of the central passage to permit a substantial net flow out of the diaphragm chamber upon operator actu~ion. In the particular arrangement of the Schnittker patent, a spring assist is provided for lifting the diaphragm on actuation of the operator where relatively low inlet pressure is available, and for urging the diaphragm against the seat at all other times.
It will be appreciated that leakage for any reason of high pressure fluid from the diaphragm chamber other than through the pilot passage on actuation of the operator, such as through the central passage to the outlet chamber, would institute faulty valve performance. If the pressure in the diaphragm chamber is sufficiently reduced due to such leakage, it may actually cause the opening of the operating valve other than when intended.
Furthermore, valve designs of this type, which depend for proper operation on relatively small diameter passages through the diaphragm and associated valve structure, are susceptible to impaired performance due to contaminant build-up in the passages, whether due to fluid-borne particulars or corroding of valve components in the fluid flow. Also, wear-induced permanent deformation of the diaphragm which impedes flow through the unlined holes therethrough could have a deleterious effect on valve operation.
Another solenoid actuated, diaphragm-type operating valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,295,631 issued to Allen. A
solenoid coil, when energized, causes the withdrawal of a pilot plunger from its seat, against the bias of a plunger return spring. An upper fluid chamber above the diaphragm is thereupon connected to the valve outlet chamber via a pilot valve tube extending through the diaphragm. The fluid pressure within the upper fluid chamber is thereby referenced to the downstream pressure of the outlet. Valve inlet pressure in a lower fluid chamber on the underside of the diaphragm is then effective in moving the diaphragm upwardly '-. ~
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~WO91/17380 ~ 2 7 3 1 PCT/USS0/02504 from its valve seat against the bias of a diaphragm return spring to open the primary valve passageway.
Upon de-energizing the solenoid coil, the pilot valve plunger is returned into engagement with its valve seat by the plunger return spring. The diaphragm is returned to its seat to close the primary valve passageway by the diaphragm return spring. A bleed hole or orifice in the diaphragm is provided for equalizing the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm to facilitate its return to its seat.
`~- In that this design is similar in many ways to that of Schnittker, it likely would suffer many of the same difficulties and drawbacks. The same is true of other such diaphragm-type valves, for example, such as that taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,179,096 issued to Fromfield.
Another form of diaphragm-type operating valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,895,645 and 4,065,095, both issued to Johnson. These patents teach a valve for controlling the level of water in a toilet flush tank. A
diaphragm is held in a diaphragm chamber between the valve cover and body, an air passage vents the diaphragm chamber to atmosphere, and liquid pressure is communicated through the valve cover to the opposite side of the diaphragm. Movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in water level in the tank results in opening and closing of a valve member to maintain the desired water level. The Johnson patents do not disclose a valve operator. Also, the disclosed valve design is susceptible to impaired performance in the event that its pilot passages become narrowed, e.g., due to contaminant build-up.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the invention aims to provide an improved diaphragm-type operating valve suitable for an automatic faucet system for domestic or commercial use.
Another object of the invention is to provide a highly serviceable diaphragm-type operating valve having an economy of component parts, and an improved valve operator and pilot arrangement, for more reliable and efficient valve operation.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a diaphragm-type operating valve in which the valve operator is .
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' ' .: . . ' ' '.:
.
., . . , . , ~, : . , . , . :,- :, . . . . ..
WO91/173~0 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 ~ 1 PCT/US90/02S04 an improved, solenoid actuated, magnetically latching operator.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a ;diaphragm-type operating valve with a self-cleaning arrangement for preventing particulate matter from entering its diaphragm passage.
Briefly, a diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with the invention supplies fluid to a spout, e.g., of an automatic faucet system, in response to an actuating signal.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the valve is provided with a latchable, solenoid actuated operator for controlling fluid flow through a valve pilot which, in turn, controls movement of the diaphragm and thereby the opening and closing of the valve.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the valve includes a housing and first and second, threadedly connected valve body elements that each are of integral, one-piece, plastic construction. The valve housing is preferably of two-piece construction, having a valve casing and a valve cap. During assembly, the diaphragm is captllred -between the first and second body elements after they are screwed together, the operator is screwed into place eccentrically on the second valve body element, and then this sub-assembly is inserted into the casing prior to the valve cap being screwed onto the casing so as to complete the assembly of the valve. This construction permits the valve to be of compact design and readily assembled during manufacture or readily disassembled for repair.
; According to yet another aspect of the invention, a filter is provided for preventing particulate matter from entering passages of the valve pilot. More specifically, the filter is inserted in and attached to the diaphragm and is disposed in an inlet chamber located upstream of the diaphragm and disposed over the pilot passage or channel through the diaphragm. When so situated, the holes through the filter preferably are oriented orthogonally with respect to the main fluid flow in the lower chamber, so that there is no force ; component due to that flow that would tend to drive .. '-. " ' . ', ' ' : ' ' , .. . . . .
WO91/17380 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 particulate matter through the filter or lodge such material in the filter holes.
In another aspect of the invention, the diaphragm is mounted on a guide pin formed by the second valve body element. The guide pin preferably has an axial channel along its periphery that forms part of the valve pilot for permitting fluid to flow through the diaphragm. This channel preferably is the only orifice or passage through the diaphragm. Where the above described filter is employed, it preferably is mounted onto the diaphragm coaxially with respect to the guide pin. A preferred way of mounting the filter in this arrangement is to provide the filter with a mounting ring which is received with a tight fit in an annular groove in the diaphragm. The flow through the inlet chamber tends to reinforce this mounting arrangement.
Still another aspect of the invention is to have the operator open and close a control passage which is connected thxough to the inlet chamber and, thus, is normally at full line pressure when the valve is closed. This is the ~high pressuren version of the invention.
In an alternative ~low pressure~ version, the operator is called upon to open or close a different control passage, a discharge pas~age. Consequently, unlike the nhigh pressure"
version, here, the control passage is not at full line pressure. Also, in this version, fluid at full operating pressure is permitted to flow into the operator's housing to fill a space behind its plunger. Thus, in this version, the water pressure above the plunger urges the operator toward the closed position, and a relatively weak return spring is sufficient to urge the plunger to its normally closed position for more reliable valve operation.
These and other aspects of the invention are described below.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the appended claims.
:- . . . . . . .
. ... .: , . : .. . . .. . .
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..
;WO~1/17380 2 ~ 3 ~ ~ 3 ~ PC~/US90/02504~-Brief Description of the Drawinqs The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: -FIG. 1 is a longitudinal view in cross-section of an improved diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with the invention;
FIG. lA is an enlarged detail view taken along line lA of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of component parts of the operating valve of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter element of the operating valve of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal view in cross-section of the operating valve of FIG. 1 in its open condition;
FIG. 6 is a partial longitudinal view in cross-section of a diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with an -alternative embodiment of the invention;
; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the operator plunger of the operating valve of FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned, partially broken away view of an automatic kitchen faucet system incorporating the improved operating valve of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description_of the Preferred_Embodiment Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a diaphragm-type operating valve 10 in accordance with the ~invention. A generally tubular valve casing 12A threadedly ; receives a thin-walled, open-topped valve cap 12B over its upper end, so as together to form a valve housing 12. A
latching solenoid actuated valve operator 14 is situated within the valve cap 12B and partially extends therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the operating valve 10 is in its closed condition with the operator 14 not actuated.
In ~he lower end of the casing 12A, a transversely oriented inlet pipe 16 opens to an inlet cavity or space 18 which, in turn, opens to an axially oriented lower chamber 20 defined in a stationary, integrally formed first valve body element 22. The first body element 22 is preferably of /
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.WO91/17380 ~J 2 7 3 ~ PCT/US90/~2504 one-piece construction and has a raised annular gland or seat 24, preferably inte~rally formecl circumferentially about the upper end of lower chamber 20.
Bridging across this end of the lower chamber 20 and sealingly contacting the gland 24 when the valve lO is closed, is a transversely oriented, flexible diaphragm 30. The diaphragm 30 is mounted in and retained by a stationary, integrally formed second valve body element 32, preferably of one-piece construction, which is threadedly affixed to the first valve body element 22. The construction of the first and second valve body elements 22, 32 and the diaphragm 30 can be more readily appreciated from the exploded perspective illustration of FIG. 2. The diaphragm 30 separates the lower chamber 20 from a generally annular outlet chamber 48. The outlet chamber 48 is disposed below the diaphragm 30, about the upper end of the lower chamber 20, and between the first valve body element 22 and the valve casing 12A. The inle~ and outlet chambers 20, 48 together form the main passageway through the operating valve lO.
-The pilo~ arrangement for controlling the opening and closing of this main passageway will be described next. With continued reference now to FIGS. l and 2, an upper chamber 34 is disposed immediately above the diaphragm 30, between it and the second valve body element 32. The upper chamber 34 will also be referred to as the diaphragm chamber.
-Extending vertically for fluidic communication between the lower chamber 20 and the upp~r chamber 34 is an axially extending groove 36 (see also FIG. 2A) preferably formed along the periphery of a rigid guide pin 38. The guide pin 38 is an integral part of the second valve body element 32 and serves as a diaphragm hole liner by projecting axially through a -central hole 39 (FIG. 2) of the diaphragm 30 to channel fluid therethrough.
Above, parallel to and laterally offset from the guide pin 38 is an axially oriented control passage 40 defined by the second valve body element 32. The control passage 40 extends between the upper diaphragm chamber 34 and a variable volume, first pilot discharge port 42 (see FIG. 2) disposed axially thereabove and open to the control passage 40 whenever ' : .
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the operator 14 is actuated. The control passage 40 and the first pilot discharge port 42 are concentric with respect to - one another and eccentric, i.e., laterally offset, with respect to the lower chamber 20.
The first pilot discharge port 42 communicates via a radially extending second discharge passage or channel 44 in . the second valve body element 32 with a generally cylindrical third pilot discharge passage or port 46. The third pilot discharge passage 46, which is defined by the second valve body element 32 and the valve casing 12A, connects with the outlet chamber 48.
But for the sealing contact of the diaphragm 30 on the annular gland 24, the outlet chamber 48 also would receive fluid flowing directly from the lower chamber 20, between the diaphragm 30 and the annular gland 24, via a plurality of circumferentially spaced, coaxially extending channels 49 leading into the outlet chamber 48, as can be seen best in . FIG. 2.
A radially outwardly situated, cylindrical outlet or exit port 50 defined by the valve casing 12A extends axially to and eccentrically with respect to the outlet chamber 48 for r~discharging fluid from the operating valve 10 through an exit port 51.
It will be appreciated that the valve casing 12A, .diaphragm 30, and first and second valve body elements 22 and 32 cooperate in establishing flow paths through the operating .valve 10 upon actuation of the operator 14. Prior to further describing the flow paths, it is appropriate to more fully detail the structure of the operating valve 10.
The valve operator 14 has a plunger 52 mounted for ;:intermittent reciprocating movement into and out of a housing 54 in response to an actuating signal applied to energize a solenoid coil 56 by means of electrical leads 56A from a logic controller C (FIG. 8). The operator 14 is mounted so that, when plunger 52 extends from the housing 54, its tip 52A
closes the control passage 40. The tip 52A is preferably a .wear resistant insert made of elastomeric material.
:Retracting the plunger 52 from the illustrated extended .
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WO9l/17380 ~ 2 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 :' 9 position to, for example, the retracted position shown in FIG.
the operator 14 is actuated. The control passage 40 and the first pilot discharge port 42 are concentric with respect to - one another and eccentric, i.e., laterally offset, with respect to the lower chamber 20.
The first pilot discharge port 42 communicates via a radially extending second discharge passage or channel 44 in . the second valve body element 32 with a generally cylindrical third pilot discharge passage or port 46. The third pilot discharge passage 46, which is defined by the second valve body element 32 and the valve casing 12A, connects with the outlet chamber 48.
But for the sealing contact of the diaphragm 30 on the annular gland 24, the outlet chamber 48 also would receive fluid flowing directly from the lower chamber 20, between the diaphragm 30 and the annular gland 24, via a plurality of circumferentially spaced, coaxially extending channels 49 leading into the outlet chamber 48, as can be seen best in . FIG. 2.
A radially outwardly situated, cylindrical outlet or exit port 50 defined by the valve casing 12A extends axially to and eccentrically with respect to the outlet chamber 48 for r~discharging fluid from the operating valve 10 through an exit port 51.
It will be appreciated that the valve casing 12A, .diaphragm 30, and first and second valve body elements 22 and 32 cooperate in establishing flow paths through the operating .valve 10 upon actuation of the operator 14. Prior to further describing the flow paths, it is appropriate to more fully detail the structure of the operating valve 10.
The valve operator 14 has a plunger 52 mounted for ;:intermittent reciprocating movement into and out of a housing 54 in response to an actuating signal applied to energize a solenoid coil 56 by means of electrical leads 56A from a logic controller C (FIG. 8). The operator 14 is mounted so that, when plunger 52 extends from the housing 54, its tip 52A
closes the control passage 40. The tip 52A is preferably a .wear resistant insert made of elastomeric material.
:Retracting the plunger 52 from the illustrated extended .
., ., , . ~, . . .
: - : . . : :
. -. ' , :- - ~ . , , . . . . . ' ' '' . . . , ~ . .
. , -: . ,: . .
WO9l/17380 ~ 2 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 :' 9 position to, for example, the retracted position shown in FIG.
3 effects an opening of the control passage 40.
~The solenoid coil 56 is preferably cylindrical, as is a - permanent magnet 58 disposed immediately above the solenoid coil 56 and away from the working end of the operator 14 through which the plunger 52 moves. The solenoid coil 56 and the magnet 58 together define a cylindrical bore lined by a plunger auide pipe 61 for receiving the plunger 52 axially therethrough.
The plunger 52 is provided with a blind hole 52B, open toward its top end for receiving a helical compression spring 60. As shown, when the valve 10 is closed, i.e., when the plunger 52 is extended from housing 54 to close the control passage 40, the spring 60 normally extends from the blind hole 52B to a stop member 54A. Both the plunger 52 (except for tip 52A) and the stop member 54A are made of a magnetizable material.
A mounting stud 62 formed by the pilot housing 54 projects downwardly to threadedly engage an internally threaded upper portion 32A of the first valve body element 32.
An annular spacer member 64 interposed between the mounting stud 60 and the front of the guide pipe 61 provides lateral support thereto.
In a preferred practice of the invention, the diaphragm :30 is of one-piece construction having a circular cross-section and made from a suitable elastomeric material.
It includes an inner, thicker, stiff hub section 30A
projecting into the upper chamber 34 for receiving therethrough the guide pin 38. The hub section 30A is interconnected via a thin, flexible, radially extending web or membrane section 30B to an up-standing, radially outwardly disposed, preferably cylindrical wall section 30C. The upper side of the web section 3OB is stepped in cross-section so as to provide a thinner, more flexible region nearer the hub -section 30A. The underside of the web section 30B is preferably planar, and contacts the annular gland 24 when the valve lO is in its closed -ondition. The central hole 39 is the only hole through the dlaphragm 30.
. ., - .
WOsl/17380 2 ~ ~ ? 7 ~ ~ PCT/US90/02504 ~~
The diaphragm 30 is captured and retained by a lower portion 32B of the second valve body element 32.
Specifically, as best can be seen in FIG. 1, the diaphragm 30 is disposed on the guide pin 38 and the diaphragm wall portion 30C is sealingly interfitted and squeezed for preloading between outer and inner, concentric, cylindrical, descending walls 62A, 62B of the lower portion 32B. The walls 62A, 62B
are disposed concentrically about the guide pin 38. In other words, the outer and inner walls 62A, 62B are spaced so as to receive therebetween the wall section 30C of the diaphragm 30 in compression and thereby retain the interfitted wall portion 30C by means of the resilience of its preloaded elastomeric material acting on the walls 62A, 62B.
The diaphragm 30 is clamped between the first and second valve body elements 22, 32. Specifically, the outer wall 62A
of the lower portion 32B of the second valve body element 32 is externally threaded to engage an internally threaded mating surface of the first valve body element 22. When screwed down into place, the second valve body element 32 presses the periphery of the underside of the diaphragm 30 against a transversely extending annular lip 64 formed by the first valve body element 22, thus preloading the periphery of the diaphragm 30 in compression in the axial direction. The lip 64 is radially spaced from the annular gland 24 so as to form therebetween the channels 49, adjacent ones of which separated by lands 49A. The channels 49 have an elongated cross-section in the circumferential direction.
When the valve lO is assembled, the diaphragm 30 is braced near its center by the guide pin 38 extending through the stiff hub section 3OA and braced near its periphery by the interaction of the walls 62A, 62B and wall section 30C and by the clamping action of the lower portion 32B acting on the diaphragm 30 to urge the lower circumferential ridge 30D
against the lip 64.
The positive contact of the diaphragm 30 against the gland 24 is established by resilient restoring forces in the diaphragm 30. To assure positive contact, the annular lip 64 is disposed at a slightly lower axial position with respect to -, ~ - . , : , . -, . . .
-. . . .. . .
- - ': ' - ,' . . ,' . ' ' ,. ' ~ - ~
.
. ' . ;.
- Wosl/1738~ 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 the annular gland 28 so that the diaphragm 30 is flexed about the annular gland 28 to a slight extent.
Turning now to other details of the upper valve body element 32, the walls 62A and 62B and guide pin 38 are connected by a circular, generally planar base plate 66 of the lower portion 32B. The base plate 66 has a projection 66A
along its upper surface through which the control passage 40 extends and which forms a seat on which the plunger 52 of operator 14 makes fluid impervious contact to close the control passage 40 at all times except when the operator 14 is actuated. The underside of the base plate 66 is provided with a plurality of radially extending ridges 66B depicted in FIG.
3.
`As seen in FIG. 3, the inner wall 62B has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, inwardly extending radial extensions 62C for controlling and localizing the flexure of the web section 30B to its thinner region close to the hub section 30A
of the diaphragm 30.
The upper portion 32A of the second valve body element 32 has eccentric, cylindrical spaced, outer and inner walls 67, n:68 (FIG. 2). The outer wall 67 makes fluid impervious contact . i with the valve casing 12A by suitable means such as a rubber O-ring 70 (FIG. 1). As pointed out hereinabove, the inner wall 68 is internally threaded to engage an externally threaded pilot valve casing 54 to secure the valve pilot 14 thereto. The inner wall 68 is concentrically disposed about the central passage 4 0 .
As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2, the first valve body element 22 is in the form of a stepped cylinder, i.e., it has a nT" shaped cross-section, with a tubular portion 72 defining therein the lower chamber 20 and sealingly contacting the casing 12A by means of O-ring 73 (FIG. 1), and a cup-shaped, open-topped upper portion 74 that is internally threaded to engage the second valve body element 32. The upper portion 74 includes the aforementioned lip 64 and lands 49A.
Other features of the operating valve 10 include an arrangement for preventing fluid-borne particulate matter from entering the groove 36 in the guide pin 38. If particulate - -: . . . .
,, ' , - , .: , . ,. : ,. ~, :, WO91/]7380 2 ~ ~ 2 7 3 ~ PCT/US90/0~504 - ``
matter did enter the groove 36, it could build up therein or within the control passage 40, or otherwise obstruct the fluid path through the valve body element 32. Also, the particulate matter could build up on the land 66A, preventing proper seating of the plunger tip 52A and thereby the proper closing of the operating valve 10.
To avoid these adverse circumstances, a self-cleaning filter 80 is interposed in the fluid path within and substantially across lower chamber 20 for filtering the fluid before it reaches the groove 36. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the filter 80 has an elongate pointed body with a solid, rounded point 80A directed upstream into the fluid flow, and a circular base 80B at its other end, with a ., .
mounting ring 80C projecting from the base. Preferably, mounting ring 80C is received, for example, with a press-fit within an annular groove 82 of the diaphragm 30 that preferably is provided during molding concentrically about the diaphragm central hole 39. As a consequence, the filter 80 is retained by resilient restoring forces established in response to the press-fit. The filter 80 could be insert molded into the diaphragm 30. The fluid flow being directed upwards against the filter 80 and towards the diaphragm 30, tends to reinforce the retention of the filter 80 by the diaphragm 30.
The filter 80 has a porous wall portion 84 intermediate its point 80A and base 80B that is made of a diverter vain backed by a screen material with openings sized to permit the flow of fluid therethrough to the groove 36, but to deny passage therethrough of particulate matter larger than the screen openings.
Preferably, the porous wall portion 84 of the filter 80 is of cylindrical geometry, oriented co-axially within the lower chamber 20, so that the porous wall portion 84 is parallel to fluid flow through the lower chamber 20 when the valve 10 is open. The fluid flow sweeps the external surface of the porous wall portion 84 clean of particulate build-up, rendering it self-cleaning during normal operation of the valve 10. In other words, self-cleaning is achieved due to the diverted rapid flow of fluid along the underlying, external surface of the porous wall portion 84. Furthermore, - : . - . . . .
. . . .
-. . ' ' ' ~ . ':
' ~' " " ". , WO91/17380 ~i3~ 7 3 ~ P~T/US90/02504 since the porous wall portion 84 is parallel to the flow through the lower chamber 20 when the valve lO is open, no transverse force component due to that flow exists which would tend to drive particulat~s through or wedge particulates in to clog the screen.
Valve operation will now be described with reference to FIG. 5, which shows the valve lO in its open position. To open the valve lO, the solenoid 56 is energized with a short pulse of DC current of a first polarity to electromagnetically ~draw the plunger 52 back into the housing 54 until it butts ;against the stop member 54A. In so doing, helical spring 60 is compressed between the stop member 54A and the plunger 52, urging the plunger 52 forward towards its extended position.
This bias is overcome by the solenoid 56 while the energizing pulse is being applied thereto, and afterwards by the magnetic force from magnet 58, the strength of which is proportional to the square of the distance and is greater than the linear return force from helical spring 60, thereby latching the plunger 52 in its retracted position.
,When the plunger 52 so translates, tip 52A moves off of landing 66A, thereby opening control passage 40. When the control passage 40 is opened, pressurized fluid is discharged thro~ h the control passage 40 from the upper chamber 34 to the outlet passages 42, 44, 46, and then to the outlet chamber 48 and exit port 50 (FIG. l), and finally from the valve lO
through exit pipe 51 (FIG. l).
The effect of the depletion of pressurized fluid from the upper chamber 34 is a pressure difference across the diaphragm 30, that is, the fluid pressure in the upper chamber 34 is less than the inlet fluid pressure of the lower chamber 20.
This pressure difference causes the diaphragm 30 to flex along its web section 30B in a direction away from the annular gland 24. The ensuing opening therebetween forms the primary flow passage between the lower chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 48.
The forces on the diaphragm 30 perhaps deserve further explanation. Consider the conditions while the valve lO is closed. When the diaphragm 30 is seated on the annular gland 24, high pressure inlet fluid flows from the inlet pipe 16 WO9l/1738 h ~ 7~ l PCT/US90/025Q4ç--into the inlet cavity 18 and then fills the lower chamber 20.
In filling the lower chamber 20, the fluid (and its filtered-out particulate matter) flows through the filter 80, and some then streams through groove 36 in guide pin 38 to fill the upper chamber 34. In this way, the pressures in the upper and lower chambers 34, 20 become equal, and once the pressure is equalized, net flow through the groove 36 halts because of the net downward force resulting from the surface area differential above and below the diaphragm.
Because a greater surface area of the diaphragm 30 is exposed to the fluid in the upper chamber 34 than that exposed to the fluid in the lower chamber 20 (resulting from the relative sizes of these two chambers 34, 20), when pressure is equalized, a greater force bears down on the diaphragm 30, and thus pushes the diaphragm 30 into positive and fluid impervious contact with the annular gland 24. Upon operator actuation, when the fluid in the upper chamber 34 escapes through the control passage 40, the downward directed force quickly diminishes. The rate at which this force decreases is established by the extent to which the cross-sectional opening of the control passage 40 is larger than that of the groove 36, in other words, by the relative difference in the fluid flow rates through control passage 40 and the groove 36~
When the downward force becomes less than the upward force on the diaphragm 30, the diaphragm flexes along the web section 30B, thereby inducing the hub portion 30A to travel upward along the guide pin 38. The guide pin 38 thus serves to guide and limit the location and extent of flexure of the diaphragm 30. In this way, the hub section 30A is displaced axially with respect to the clamped wall portion 30C of the diaphragm 30, with the extent of displacement limited by the axial height of the upper chamber 34 between the hub portion 30A and the ridges 66C of the base plate 66 of the second valve body element 32. The ridges 66B assure fluidic communication between the upper chamber 34A and the control passage 40 when the hub section 30A is fully displaced upwardly, by defining therebetween spaces for fluid to flow in the radial direction.
:'~
. , ............................. ~: '' ' ' - -- ~ -:
~ .
WO9l/17380 ~ 2 7 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 When the diaphragm 30 lifts away from the annular gland 24, the rush of inlet fluid passing through the lower chamber to the outlet chamber 48 cleans the exposed external surface of the filter 80 with a sweeping ac~ion. It should be noted that in forming the outlet chamber 48, the casing 12a is undercut in that chamber 48 is larger in diameter than and ex~ends outwardly beyond chamber 46. This significantly reduces turbulence and significantly increases the volume of ; flow from inlet 20 to outlet 50.
For closing the main passageway through valve 10, a second DC pulse of the opposite polarity is applied to the solenoid 56. The resulting force in combination with the bias from the compressed helical spring 60 is sufficient to overcome the latching force of the magnet 58, to displace the plunger 52 back to its extended position to close the control passage 40 of the valve pilot, thereby permitting the diaphragm chamber 34 to -ill with fluid flowing through the groove 36 from the lower chamber 20, and cause the diaphragm 30 to return to its seat on the annular gland 24 so as block the main valve passageway between the inlet and outlet . ~ . ~A . ~
cllam~ers ~ u ~ g ~s .
For assembly of the operating valve lO, the second valve body element 32 is screwed onto the first valve body element 22 after the diaphragm 30 has been installed in the lower portion 32B, and the O-rings 70, 73 have been properly positioned as described above. The operator 14 is screwed onto the upper portion 32A of the valve body element 32.
Then, the now assembled valve body elements 22, 32 are inserted into the casing 12A so that the tubular portion 72 is contiguous to the inlet space 18, and the o-rings 7û, 73 seal against the casing 12A. When the valve cap 12B is screwed down, it clamps the assembled valve body elements 22, 32 into place. In this way the operating valve 10 is assembled from relatively few component parts in a few efficient steps and in a manner which facilitates disassembly for service or repair.
FIG. 6 shows a diaphragm-type valve lûO in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. It differs from valve 10 of FIG. 1 essentially in that it represents a "low pressure~ pilot version, while valve 10 is illustrative of a : . ' ... ' ' . ' , ' : ' -,:: '' .. . .
WO91/17380 2 ~ ~ ~ J ~ ~ PCT/US90/02504~
~high pressuren pilot version. In other words, and as shown in FI~. 1, the control passage 40 of valve 10 is open to the inlet chamber 20 and experiences full line pressure even when the control passage 40 and the valve 10 are closed. ~hus, the plunger 52 must bear down on the land 66A with sufficient force to counter full line pressure, which generally is between 10 and 125 psi in a domestic water system, and assure that the valve 10 does not leak, or in the worse case, accidentally open. For this, a suitably strong return spring 60 is provided, which, after assembly of the valve 10, is normally preloaded in compression to urge the plunger 52 - against the land 66A to overcome the effects of line pressure.
Compare this arrangement with that shown in FIG. 6. In valve 100, a plunger 102 of operator 104 opens and closes a different control passage, i.e., pilot discharge passage 106, which is normally at a relatively low pressure. A
i continuously open pilot inlet passage 108 permits the flow of fluid from a diaphragm chamber 110 of the valve 100 to a variable volume pilot inlet port 112, regardless of whether the plunger 102 is extended or retracted. Thus, the fluid pressure in the pilot inlet port 112 is line pressure. Fluid from the pilot inlet port 112 flows through a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending channels 114 formed along the periphery of plunger 102, as best can be seen in FIG. 7, and fills a space 116 above the plunger 102.
Consequently, high pressure fluid is located both below and above the illustrated plunger 102, bearing against both the top and bottom, parallel, axially separated end surfaces 102A, 102B of the plunger 102. Since these end surfaces 102~, 102B
are of appreciably equal surface area, the plunger 102 experiences negligible net force in the axial direction attributable to fluid pressure. In other words, the pressure bearing against the bottom of the plunger 102 within pilot inlet port 112 is substantially counter-balanced and offset by the pressure bearing against the top of the plunger 102 in the operator space 116, so that the fluid substantially does not ùrge the plunger 102 from its seat.
Since return spring 118 does not have to overcome line pressure in order to assure sound valve operation, as was the , ,.,.~ .,.
- .i :
.~ - ' . ' ' ' , :
WO 91/17380 ~ ~ 3 r~ 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 case with valve 10 of FIG. 1, a weaker spring can be utilized.
Furthermore, this arrangement can be expected to be more reliable over a longer useful life because of the low pressure pilot arrangement.
FIG. 8 shows automatic kitchen faucet system 200 employing a diaphragm-type operating valve 10 in accordance with the invention. As illustrated, the automatic faucet system 200 is installed on a conventional kitchen sink 202, with components located above and below the sink 202. A
long-necked spout 204 is mounted to the rim of the sink 202 through a central opening 206 in an escutcheon 208 and extends up and over the sink 20~. Also mounted on the escutcheon 208 is a manually controlled, single actuator mixer valve 210 for mixing of hot and cold water and regulating the rate of flow.
The mixer valve 210 is mounted on one side of the escutcheon 20~, and a sprayer or spray head 212 is removably received in an open-topped cavity or holder 214 on its other side. Below the sink 202 is the operating valve 213.
Hot and cold inlet pipes 216, 218 direct hot and cold water, respectively, to the mixer valve 210 where they are combined in regulated fashion determined by the lateral location, left or right, of a single arm or handle 220 of the mixer valve 210. The mixer valve 210 controls the flow rate of water by the location, forward and aft, of the handle 220.
In other words, the mixer valve 210 mixes the water streams obtained from pipes 216, 218 in proportions and at flow rates determined by the setting of the handle 220, and discharges water at a selected temperature and flow rate. For example, when the handle 220 is in its right-most position, all cold water is discharged from the mixer valve 210, when in its left-most position, all hot water is discharged, and in the middle position, an equal mix of hot and cold water is discharged. The water temperature is continually adjustable by moving the handle 220 to any position intermediate these positions. Continuing the example, the far forward position corresponds to "shut-off," i.e., zero flow is discharged, while far aft corresponds to maximum flow rate being discharged.
; : .. .
. .
WO91/17380 ~ 2 ~ ~ 1 PCT/US90/02504 The structure and operation of a sui~able mixer valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,056,418, which is incorporated herein by reference. A mixer valve of this type is sold under the trademark DELTA~ by the Delta Faucet Company division of Masco Corporation of Indiana, U.S.A. While such valves are - known, the use of a single handle, flow controlling mixer valve for use in an automatic faucet system has not been suggested heretofore.
The discharged water from the mixer valve 210 in the illustrated automatic faucet system 200 is directed by a pipe 222 to the operating valve 10. The operating valve 10 opens in response to a solenoid energizing control signal, as described above, from logic controller C. When open, the water stream flows out through a pipe 224 passing through the rim of the sink 202 and into a spout inlet 228 disposed in the escutcheon 208.
The long-necked spout 204 is equipped with a spout-tip structure 230 located at the free or distal end of spout neck 232, and a manually actuated diverter valve 234 (typically called simply a ~diverter~) disposed at the other end of the spout neck 232 and intermediate it and the spout inlet 228.
The spout-tip structure 230 is of an unconventional design in that it includes ultrasonic sensors 240 for controlling the opening and closing of the operating valve 10, in response to the movement of an object disposed below the spout tip structure 230 and in or above the sink 200. A further description of such an automatic faucet system can be had with reference to the above referenced Patent Application entitled ~Method and Apparatus for Flow Control~ as well as the above referenced two other applications filed on even date herewith.
Of course, other sensors, i.e. infrared sensors, could be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
On the other hand, the diverter 234 is of a conventional design which, on manual actuation via depressing a lever 242 on the sprayer 212, diverts the stream from continuing up through the spout 204 and instead, directs the stream back out of the spout 204 and through an outlet 236 and hose 238 to the sprayer 212. The structure and operation of a suitable .
WO9l/17380 ~ ~?7 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 diverter is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,577,653, which is incorporated herein by reference. A diverter of this type is commercially available from Delta Faucet Company. While such diverters and sprayers are known, their use in an automatic faucet system has not been suggested heretofore.
A by-pass valve 300 is interposed between inlet cavity 18 and outlet 50 to provide a manually actuatable means for by-passing operation of the diaphragm-type operating valve in the event of a malfunction of the automatic fluid dispensing system. The by-pass valve 300 is threadably mounted to a threaded opening in the valve casing 12A via a retaining socket 302 having external threads and a slotted head. A
valve stem 304 is axially translatable within both the socket 302 and a passageway 314 formed between wall 316 and the valve casing 12A. A slightly enlarged head 306 is formed on the outer end of the valve stem 304. A socket (not shown) may be provided in the outer end of head 3 0 6 to permit the valve stem to be threadably translated via a tool such as an Allen wrench (not shown) toward and away from outlet 50. A seal such as a washer is secured to the inner end of the valve stem 304 and closes a by-pass port 320 when the valve stem is rotatably translated into a closed positian as shown in FIG. 1 with the seal member 322 in sealinq engagement against the valve seat 324 disposed about by-pass port 320. By-pass port 320 -~ provides fluidic communication between inlet cavity 18 and outlet 50 when the by-pass valve is rotatably translated away from the position shown in FIG. 1 to an open po~ition.
Shoulder 326 in the retaining socket 302 limits the - translation of the valve stem head as the by-pass valve is rotated to the open position whereby a direct fluid communication path is provided from inlet cavity 18 through by-pass chamber 318 through by-pass port 320 into outlet 50.
A pair of axially spaced apart flanges 310, 312 are provided on valve stem 304 which are circular and configured for sliding engagement against wall 316 within passageway 314 in order to maintain proper axial orientation of the valve stem as it is translated between closed and open positions.
An O-ring seal 308 is mounted between flanges 310 and 312 for ' , . . , '' " .' ' ' . ' ' 1 , . . .
:' , ` ~ ' ', . . ' . , , ' ' ' ,, ':. ' : , . . . ' ', . " .. , . . ' '. :' ~ ' . " ", ' ~'.. ' .,'' ',' , , ' ' , ' . ~
WO91/17380 ~ 2 ~ v I PCT/US90/02504 - sealing engagement between the valve stem 304 and wall 316 in the passageway 314.
In normal operation of the diaphragm-type operating valve 10 the by-pass valve 300 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1. Should a malfunction of the diaphragm-type operating valve 10 occur, the valve stem 304 is moved to the open position by rotation of the head 306 within the retaining socket 302 and outward translation of the valve stem 304 until the head 306 abuts against shoulder 326 and thereby disengaging the seal 322 from the seat 324 and providing fluidic communication between inlet cavity 18 and outlet 50 via by-pass chamber 318 and by-pass port 320.
If desired, the by-pass valve 300 could be constructed (not shown) with the head 306 extending outwardly beyond the socket 302 with the by-pass valve in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the head 306 provided with a slot in its outer surface for insertion of a coin or tool, i.e. screwdriver, to manually actuate the by-pass valve between closed and open positions. Of course, the socket 302 could be constructed with wrench flats to facilitate assembly and disassembly.
The foregoing description has been limited to a specific embodiment of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that variations and modifications may be made to the invention, with the attainment of some or all of the - advantages of the invention. Therefore, it is the object of I the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
- :
. ~ -~, .
- :.
.
~The solenoid coil 56 is preferably cylindrical, as is a - permanent magnet 58 disposed immediately above the solenoid coil 56 and away from the working end of the operator 14 through which the plunger 52 moves. The solenoid coil 56 and the magnet 58 together define a cylindrical bore lined by a plunger auide pipe 61 for receiving the plunger 52 axially therethrough.
The plunger 52 is provided with a blind hole 52B, open toward its top end for receiving a helical compression spring 60. As shown, when the valve 10 is closed, i.e., when the plunger 52 is extended from housing 54 to close the control passage 40, the spring 60 normally extends from the blind hole 52B to a stop member 54A. Both the plunger 52 (except for tip 52A) and the stop member 54A are made of a magnetizable material.
A mounting stud 62 formed by the pilot housing 54 projects downwardly to threadedly engage an internally threaded upper portion 32A of the first valve body element 32.
An annular spacer member 64 interposed between the mounting stud 60 and the front of the guide pipe 61 provides lateral support thereto.
In a preferred practice of the invention, the diaphragm :30 is of one-piece construction having a circular cross-section and made from a suitable elastomeric material.
It includes an inner, thicker, stiff hub section 30A
projecting into the upper chamber 34 for receiving therethrough the guide pin 38. The hub section 30A is interconnected via a thin, flexible, radially extending web or membrane section 30B to an up-standing, radially outwardly disposed, preferably cylindrical wall section 30C. The upper side of the web section 3OB is stepped in cross-section so as to provide a thinner, more flexible region nearer the hub -section 30A. The underside of the web section 30B is preferably planar, and contacts the annular gland 24 when the valve lO is in its closed -ondition. The central hole 39 is the only hole through the dlaphragm 30.
. ., - .
WOsl/17380 2 ~ ~ ? 7 ~ ~ PCT/US90/02504 ~~
The diaphragm 30 is captured and retained by a lower portion 32B of the second valve body element 32.
Specifically, as best can be seen in FIG. 1, the diaphragm 30 is disposed on the guide pin 38 and the diaphragm wall portion 30C is sealingly interfitted and squeezed for preloading between outer and inner, concentric, cylindrical, descending walls 62A, 62B of the lower portion 32B. The walls 62A, 62B
are disposed concentrically about the guide pin 38. In other words, the outer and inner walls 62A, 62B are spaced so as to receive therebetween the wall section 30C of the diaphragm 30 in compression and thereby retain the interfitted wall portion 30C by means of the resilience of its preloaded elastomeric material acting on the walls 62A, 62B.
The diaphragm 30 is clamped between the first and second valve body elements 22, 32. Specifically, the outer wall 62A
of the lower portion 32B of the second valve body element 32 is externally threaded to engage an internally threaded mating surface of the first valve body element 22. When screwed down into place, the second valve body element 32 presses the periphery of the underside of the diaphragm 30 against a transversely extending annular lip 64 formed by the first valve body element 22, thus preloading the periphery of the diaphragm 30 in compression in the axial direction. The lip 64 is radially spaced from the annular gland 24 so as to form therebetween the channels 49, adjacent ones of which separated by lands 49A. The channels 49 have an elongated cross-section in the circumferential direction.
When the valve lO is assembled, the diaphragm 30 is braced near its center by the guide pin 38 extending through the stiff hub section 3OA and braced near its periphery by the interaction of the walls 62A, 62B and wall section 30C and by the clamping action of the lower portion 32B acting on the diaphragm 30 to urge the lower circumferential ridge 30D
against the lip 64.
The positive contact of the diaphragm 30 against the gland 24 is established by resilient restoring forces in the diaphragm 30. To assure positive contact, the annular lip 64 is disposed at a slightly lower axial position with respect to -, ~ - . , : , . -, . . .
-. . . .. . .
- - ': ' - ,' . . ,' . ' ' ,. ' ~ - ~
.
. ' . ;.
- Wosl/1738~ 2 ~ ~ ~ 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 the annular gland 28 so that the diaphragm 30 is flexed about the annular gland 28 to a slight extent.
Turning now to other details of the upper valve body element 32, the walls 62A and 62B and guide pin 38 are connected by a circular, generally planar base plate 66 of the lower portion 32B. The base plate 66 has a projection 66A
along its upper surface through which the control passage 40 extends and which forms a seat on which the plunger 52 of operator 14 makes fluid impervious contact to close the control passage 40 at all times except when the operator 14 is actuated. The underside of the base plate 66 is provided with a plurality of radially extending ridges 66B depicted in FIG.
3.
`As seen in FIG. 3, the inner wall 62B has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, inwardly extending radial extensions 62C for controlling and localizing the flexure of the web section 30B to its thinner region close to the hub section 30A
of the diaphragm 30.
The upper portion 32A of the second valve body element 32 has eccentric, cylindrical spaced, outer and inner walls 67, n:68 (FIG. 2). The outer wall 67 makes fluid impervious contact . i with the valve casing 12A by suitable means such as a rubber O-ring 70 (FIG. 1). As pointed out hereinabove, the inner wall 68 is internally threaded to engage an externally threaded pilot valve casing 54 to secure the valve pilot 14 thereto. The inner wall 68 is concentrically disposed about the central passage 4 0 .
As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2, the first valve body element 22 is in the form of a stepped cylinder, i.e., it has a nT" shaped cross-section, with a tubular portion 72 defining therein the lower chamber 20 and sealingly contacting the casing 12A by means of O-ring 73 (FIG. 1), and a cup-shaped, open-topped upper portion 74 that is internally threaded to engage the second valve body element 32. The upper portion 74 includes the aforementioned lip 64 and lands 49A.
Other features of the operating valve 10 include an arrangement for preventing fluid-borne particulate matter from entering the groove 36 in the guide pin 38. If particulate - -: . . . .
,, ' , - , .: , . ,. : ,. ~, :, WO91/]7380 2 ~ ~ 2 7 3 ~ PCT/US90/0~504 - ``
matter did enter the groove 36, it could build up therein or within the control passage 40, or otherwise obstruct the fluid path through the valve body element 32. Also, the particulate matter could build up on the land 66A, preventing proper seating of the plunger tip 52A and thereby the proper closing of the operating valve 10.
To avoid these adverse circumstances, a self-cleaning filter 80 is interposed in the fluid path within and substantially across lower chamber 20 for filtering the fluid before it reaches the groove 36. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the filter 80 has an elongate pointed body with a solid, rounded point 80A directed upstream into the fluid flow, and a circular base 80B at its other end, with a ., .
mounting ring 80C projecting from the base. Preferably, mounting ring 80C is received, for example, with a press-fit within an annular groove 82 of the diaphragm 30 that preferably is provided during molding concentrically about the diaphragm central hole 39. As a consequence, the filter 80 is retained by resilient restoring forces established in response to the press-fit. The filter 80 could be insert molded into the diaphragm 30. The fluid flow being directed upwards against the filter 80 and towards the diaphragm 30, tends to reinforce the retention of the filter 80 by the diaphragm 30.
The filter 80 has a porous wall portion 84 intermediate its point 80A and base 80B that is made of a diverter vain backed by a screen material with openings sized to permit the flow of fluid therethrough to the groove 36, but to deny passage therethrough of particulate matter larger than the screen openings.
Preferably, the porous wall portion 84 of the filter 80 is of cylindrical geometry, oriented co-axially within the lower chamber 20, so that the porous wall portion 84 is parallel to fluid flow through the lower chamber 20 when the valve 10 is open. The fluid flow sweeps the external surface of the porous wall portion 84 clean of particulate build-up, rendering it self-cleaning during normal operation of the valve 10. In other words, self-cleaning is achieved due to the diverted rapid flow of fluid along the underlying, external surface of the porous wall portion 84. Furthermore, - : . - . . . .
. . . .
-. . ' ' ' ~ . ':
' ~' " " ". , WO91/17380 ~i3~ 7 3 ~ P~T/US90/02504 since the porous wall portion 84 is parallel to the flow through the lower chamber 20 when the valve lO is open, no transverse force component due to that flow exists which would tend to drive particulat~s through or wedge particulates in to clog the screen.
Valve operation will now be described with reference to FIG. 5, which shows the valve lO in its open position. To open the valve lO, the solenoid 56 is energized with a short pulse of DC current of a first polarity to electromagnetically ~draw the plunger 52 back into the housing 54 until it butts ;against the stop member 54A. In so doing, helical spring 60 is compressed between the stop member 54A and the plunger 52, urging the plunger 52 forward towards its extended position.
This bias is overcome by the solenoid 56 while the energizing pulse is being applied thereto, and afterwards by the magnetic force from magnet 58, the strength of which is proportional to the square of the distance and is greater than the linear return force from helical spring 60, thereby latching the plunger 52 in its retracted position.
,When the plunger 52 so translates, tip 52A moves off of landing 66A, thereby opening control passage 40. When the control passage 40 is opened, pressurized fluid is discharged thro~ h the control passage 40 from the upper chamber 34 to the outlet passages 42, 44, 46, and then to the outlet chamber 48 and exit port 50 (FIG. l), and finally from the valve lO
through exit pipe 51 (FIG. l).
The effect of the depletion of pressurized fluid from the upper chamber 34 is a pressure difference across the diaphragm 30, that is, the fluid pressure in the upper chamber 34 is less than the inlet fluid pressure of the lower chamber 20.
This pressure difference causes the diaphragm 30 to flex along its web section 30B in a direction away from the annular gland 24. The ensuing opening therebetween forms the primary flow passage between the lower chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 48.
The forces on the diaphragm 30 perhaps deserve further explanation. Consider the conditions while the valve lO is closed. When the diaphragm 30 is seated on the annular gland 24, high pressure inlet fluid flows from the inlet pipe 16 WO9l/1738 h ~ 7~ l PCT/US90/025Q4ç--into the inlet cavity 18 and then fills the lower chamber 20.
In filling the lower chamber 20, the fluid (and its filtered-out particulate matter) flows through the filter 80, and some then streams through groove 36 in guide pin 38 to fill the upper chamber 34. In this way, the pressures in the upper and lower chambers 34, 20 become equal, and once the pressure is equalized, net flow through the groove 36 halts because of the net downward force resulting from the surface area differential above and below the diaphragm.
Because a greater surface area of the diaphragm 30 is exposed to the fluid in the upper chamber 34 than that exposed to the fluid in the lower chamber 20 (resulting from the relative sizes of these two chambers 34, 20), when pressure is equalized, a greater force bears down on the diaphragm 30, and thus pushes the diaphragm 30 into positive and fluid impervious contact with the annular gland 24. Upon operator actuation, when the fluid in the upper chamber 34 escapes through the control passage 40, the downward directed force quickly diminishes. The rate at which this force decreases is established by the extent to which the cross-sectional opening of the control passage 40 is larger than that of the groove 36, in other words, by the relative difference in the fluid flow rates through control passage 40 and the groove 36~
When the downward force becomes less than the upward force on the diaphragm 30, the diaphragm flexes along the web section 30B, thereby inducing the hub portion 30A to travel upward along the guide pin 38. The guide pin 38 thus serves to guide and limit the location and extent of flexure of the diaphragm 30. In this way, the hub section 30A is displaced axially with respect to the clamped wall portion 30C of the diaphragm 30, with the extent of displacement limited by the axial height of the upper chamber 34 between the hub portion 30A and the ridges 66C of the base plate 66 of the second valve body element 32. The ridges 66B assure fluidic communication between the upper chamber 34A and the control passage 40 when the hub section 30A is fully displaced upwardly, by defining therebetween spaces for fluid to flow in the radial direction.
:'~
. , ............................. ~: '' ' ' - -- ~ -:
~ .
WO9l/17380 ~ 2 7 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 When the diaphragm 30 lifts away from the annular gland 24, the rush of inlet fluid passing through the lower chamber to the outlet chamber 48 cleans the exposed external surface of the filter 80 with a sweeping ac~ion. It should be noted that in forming the outlet chamber 48, the casing 12a is undercut in that chamber 48 is larger in diameter than and ex~ends outwardly beyond chamber 46. This significantly reduces turbulence and significantly increases the volume of ; flow from inlet 20 to outlet 50.
For closing the main passageway through valve 10, a second DC pulse of the opposite polarity is applied to the solenoid 56. The resulting force in combination with the bias from the compressed helical spring 60 is sufficient to overcome the latching force of the magnet 58, to displace the plunger 52 back to its extended position to close the control passage 40 of the valve pilot, thereby permitting the diaphragm chamber 34 to -ill with fluid flowing through the groove 36 from the lower chamber 20, and cause the diaphragm 30 to return to its seat on the annular gland 24 so as block the main valve passageway between the inlet and outlet . ~ . ~A . ~
cllam~ers ~ u ~ g ~s .
For assembly of the operating valve lO, the second valve body element 32 is screwed onto the first valve body element 22 after the diaphragm 30 has been installed in the lower portion 32B, and the O-rings 70, 73 have been properly positioned as described above. The operator 14 is screwed onto the upper portion 32A of the valve body element 32.
Then, the now assembled valve body elements 22, 32 are inserted into the casing 12A so that the tubular portion 72 is contiguous to the inlet space 18, and the o-rings 7û, 73 seal against the casing 12A. When the valve cap 12B is screwed down, it clamps the assembled valve body elements 22, 32 into place. In this way the operating valve 10 is assembled from relatively few component parts in a few efficient steps and in a manner which facilitates disassembly for service or repair.
FIG. 6 shows a diaphragm-type valve lûO in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. It differs from valve 10 of FIG. 1 essentially in that it represents a "low pressure~ pilot version, while valve 10 is illustrative of a : . ' ... ' ' . ' , ' : ' -,:: '' .. . .
WO91/17380 2 ~ ~ ~ J ~ ~ PCT/US90/02504~
~high pressuren pilot version. In other words, and as shown in FI~. 1, the control passage 40 of valve 10 is open to the inlet chamber 20 and experiences full line pressure even when the control passage 40 and the valve 10 are closed. ~hus, the plunger 52 must bear down on the land 66A with sufficient force to counter full line pressure, which generally is between 10 and 125 psi in a domestic water system, and assure that the valve 10 does not leak, or in the worse case, accidentally open. For this, a suitably strong return spring 60 is provided, which, after assembly of the valve 10, is normally preloaded in compression to urge the plunger 52 - against the land 66A to overcome the effects of line pressure.
Compare this arrangement with that shown in FIG. 6. In valve 100, a plunger 102 of operator 104 opens and closes a different control passage, i.e., pilot discharge passage 106, which is normally at a relatively low pressure. A
i continuously open pilot inlet passage 108 permits the flow of fluid from a diaphragm chamber 110 of the valve 100 to a variable volume pilot inlet port 112, regardless of whether the plunger 102 is extended or retracted. Thus, the fluid pressure in the pilot inlet port 112 is line pressure. Fluid from the pilot inlet port 112 flows through a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending channels 114 formed along the periphery of plunger 102, as best can be seen in FIG. 7, and fills a space 116 above the plunger 102.
Consequently, high pressure fluid is located both below and above the illustrated plunger 102, bearing against both the top and bottom, parallel, axially separated end surfaces 102A, 102B of the plunger 102. Since these end surfaces 102~, 102B
are of appreciably equal surface area, the plunger 102 experiences negligible net force in the axial direction attributable to fluid pressure. In other words, the pressure bearing against the bottom of the plunger 102 within pilot inlet port 112 is substantially counter-balanced and offset by the pressure bearing against the top of the plunger 102 in the operator space 116, so that the fluid substantially does not ùrge the plunger 102 from its seat.
Since return spring 118 does not have to overcome line pressure in order to assure sound valve operation, as was the , ,.,.~ .,.
- .i :
.~ - ' . ' ' ' , :
WO 91/17380 ~ ~ 3 r~ 7 3 1 PCT/US90/02504 case with valve 10 of FIG. 1, a weaker spring can be utilized.
Furthermore, this arrangement can be expected to be more reliable over a longer useful life because of the low pressure pilot arrangement.
FIG. 8 shows automatic kitchen faucet system 200 employing a diaphragm-type operating valve 10 in accordance with the invention. As illustrated, the automatic faucet system 200 is installed on a conventional kitchen sink 202, with components located above and below the sink 202. A
long-necked spout 204 is mounted to the rim of the sink 202 through a central opening 206 in an escutcheon 208 and extends up and over the sink 20~. Also mounted on the escutcheon 208 is a manually controlled, single actuator mixer valve 210 for mixing of hot and cold water and regulating the rate of flow.
The mixer valve 210 is mounted on one side of the escutcheon 20~, and a sprayer or spray head 212 is removably received in an open-topped cavity or holder 214 on its other side. Below the sink 202 is the operating valve 213.
Hot and cold inlet pipes 216, 218 direct hot and cold water, respectively, to the mixer valve 210 where they are combined in regulated fashion determined by the lateral location, left or right, of a single arm or handle 220 of the mixer valve 210. The mixer valve 210 controls the flow rate of water by the location, forward and aft, of the handle 220.
In other words, the mixer valve 210 mixes the water streams obtained from pipes 216, 218 in proportions and at flow rates determined by the setting of the handle 220, and discharges water at a selected temperature and flow rate. For example, when the handle 220 is in its right-most position, all cold water is discharged from the mixer valve 210, when in its left-most position, all hot water is discharged, and in the middle position, an equal mix of hot and cold water is discharged. The water temperature is continually adjustable by moving the handle 220 to any position intermediate these positions. Continuing the example, the far forward position corresponds to "shut-off," i.e., zero flow is discharged, while far aft corresponds to maximum flow rate being discharged.
; : .. .
. .
WO91/17380 ~ 2 ~ ~ 1 PCT/US90/02504 The structure and operation of a sui~able mixer valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,056,418, which is incorporated herein by reference. A mixer valve of this type is sold under the trademark DELTA~ by the Delta Faucet Company division of Masco Corporation of Indiana, U.S.A. While such valves are - known, the use of a single handle, flow controlling mixer valve for use in an automatic faucet system has not been suggested heretofore.
The discharged water from the mixer valve 210 in the illustrated automatic faucet system 200 is directed by a pipe 222 to the operating valve 10. The operating valve 10 opens in response to a solenoid energizing control signal, as described above, from logic controller C. When open, the water stream flows out through a pipe 224 passing through the rim of the sink 202 and into a spout inlet 228 disposed in the escutcheon 208.
The long-necked spout 204 is equipped with a spout-tip structure 230 located at the free or distal end of spout neck 232, and a manually actuated diverter valve 234 (typically called simply a ~diverter~) disposed at the other end of the spout neck 232 and intermediate it and the spout inlet 228.
The spout-tip structure 230 is of an unconventional design in that it includes ultrasonic sensors 240 for controlling the opening and closing of the operating valve 10, in response to the movement of an object disposed below the spout tip structure 230 and in or above the sink 200. A further description of such an automatic faucet system can be had with reference to the above referenced Patent Application entitled ~Method and Apparatus for Flow Control~ as well as the above referenced two other applications filed on even date herewith.
Of course, other sensors, i.e. infrared sensors, could be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
On the other hand, the diverter 234 is of a conventional design which, on manual actuation via depressing a lever 242 on the sprayer 212, diverts the stream from continuing up through the spout 204 and instead, directs the stream back out of the spout 204 and through an outlet 236 and hose 238 to the sprayer 212. The structure and operation of a suitable .
WO9l/17380 ~ ~?7 3 ~ PCT/US90/02504 diverter is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,577,653, which is incorporated herein by reference. A diverter of this type is commercially available from Delta Faucet Company. While such diverters and sprayers are known, their use in an automatic faucet system has not been suggested heretofore.
A by-pass valve 300 is interposed between inlet cavity 18 and outlet 50 to provide a manually actuatable means for by-passing operation of the diaphragm-type operating valve in the event of a malfunction of the automatic fluid dispensing system. The by-pass valve 300 is threadably mounted to a threaded opening in the valve casing 12A via a retaining socket 302 having external threads and a slotted head. A
valve stem 304 is axially translatable within both the socket 302 and a passageway 314 formed between wall 316 and the valve casing 12A. A slightly enlarged head 306 is formed on the outer end of the valve stem 304. A socket (not shown) may be provided in the outer end of head 3 0 6 to permit the valve stem to be threadably translated via a tool such as an Allen wrench (not shown) toward and away from outlet 50. A seal such as a washer is secured to the inner end of the valve stem 304 and closes a by-pass port 320 when the valve stem is rotatably translated into a closed positian as shown in FIG. 1 with the seal member 322 in sealinq engagement against the valve seat 324 disposed about by-pass port 320. By-pass port 320 -~ provides fluidic communication between inlet cavity 18 and outlet 50 when the by-pass valve is rotatably translated away from the position shown in FIG. 1 to an open po~ition.
Shoulder 326 in the retaining socket 302 limits the - translation of the valve stem head as the by-pass valve is rotated to the open position whereby a direct fluid communication path is provided from inlet cavity 18 through by-pass chamber 318 through by-pass port 320 into outlet 50.
A pair of axially spaced apart flanges 310, 312 are provided on valve stem 304 which are circular and configured for sliding engagement against wall 316 within passageway 314 in order to maintain proper axial orientation of the valve stem as it is translated between closed and open positions.
An O-ring seal 308 is mounted between flanges 310 and 312 for ' , . . , '' " .' ' ' . ' ' 1 , . . .
:' , ` ~ ' ', . . ' . , , ' ' ' ,, ':. ' : , . . . ' ', . " .. , . . ' '. :' ~ ' . " ", ' ~'.. ' .,'' ',' , , ' ' , ' . ~
WO91/17380 ~ 2 ~ v I PCT/US90/02504 - sealing engagement between the valve stem 304 and wall 316 in the passageway 314.
In normal operation of the diaphragm-type operating valve 10 the by-pass valve 300 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1. Should a malfunction of the diaphragm-type operating valve 10 occur, the valve stem 304 is moved to the open position by rotation of the head 306 within the retaining socket 302 and outward translation of the valve stem 304 until the head 306 abuts against shoulder 326 and thereby disengaging the seal 322 from the seat 324 and providing fluidic communication between inlet cavity 18 and outlet 50 via by-pass chamber 318 and by-pass port 320.
If desired, the by-pass valve 300 could be constructed (not shown) with the head 306 extending outwardly beyond the socket 302 with the by-pass valve in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the head 306 provided with a slot in its outer surface for insertion of a coin or tool, i.e. screwdriver, to manually actuate the by-pass valve between closed and open positions. Of course, the socket 302 could be constructed with wrench flats to facilitate assembly and disassembly.
The foregoing description has been limited to a specific embodiment of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that variations and modifications may be made to the invention, with the attainment of some or all of the - advantages of the invention. Therefore, it is the object of I the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
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Claims (27)
1. A diaphragm-type operating valve for supplying fluid to a spout of an automatic faucet system in response to an actuating signal, said valve comprising a main valve passageway, a diaphragm movable in response to fluid pressure for opening and closing said main valve passageway, a pilot arrangement for controlling the fluid pressure experienced by said diaphragm, a latchable solenoid actuated operator responsive to an actuating signal for controlling fluid flow through said pilot arrangement, and filter means for preventing particulate matter from entering said pilot arrangement while permitting particulate matter to flow through said main valve passageway.
2. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said main valve passageway includes an inlet chamber for receiving fluid under pressure and an outlet chamber separated by said diaphragm from said inlet chamber, said operator includes a movable plunger, and said pilot arrangement includes a control passage that is opened and closed by said plunger, said control passage being connected to said inlet chamber while said plunger closes said control passage.
3. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said main valve passageway includes an inlet chamber for receiving fluid under pressure and an outlet chamber separated by said diaphragm from said inlet chamber, said operator includes a movable plunger, and said pilot arrangement includes a control passage that is opened and closed by said plunger, said control passage being connected to said outlet chamber while said plunger closes said control passage.
4. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 3, wherein said pilot arrangement includes a first plunger chamber in fluidic communication with said inlet chamber; and said operator including a second plunger chamber in fluidic communication with said first plunger chamber; said plunger includes first and second, axially spaced ends respectively disposed in said first and second plunger chambers, and a plunger tip connected to said first end; said plunger is movable axially to open and close said control passage with said plunger tip.
5. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 4, wherein said operator further includes a plurality of channels connecting said first and second plunger chambers.
6. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 1, further including a housing; and first and second, threadably connected valve body elements each of integral, one-piece construction, said diaphragm being disposed between said first and second body elements.
7. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said filter means includes a cylindrical wall disposed in a portion of said main valve passageway, and having a closed downstream end and a plurality of openings in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through said portion of said main valve passageway while said main valve passageway is open.
8. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 7, wherein said filter means further includes means for connecting said filter means to said diaphragm.
9. The diaphragm-type operating valve in accordance with claim 8, wherein said diaphragm has an opening therethrough, and fluid flows from said main valve passageway, through said filter openings and into said diaphragm opening.
10. An operating valve for supplying fluid to a spout of an automatic faucet system in response to an actuating signal, said valve comprising:
A. an inlet chamber for receiving fluid;
B. an outlet chamber for discharging fluid;
C. a diaphragm disposed with respect to said inlet and outlet chambers for i. in a first position of said diaphragm, blocking fluid from flowing between said inlet and outlet chambers, and, ii. in a second position of said diaphragm, permitting fluid to flow between said inlet and outlet chambers;
D. a diaphragm chamber separated from said inlet chamber by said diaphragm;
E. a guide pin extending through said diaphragm and including flow means for permitting a preselected first rate of fluid flow through the diaphragm between said inlet and diaphragm chambers;
F. an outlet passage for receiving fluid flowing from said outlet chamber;
G. a control passage having an opening which is controlled for selectively permitting a preselected rate of fluid flow between said diaphragm chamber and said outlet passage greater than said first rate of fluid flow;
H. an operator for opening and closing said control passage in response to an actuating signal;
I. said diaphragm being movable between said first and second positions in response to a force differential across said diaphragm corresponding to the opening or closing of said control passage, such that i. when said control passage is closed, said diaphragm is in the first position and the valve is closed, and ii. when said control passage is open, said diaphragm is in the second position and the valve is open; and J. means disposed in said inlet chamber for preventing particulate matter from entering said flow means while permitting particulate matter to flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.
A. an inlet chamber for receiving fluid;
B. an outlet chamber for discharging fluid;
C. a diaphragm disposed with respect to said inlet and outlet chambers for i. in a first position of said diaphragm, blocking fluid from flowing between said inlet and outlet chambers, and, ii. in a second position of said diaphragm, permitting fluid to flow between said inlet and outlet chambers;
D. a diaphragm chamber separated from said inlet chamber by said diaphragm;
E. a guide pin extending through said diaphragm and including flow means for permitting a preselected first rate of fluid flow through the diaphragm between said inlet and diaphragm chambers;
F. an outlet passage for receiving fluid flowing from said outlet chamber;
G. a control passage having an opening which is controlled for selectively permitting a preselected rate of fluid flow between said diaphragm chamber and said outlet passage greater than said first rate of fluid flow;
H. an operator for opening and closing said control passage in response to an actuating signal;
I. said diaphragm being movable between said first and second positions in response to a force differential across said diaphragm corresponding to the opening or closing of said control passage, such that i. when said control passage is closed, said diaphragm is in the first position and the valve is closed, and ii. when said control passage is open, said diaphragm is in the second position and the valve is open; and J. means disposed in said inlet chamber for preventing particulate matter from entering said flow means while permitting particulate matter to flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.
11. The valve in accordance with claim 10, wherein said operator is a latchable, solenoid actuated operator and said actuating signal is an electrical signal.
12. The valve in accordance with claim 10, wherein said operator includes:
A. a solenoid; and B. a plunger movable in response to a first electric signal applied to said solenoid between an extended position at which said control passage is closed, and a retracted position at which said control passage is open.
A. a solenoid; and B. a plunger movable in response to a first electric signal applied to said solenoid between an extended position at which said control passage is closed, and a retracted position at which said control passage is open.
13. The valve in accordance with claim 12, wherein said operator further includes a magnetic latch for maintaining said plunger in the retracted position.
14. The valve in accordance with claim 13, wherein said operator further includes spring means for overcoming the action of said magnetic latch and returning said plunger to said extended position when a second electric signal is applied to said solenoid.
15. The valve in accordance with claim 10, wherein said preventing means comprises a filter connected across said flow means such that all fluid flowing from said inlet chamber and through said flow means passes through said filter, said filter comprising a fluid pervious wall having a plurality of openings therethrough oriented in a direction perpendicular to that of the fluid flow incident on said filter, said openings being sized to filter out selected particulate matter.
16. The valve in accordance with claim 15, wherein said filter is secured to said diaphragm.
17. A valve comprising a housing, first and second threadedly connected body elements each of integrally formed, one-piece construction and disposed in said housing, a diaphragm captured between said first and second body elements, and an operator connected to said second body element for operating said valve, said housing and first and second body elements forming an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, an outlet passage for receiving fluid flowing from said outlet chamber, a diaphragm chamber separated from said inlet chamber by said diaphragm, a control passage having an opening which is controlled for selectively permitting a preselected rate of fluid flow between said diaphragm chamber and said outlet passage, said second body element including a guide pin extending through said diaphragm and including means for permitting a preselected, lesser rate of fluid flow through the diaphragm between said inlet and diaphragm chambers, said diaphragm being disposed with respect to said inlet and outlet chambers for (i) in a first position of said diaphragm, blocking fluid from flowing between said inlet and outlet chambers, and (ii) in a second position of said diaphragm, permitting fluid to flow between said inlet and outlet chambers, said diaphragm flexing between said first and second positions in response to a force differential across said diaphragm corresponding to the opening or closing of said control passage, such that (a) when said control passage is closed, said diaphragm is in the first position and the valve is closed, and (b) when said control passage is open, said diaphragm is in the second position and the valve is open.
18. The valve in accordance with claim 17, wherein said operator is a latchable, solenoid actuated operator and said actuating signal is an electrical signal.
19. The valve in accordance with claim 17, wherein said operator includes:
A. a solenoid; and B. a plunger movable, in response to a first electric signal applied to said solenoid, between an extended position at which said control passage is closed, and a retracted position at which said control passage is open.
A. a solenoid; and B. a plunger movable, in response to a first electric signal applied to said solenoid, between an extended position at which said control passage is closed, and a retracted position at which said control passage is open.
20. The valve in accordance with claim 19, wherein said operator further includes a magnetic latch for maintaining said plunger in the retracted position.
21. The valve in accordance with claim 20, wherein said operator further includes spring means for overcoming the action of said magnetic latch and returning said plunger to said extended position when a second electric signal is applied to said solenoid.
22. The valve in accordance with claim 17, further including means disposed in said inlet chamber for preventing particulate matter from entering said flow means.
23. The valve in accordance with claim 22, wherein said preventing means comprises a filter connected across said flow means such that all fluid flowing from said inlet chamber and through said flow means passes through said filter, said filter comprising a fluid pervious wall having a plurality of openings therethrough oriented in a direction perpendicular to that of the fluid flow incident on said filter, said openings being sized to filter out selected particulate matter.
24. The valve in accordance with claim 23, wherein said filter is secured to said diaphragm.
25. An operating valve for supplying fluid to a spout of an automatic faucet system in response to an actuating signal, said valve comprising:
A. means forming an inlet chamber;
B. means forming an outlet chamber;
C. flexible diaphragm means for, in a first position, fluidicly separating said inlet and outlet chambers, and in a second position, permitting fluidic communication between said inlet and outlet chambers, said diaphragm means including a central hole, said inlet chamber maintaining fluid pressure of fluid disposed therein bearing against a first surface area of said diaphragm means;
D. a valve structure including i. means forming a diaphragm chamber for maintaining fluid pressure of fluid disposed therein bearing against a second surface area of said diaphragm means, said second surface area being larger than said first surface area;
ii. a guide pin receivable within said central hole for guiding movement of said diaphragm between said first and second positions, and including means for channeling fluid from said inlet chamber to said diaphragm chamber, the movement of said diaphragm means cleaning said channeling means of particulate material disposed therein;
iii. means forming an outlet passage in fluidic communication with said outlet chamber; and iv. means forming a control passage, the opening or closing of said control passage being controllable so as to fluidicly connect said diaphragm chamber with said outlet passage;
E. said diaphragm means being movable between said first and second positions, and vice versa, in response to a force differential across said diaphragm means corresponding to the ratio of the first and second surface areas; and F. an operator for opening and closing said control passage in response to an actuating signal, such that i. when said control passage is closed, fluid flows from said inlet chamber, through said channeling means and into said diaphragm chamber so as to equalize the fluid pressure in said inlet and diaphragm chambers to thereby cause said diaphragm means to be in its first position, whereby the valve is closed, and no fluid is supplied to the spout, and ii. when said control passage is opened, fluid flows from said diaphragm chamber, through said control passage and into said outlet passage at a flow rate that is larger than that of the fluid passing through the channeling means, so as to reduce the pressure in said diaphragm chamber sufficiently to thereby cause said diaphragm means to be in its second position, whereby the valve is opened, and fluid flows to the spout; and G. means disposed in said inlet chamber for preventing particulate matter from entering said channeling means while permitting particulate matter to flow from said inlet chamber to said outlet chamber.
A. means forming an inlet chamber;
B. means forming an outlet chamber;
C. flexible diaphragm means for, in a first position, fluidicly separating said inlet and outlet chambers, and in a second position, permitting fluidic communication between said inlet and outlet chambers, said diaphragm means including a central hole, said inlet chamber maintaining fluid pressure of fluid disposed therein bearing against a first surface area of said diaphragm means;
D. a valve structure including i. means forming a diaphragm chamber for maintaining fluid pressure of fluid disposed therein bearing against a second surface area of said diaphragm means, said second surface area being larger than said first surface area;
ii. a guide pin receivable within said central hole for guiding movement of said diaphragm between said first and second positions, and including means for channeling fluid from said inlet chamber to said diaphragm chamber, the movement of said diaphragm means cleaning said channeling means of particulate material disposed therein;
iii. means forming an outlet passage in fluidic communication with said outlet chamber; and iv. means forming a control passage, the opening or closing of said control passage being controllable so as to fluidicly connect said diaphragm chamber with said outlet passage;
E. said diaphragm means being movable between said first and second positions, and vice versa, in response to a force differential across said diaphragm means corresponding to the ratio of the first and second surface areas; and F. an operator for opening and closing said control passage in response to an actuating signal, such that i. when said control passage is closed, fluid flows from said inlet chamber, through said channeling means and into said diaphragm chamber so as to equalize the fluid pressure in said inlet and diaphragm chambers to thereby cause said diaphragm means to be in its first position, whereby the valve is closed, and no fluid is supplied to the spout, and ii. when said control passage is opened, fluid flows from said diaphragm chamber, through said control passage and into said outlet passage at a flow rate that is larger than that of the fluid passing through the channeling means, so as to reduce the pressure in said diaphragm chamber sufficiently to thereby cause said diaphragm means to be in its second position, whereby the valve is opened, and fluid flows to the spout; and G. means disposed in said inlet chamber for preventing particulate matter from entering said channeling means while permitting particulate matter to flow from said inlet chamber to said outlet chamber.
26. The valve in accordance with claim 25, wherein said central hole is the only hole through said diaphragm means.
27. The valve in accordance with claim 25, further including a manually actuated by-pass valve interposed between said outlet chamber and said inlet chamber to provide fluidic communication therebetween upon manual actuation of said by-pass valve.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2062731 CA2062731A1 (en) | 1990-05-04 | 1990-05-04 | Diaphragm-type operative valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2062731 CA2062731A1 (en) | 1990-05-04 | 1990-05-04 | Diaphragm-type operative valve |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2062731A1 true CA2062731A1 (en) | 1991-11-05 |
Family
ID=4149420
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2062731 Abandoned CA2062731A1 (en) | 1990-05-04 | 1990-05-04 | Diaphragm-type operative valve |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2062731A1 (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-05-04 CA CA 2062731 patent/CA2062731A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |