GB1560617A - Float controlled valve systems - Google Patents

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO FLOAT CONTROLLED VALVE SYSTEMS (71)I, Cyril Oswin Wood, a British Subject, of 21, Dukes Way, Poolbrook, Malvern, Worcestershire, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to float controlled valve systems.

The conventional ball valve has a floatoperated arm that actuates a plunger to close off a small aperture at the apex of a "cone" in the liquid delivery conduit. Generally this works well, but it is prone to leakage when the plunger does not seat properly, or when pressure is higher than usual. There is only limited mechanical force available from the float in order to ensure good seating. Also, if a replacement or repair is necessary to the valve, it can be awkard to get at inside the cistern or tank.

It is an object of this invention to provide a ball valve system with more certain closure, and to make access to the principal working parts easier.

According to the present invention there is provided a float controlled valve system comprising a tubular fitting for insertion through and securing in an aperture in a tank or cistern to provide a passage therethrough, a float-operated arm and a switch mounted on the fitting internally of the tank or cistern, the switch being actuable by said arm, a solenoid valve securable to the fitting externally of the tank or cistern, and an electrical connection between the switch and the valve whereby the valve is caused to open when liquid falls below a predetermined level in said tank or cistern.

As the solenoid is energised when the liquid level falls, power is only necessary when make-up liquid is required. If there is electrical power failure, the valve remains closed.

Conveniently, the switch is a micro-switch mounted inside the chamber well above said level. A member attached to, or integral with, the arm co-operates with it in pressbutton manner. A finger that makes the actual contact with the switch may be adjustable in length, for example by a screw-threaded arrangement, whereby the predetermined level can be set to a desired level within limits. This is much more satisfactory than the conventional mechanical ball valve where the level is generally set by the crude expedient of bending the arm to adjust the maximum float height.

It can be arranged that the valve opens at a lower liquid level than that at which it closes, to ensure positive action.

For a better understanding of the invention one constructional form will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the acompanying drawing in which the single figure is a diagrammatic side elevation of a float-controlled valve system.

The system is installed on a tank or cistern 1, and has a pivoted arm 2 with a float 3 at its free end. The pivot is on a lug 4 at a bend where water entry pipe 5 turns down into the tank 1 to terminate well below the maximum predetermined water level 6.

The water supply is from a pipe 7, through a solenoid valve 8 and a tubular fitting 9, to the pipe 5. The fitting 9 has a plate 10 which stands up against the inside of the tank wall and is equipped with a micro-switch 11 with which a finger 12 co-operates. The finger 12 is screw-threaded into the end of a branch 13 of the arm 2 and has a lock-nut 14. The amount of extension of the finger 12 from the branch 13 can be adjusted so that the actuation of the microswitch can occur at a desired height of the float 3, within limits.

Conveniently, the tubular fitting 9 is of plastics material, and in this can be embedded leads 15 to the microswitch 11, emerg ing outside the tank 1 and thence to the solenoid valve 8. Leads to a power supply are indicated at 16.

The solenoid valve is in a short length detachable from pipe 7 and fitting 9 by union nuts 17 so that it can be removed for servicing or replacement quite easily without entering the tank 1. It incorporates a filter indicated in outline at 18.

In operation, when the liquid level falls, the arm 2 swings down releasing the finger 12 from the microswitch 11, which is thus closed to energise and thereby open the solenoid valve 8. As the water rises the finger 12 re-approaches the micro-switch and when contact is made, at level 6, the micro-switch is opened, the solenoid valve 8 is de-energised and the water supply is cut off.

There could be an electrical delay between the opening of the micro-switch and the de-energising of the solenoid valve. This would ensure that water in the tank continues to rise for a short while, increasing the upward force on the float and hence making for a more positive engagement of the micro-switch to hold it open. Alternatively there could be delay before closure of the micro-switch as the float begins to fall.

This too would eliminate any tendency for the valve to 'hunt' between open and closed conditions.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A float controlled valve system comprising a tubular fitting for insertion through and securing in an aperture in a tank or cistern to provide a passage there-through, a float-operated arm and a switch mounted on the fitting internally of the tank or cistern, the switch being actuable by said arm, a solenoid valve securable to the fitting externally of the tank or cistern, and an electrical connection between the switch and the valve whereby the valve is caused to open when liquid falls below a predetermined level in said tank or cistern.

2. A valve system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical connection is led through said tubular fitting.

3. A valve system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the arm carries an adjustable element which co-operates with said switch, whereby said predetermined level can be varied within limits.

4. A valve system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein means are provided for causing the opening of said valve to occur at a lower level than its closure generated by rise of liquid in said chamber.

5. A float controlled valve system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. ing outside the tank 1 and thence to the solenoid valve 8. Leads to a power supply are indicated at 16. The solenoid valve is in a short length detachable from pipe 7 and fitting 9 by union nuts 17 so that it can be removed for servicing or replacement quite easily without entering the tank 1. It incorporates a filter indicated in outline at 18. In operation, when the liquid level falls, the arm 2 swings down releasing the finger 12 from the microswitch 11, which is thus closed to energise and thereby open the solenoid valve 8. As the water rises the finger 12 re-approaches the micro-switch and when contact is made, at level 6, the micro-switch is opened, the solenoid valve 8 is de-energised and the water supply is cut off. There could be an electrical delay between the opening of the micro-switch and the de-energising of the solenoid valve. This would ensure that water in the tank continues to rise for a short while, increasing the upward force on the float and hence making for a more positive engagement of the micro-switch to hold it open. Alternatively there could be delay before closure of the micro-switch as the float begins to fall. This too would eliminate any tendency for the valve to 'hunt' between open and closed conditions. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A float controlled valve system comprising a tubular fitting for insertion through and securing in an aperture in a tank or cistern to provide a passage there-through, a float-operated arm and a switch mounted on the fitting internally of the tank or cistern, the switch being actuable by said arm, a solenoid valve securable to the fitting externally of the tank or cistern, and an electrical connection between the switch and the valve whereby the valve is caused to open when liquid falls below a predetermined level in said tank or cistern.

2. A valve system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical connection is led through said tubular fitting.

3. A valve system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the arm carries an adjustable element which co-operates with said switch, whereby said predetermined level can be varied within limits.

4. A valve system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein means are provided for causing the opening of said valve to occur at a lower level than its closure generated by rise of liquid in said chamber.

5. A float controlled valve system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.