GB2162287A - Valve actuated by electro-magnets - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve includes a valve seat 2 and a valve head 4 which is moveable relative to the seat, to open and close the valve, by means of electro-magnets 12, 14 provided one at each of two opposing sides of a magnetic member 11 associated with the valve head 4. On a current being passed through the electro-magnets, the magnetic member and associated valve head are caused to move to open the valve, and on a reverse current being applied the magnetic member and associated valve head are caused to move to close the valve. In the Fig. 1 embodiment the magnetic member 11 is carried by a pivoted lever 8 engaged in a slot 7 of a stem 5 of the valve head, but in an alternative construction the magnetic member is on the stem, with the electro-magnets to opposite sides thereof surrounding the stem. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Valve arrangement This invention relates to a valve arrangement and in particular to a valve arrangement which is capable of opening and closing a valve in a straight forward and efficient manner, by the use of electro magnets. Valves using electric current, such as for example solenoid valves are well known and have been used for many years. However, these have not always been totally successful in use, and have often required the use of large amounts of power. It has also been found with such arrangements that on the cessation of current or power useage, the valves cease to operate, this being inefficient in so far as valve operation is concerned.

In addition, the valves used up until this time have not always employed a positive and straight forward opening and closing moment, such as is required in a "pulsing" valve as might be associated with the milking industry, or such as is required to ensure a positive opening and closing of a valve.

It is an object of this invention to provide a straight forward and efficient valve which at least goes some way towards overcoming the problems associated with valves (and in particular solenoid valves), used up until this time.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a generally straight forward and efficient valve arrangement which provides the public and industry with a useful choice.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve arrangement including a valve seat and valve head operable relative to said valve seat, so as to open and close said valve; at least one magnetic member being associated with said valve head; at least one electro-magnet being pro- vided at each of at least two opposing sides of said magnetic member; the arrangement being such that on a current being passed through said electro-magnets, the magnetic member and associated valve head are caused to move away from said valve seat so as to open the valve; on a reverse current being passed through said electro-magnets, said magnetic member and associated valve head are caused to move towards and against, said valve seat, so as to close said valve.

According to a further aspect of this invention, there is provided a valve arrangement including a housing having at least one valve seat and at least one valve head; the valve head being adapted for movement away from and towards said valve seat, so as to open and close said valve, the valve head being formed as at least part of, or being attached to, an elongate valve stem, said valve stem being mounted for substantially co-axial movement towards and away from said valve seat; an elongate slot being provided in the valve stem and being spaced apart from the valve head; an elongate lever being mounted within the housing, such that one end thereof engages within the slot in the valve stem, while the other end thereof extends away from the valve stem; said other end being formed or provided with at least one magnetic member; at least two electro-magnets being provided, at least one at or adjacent each opposing side of said magnetic member; the arrangement being such that on a current being passed through said electro-magnets, the magnetic member moves the elongate lever arm towards a first electro-magnet, this in turn moving the valve stem away from the valve seat; application of a reverse current causing the magnetic member and lever to move away from the first electro-magnet and towards the adjacent a second electro-magnet, this moving the elongate stem and valve head against the valve seat, so as to close the valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded side view of a valve arrangement according to one form of the invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded side view of a valve arrangement according to a further form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE FERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a value, which is associated with and operated by electro-magnets and the application of electrical currents. The invention has particularly (although not sole) advantage over electrically operated solenoid valves, in that it provides a positive opening and closing moment, as well as the ability to permit the valve to remain open or closed on the cessation of current and/or power useage.

The invention is seen as having a large number of uses, such as might be associated with the milking industry, or for example valving controlling the flow of any liquid or fluid. In one form of the invention it is envisaged that the valve will have particular application to the milking industry, for example where it is required to have "pulsing" valve which is continuously opening and closing.

Alternatively, the invention can be used as an "air valve". These are all by way of example only.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

The valve has a housing 1 being constructed of an appropriate material such as for example piastic and the like. This is however by way of example only.

The housing 1 includes a valve seat 2 which surrounds a valve opening 3 for the passage of any appropriate matter.

A valve head 4 is provided and is adapted for movement towards and away from the valve seat 2, so as to close and open the valve as required.

In the preferred form of the invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the valve head 4 is formed as a lower part of an elongate valve stem 5. This is however by way of example only. The valve head 4 can be integrally formed as a head portion of the stem 5 or alternatively can be a separate integer attached to the elongate stem 5.

The elongate stem 5 is mounted in suitable bearings and journals 6 so as to allow an axial movement of the stem 5 towards and away from the valve seat 2, in an axis corresponding substantially to the longitudinal axis of the stem 5.

The stem 5 is preferably provided with engaging means in the form of a slot 7 passing therethrough, into which a suitable lever 8 can be engaged. This will be described further hereinafter.

While in the preferred form of the invention the slot 7 is larger in area than the butt end 8a of the lever 8, this is by way of example only, and the slot 7 can be provided with any appropriate engaging means, so that the butt end 8a of the lever 8 (to be described hereinafter) can be engaged therewith. Alternatively, the butt end 8a of the lever can be engaged to the exterior of the stem 5.

In the preferred form of the invention as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the stem 5 is provided with the transverse slot 7 which is larger in area than the butt end 8a of the lever 8. The advantages of this will be described hereinafter.

The present invention provides the elongate lever 8 which has the butt end 8a and an end 8b spaced apart from the stem. Preferably, the lever 8 or at least a part of the lever is pivotally mounted such as shown at 10 in the accompanying drawing, such that in one form of the invention it pivots about an axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stem 5.

The other end 8b of the lever or alternatively a portion of a lever attached thereto, then extends outwardly in to the side 10 of the housing 1 as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

At or adjacent the other end 8b of the lever 8 there is provided a magnetic member 11 which can be formed as an integral part of the lever 8 or alternatively can be suitably attached thereto in any appropriate manner.

Spaced apart on opposing sides of the said magnetic member 11, are electro-magnets 12, 14, which preferably include a core 1 5 such as an iron core, surrounded by an appropriate winding 1 6. The electro-magnets are connected to an appropriate source of current.

These are attached to, or mounted within, the side 10 of the housing 1 in any appropriate manner.

Referring further to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, in one form of the invention the outer end 5a of the stem 5 can be subject to spring bias, by a spring 1 7 being located within a spring housing, so as to normally urge the stem 5 and valve head 4 downwardly and against the valve seat 2, so that the valve 3 is closed. This is however not an essential feature of the invention.

The electro-magnets 1 2 and 14 are so arranged that they are on an opposing side of the magnetic member 11 or portion of the lever 8, so that on a current being applied to the electro-magnets 1 2 and 14, the magnetic member 11 attached to the lever 8 will be attracted by one electro-magnet and repulsed by the other, to thus move the magnetic member 11 and the lever 8 (and thus the stem 5 attached thereto).

It will be appreciated from the accompanying drawings, that on the application of current to the electro-magnets 1 2 and 14 and on the movement of the magnetic member 11 and the lever 8, the lever 8 will act on the elongate stem 5, to move the stem axially within its bearings or journals, so that the valve head 4 is moved away from, or towards, the valve seat 2.

The use of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Thus, in the form shown in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, it should be appreciated that the magnetic member 11 is a permanent magnet, so that whether or not a current is passing through the electro-magnets 1 2 and 14, orientation of the electro-magnets 1 2 and 1 4 relative to the magnetic member 11 is such that on cessation of current and in the absence of power, the magnetic member 11 will lock to the adjacent core 1 5 of the electro magnet (12,14).

Thus, on the cessation of power the magnetic member 11 of the lever 8, by normal magnetic attraction, connects to the adjacent core 1 5 of the electro-magnets 12, 14 to thus hold the valve stem 5 and head 4 away from or against the valve seat 2. For example in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, the valve head 4 is being held away from the valve seat 2.

On the application of current to the electromagnets 1 2 and 14 the coils are preferably powered simultaneously in order to avoid, as far as possible, a progressive magnetisation of the coil of the electro-magnets and thus a progressive drop in efficiency. It is found therefore, that it is particularly advantageous to power or apply current to both electromagnets 1 2 and 14 substantially simultane ously.

Referring again therefore to Fig. 1 of the drawings, current is applied to the electromagnets 1 2 and 1 4 so that the end "A" of the upper electro-magnet 1 2 becomes a south pole, while the face or end "B" of the magnetic member 11 is a north pole. The face or end "C" of the permanent magnet 11 is a south pole and the application of current through the lower electro magnet 14 (simultaneously with the application of current to the upper electro magnet 12), creates a south pole at the face or end "D" of the lower electro magnet 14.In that the face or end "D" of the lower electro magnet 14 and the face or end "C" of the permanent magnet 11 are thus like poles, there will be an immediate repulsion by the electro-magnet 1 4 which will move or push the magnetic member 11 and the lever 8 attached thereto, away from the lower electro magnet 14. In turn there will be an attraction between the upper electro magnet 1 2 (and the end "A" thereof which is a south pole) and the end "B" of the permanent magnet 11 of the lever 8.

Application of such a current, simultaneous to both electro-magnets therefore causes the lower electro-magnet to repulse the magnetic member 11 and the lever 8 while the upper electro-magnet 1 2 will attract and draw towards it, the magnetic member 11 and lever 8.

Thus, in use, on the magnetic member 11 and lever 8 being drawn upwardly towards the electro-magnet 12, the butt end 8a of the lever will move downwardly, this (together with the upper spring 1 7 if being used) will move the stem 5 and valve head 4 downwardly against the valve seat 2 to close the valve 3. The valve 3 will remain in this closed condition during the application of that particular current, and/or on the cessation of current, by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the upper electro-magnetic core 1 5 and the permanent magnet of the magnetic member 11.

When it is desired to open the valve again, a reverse current (reverse that is to the current applied to close the valve), is applied simultaneously to the electro-magnets 1 2 and 1 4.

Thus, a reverse reaction takes place. The application of the reverse current causes the end or face "A" of the upper electro-magnet 1 2 to create a north pole, while the upper face or end "D" of the lower electro-magnet is a north pole also. The end or face "A" of the upper electro-magnet 1 2 therefore repulses the end or face "B" of the magnetic member 11 and forces it away towards the lower electro-magnet 1 4 where the upper end or face "D" of the lower electro-magnet 14 (being a "north pole" due to the current reversal) attracts the lower face of end "C" of the permanent magnet 11, which is a south pole.

If it is desired to have a pulsing action, this action and the current can be alternated to provide such a pulsing and an opening and closing action.

The slot 7 in the stem 5, into which the butt end 8a of the lever 8 is placed, or located, allows for relatively free movement of the butt end 8a of the lever 8 within the slot 7. Thus, on magnetic attraction taking place between the magnetic member 11 and one of the electro-magnets 12, 14 to thus move the valve stem 5 and head 4 into an opened or closed position, the butt end 8a of the lever 8 is able to have an initial movement or inertia applied thereto within the slot 7, prior to coming into contact with a portion of the body of the stem 5 to thus move the stem 5 towards or away from the valve seat 4. This then provides for a more positive movement in the opening and/or closing of a valve.

Reference is now made by way of example only to Fig. 2 of the drawings, which shows an alternative form of the invention. In this form of the invention a valve seat 20 is provided in conjunction with a valve stem 21 which has a valve head 22 at one end thereof. The valve stem 21 and head 22 are adapted so that they can move axially away from and towards the valve seat 20.

The valve stem 21 which is elongate in formation is adapted to move axially within suitable guides and journals, so as to be capable of moving towards and away from the valve seat 20. If desired, a housing can be provided at one end of the valve stem, such as to house a spring 25 which will normally urge the valve stem into a position in which it will abutt against the valve seat so as to close the valve.

A magnetic member 26 such as for example a permanent magnet can be provided substantially medially of the stem. This can be connected to the exterior of the stem 21 or alternatively can be a band, an insert, or flanges extending outwardly from the sides of the stem. Other forms of magnetic members or connections can be used.

Electro magnetic members 27 and 28 can be provided on each opposing side of the magnetic member 26 and can include a core 29 and an appropriate winding 30 therearound. Suitable power supplies can be connected to the electro-magnets.

PReferably, the cores of the electro-magnets are provided with appropriate holes or bores passing therethrough, so that the valve stem is capable of passing therethrough, the electro-magnets 27 and 28 being connected at each end of the valve housing 31 or being suitably located in position in some other appropriate manner.

The arrangement of Fig. 2 operates in substantially the same manner as the arrangement described with reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings. Thus, on a current being applied to the electro-magnets 27 and 28 simultaneously, the electro magnets 27 and 28 will be energised such that for example the upper electro-magnet 27 will attract the magnetic member 26 while the lower electro-magnet 28 will repulse the magnetic member 26.

This will then move the stem 21 upwardly away from the valve seat 20 so that the valve head 22 at the end of the valve stem 21 moves away from the valve seat 20 and opens the valve. On the cessation of current, the normal magnetic attraction between the magnetic member 26 and the core 29 of the electro-magnets 27 will retain the stem in the same position, (as at the cessation of current) thus maintaining the vlave in an open position. On the application of a reverse current, the upper electro-magnet 27 will repulse the magnetic member 26 while the lower electromagnet 28 will attract the magnetic member 26 this moving the stem 21 and the valve head 22 downwardly into position against the valve seat 20, in which position the valve is closed. Such a downward or closing movement can also be assisted by the upper spring 25, if so desired.

It should be appreciated that the present invention has been described by way of example only and that improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope or spirit thereof, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A valve arrangement including a valve seat and a valve head operable relative to said valve seat, so as to open and close said valve; at least one magnetic member being associated with said valve head; at least one electro magnet being provided at each of at least two opposing sides of said magnetic member; the arrangement being such that on a current being passed through said electro-magnets, the magnetic member and the associated valve head are caused to move away from said valve seat so as to open the valve; on a reverse current being passed through said electro-magnets, said magnetic member and associated valve head are caused to move towards, so as to close against said valve seat.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein current is applied to the electro-mag nets simultaneously.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the valve head is con nected to or formed with, an elongate valve stem, so mounted as to move towards and away from the valve seat in an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said stem.

4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one magnetic member is provided or formed on the elongate stem; at least one electro-magnet being located at each side of said magnetic member being spaced apart therefrom; the electro-magnets being formed so as to permit the elongate stem to move axially relative thereto.

5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the valve head is formed with or as an elongate stem; said stem being mounted for movement towards and away from the valve seat, in an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said stem; an elongate lever being engaged with said stem and extending outwardly at an angle therefrom; a spaced apart end of said lever being formed or provided with a magnetic member; at least one electro-magnet being provided on opposing sides of said magnetic member, adjacent said spaced apart end of said lever.

6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis substnatially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stem, such that on current being applied to said electro-magnets, the magnetic member is caused to move therebetween, this causing the lever to impart an axial moment to the valve stem, to thus move the valve head away from and/or towards said valve seat.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein an elongate slot is provided in the valve stem; a butt end of the lever being engaged or housed therewith in; the slot being of a greater area than the butt end of said lever, such that the butt end of said lever is able to move substantially freely within said slot.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a spring is provided in association with said valve stem, the spring normally urging the valve stem into position in which the valve head is closed against the valve seat.

9. A valve arrangement including a housing having at least one valve seat and at least one valve head; the valve head being adapted for movement away from and towards said valve seat, so as to open and close said valve; the valve head being formed as at least part of an elongate valve stem, mounted for substantially axial movement towards and away from said valve seat; an elongate slot being provided in the valve stem and being spaced apart from the valve head; an elongate lever being mounted within the housing, such that one end thereof engages within the slot in the valve stem, while the other end thereof extends away from the valve stem; said other end being formed or provided with at least one magnetic member; at least two electromagnets being provided, at least one at or adjacent each opposing side of said magnetic member; the arrangement being such that on current being passed through said electro magnets the magnetic member moves the elongate lever arm towards a first electro magnet, this in turn moving the valve stem axially and away from the valve seat; applica tion of a reverse current causing the magnetic member and lever to move axially away from the first electro-magnet to a position against or adjacent a second electro-magnet, this returning the elongate stem and valve head axially and against the valve seat, so as to close the valve.

1 0. An arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the currents are applied simultaneously to the electro-magnets.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electro-magnets are formed with an iron core with winding extending thereabout.

12. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electro-magnets are so formed, that on cessation of current and in the absence of power useage, said magnetic member will attract to and hold against an adjacent electro-magnet against which it is engaged at the time of said cessation of current and power useage.

1 3. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1, with reference to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

1 4. A valve arrangement as claimed in claim 1, with reference to Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.