GB2573820A

GB2573820A - A Fluid Valve Assembly For A Toilet Cistern

Info

Publication number: GB2573820A
Application number: GB1808147.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Craig Andrew
Original assignee: Fluidmaster GB Ltd
Current assignee: Fluidmaster GB Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-18
Filing date: 2018-05-18
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-18
Also published as: GB201808147D0; GB2573820B

Abstract

The adjustable height fill valve 14 has a vertical support tube 8 with an inlet end and outlet end, a valve assembly having an inlet 28, valve 18 and outlet 20, wherein the inlet of the valve is connected to the outlet of the support tube via adjustable connection means for adjusting the height of the valve assembly relative to the support tube, the connection means including locking means for fixing the adjusted position. The support tube may telescopically slide within connector tube 94. Circumferential ribs 102 may engage with locking teeth 106 over a range of positions. The locking means may be a locking collar (110, Figs. 3-6) to hold the teeth against the ribs in a selected location. The top of the tube 8 may include circumferential grooves 98 containing o-rings 100 to seal the inlet passage. The height of the entire fill assembly including float can be adjusted to adjust the fill level of the cistern.

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid valve assembly and in particular a height adjustable fill valve assembly for a toilet cistern.

A toilet cistern includes a fill valve arranged to supply water to fill the toilet cistern. Typically, the fill valve is connected to the domestic water supply. The fill valve assembly includes an inlet pipe and a valve assembly for controlling the flow of water to the fill valve outlet. The fill valve assembly also includes a float and a valve actuator for controlling the water height within the cistern. The valve actuator controls operation of the valve, and is connected to the float such that the valve actuator closes the valve at a predetermined water height. The valve actuator may include an adjustment mechanism for fine alteration of the shut off height at which the actuator closes the valve. However, the water is predominantly determined by the height at which the valve assembly is mounted within the cistern.

Fill valve assemblies may be side mounted or bottom mounted. The fill valve is supported in use by the inlet pipe to which it is connected. The inlet pipe is therefore also referred to as the support pipe. Side mounted fill valve assemblies include an inlet pipe that enters the cistern through the side wall. The height of the fill valve assembly is determined by the height at which the inlet pipe enters the cistern, and the same fill valve arrangement may be used for any cistern volume simply varying the side entry height. Bottom entry fill valve assemblies include inlet pipes that enter vertically through the base of the cistern. The fill valve is mounted to the upper end of the inlet pipe at a fixed height. Therefore, fill valve assemblies of varying inlet pipe lengths must be provided to accommodate cisterns of vary fill heights.

UK regulations also require an air gap between the outlet of the fill valve and the water level within the cistern that must not be less than 20mm or twice the internal diameter of the inlet pipe whichever is the greater. In addition, the water must not discharge from the valve at more than 15° from the vertical centerline of the water stream. A Type AG air gap is typically achieved in toilet cistern by locating the outlet of the fill valve at a fixed spaced location above the water level. Water discharges from the fill valve outlet and falls into the body of water within the cistern. While this solution addresses the Type AG air gap requirements, it is deemed to be undesirable due to the noise generated by the water as it falls into the cistern from the fill valve. The extent to which noise can be minimized by reducing the height of the fill valve outlet is limited by the minimum regulatory height.

It is known to utilize fill tubes within a toilet cistern to minimize noise. A fill tube is connected to the fill valve outlet and water from the fill valve discharges directly into the fill tube. The fill tube extends downwardly into the body of water in the cistern, and is a gap is defined between the bottom of the fill tube and the base of the cistern through which the water empties into the cistern from the fill tube. Although the water level within the fill tube is the same as the cistern water level, the discharge noise from the fill valve is attenuated by the fill tube. However, as the fill tube is connected to the fill valve, the water within the valve is capable of being siphoned back into the fill valve. Therefore, cisterns employing such fill tube arrangements do not comply with current regulations.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved fluid valve assembly which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally.

According to the present invention there is provided a fluid valve assembly as described in the accompanying claims. According to the present invention there is also provided a toilet cistern assembly as described in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a fill valve assembly for a toilet cistern. The fill valve assembly comprises a support tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being configured for connection to a fluid supply. A valve assembly is provided comprising an inlet, a valve and an outlet. A connector tube fluidly connects the inlet of the valve to the outlet end of the support tube. The support tube is arranged substantially vertically in use, and the connector tube is vertically adjustable relative to the support tube to vary the height of the valve assembly. The support tube is mounted to the base of the toilet cistern in use, and as such, vertically adjusting the height of the connector tube relative to the support tube varies the height of the valve assembly within the cistern and consequently varies the water height within the cistern.

The fill valve assembly may further comprise locking means for locking the vertical position of the connector tube relative to the support tube. The locking means fixes the vertical position of the connector tube and the fill valve once this has been selected and prevents it being accidentally moved in use.

The locking means may comprise a first locking element provided on the connector tube that engages with a corresponding second locking element on the support tube to axially fix the connector tube in position relative to the support tube and a locking member movable between a locked position in which the first and second locking element are in locking engagement and the locking member prevents release of the first and second locking elements from said locking engagement, and an unlocked position in which the first and second locking elements may be released from locking engagement to allow vertical adjustment of the connector tube relative to the support tube.

The locking member is a preferably a locking collar or sleeve arranged about one of the connector tube and the support tube. Preferably the locking collar extends at least partially around circumference of the connector tube.

The support tube may be slidingly received within the connector tube and the connector tube axially slides over the support tube in a telescopic manner to vertically adjust the connector tube relative to the support tube. Alternatively the connector tube may be slidingly received with the support tube.

The first locking element is preferably located on the inner surface of the connector tube and the second locking element is located on the outer surface of the support tube, and the locking collar is slidingly arranged about the connector tube.

The connector tube preferably has a longitudinal axis and the first locking element of the connector tube is axially located at a locking region at the lower end of the connector tube and includes at least one axially extending expansion channel arranged to enable the locking region to splay radially outwards to enable the first locking element to move axially over the second locking element. The term splay is used to mean any radial expansion of the connector tube. The expansion channel is any slot or gap formed in the connector tube wall that enables portions of the tube to separate. The connector tube is formed of a resilient material and is able to spring back to its original form when the splaying force is removed. The locking collar is arranged such that in the locked position it radially restrains the locking region of the connector tube to prevent it splaying radially outwards. Preferably the locking collar has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the connector tube.

The second locking element preferably comprises a plurality of protrusions on the outer surface of the support tube defining a plurality of locking positions. The term protrusion is used to mean any region that has an increased diameter relative to the axially adjacent regions. A protrusion may include regions having a diameter equal to or less than the main diameter of the tube providing the regions axially adjacent the protrusions have a smaller diameter. For example a series of grooves may be formed in the surface and the regions between the grooves may be considered as protrusions. Preferably the protrusions have a greater diameter than the main diameter of the tube from which they extend.

The first locking element may comprise one or more locking teeth arranged to engage with the protrusions of the support tube to prevent axial movement of the connector tube when the locking collar is in the locked position, the locking teeth being configured and arranged to axially slide over the protrusions of the support tube when the locking collar is in the unlocked position.

A fill valve assembly according to claim 9 wherein the protrusions of the support tube comprise circumferentially extending ribs and the locking teeth comprise axially spaced circumferentially extending protrusions configured and arranged to locate axially either side of the ribs to create a mechanical interlock.

A fill valve assembly according to claim 10 wherein the locking teeth are located proximate the lower end of the connector tube.

A fill valve assembly according to claim 11 wherein the locking collar comprises a substantially cylindrical body having an annular reinforced region at its lower end arranged such that in the locked position the reinforced region is axially aligned with the locking teeth of the connector tube.

A fill valve assembly according to claim according to any preceding claim further comprising a sealing member arranged to provide a seal between the connector tube and the support tube.

A fill valve assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 13 wherein the connector tube includes at least one inwardly extending locking member that is radially movable between a locked configuration and a release configuration and the support tube includes a stop element arranged proximate its upper end arranged to engage with the locking member when it is in the locked configuration to prevent the connector tube from being removed from the support tube.

A fill valve assembly according to claim 14 wherein the locking collar is arranged to depress the locking member radially inwards and prevent the locking tab from moving to the release position in both the locked and unlocked positions, and wherein the locking collar is movable to a release position in which the locking member is able to move to the release configuration.

A fill valve assembly according to claim 15 wherein the locking collar includes a release tab which in a first configuration prevents the locking collar from moving to the release position and in a second configuration allows axial movement of the locking collar to the release position.

The fill valve assembly may comprise a stop element and release element that in a first configuration engages with the stop element to prevent disconnection of the connector tube and the support tube and in a second release configuration allows the connector tube to be disconnected from the support tube. This prevents accidental release of the connector tube and support tube in use.

The locking collar is preferably movable between a locked position in which it prevents vertical adjustment of the connector tube and the support tube, and an unlocked position in which connector tube is vertically adjustable relative to the support tube, the locking collar being arranged such that in the locked and unlocked positions it prevents the release element from moving to the second release configuration, and wherein the locking collar is movable to a release position in which the release element is movable to the second release configuration.

The stop element is preferably provided on the support tube and the release element is provided on the connector tube.

The release element is preferably a movable catch and locking collar is arranged to depress the catch in the locked and locked positions. The term catch is used to mean any element that is movable into engagement with the stop element to provide a mechanical locking arrangement.

The locking collar preferably includes a collar release element which in a first configuration prevents the locking collar from moving to the release position and in a second configuration allows axial movement of the locking collar to the release position.

The release element is a movable tab, catch or any other suitable locking member and the assembly further includes a collar stop element that engages with the tab when the tab is in the first configuration to prevent the locking collar from moving to the release position.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross section view of a toilet cistern including a fluid valve assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 is shows an outlet assembly of a fill valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a toilet cistern assembly 1 comprises a cistern 2 having side walls 4 and a base 6 forming a liquid containing tank. A bottom entry support pipe 8 extends vertically through the base 6 of the cistern 2, which is connected to the domestic water supply. The support pipe 8 is the inlet pipe for cistern, and has a threaded outer surface 10 at its lower end that extends through an aperture 7 in the base 6. Locking nuts 12 are provided on the threaded support pipe8 on opposing sides of the base 6. A first locking nut 12a is located on the external side of the cistern base 6, and a second locking nut 12b is located on the internal side of the base 6. The locking nuts 12 are tightened in opposing axial directions to clamp against the side wall 2 and secure the support pipe8 to the base 6 such that it extends vertically into the cistern 2.

A fill valve assembly 14 is connected to the support pipe 8. The support pipe 8 holds and supports the fill valve assembly 14 in position within the cistern 2. The fill valve assembly 14 comprises a valve 16 for controlling the flow of water from the support pipe 8 into the cistern 2. The fill valve assembly 14 further includes a valve actuator 18 for controlling the valve 16, and an outlet 20 from which water flows in to the cistern 2. The fill valve assembly 14 further includes a float shroud 22 and a filling tube 24.

As shown in Figure 2, the valve 16 comprises a housing 26 having an inlet 28 in fluid connection with the support pipe8. The housing 26 includes a main body 30 and a cap 32. The main body 30 includes a connector pipe 34 having the inlet 28 at its lower end. A diaphragm seal is located at the upper end of the connector pipe 34. An outlet connector 44 is located downstream of the connector pipe 34 on the opposing side of the diaphragm seal 40. The diaphragm 40 includes a sealing portion 46 that is configured and arranged to seat against the upper edge 48 of the connector pipe 34 to close the connector pipe 34 and prevent fluid flow therethrough.

The float shroud 22 comprises an elongate hollow chamber having side walls 48 and a base 50. The chamber is open at its upper end 52. An aperture 54 is provided in the base 50 of the shroud 48 to allow fluid to enter the chamber of the float shroud 22. As such the interior of the float shroud 22 is in fluid communication with the body of water in the cistern 2 and the water level within the flout shroud 22 reaches an equilibrium with the water level in the tank. A float 56 is housed within the float shroud 22. The float 56 and the float shroud 22 are configured such that the float 56 is received within the float shroud 22 with a close sliding fit. The float 56 is configured to slide axially in the vertical direction within the float shroud 22, with the side walls 48 of the float shroud 22 acting as a guide for the float 56. Alternatively, the float may be suspended directly in the body of water of the cistern, without a float shroud. In this alternative embodiment the float is connected directly to the threaded valve actuator, and threaded adjustment of the float up and down the actuator varies the water height in the cistern.

The float 56 is connected to the vertical push rod 58 which forms part of the valve actuating assembly 18. The float 56 is formed of a moulded plastic and includes a threaded channel or a channel including at least a threaded portion that is integrally moulded into a side edge of the float 56. The channel receives the threaded push rod 58 and the threaded engagement between the threaded portion of the channel and the push rod 58 fixes the float 56 to the push rod 58. Rotation of the threaded push rod 58 relative to the float 56 enables the height of the float 56 along the length of the push rod 58 to be adjusted, to vary the height at which the float causes the push rod 58 to close the valve 14, an hence vary the full flush volume of the cistern.

At its upper end the push rod 58 is connected to a linkage 60. The linkage 60 is arranged such that upwards movement of the push rod 58 causes an actuating portion of the linkage 60 to pivot downwardly. This causes the sealing portion 46 of the diaphragm 44 to move into sealing engagement with the upper end of the connector pipe 34, which closes the connector pipe 34 and prevents flow to the outlet 20. Conversely, movement of the push rod 58 in the downward direction pulls the linkage 60 downwards and causes the diaphragm 44 to move out of sealing engagement with the connector pipe 34 and allows flow to the outlet 20. The outlet connector 44 connects the connector pipe 34 to the outlet 20. The outlet 20 is substantially cylindrical and includes an inner chamber 64 and an outer chamber 66. The inner chamber 64 and outer chamber 66 are concentric with the outer chamber 66 being arranged radially outwards of the inner chamber 64. The outer chamber 66 defines a fluid channel having an inlet at its lower end and an outlet at its upper end. The channel defined by the outer chamber 66 is configured such that it extends around the inner chamber 64 in a coiled or spiral arrangement. The inner chamber 64 includes a cylindrical wall 68 forming a channel that is open at the upper and lower ends. The outer chamber 66 has an inner wall defined by the wall 68 of the inner chamber 64. The outer chamber 66 also includes an outer wall 70 that is radially spaced from the inner wall 68 with the chamber 66 being defined by the space between the inner wall 68 and outer wall 70. The outer wall 70 extends to a greater axial height than the inner wall 68 such that the upper edge of the outer wall 70 is located above the upper edge of the inner wall 68. The outer chamber 66 also includes a base 72 that connects the outer wall 70 to the inner wall 68. The outlet connector 40 connects to the outer chamber 66 at the lowest point of the outer chamber 66, which is approximately level with the base of the inner chamber 64.

The filling tube 24 is located beneath the outlet assembly 20. The fill tube 24 is arranged to catch free-falling water expelled from the outlet assembly 20, as indicated by arrow C, and carry the water down into the lower end of the cistern 2, reducing noise and splash back. The filling tube 24 includes an elongate cylindrical body 80 that extends through the float shroud 22. The filling tube 24 includes a radially stepped mouth section 82 at its upper end that is wider than the main cylindrical body 80. A tapered section 84 in the form of a truncated cone connects the mouth portion 82 and the lower main body 80 and provides a funneled transition between the two sections avoiding a stepped shelf that would lead to splash back from within the filling tube 24. The filling tube 24 is open at its upper and lower ends.

The upper edge 86 of the filling tube 24 defines the opening to the filling tube 24 and is vertically spaced from the lower edge 88 of the outlet assembly 20 at which is located the outlet aperture 89, so that the outlet aperture of the outlet 20 is spaced from in the inlet aperture 87 of the filling tube 24. Specifically, the upper edge 86 of the filling tube 24 is spaced from the lower edge 86 of the inner chamber 64 of the outlet assembly 20 which defines the fill nozzle. The outlet assembly 20 and filling tube 24 both include longitudinal axes extending along their lengths. The filling tube 24 and outlet 20 are preferably arranged such that they are axially aligned, meaning that the longitudinal axis of the filling tube 24 is aligned and coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the inner chamber 64 of the outlet assembly 20. This ensures that the stream of water falling from the outlet assembly 20 is also axially aligned with the filling tube 24 as such flows directly into the filling tube 24. While it is not essential that the two elements are precisely axially aligned, the closer the alignment the more likely it is that the stream of water from the outlet 20 will fall directly into the filling tube 24 without contacting the walls, thereby reducing noise and splash back from the filling tube.

The upper edge 86 of the filling tube 24, at which is located the inlet aperture 87 of the filling tube 24, is spaced from the lower edge 88 of the outlet 20, at which is located the outlet aperture 89, by a distance A which defines the air gap between the two components. The outlet aperture 89 at the lower edge of the outlet 20 is spaced from the surface of the water by a distance B. The clear, visible and unobstructed air gap A ensures that if a siphoning effect is generated in the inlet pipe, air is drawn into the outlet assembly 20 through the air gap A. This prevents a vacuum from being created between the outlet assembly 20 and the filling tube 24 that would draw water from within the filling tube 24 into the outlet assembly 20 with the potential consequence of contaminated water entering the domestic plumbing system. The air gap A is selected to define a safe gap A across which it is not possible to draw water from the tank. In one embodiment the air gap A is at least 5mm, preferably more than 10mm and yet more preferably at least 20mm. In another embodiment the air gap is at least 25mm.

The fill tube 24 is integrally formed as part of the float shroud 22 and extends vertically through the float shroud 22. The cylindrical channel 80 of the fill tube 24 defines an inner wall of the float shroud 22 and is connected at its base to the annular base 92 of the float shroud 22. The float 56 includes a main body 84 having an outer side wall 86, an upper wall 88 and an inner wall 90. The float 56 is open at its base. The inner wall 90 of the float 56 defines a central channel extending axially through the float 56 that is open at both ends. The central channel 90 is configured to receive the fill tube 24 and to locate the float 56 around the fill tube 24.

The main central tube body 80 of the filling tube 24 extends through the central channel 90 of the float 56 such that the float is located radially outwards of the tube body 80, extending around the circumference thereof with a substantially toroidal form. The tube body 192 therefore acts as a guide for the float 156 which slides up and down about the central tube 192 within the float shroud 122.

The outlet assembly 20, float shroud 22 and filling tube 24 form part of the fill valve assembly. Both the outlet assembly 20 and filling tube 24 are connected as part of the fill valve assembly such that they are fixed in position relative to each other. This enables the air gap A to be fixed during manufacture and hence avoids the need for an installer to have to set the air gap during installation. As well as simplifying installation, the fixed air gap A ensures that the fill valve assembly is compliant with regulations regardless of the standard of installation. The fill valve assembly is preferably manufactured as a prefabricated and preassembled component that requires little or no assembly on site.

It is necessary to be able to vary the height of the fill vale assembly 14 within the cistern 2 to vary the height of the water level within the cistern 2. Different sized cisterns having different volumes will require different water levels to function properly. The water level is determined by the uppermost height of the float, and therefore in order to vary the water height the fill valve assembly must be adjustable in height to vary the uppermost height of the float 56. For side entry fill valve assemblies the height of the fill valve assembly is determined by the height at which the inlet pipe enters the cistern, and this can be set during manufacture depending on the cistern and fill height required. However, for bottom entry fill valve assemblies the inlet pipe enters the cistern through the base and the height of the float is determined by the position at which it is secured along the inlet pipe. In arrangements of the prior art, while minor adjustment of the water height can be achieved using an adjustment screw, the height of the float is substantially fixed. As such, fill valve assemblies of varying lengths must be manufactured to accommodate cisterns of varying volumes.

To address this problem, the fill valve assembly 14 is connected to the support tube 8 such that the vertical position of the fill valve assembly 14 along the length of the support tube 8, and hence the height of the fill valve assembly 14 relative to the base 6 of the cistern 2, can be adjusted while the fill valve assembly 14 remains in open fluid connection with the support tube 8. The fill valve assembly 14 includes a connector tube 94 extending vertically downwards from the fill valve assembly 14. The connector tube 94 connects to the float shroud 22 and fill tube 24, and also to the housing 30 of the fill valve 16. As such, the position of the outlet 20 and fill tube 24 are fixed by virtue of their connection via the connector tube 94. The connector tube 94 has an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the upper end 96 of the support tube 8. In this way the connector tube 94 is configured to slidingly receive the upper end 96 of the support tube 8. The upper end 96 of the support tube 8 includes a pair of parallel circumferential grooves formed in the outer surface of the support tube 8 proximate the distal end. O-ring seals 100 are located in the circumferential grooves 98. The o-ring seals provide a seal between the inner surface 101 of the connector tube 94 and the outer surface 105 of the support tube 8 that prevents fluid from flowing out of the lower end of the connector tube 94 between the connector tube 94 and the support tube 8. The o-ring seals 100 maintain the seal between the support tube 8 and connector tube 94 as the support tube 8 slides within the connector tube 94. The length of the support tube 8, and the position of the o-rings along the support tube 8 is selected such the o-rings 100, and hence the seal between the support tube 8 and the connector tube 94, is above the filled water level within the tank.

The support tube 8 includes a series of circumferential annular ribs or protrusions 102 arranged along a locking section 103 of the support tube 8 that is axially spaced from the distal end of the support tube 8. The ribs 102 extend radially outwards from the outer surface of the support tube 8 and are axially and regularly spaced from each other along the length of the locking section 103 of the support tube 8. The ribs 102 are interspaced by a series of recesses 104. The inner surface 101 of the connector tube 94 comprises a pair of annular, axially spaced protrusions forming locking teeth 106. The locking teeth 106 are arranged proximate the lower end of the connector tube 94 at its opening. A recess 108 is defined between the locking teeth 106 that is sized and configured to receive the ribs 102 of the support tube 8.

As shown in Figure 3, the connector tube 94 includes a plurality of expansion channels or slots

108 formed at its lower end. The expansion channels 108 extend axially and each has an opening

109 at the lower edge 111 of the connector tube 94. The expansion channels 108 allows the lower end of the connector tube 108 to radially expand or splay outwardly. The expansion channels 108 extend upwardly from the lower edge of the connector tube 94 and terminate ata position axially spaced above the locking teeth 106. The expansion channels 108 extend through the locking teeth 106 creating a circumferential break; the locking teeth 106 extend circumferentially around the inner surface 101 of the connector tube but do not extend across the gaps defined by the expansion channels 108. The presence of the expansion channels 108 allows the lower end of the connector tube 94 to radially expand to enable the locking teeth 106 to travel over the ribs 102 of the support tube 8. This enables the connector tube 94 to be axially moved relative to the support tube 8. The locking teeth 106 have tapered leading and trailing edges in the axial direction to allow them to slide over the ribs 102. The ribs 102 also include tapered leading and trailing edges. The uppermost edge of each rib 102, which defines the leading edge,

The o-ring seals 100 ensure that the seal between the connector tube 94 and support tube 9 is maintained during axially adjustment. The ribs 102 define series of axial locking positions. In each locking position the locking teeth 106 resiliently flex back to their original radial position and locate either side of the rib 102 corresponding to the locking position and locate within the recesses 103 axially either side of the rib 102. In this configuration, the connector tube 94 may be further axially adjusted by applying a force in either axial direction.

A locking collar 110 is provided to axially lock the connector tube 94 in the selected locking position. The locking collar 110 is substantially cylindrical and is provided around the connector tube 94. Preferably, the body 112 of the locking collar 110 is integrally moulded with the float shroud 22, and connects the float shroud 22 to the connector tube 94. The locking collar 110 has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the connector tube 94 and is configured such the connector tube 94 and locking collar 110 are able to slide relative to each other. The locking collar 110 has a locking ring 112 at its lower end defined by a region of increased wall thickness. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the locking collar may be separate from the float shroud, and as described above in certain embodiments the float could be provided without a float shroud.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 4 the locking collar 110 is in the locked position. The locking collar 110 has been moved to its lowermost axial position at the lower end 111 of the connector tube 94. The connector tube 94 includes a flange portion 114 at the lower end 111 that creates a stop to define the lower limit of the locking collar 110. In the locked position the locking ring 112 of the locking collar 110 is axially aligned with the locking teeth 106 of the connector tube 94. The inner diameter of the locking collar 110 corresponds to the normal, unexpanded diameter of the connector tube 94. When located about the lower end of the connector tube 106 in the locking position the locking collar 110 radially restricts the connector tube 106 and prevents the lower end of the connector tube 106 from radially expanding. As described above, the expansion of the connector tube 106 enables the locking teeth 106 to splay outwardly and move axially over the locking ribs 102. The locking collar 110 therefore locks the connector tube 94 with the locking teeth 106 located in position about the corresponding locking rib 102 by preventing the locking teeth 106 from being able to move axially over the locking ribs 102, creating a mechanical interlock between the locking teeth 106 and the locking rib 102 that holds the connector tube 94 in the selected locking position. The increased thickness of the locking ring section 112 strengthens the locking collar 110 at the region of maximum radial stress. In this way as the connector tube. A low profile rib 114 is provided on the outer surface of the connector tube 94 at a position in which it is axially substantially level with the upper edge of the locking ring 112 in the locked position. The rib 114 provides a mechanical feedback as the locking ring 112 passes over the rib 112 that indicates to the user that the lower locking position has been reached.

During assembly the connector tube 94 is inserted over the support tube 106 to the required axial locking position. The locking collar 110 is then moved to the locking position to lock the connector tube in position and fix the height of the fill valve assembly 114. As the float shroud 22 and fill tube 24 are integral with the locking collar, the locking position also corresponds to the lowermost positon of the fill tube 24 and the stop member 114 therefore also sets the air gap between the outlet 20 and the fill tube 24 by fixing the axially spacing between the outlet 20 and the fill tube 24. The air gap is therefore easily, consistently and accurately set during installation.

The height of the fill valve assembly 14 may be adjusted by moving the locking collar to the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 5. The locking collar 110 is moved axially upwards away from the lower end 111 of the connector tube 94 to the unlocked position in which the locking ring 112 is axially spaced above the locking teeth 106. A lug 116 is located on the connector tube 94 immediately beneath the valve 16. An upper flange section 118 projects radially outwards from the upper end of the locking collar 110 that may be gripped by the user to pull the locking collar upwards. The flange 118 includes a movable release tab 120. In the uppermost position the tab 120 engages the lug 116 which acts as a stop member to limit upward movement of the locking collar along the connector tube 94. Once the locking ring 112 has moved axially above the locking teeth 106 the connector tube 94 is once again able to axially expand and the height of the connector tube adjusted.

Following installation of the fill valve assembly, the mains water is connected and the support tube 8 and connector tube 94 fill with water at mains pressure. It is therefore important that the connector tube 94 does not become disconnected from the support tube 8 once the main supply has been turned on, and this would result in water spraying from the supply tube. The connector tube 94 is therefore provided with locking tabs 124 to prevent accidental removal of the connector tube 106 from the support tube 8. The locking tabs 124 are located above the locking teeth 106 on opposing sides of the connector tube 94 and are pivotable and radially movable relative to the main body of the connector tube 94. The support tube 8 has a guide channels 126 formed on opposing sides of its outer surface within which the locking tabs 124 are received. The guide channels terminate a short distance from the upper end of the support tube 8. The locking tabs are axially restrained by the locking collar 110 which holds the locking tabs in an inwardly depressed state in which they are received within the channels 126 of the support tube 8. If the user attempts to pull the connector tube 94 past an upper most position the locking tabs 124 engage with the upper ends of the channels 126 to prevent further retraction. In this position, the locking ring 112 prevents release of the locking tabs 124 and the locking collar cannot be moved past the locking tabs due to the engagement of the release tab 120 with the lug 116.

The release tab 120 is pivotable relative to the locking collar body and may be pivoted outwardly to a release position. In the release position the release tab 120 is able to move axially past the lug 116 allowing further axial travel of the locking collar 110. This additional travel is sufficient to allow the locking ring 112 to move past the locking tabs 124 allowing them to retract and release from the channels 126. In use, once the user is certain that removal of the connector tube 94 and fill valve assembly 114 is required, the mains water is turned off and the locking collar 110 is pulled upwardly to the unlocked position. The connector tube may then be pulled upwardly until the locking tabs 124 engage the upper ends of the channels 126 and further movement is not possible. The user may then pull the release tab 120 outwardly allows the locking ring 112 to release the locking tabs 124, and the connector tube 94 may then be fully removed from the supply tube 8.

It will be appreciated that the terms protrusions, grooves, recesses, teeth, tabs and slots are used to define structures that enable engagement, and these terms are used generically throughout 5 to define a first structure that engages, couples, and/or interlocks with at least a second structure. Moreover, the term 'engagement' is contemplated broadly to mean two or more structures being engaged, coupled, and/or interlocked via a friction mechanism.

Claims

1. An adjustable fill valve assembly for a toilet cistern, the fill valve assembly comprising:

a support tube arranged substantially vertically in use having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end being configured for connection to a fluid supply;

a valve assembly comprising an inlet, a valve and an outlet; and a connector tube fluidly connecting the inlet of the valve to the outlet end of the support tube and vertically adjustable relative to the support tube to vary the height of the valve assembly, and locking means for locking the vertical position of the connector tube relative to the support tube including.

2. A fill valve assembly according further including a float operatively connected to the valve assembly to in use close the valve when the fluid level reaches a predetermined level, and wherein the locking means includes an engagement portion configured to be engaged by a user to operate the locking means, and the engagement portion is arranged such that in use it is located above said predetermined fluid level.

3. A fill valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking member is a locking collar arranged about one of the connector tube and the support tube.

4. A fill valve assembly according to claim 3 wherein at least a portion of the locking collar is arranged such that in use it is located above said predetermined fluid level to define the engagement portion.

5. A fill valve assembly according to claim 4 wherein the locking collar includes a radially projecting member having a lower surface configured and arranged for a user to apply an upwards lifting force thereto to operate the locking member, the radially projecting member defining said engagement element.

6. A fill valve assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises a first locking element provided on the connector tube that engages with a corresponding second locking element on the support tube to axially fix the connector tube in position relative to the support tube and a locking member movable between a locked position in which the first and second locking element are in locking engagement and the locking member prevents release of the first and second locking elements from said locking engagement, and an unlocked position in which the first and second locking elements may be released from locking engagement to allow vertical adjustment of the connector tube relative to the support tube.

7. A fill valve assembly according to claim 4 wherein the support tube is slidingly received within the connector tube and the connector tube axially slides over the support tube to vertically adjust the connector tube relative to the support tube

8. A fill valve assembly according to claim 5 wherein the first locking element is located on the inner surface of the connector tube and the second locking element is located on the outer surface of the support tube, and the locking collar is arranged about the connector tube.

9. A fill valve assembly according to claim 6 wherein the connector tube has a longitudinal axis and the first locking element of the connector tube is axially located at a locking region at the lower end of the connector tube and includes at least one axially extending expansion channel arranged to enable the locking region to splay radially outwards to enable the first locking element to move axially over the second locking element, and the locking collar is arranged such that in the locked position it radially restrains the locking region of the connector tube to prevent it splaying radially outwards.

10. A fill valve assembly according to claim 7 wherein the second locking element comprises a plurality of protrusions on the outer surface of the support tube defining a plurality of locking positions.

11. A fill valve assembly according to claim 8 wherein the first locking element comprises one or more locking teeth arranged to engage with the protrusions of the support tube to prevent axial movement of the connector tube when the locking collar is in the locked position, the locking teeth being configured and arranged to axially slide over the protrusions of the support tube when the locking collar is in the unlocked position.

12. A fill valve assembly according to claim 9 wherein the protrusions of the support tube comprise circumferentially extending ribs and the locking teeth comprise axially spaced circumferentially extending protrusions configured and arranged to locate axially either side of the ribs to create a mechanical interlock.

13. A fill valve assembly according to claim 10 wherein the locking teeth are located proximate the lower end of the connector tube.

14. A fill valve assembly according to claim 11 wherein the locking collar comprises a substantially cylindrical body having an annular reinforced region at its lower end arranged such that in the locked position the reinforced region is axially aligned with the locking teeth of the connector tube.

15. A fill valve assembly according to claim according to any preceding claim further comprising a sealing member arranged to provide a seal between the connector tube and the support tube.

16. A fill valve assembly according to claim 3 further comprising a stop element and release element that in a first configuration engages with the stop element to prevent disconnection of the connector tube and the support tube and in a second release configuration allows the connector tube to be disconnected from the support tube.

17. A fill valve assembly according to claim 16 wherein the locking collar is movable between a locked position in which it prevents vertical adjustment of the connector tube and the support tube, and an unlocked position in which connector tube is vertically adjustable relative to the support tube, the locking collar being arranged such that in the locked and unlocked positions it prevents the release element from moving to the second release configuration, and wherein the locking collar is movable to a release position in which the release element is movable to the second release configuration.

18. A fill valve assembly according to claim 17 wherein the stop element is provided on the support tube and the release element is provided on the connector tube.

19. A fill valve assembly according to claim 18 wherein the release element is a movable catch and locking collar is arranged to depress the catch in the locked and locked positions.

20. A fill valve assembly according to claim 19 wherein the locking collar includes a collar release element which in a first configuration prevents the locking collar from moving to the release position and in a second configuration allows axial movement of the locking collar to the release position.

21. A fill valve assembly according to claim 20 wherein the release element is a movable tab and the assembly further includes a collar stop element that engages with the tab when the tab is in the first configuration to prevent the locking collar from moving to the release position.