GB996454A - Improvements in or relating to mixing faucet - Google Patents

Abstract

996,454. Valves. J. E. MEAGLER. July 5, 1962, No. 25838/62. Heading F2V. A mixing tap comprises a spherical closure member 40, Fig. 2, having inlet passages 66, 68, for controlling flow of hot and cold water from supply passages 24, 26 and an outlet passage 70. The ball is moved about two perpendicular axes by a rod 42, connected to a handle 44 having a spherical portion 48 co-operating with a cap 50 of the housing. The rod 42 passes through an opening 65, Fig. 3, the shape of which determines the registry of the inlets 66, 68 with the inlet passages 24, 26. The passages 24, 26 converge towards the valve seat at an angle less than that between the passages 66, 68 in the ball and these latter passages are smaller in diameter than the inlet flow passages. When the rod 42 is in the position shown in full lines, both inlet passages are closed and when in position 42o both inlets are fully open. In moving the rod from position 42h or 42c towards 42o, one inlet is gradually opened prior to reaching position 42o. The inlet passages are provided with spring-loaded sealing members 34 which are also subjected to the inlet pressure to maintain sealing contact with the ball. The upper portion of the ball is sealed by an annular ring 60, the clamping of which is adjustable by a ring 52. The outlet passage 70 registers with passages in the valve body which lead to an annular space 16 between the body and cylindrical member 10 carrying an outlet spout. The member 10 is rotatable through 360 degrees. In a modification, Fig. 9, a second outlet 100 is provided to which a hose 102 is connected, the end of the hose carrying a stop valve. A diverter valve 104 controls the flow to the outlet 14 or 100. This valve comprises a first valve closure 120 and a resilient non-return valve closure 128 of larger diameter than a port 118 such that fluid-pressure in the space between the closures would cause the valve member 120 to seat. When the ball is operated and fluid flows through the passage 72, the closure 128 is deformed to allow flow to the hose. If the valve and the end of the hose is open, the valve member 120 remains seated. If the valve at the end of the hose is closed, the back pressure reaches the pressure in passage 72, thus equalizing the forces on the closure 128 whereby the fluid pressure in the passage 72 opens the valve member 120 to allow flow to the outlet 14. A ball valve 130 having a seat 132 is provided between the passage 72 and annular space 16 to prevent back syphoning.