JP2002523714A - Float valve assembly for water purification system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An improved float valve assembly having an over-center switch mechanism (49, 74, 104, 108, 110) and a secondary float mechanism (44, 48, 76, 78, 80) with a manual reset button (98).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to water purification systems of the type that include a purification element or module that produces relatively pure water stored in a reservoir so that it can be dispensed at a convenient time, such as by a water supply valve. Regarding system improvement. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical float valve assembly that controls the flow of water into a water purification element or module in response to a water level in a reservoir.

[0002] Water purification systems of the type comprising one or more water purification elements or modules in the form of filters and / or reverse osmosis units produce relatively pure water used for drinking or cooking purposes and the like. It is generally well known in the art. For example, such water purification systems generally include a reverse osmosis filter or membrane that, in the presence of appropriate flow and pressure conditions, purifies incoming tap water or feedwater with relatively pure water. Water or waste water. In particular, reverse osmosis membranes remove particulate matter and a wide range of dissolved solids and other contaminants from a portion of tap water and dispose of these contaminants in waste water for disposal through appropriate drains. It works to concentrate (this is often called brine). Water purification is usually
It is collected for storage in a water reservoir and can be dispensed at any time via a water supply valve or the like according to demand.

[0003] One possible drawback with reverse osmosis water purification systems is that at least a portion of the incoming tap water is inevitably wasted as concentrated brine flows to the drain facility. This disposal of a portion of the incoming tap water is generally within acceptable limits during normal system operation for producing purified water during filling of the reservoir. However,
When the reservoir is full or substantially full, it is customary for water to flow at least to some extent continuously through the reverse osmosis membrane to the drain, in which case water wasted during this state The amounts are substantial and undesirable.

Conventionally, reverse osmosis water purification systems have been designed to have a tap water inflow control valve responsive to reservoir filling to reduce excessive water waste. Specifically, the water purification system was developed with a shut-off valve responsive to the pressure in the pressurized reservoir to stop tap water from flowing into the system when the reservoir is full. . See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,952. Another type of water purification system in which the reservoir is not pressurized has a float-operated solenoid valve responsive to filling in the reservoir to stop tap water from entering when the reservoir is substantially full. . However, such an electric solenoid device is
Includes conductive metal elements that are relatively costly and cause malfunctions or failures due to corrosion that can result in overflow of the sump.

[0005] The present invention is an improved, relatively cost-effective and reliable mechanical type used to control the inflow of tap water to a water purification system in response to the water level in a water reservoir. The present invention relates to a float valve assembly. The improved float valve assembly of the present invention has overcenter switch means for effecting a substantially snap-action full closure of the tap water inflow control valve in response to rising water levels in the reservoir.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an improved float valve set for controlling the flow of water into a water purification system, eg, a water purification system having a reverse osmosis module, in response to a water level in a water reservoir. A solid is provided. The float valve assembly has a valve unit with a housing that constitutes a flow path from a tap water supply or the like to the reverse osmosis module, and a pair of primary and secondary valves are connected in series along this flow path. Is provided. The primary valve and the secondary valve are respectively operated by a primary float and a secondary float provided in the water reservoir so as to be vertically displaceable in response to rising and falling of the water level in the water reservoir. The primary valve provides a major on / off (intermittent) adjustment of the flow of water into the water purification module to the water purification module, and an over-center for securely and substantially closing the snap action of the primary valve when the reservoir is full. A switch is provided. The secondary valve performs an auxiliary shutoff function in the event that the primary valve malfunctions.

In a preferred form, the flow path extends vertically through the housing of the valve unit, and the primary and secondary valves are arranged along the flow path such that the primary valve is vertically below the secondary valve. Is provided. In this geometry, the primary valve is actuated by an associated primary float that makes a normal on / off adjustment of the flow of water into the water purification module with the secondary valve in the open position. Should the primary valve malfunction, the water level in the reservoir would rise at least slightly above the upper limit that would otherwise be sufficient to close the primary valve, and then the secondary float would The secondary valve is displaced to the closed position in response to the rise of the pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the valve seat associated with the secondary valve is dimensioned to respond to tap water pressure and leave the secondary valve in the closed position during a subsequent fall in the reservoir water level. And a manually operated reset button for manually opening the secondary valve.

[0008] The primary and secondary valves consist of a pair of banjo-type valves associated with respective valve seats. Each banjo valve has a central valve disc or head connected by a radial arm to an annular seal ring, which fits coaxially along a flow path through the valve unit. The associated float is a floating float member provided at the outboard end of the float arm, the float arm having an inboard end extending through the annular seal ring and the associated radial arm to the valve head. ing. When the water level in the sump rises sufficiently to lift the floating float member and move the associated float arm in a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to the valve unit housing, the inboard end of the float arm is moved to the associated inboard end. Carry the valve head to the closed position. Conversely, when the water level in the reservoir falls and the floating float member descends so that the associated float arm extends obliquely outward and downward from the valve unit housing, the inboard end of the float arm is attached to the associated valve head. Is pivoted enough to move it to the open position.

An over-center switch associated with the primary valve is, in a preferred form, from a magnetic switch unit including a first magnet supported by an associated float arm and at least one second magnet mounted on the valve unit housing. Become. The first and second magnets are arranged in a horizontal and relatively closely spaced relationship with the same poles pointing toward each other such that a magnetic repulsion is applied to the second magnet in the valve unit housing. To prevent the magnets of the float arm from being displaced upward to an on-center position where the magnets are horizontally aligned. However, continuous filling of the reservoir with the primary valve in the open position will eventually result in a sufficient upward force being applied to the float arm via the float, thereby substantially closing the primary valve. Due to the snap action, the magnet of the float arm is displaced upward and in an over-center relationship with respect to the second magnet. The upward displacement of the float arm by snapping is made possible by attaching the associated floating float to the float arm with at least some movement in the vertical direction. Thereafter, by dispensing water from the reservoir, the water level drops, resulting in a downward displacement of the floating float, and finally a sufficient downward force is exerted on the float arm, causing the magnet of the float arm to snap. The action moves downward in an over-center relationship, thereby reopening the primary valve and restarting the production of purified water.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The accompanying drawings describe the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in the exemplary drawings, a water purification system, generally indicated at 10, includes a water purification element or module, or a filtration element or module, such as an exemplary reverse osmosis (RO).
) Having an improved float valve assembly 12 for controlling the flow of water into the module 14; The float valve assembly 12 is provided in a water reservoir 16, and relatively pure water 18 obtained by the reverse osmosis module 14 is collected and stored in the water reservoir 16. It can be used at any time by dispensing it through such as. The float valve assembly 12 has a pair of float-actuated valves (not shown in FIG. 1) that adjust the flow of water into the water purification system on and off (intermittently) in response to the water level in the water reservoir 16. I have. In addition, an over-center switch (also not shown in FIG. 1) is provided which provides a secure and substantially snap-close closure of the primary float operated valve when the water level in the reservoir rises to a full state. .

The water purification system 10 is specifically designed for residential and other household applications to provide a source of ready-to-use relatively pure water 18 obtained from, for example, ordinary tap water. As is known in the art, the water purification system 10 converts incoming tap water into relatively pure water, substantially free of contaminants, and wastewater, enriched in contaminants or impurities. It utilizes filtration and / or reverse osmosis principles to convert to two effluents of wastewater. The obtained purified water is usually supplied to the purified water conduit 22.
From the reverse osmosis module 14 to a reservoir 16, whereas wastewater or wastewater typically flows from the reverse osmosis module to a suitable drain through a drain conduit 24. Wastewater or wastewater is often referred to as brine. The water supply 20 is normally connected to the water purification line 2 via a dispense line 26.
2 or directly connected to the water reservoir 16. A water purification pipe 2 discharged from the reverse osmosis module 14
Additional filter elements (not shown) may be provided to further filter the clean water going to 2. An example of this type of reverse osmosis water purification system is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,045.
197, and the contents of such U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference.

In the exemplary water purification system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the reservoir 16 is not pressurized,
The purified water 18 obtained at substantially atmospheric pressure is received and stored. In this regard, the flow conduit 26 coupled to the reservoir 16 is arranged to dispense purified water 18 via the dispensing conduit 26 to the water supply 20 by gravity.

The float valve assembly 12 of the present invention is provided in the upper portion of the reservoir 16 to control the flow of tap water into the reverse osmosis module 14 in response to the water level in the reservoir in a float operated manner. ing. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the float valve assembly 12 comprises as major components a reverse osmosis module 14 with an inlet fitting 30 and a supply line 34 connected to a tap water source by an inlet line 31. Unit 2 in the form of a multi-part housing with an outlet fitting 32 coupled to the
Eight. When the water level in the reservoir is relatively low and substantially unfilled, the float valve assembly 12 allows water to flow into the reverse osmosis module 14, thus producing and storing purified water. The filling of the container 16 can be continued. However, when the water level in the sump reaches a full or substantially full state, the float valve assembly 12 blocks the flow of water into the water purification system, thereby reducing the potential for wasted water. If eliminated, but not shut off, water would flow through the reverse osmosis module 14 to the drain, causing waste. Thereafter, when the water level in the water reservoir is lowered by dispensing the water 18 in the water reservoir through the water supply canister 20, the inflow of the tap water into the water purification system can be resumed by the float valve assembly 12, whereby the water purification is performed. Production resumes.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 2-7, the float valve assembly 12 includes an inlet fitting 3
A primary valve 36 and a secondary valve 3 provided in series along a flow path 40 (FIG. 7) formed in the valve unit 28 to extend generally vertically between
8 (FIGS. 3 and 7). The two valves 36, 38 are separately and rotatably connected to the inboard end of the pair of float arms 42, 44, respectively. The float arms 42, 44 are connected to the valve units 36, 38 by a valve unit. Extending laterally outside of 28 and terminating in outboard ends coupled to primary float 46 and secondary float 48 (FIG. 3), respectively. Generally speaking, both primary float 46 and secondary float 48 are adapted to move vertically upward in response to rising water levels in sump 16, with respective primary valve 36 and secondary valve A floating member, such as a hollow canister, for shifting 38 from the open position to the closed position along flow path 40, the operation of which will be described in detail below. However,
The secondary float 48 is at a vertical height well above the primary float 46 so that the primary float 46 and its associated primary valve 36 provide primary or normal on / off control of the flow of water in the valve unit 28. Can be performed. An over-center switch 49 is best described in FIGS. 3 and 11-13, wherein the over-center switch substantially snaps in response to a rise in water level to full in the sump. It functions to ensure that the primary valve 36 can be closed in a manner. The secondary float 48 and its associated secondary valve 38 provide additional shutoff control in the event that the primary float or primary valve malfunctions.

The valve unit 28 has a valve unit housing formed by mounting a plurality of housing plates in a stacked array with a plurality of screws 50 (FIGS. 3 and 7) or the like. More specifically, the upper housing plate 52 has a tubular inlet fitting 30 projecting upwardly therefrom so as to be appropriately connected to the tap water inflow line 31. The upper plate 52 is sequentially assembled to a pair of intermediate housing plates 53 and 54, and the intermediate housing plate 54 is assembled to a lower housing plate 55 having the tubular outlet fitting 32. As best seen in FIG. 7, by assembling the housing plates 52-55 in this manner, the housing plates cooperate to define the valve unit flow path 40. In order to capture large particles, the strainer 56 is connected to the primary valve 36 and the secondary valve 3.
Advantageously, it is provided between the two upper housing plates 52, 53 upstream from the point of view of view 8; if no strainer is provided, such large particles can interfere with the operation of the valve unit. In addition, the upper two housing plates 52
A suitable sealing ring 58 is also fitted between the housing plates to prevent water leakage between the housing plates. A plurality of vertically extending alignment pins 60 and associated pin receiving alignment ports 62 are provided for housing plates 52-52 so that the housing plates can be properly mated and assembled.
55.

The primary valve 36 is provided between the lower housing plates 54 and 55. This primary valve 36 is made of a resilient or elastomeric material and has a banjo type with a central valve disk or head 64 integrally connected by a radial arm 66 to an outer generally concentric annular seal ring 68. The seal ring 68 is coaxially fitted along the flow path 40 between the housing plates 54 and 55. The valve head 64 is disposed along the flow path 40 so as to be located above the annular primary valve seat 70, and the flow of water through the valve seat to the outlet fitting 32 is regulated.

The float arm 42 cooperating with the primary valve 36 has an inboard end portion shown in FIGS.
Ends in a small ring 72 as shown in FIG. The ring 72 at the inboard end is secured to the primary valve 36, preferably by co-moulding into a central valve head 64, as shown in FIGS. The float arm 42 is moved from the valve head 64
Slots 74 extend through a co-molded radial valve arm 66 and further through a seal ring 68 and open radially from the valve unit 28.
It extends radially outwardly (FIG. 3), this slot 74 being constituted by the cooperation of the two lower housing plates 54, 55. The outboard end of the float arm 42 is suitably connected to a primary float 46.

In operation, the primary float 46 rises and falls according to the level of the pure water 18 in the reservoir 16. When the water level in the sump falls below a first predetermined level corresponding to full or substantially full, the primary float 46 lowers vertically and the associated float arm 42 moves away from the valve unit 28 as seen in FIG. It extends laterally outward and downward. In this orientation, the float arm 42 raises the valve head 64 from the underlying valve seat 70 to allow water flow to the reverse osmosis module 14. However, when the water level in the reservoir 16 rises and returns to the first predetermined level, the primary float 46 is sufficient to raise the associated float arm 42 to a substantially horizontal state as viewed in FIG. , Float arm 42 moves valve head 64 downward to seat it on valve seat 70, thereby stopping the flow of water to reverse osmosis module 14.

The closure of the primary valve 36 in response to the rise of the water level in the reservoir to a first predetermined level, which indicates that the reservoir is substantially full, causes the over-center switch 4
9 occurs reliably and substantially in a snapping action. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 1 to 13, the over-center switch 49 comprises a magnetic switch unit including a first magnet 104 mounted on an upwardly projecting post 106 or the like, and the post 106 comprises The first magnet 104 is connected to the housing plate 5
4 is formed or attached to the float arm 42 for vertically displaceable positioning in a radially outwardly opening slot 74 formed therein.
Segments 108 (FIGS. 11 to 11) of the housing plate 54 projecting radially outward.
FIG. 13) each include a pair of horizontally aligned second magnets 110. These second magnets 110 are arranged with respect to the first magnets 104 such that the same poles face each other as shown in FIGS. As a modification, the second
Another structure supported in a fixed position with respect to the movable float arm 42, such as by mounting the magnet 110 to the valve unit housing or to a reservoir structure or other suitable stationary structure, For example, it may be mounted on a suitable mounting bracket or the like.

When the water level in the water reservoir 16 rises and becomes substantially full, the primary float 46
Rises and lifts the outboard end of the float arm 42 in such a way as to gradually move the associated primary valve 36 toward the closed position as described above. When the float arm 42 is lifted, the first magnet 104 is turned into the second magnet 11.
0 will be aligned horizontally or lifted towards the on-center position. However, as a result of the magnetic repulsion resulting from the alignment of the same pole, as the magnet approaches the on-center position (FIG. 12), the lifting of the float arm 42 becomes impeded. These magnetic repulsion forces are roughly the primary float 4
6 and further lifting of the float arm 42 is prevented, while the reservoir 16 is still filled with water, resulting in an increased upward force exerted on the float arm 42 via the float 46. Eventually, the rising water level exerts a vertical upward force on the float 46 sufficient to carry the first magnet 104 to the on-center position and beyond, in which case the magnetic repulsion force will One magnet 104
To the over-center position above the second magnet 110 as shown in FIG. Such upward and over-center displacement of the first magnet 104 and associated float arm 42 serves to substantially close the primary valve 36 in a snapping action. Importantly, the positive closure of the primary valve 36 by snap action prevents the valve from hanging up in a slightly open position, thereby allowing water to flow continuously into the reverse osmosis module 14 but to pure water. Can be flowed at a low pressure which is insufficient for continuous production of water and the continuous filling of the reservoir associated therewith. Further, in the upper over-center position as viewed in FIG. 13, the magnetic repulsion helps to keep the primary valve in a closed position.

The primary float 46 has an associated float arm 42 in a manner that allows movement to a limited extent in the vertical direction to allow for a secure closure by snapping of the primary valve 36 as described above. Is connected to the outside end of the vehicle. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 11 and 14, the primary float 46 is floated, such as by a shoulder screw 112 having an unthreaded slide shank portion 114 adjacent the enlarged head 116. It is attached to the outside end of the arm 42.
When the water level rises toward a substantially full state, the float 46 abuts on the underside of the float arm 42 as shown by the solid line in FIG. However, upon closure of the primary valve 36 described above in response to the rise in water level, the outboard end of the float arm 42 is spaced along the shank portion 114 from the top of the float 46, It is free to shift upward with minimal resistance to the dashed position shown in FIG. 14 below or near the screw head 116. At this point, the primary valve 36 is closed and the further supply of pure water to the reservoir 16 is stopped, and the further rise of the primary float 46 is correspondingly stopped.

[0023] The subsequent discharge of water from the water reservoir 16 lowers the water level in the water reservoir. First, as a result of such dispensing, the primary float 46 lowers as the water level decreases, eventually causing the shoulder screw head 116 to engage the upper side of the float arm 42. Also in this position, the magnetic repulsion that holds the primary valve 36 in the closed position keeps the float 46 from further displacing downward as the water level falls. However, as the water level further decreases, the portion of the float 46 located above the water surface increases, and the downward force on the float arm 42 increases accordingly. Eventually, this downward force overcomes the magnetic repulsion, thereby causing the float arm 42 to descend and increase to a magnitude sufficient to reopen the primary valve 36 in a snap action. Thereafter, the float 46 follows the water level in the reservoir 16 and properly closes the primary valve 36 again when the reservoir is refilled with pure water. In this regard,
A weight 118 (FIG. 14) may be provided at the bottom of the float 46, in which case the weight 1
18 is made of a material having a specific gravity close to that of water, for example, polypropylene, so that even if the weight is submerged in water, the buoyancy acting on it is substantially zero. When a large portion of the weight 118 is floating above the surface of the water due to the float 46 floating against the water level drop as described above, the weight significantly increases the downward force exerted on the float arm 42 causing the primary valve 36 to Reopen.

The configuration and operation of the secondary valve 38 are substantially the same as those of the primary valve 36 except as described below. Specifically, the secondary valve 38 is provided between the housing plates 53 and 54 that form an intermediate pair. This secondary valve 38 is also made of a resilient or elastomeric material and is integrally connected by a radial arm 78 to an outer generally concentric annular seal ring 80.
The seal ring 80 is coaxially fitted between the housing plates 53 and 54 along the flow path 40. The secondary valve head 76 is located above the annular secondary valve seat 82 and the flow of water through the valve seat to the outlet fitting 32 is regulated. The float arm 44 associated with the secondary valve 38 terminates at its inboard end with a small ring 84 which is preferably identical to the method shown and described in connection with the primary valve 36. In the central valve head 76. The float arm 44 extends from the secondary valve head 76, again through a radial valve arm 78 co-molded therein, and further through a seal ring 80 to provide a radially open slot. 86 (FIG. 3), and extend radially outward through slots 86 in housing plates 53,54.
Are configured to work together. The outside end of the float arm 44 is connected to a secondary float 48.

In operation, during the normal on / off adjustment of the water level in the reservoir by the primary valve 36,
If the water level in the sump rises or falls, this is not enough to move the secondary valve 38 out of the normally open state. That is, as seen in FIG. 7, the secondary float 48 is not normally raised by the water level in the reservoir, and the associated float arm 44 typically extends obliquely downward from the valve unit 28 to open the secondary valve head 76. Lifting to position. However, if the primary valve 36 or the primary float 46 malfunctions, the level of the purified water 18 in the reservoir 16 will typically be the first level required to close the primary valve head 64.
To a second predetermined level slightly above the level of. When this occurs, the secondary float 48 raises the associated float arm 44 to a substantially horizontal position as viewed in FIG. 9, and thus the float arm 44 moves the secondary valve head 76 downward to move it to the valve seat 82. , Thereby stopping the flow of water into the reverse osmosis module 14.

According to another feature of the invention, the secondary valve 38 does not automatically reopen when the water is subsequently dispensed from the reservoir 16 and the water level in the reservoir drops as a result. . The opening area defined by the secondary valve seat 82 is large enough so that the net downward closing force exerted on the valve head 76 above the valve head 76 due to normal tap water pressure is such that the subsequent water level drop Nevertheless, it is sufficient to keep the secondary float 48 and the associated float arm 44 closed. Therefore,
In this configuration, the movement of the primary valve 36 can be returned to the open position by lowering the water level in the reservoir below a second predetermined level, but manual intervention to reopen the secondary valve 38 is required, Only when this is done can water purification be restarted. The need to manually reopen the secondary valve in this manner serves as an alarm means that a system malfunction has occurred and that corrective action is required.

FIG. 10 shows a manual reset button 88 used when manually opening the closed secondary valve 38 again. As shown, the reset button 88 has an elastic dome-shaped member 90 fitted into a reset port 92 formed in the lid or top wall 94 of the reservoir 16. A reset pin 96 is connected to the lower side of the member 92 so as not to be easily removed, and protrudes downward in the reservoir to a position immediately above the secondary float 48. When the secondary valve 38 needs to be reopened, the button 88 is manually depressed to displace the reset pin 96 downwardly and press against the secondary float 48 as shown by arrow 97 in FIG. 10, thereby releasing the secondary float. , The float arm 44 lifts the secondary valve bed 76 and pushes it down to a position where it returns to its normal open position. The resilient member 90 has enough inherent spring characteristics to retract upwardly (as viewed in FIG. 10) to a normal position following such a depressing operation for resetting.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the valve unit 28 comprises a primary valve 36 and a secondary valve 3
An orifice formed in the upper housing plate 52 on the upstream side as viewed from
)). The flow restrictor 98 has an inside diameter and length sufficient to control the flow rate of water through the valve unit 28 to a relatively slow speed suitable for pure water production within a pressure range typical for tap water sources. are doing. In addition, the flow divider 100 (FIG. 7) is
3 may be integrally formed or suitably mounted therein, and the flow divider 100 is provided centrally along the flow path 40 on the upstream side as viewed from the secondary valve 38 and has a line shape. Through which the tap water can flow downwards towards the secondary valve 38. In this configuration, when the primary valve 36 and the secondary valve 38 are both open to allow water flow to the reverse osmosis unit 14, the shunt disc 100
The undesirable downward flow of water impinges on the secondary valve head 76 and displaces it to the closed position, preventing the occurrence. Instead, the diversion disk 100 allows water to flow downward in a generally annular pattern around the periphery of the valve head 76 and flow through the open valve seat 82.

Thus, the float valve assembly 12 of the present invention responds to the change in the water level in the water reservoir 16 by mechanically operating the primary valve 36 and the secondary valve 38 provided in series by the float operation. It can be carried out. The primary on / off adjustment of the tap water flow is provided by the primary valve 36, and the secondary valve 38 serves as a safety backup to stop the tap water flow in the event that the primary valve fails. Over-center magnet type switch
In response to the rise in the water level in the water reservoir in a substantially full state, the primary valve 36 is snap-operated.
To provide a quick and secure complete closure of the

Various other design modifications and adaptations of the float valve assembly 12 of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while an over-center switch 49 has been shown and described for the primary valve 36, another over-center switch may be used for the secondary valve 38 to achieve a secure snap closure of the secondary valve 38. It will be understood. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is determined not by the above description and the accompanying drawings, but only on the matters described in the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water purification system having a reverse osmosis module, illustrating the use of a float valve assembly to regulate water inflow in response to a water level in a reservoir.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the float valve assembly of the present invention installed in a water reservoir.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the float valve assembly.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a float arm used in the float valve assembly.

5 is a plan view of the float arm of FIG. 4 combined with a banjo valve.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a valve unit forming a part of the float valve assembly, showing a primary valve and a secondary valve in an open position.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 7, showing the primary valve in a closed position and the secondary valve in an open position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 7, showing the primary valve in the open position and the secondary valve in the closed position.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing a reset button for reopening the secondary valve after closing the secondary valve in response to the water level.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing an over-center switch for securely closing a primary valve.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 1, showing the overcenter switch in an open position.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to FIG. 12, showing the over-center switch in a closed position;

14 is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG.

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Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A float valve assembly for regulating the flow of water into a reservoir, comprising:
A housing constituting a flow path having an inlet connected to a water source and an outlet connected to the water purification module, and a housing provided along the flow path to allow water to flow through the flow path to the water purification module. A valve unit including a primary valve movable between an open position to close the flow valve and a closed position to block the flow, the valve unit being coupled to the primary valve in a manner responsive to a water level in a reservoir; Moves the primary valve from the open position to the closed position when rises to a first predetermined level, and moves the primary valve from the closed position to the open position when the water level falls below the first predetermined level. And a switch means responsive to a rise in the water level to substantially the first predetermined level in the reservoir to reliably displace the primary valve to the closed position. Float valve assembly according to claim. 2. The float valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said switch means ensures that said primary valve is displaced to said closed position by a substantially snapping action. 3. The float valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said switch means comprises an over-center switch. 4. The primary float is supported by a float arm coupled to the primary valve, wherein the switch means includes a first magnet, wherein the first magnet is connected to at least one second magnet. A magnetic repulsive force that is displaceably supported in close contact with the float arm, and the first magnet and the second magnet are less likely to cause an on-center alignment relationship between the first magnet and the second magnet. The primary float is arranged with the same poles facing each other, and the primary float is raised on the float arm in response to a rise in the water level in the water reservoir so that the first magnet and the second magnet are on-centered. Displaced into an alignment relationship, wherein the primary float raises the float arm with sufficient force when the water level rises substantially to the first predetermined level, and 2. The float valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is displaced in an over-center relationship with the second magnet and the primary valve is securely moved to the closed position. 5. The float valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein said at least one second magnet is provided at a fixed position with respect to said first float arm. 6. The float valve according to claim 4, wherein the at least one second magnet comprises a pair of magnets provided on both sides of the first magnet provided on the float arm. Assembly. 7. The float according to claim 4, further comprising means for connecting one end of said float arm to said primary float to allow movement from said float arm and said primary float. Valve assembly. 8. The float valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein said connecting means is a shoulder screw. 9. The float valve assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a weight attached to a lower end of said primary float. 10. The float valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein the weight has substantially zero buoyancy in water. 11. The primary float exerts a downward force on the float arm in response to a drop in the water level in a reservoir, thereby causing the first magnet to move downward with respect to the second magnet. 5. The float valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the primary valve is reopened by moving to an over-center relationship. 12. The valve unit is provided along the flow path, and has an open position allowing water to flow through the flow path to the water purification module, and a closed position preventing the flow. And a secondary valve operably coupled to the secondary valve in response to a water level in the reservoir, wherein the water level rises to a second predetermined level higher than the first predetermined level Moving the secondary valve from the open position to the closed position, and when the water level falls below the second predetermined level, enables the movement of the secondary valve from the closed position to the open position. 2. The float valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a secondary float. 13. The float valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit is provided in a water reservoir. 14. The float valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein said flow path is oriented vertically. 15. The water reservoir used for regulating the flow of water into a water purification system having a water purification module, wherein the water reservoir receives and stores purified water obtained by the water purification module. A float valve assembly as described. 16. A float valve assembly for regulating the flow of water into a reservoir, comprising: a flow path having an inlet connected to a water source and an outlet connected to a water purification module, provided along the flow path. And a valve unit including a primary valve and a secondary valve movable between an open position for allowing water flow through the flow path to the water purification module and a closed position for blocking the flow. And a valve unit coupled to the primary valve in response to a water level in the reservoir, wherein when the water level rises to a first predetermined level, the primary valve is moved from the open position to the closed position. And when the water level falls below the first predetermined level, the primary float moves the primary valve from the closed position to the open position, and is coupled to the secondary valve in a state responsive to the water level in the reservoir. And said When the water level rises to a second predetermined level higher than the first predetermined level, the secondary valve is moved from the open position to the closed position, and when the water level falls below the second predetermined level, A secondary float that allows movement of the secondary valve from the closed position to the open position. 17. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein the valve unit is provided in a water reservoir. 18. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein said flow path is oriented vertically. 19. The float valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein the secondary valve is provided along the flow path at a position vertically above the primary valve. 20. The float valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein said primary valve is a banjo type valve. 21. The float valve assembly according to claim 20, wherein said secondary valve is a banjo type valve. 22. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a strainer provided along the flow path upstream from the primary valve and the secondary valve. 23. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a flow divider provided along the flow path upstream from the primary valve and the secondary valve. 24. The float valve assembly according to claim 23, wherein said flow divider includes means defining a generally annular flow passage through which water flows. 25. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a flow restrictor provided along the flow path upstream from the primary valve and the secondary valve. 26. The valve unit further comprising a primary valve seat engaging the primary valve in the closed position and a secondary valve seat engaging the secondary valve in the closed position. 17. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein the seat is sized to hold the secondary valve in the closed position with respect to water pressure at the inlet. 27. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, further comprising reset means for manually displacing said secondary valve from said closed position to said open position. 28. The reset means has a reset button provided on a water reservoir, and further includes means for displacing the secondary float downward when the reset button is pressed. 28. The float valve assembly according to claim 27. 29. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a primary float arm and a secondary float arm rotatably connecting the primary float and the secondary float to the primary valve and the secondary valve, respectively. A float valve assembly as described. 30. A primary float arm and a secondary float arm having an outer end connected to the primary float and the secondary float, respectively, and an inner end connected to the primary valve and the secondary valve, respectively. 17. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, comprising: 31. Switch means for responding substantially to a rise in the water level in the reservoir to the first predetermined level and for reliably displacing the primary valve to the closed position. 17. The float valve assembly according to claim 16, wherein: 32. The float valve assembly according to claim 31, wherein said switch means is a magnetic overcenter switch. 33. The water reservoir used for regulating the flow of water into a water purification system having a water purification module, wherein the water reservoir receives and stores purified water obtained by the water purification module. A float valve assembly as described.