JP2020065551A - Water distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water distributor which allows opening and closing movement of an inlet valve to be controlled accurately.SOLUTION: The water distributor includes a water storage tank 3 having an inlet 6 and an outlet 7, in which water distributor: the inlet is connectable to a water supply source, in use; the outlet is connectable to a water distribution system, in use; an inlet valve member 21 is movable between a closed position in which the inlet is closed and one or more open positions in which the inlet is open to permit water to flow from the water supply source into the water storage tank; the water storage tank is closed by a movable member 11 for sealing the water storage tank; the movable member is movable in response to a change of the pressure in the water storage tank; a connector 8 is engaged with the movable member and movable in response to a movement of the movable member; the connector is connected to the inlet valve by a lever device; the inlet valve member is moved between the open position and closed positions according to a change of the pressure in the water storage tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a water distributor, especially but not exclusively for agricultural and horticultural applications. This distributor may be used in other applications where the pressure of the supplied water is controlled.

  Agricultural or horticultural water distributors may have multiple outlets at different heights with respect to the water supply, for example on uneven ground or slopes. Without pressure regulation, the water flow from the lower water outlets may be more vigorous than the water flows from the higher level water outlets, leading to an uneven distribution of water.

  (Patent Document 1) discloses a casing defining a chamber having a water inlet and a water outlet, a water control valve movable between an open position and a closed position, an opening communicating between the inside and the outside of the casing, and an opening. A control member movably disposed within the portion and having an outer portion outside the casing and an inner portion within the chamber, the inner portion engaging the water control valve when the external force is applied to the outer portion. An irrigation system is disclosed that includes a control member that is driven between an engaged position that pushes it to an open position and a disengaged position where the water control valve is free to move buoyantly to a closed position.

British Patent Application Publication No. 2561371

  An object of the present invention is to provide a water distributor that can solve the above problems.

According to the invention, the water distributor comprises a water tank having an inlet and an outlet,
The inlet can be connected to a water source during use, the outlet can be connected to a water distribution system during use,
The inlet valve member is moveable between a closed position in which the inlet is closed and one or more open positions in which the inlet is open to allow water to flow from the water source into the reservoir.
The water tank is closed by a movable member that seals the water tank,
The movable member is movable in response to a change in pressure inside the water tank,
A coupling is engaged with the movable member and movable in response to movement of the movable member;
The coupler is connected to the inlet valve member by a lever device and is arranged such that the inlet valve member is moved between an open position and a closed position due to a change in pressure in the water tank.

The lever device may comprise an actuator lever connected to the connector at a first point and pivotably mounted in a first pivot position, the first pivot position relative to the first point. Have a distant relationship,
The actuator lever includes a drive member disposed between the first point and the first pivoted position so that movement of the first point in response to movement of the movable member and the coupling is first. It is designed to cause a rotational movement of the drive member with respect to the pivot position,
A valve lever is disposed at the second point of the valve lever, the inlet valve member, a cam surface disposed in a spaced relationship to the second point, and intermediate the inlet valve member and the cam surface. With a second pivot position,
The drive member engages the cam surface such that movement of the drive member causes movement of the cam surface and resultant movement between the closed and open positions of the inlet valve member.

The actuator lever may be an elongated member, for example a layered member. Alternatively, the elongate member can be a rod or beam material.
The valve lever may comprise two elongated members joined at or adjacent to the second point to form a channel between the members, the channel being an elongated member. Dimensioned to accept and allow free rotational movement of the actuator lever between the members. The valve lever may be U-shaped in plan view. The two elongated members may be arranged side by side.

In an embodiment, the distance between the first point and the first pivoted position is longer than the distance between the drive member and the first pivoted position.
In an embodiment, the distance between the first point and the first pivoted position is greater than three times the distance between the drive member and the first pivoted position.

In a further embodiment, the distance between the first point and the first pivoted position is greater than four times the distance between the drive member and the first pivoted position.
In a further embodiment, the distance between the first point and the first pivoted position is greater than five times the distance between the drive member and the first pivoted position.

In an embodiment, the distance of movement of the first position causes a corresponding movement of the drive member beyond that distance of movement.
In a further embodiment, the force applied to the first point by movement of the moveable member and the coupler causes a greater force to be applied to the inlet valve member.

In another embodiment, the actuator lever and valve lever are elongate members that extend side by side with each pivoted position located at the opposite end of the device.
The actuator lever and the valve lever may extend in parallel.

The cam surface and the drive member may engage at a position between the first pivoted position and the second pivoted position.
Preferably, the first distance between the cam engagement position and the first pivot point is less than the second distance between the cam engagement position and the second pivot point.

Preferably, the ratio of the first distance to the second distance is 1.5 to 2.5: 1, more preferably 2 to 4: 1 and more preferably 2 to 3: 1.
The drive member can be a projection extending from the actuator lever towards the cam surface, for example a cylindrical member or a rod.

The cam surface may be the edge of the valve lever, eg a curved edge. The cam surface may be arranged to face the drive member against the second pivoted position.
The third distance between the second pivot position and the cam surface is preferably longer than the fourth distance between the valve member and the second pivot position.

Preferably, the ratio between the third distance and the fourth distance is from 1.5: 1 to 6: 1, preferably from 2: 1 to 6: 1 and more preferably from 3: 1 to 5: 1. It is a range.
The distance ratio provides a convenient and effective mechanical advantage of the lever device. Preferably, the relatively large movement of the drive member causes a relatively smaller movement of the valve member, whereby the force applied to cause the movement of the valve member and the closing of the valve is such that the stored water against external or ambient pressure. Correspondingly greater than the external force applied to the movable member by the change in pressure in the bath.

  In an embodiment, the limiting member is arranged to limit the movement of the movable member, for example to limit the range of movement of the movable member in response to increasing pressure in the reservoir relative to external pressure. The restriction member may be movable between a plurality of positions to control the movement of the movable member.

In a further embodiment, the limiting member is a movable cap, for example a threaded cap that can be turned towards and away from the water reservoir during use.
The restriction member may serve to defeat the control mechanism and prevent full or partial closure of the inlet valve so that a constant water supply can be obtained. The restricting member may hold the valve open, for example when the movable cap is turned towards the movable member.

  The movable member may be a flexible membrane, such as an elastomer or elastic member. The connector may be connected to the central region of the membrane such that the connector moves in response to deflection of the membrane caused by pressure changes within the reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, the moveable member is a piston or bellows arranged to move upwards or outwards in response to an increase in pressure within the reservoir.

The membrane may have a perimeter, for example circular in plan view.
The movable cap may have a contact surface with a smaller perimeter than the movable member, and towards or against the movable member during use, for example by turning the movable cap toward or away from the water reservoir. It may be movable away from.

  In embodiments where the membrane is circular, the moveable cap may have an annular contact surface with a diameter less than the diameter of the flexible region of the membrane. Alternatively, the moveable cap may have an array of contact surfaces arranged with a suitable diameter that is less than the diameter of the membrane.

  Contact between the annular contact surface and the surface of the membrane can reduce the diameter of the available flexible area of the membrane. This in turn reduces the distance traveled by the coupler in response to changes in pressure, thereby controlling the responsiveness of the lever device to changes in pressure within the reservoir.

The membrane limitation reduces the membrane's susceptibility to increased water pressure and allows connection of the water distributor to a relatively high water pressure supply.
The high pressure water source is such that the water tank is relatively low relative to other similar water tanks of the water distribution system, as may occur if the water distribution system is located on uneven ground or on a different height of cultivation area. This may be the case when placed at height.

  The present invention may provide several advantages. The opening or closing movement of the inlet valve can be precisely controlled. The mechanical advantage provided by the lever device may ensure that the closure of the inlet valve is provided against the pressure of the water supply. This provides effective regulation of the water source and may be independent of fluctuations in the water source pressure.

  The side-by-side arrangement of the levers makes it possible to reduce the length of the adjusting device without compromising the force applied to the inlet valve during use. The reduced size of the adjuster facilitates convenient installation in confined spaces and reduces the material required for construction.

  The invention also enables the use of a water conditioning device with a relatively high pressure water source, for example by a direct connection to a water supply. The adjusting device can be easily adjusted to accommodate variations in the water pressure supply.

The simplicity of construction reduces the possibility of leaks during use and simplifies assembly during manufacturing or maintenance.
The invention will be further described by way of example, but not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a water distributor according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the water distributor shown in FIG. 1. It is a top view of the water distributor shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the movable part of a water distributor. It is the schematic which shows the movable part of a water distributor. It is the schematic which shows the movable part of a water distributor. FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of FIG. 6. 7 shows the stages of operation of the retaining cap. 7 shows the stages of operation of the retaining cap.

  The water distributor shown in these figures comprises a base (1) and a cylindrical wall (2) defining an upwardly open water reservoir (3). A circular membrane (4) is fixed at its periphery (5) to the wall (2), whereby the water tank (3) forms a sealed pressure-resistant compartment.

  The inlet (6) can be connected to a water pipe or other water source (not shown) during use. The outlet (7) can be connected in use to a water distribution system (not shown), for example a series of sprinklers or diffusion outlets.

  Water entering the water tank (3) via the inlet (6) exits the water tank via the outlet (7). The relative size of the inlet and outlet allows the flow of water into the reservoir to be more vigorous than the flow out of the reservoir, so that the water pressure in the reservoir is completely open at the inlet. And increase. This results in a constant supply of water to the outlet. The increase in pressure forces the movable member (which may include the membrane (4) expanding outwardly from the base of the reservoir) upwards as shown in Figures 4-6.

  A connector (8) is connected at one end to the fixture (9) at the central point of the membrane (4) and at the other end to the first point (10) of the actuator lever (11). The connector (8) can be a rigid or non-stretchable member.

  The actuator lever (11) is connected to a first pivot point (12) located at the end of the actuator lever away from the first point (10). The first pivot point (12) comprises a pin extending laterally through the opening into a mount (13) extending upwardly from the base (1). As the membrane (4) rises and falls in response to changes in pressure in the water reservoir (3), the first point (10) of the actuator lever is raised or lowered in response to increasing or decreasing pressure, respectively. The actuator lever then rotates clockwise (as shown in FIG. 1) or counterclockwise about the first pivot point (12).

  The actuator lever (11) is generally layered and may have a generally triangular body. The lever has a drive member (14) extending laterally from a lower portion (15) of the lever body. The drive member may include, for example, a pin, stud or other protrusion attached to the actuator lever in a laterally extending hole in the lower portion (15) of the actuator lever body. For example, a pair of parallel spaced actuator levers arranged side by side may be used.

  The valve lever (16) comprises two generally parallel sides connected by a cross member (17) to form a generally U-shaped structure. The cross members may be located elsewhere to form a generally H-shaped structure or other structure. In a further alternative embodiment, the valve lever comprises a single member extending parallel to the actuator lever.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the valve lever comprises two parallel sides joined by a cross member, the two sides allowing the actuator lever to freely move around the first pivot point (12) during use. Arranged to form a channel having generally parallel sides dimensioned to receive an actuator lever (11) as possible.

  The valve lever (16) is pivotally attached to the second pivot point (18). The second pivot point (18) may comprise a laterally extending pin or screw through the side of the lever (16) and into a mount (19) extending upwards from the base (1).

  The second pivot point (18) is located intermediate the cross member (17) and the free end of the body of the valve lever. The free end forms a camming surface (20) arranged to cooperate with the drive member (14) of the actuator lever during use. As the drive member (14) moves up and down, the cam surface and the free end of the valve lever (16) move up and down correspondingly.

Raising or lowering the free end of the valve lever (16) and the cam surface (20) respectively causes counterclockwise or clockwise rotation of the valve lever as shown in FIG.
The end of the valve lever (16) remote from the cam surface (20) is arranged to engage an upward valve seat (22) to form an inlet valve of the water distributor and a downward valve member (21). including.

  The distance between the second pivot point (18) and the cam surface (20) is longer than the distance between the second pivot point (18) and the valve member (21), so that the valve The force exerted on the member (21) is greater than the force received by the cam surface (20) from the drive member (14).

In an embodiment, the ratio of distances is 1-5: 1-6: 1, preferably 2: 1-6: 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the ratio is about 5: 1 to 6: 1.
4, 5 and 6 show the stages of movement of the valve, membrane and lever components of the water distributor.

  In FIG. 4, the inlet valves (21, 22) are completely open to allow water to flow from the water source to the reservoir. The pressure in the water tank is approximately ambient pressure, so that the membrane (4) is at a lower position and is not expanding. The coupling (8) does not exert a lifting force on the first point (10) of the actuator lever (11). The actuator lever (11) is in the maximum counterclockwise position as shown.

  In FIG. 5, the pressure in the water reservoir has increased to an intermediate value, so that the membrane (4) has been partially expanded upwards. The upward movement of the membrane fixture (9) exerts a lifting force on the connector (8), raising the first point (10) of the actuator lever (11). When the first point (10) is lifted, the actuator lever (11) rotates clockwise causing the drive member (14) to rise, clockwise (as shown) towards the valve lever (16). Move to. When the drive member (14) engages the cam surface (20) at the outer edge of the valve lever (16), the end of the valve lever is raised and about the second pivot point (18) (as shown). ) Rotate counterclockwise. This rotation moves the valve member (21) from the fully open position as shown in FIG. 4 to the partially open position as shown in FIG. 5 to limit the flow of water through the inlet to the reservoir.

  In FIG. 6, the membrane is fully inflated, raising the fixture (9) and the coupling (8) to the maximum position, so that the first point (10) of the actuator lever is fully raised, ( Rotate the actuator lever to the maximum clockwise position (as shown). The cam surface (20) of the valve lever (16) is fully raised and rotated counterclockwise, engaging the valve member (21) with the valve seat, closing the valve inlet and flowing water to the reservoir. Prevent.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG.
9 and 10 show the use of a restriction member. The base (1), the cylindrical wall (2) and the water reservoir membrane (4) are as shown in the preceding figures.

  The cap (23) fits snugly over the reservoir. An axially and upwardly axially extending sleeve (24) has internal threads for receiving an externally threaded limiting member (26) having a lower annular surface (27). The diameter of the lower annular surface (27) is less than the diameter of the membrane (4), for example about half the diameter of the membrane in the embodiment shown.

The limiting member (26) and the annular surface can be raised or lowered by manual rotation of the sleeve (24).
The distance between the lower annular surface (27) and the upper outward surface of the membrane (4) is adjustable so that the membrane is in a rest position as shown in FIG. 4 or a portion as shown in FIG. The annular surface is contacted in the expanded position or the fully expanded position as shown in FIG.

  Contact with the lower annular surface (27) limits the upward movement of the membrane (4). In the positions of FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact reduces the area of the membrane that can rise and expand in response to increased pressure within the reservoir. In Figure 6, the membrane is in the expanded position. The annular surface of the restriction member serves to prevent over-expansion of the membrane, for example when the water pressure rises sharply.

Claims (15)

A water distributor having a water tank having an inlet and an outlet,
The inlet is connectable to a water supply during use, the outlet is connectable to a water distribution system during use,
An inlet valve member is movable between a closed position in which the inlet is closed and one or more open positions in which the inlet is open and allows water to flow from the water source into the reservoir. Yes,
The water tank is closed by a movable member that seals the water tank,
The movable member is movable in response to a change in pressure in the reservoir,
A coupler is engaged with the movable member and movable in response to movement of the movable member;
The connector is connected to the inlet valve member by a lever device, and is arranged so that the inlet valve member is moved between an open position and a closed position by a change in pressure in the water tank.
Water distributor. The lever device comprises an actuator lever connected to the connector at a first point and pivotally mounted in a first pivot position, the first pivot position being at the first point. Placed in a distant relationship,
The actuator lever comprises a drive member disposed between the first point and the first pivoted position, whereby the actuator point of the first point is responsive to movement of the movable member and the coupler. The movement causes a rotational movement of the drive member with respect to the first pivoted position,
A valve lever, the inlet valve member disposed at a second point of the valve lever, a cam surface disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to the second point, and an intermediate between the inlet valve member and the cam surface. A second pivot position located at
The drive member engages the cam surface such that movement of the drive member causes movement of the cam surface and resultant movement of the inlet valve member between the closed and open positions;
The water distributor according to claim 1.   The water distributor of claim 2, wherein the distance between the first point and the first pivoted position is greater than the distance between the drive member and the first pivoted position.   The distance between the first point and the first pivot position is greater than three times, preferably greater than four times the distance between the drive member and the first pivot position, The water distributor according to claim 3, more preferably more than 5 times longer. Movement of the first point through a first distance causes movement of the drive member through a second distance,
The water distributor according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first distance is longer than the second distance.   The actuator lever is an elongate member, and the valve lever is coupled to the elongate member at or adjacent to the second point to form a channel between the valve lever members. A water distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a valve lever member, the channel being dimensioned to allow free rotational movement of the actuator lever.   7. The water distributor of any one of claims 2-6, wherein the cam surface and drive member engage at a position between the first pivoted position and the second pivoted position.   The water distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive member is a protrusion extending from the actuator lever, and the cam surface is an edge portion of the valve lever.   The water distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a restriction member arranged to restrict the movement of the movable member.   10. The water distributor of claim 9, wherein the limiting member is moveable between a plurality of positions to limit movement of the movable member.   The water distributor according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the limiting member is a movable cap that can be turned toward the water tank or away from the water tank.   The water distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the movable member is a flexible film.   The water distributor of claim 12, wherein the connector is connected to the central region of the membrane.   14. The water distributor of claim 12 or 13, wherein the cap has a contact surface that has a smaller perimeter than the movable member.   The agricultural or horticultural water distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 14.