MXPA98009664A - Valve of rell - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling valve for use in a toilet tank comprising: a housing that includes: a body having an inlet and an outlet, and a cover having an external surface, which forms part of the exterior of the tank. the filling valve, a bottom part, the lid removably attaches to the body, wherein at least a portion of the bottom part, is in fluid communication with the outlet, main valve means to control the flow between the inlet and outlet, the main valve means are capable of allowing the flow of the inlet to the lid in an open position and capable of sealing against the underside of the lid in a closed position to prevent the flow of the inlet at the exit, whereby the bottom part of the lid defines a surface with valves, wherein the body and the main valve means define a control chamber therebetween, and wherein the body and the means of main valve are adapted to form a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber to pressurize the control chamber and drive the main valve means to the closed position against the underside of the lid; pilot valve means placed in the body to control the flow between the control chamber and the outlet, and a member that responds to the water level that responds to the water level in the tank to open the pilot valve means to reduce the pressure in the control chamber, allowing so that the inlet pressure flexes the main valve means away from the underside of the lid in the open position, whereby the filling valve is able to allow the flow to travel from the inlet, through the means of main valve through the bottom of the lid and out of the outlet, and whereby the main valve means are exposed when the lid is removed

Description

FILL VALVE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements in fill valves for toilet tanks and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE The fill valves are used to admit water from your water minister to an Idoror tank to fill the tank after a cleaning operation by discharging water and to maintain a desired water level in the tank. A filler valve typically includes a valve that opens to fill the tank in response to the detection of a low water level through a float or diaphragm that responds to the water level in the tank. In many known valves, a pilot valve is controlled through the water level response member and the pilot valve in turn controls a main valve member. A problem with known fill valves is noisy operation. Typically, a filler valve makes an undesirably large noise in a low flow condition, as it approaches the fully closed position. Attempts have been made to obtain a silent operation by providing a trajectory of tortuous flow so that the impedance of flow attenuates the sound. The patent of E. U.A. No. 4,240,606 discloses a fill valve having a flow impedance path with numerous deflectors to dissipate fluid pressure and reduce noise and cavitation. One difficulty with the aspect suggested by this patent is that the flow impedance is always in the flow path and free operation is prevented and not restricted to a fully open valve condition. Many fill valves employ a main valve including a flexible disk that cooperates with a valve surface formed in a body under the disk. A control chamber above the disc is pressurized to close the disc against the surface or is ventilated through a pilot valve to allow the disc to flex away from the surface and open the valve. The region that includes the valve disc and the valve surface can become dirty with dust or debris in the water supply and it may be necessary to disassemble the fill valve to clean this region. The patents of E. U.A. 4,240,606 and 5,439,025, for example, describe filling valves that can be disassembled and cleaned. However, these filling valves are subject to the disadvantage that the valve surfaces are below the valve disc and the valve disc must be moved to expose the surface with valves. Known fill valves can be complex and difficult to assemble. In the filling valve of the patent of E. U.A. 4, 240,606, for example, fasteners and springs are needed to support a lever to operate the pilot valve. In the patent of E. U.A. 5,439,025, for example, a separate lever and a two-point mounting system are required to couple a float to the pilot valve. The patent of E. U.A. 5,439,025 describes an elevator for a filler valve having a one piece molded inlet including both an inlet conduit portion and a concentric outlet conduit portion. A disadvantage of this filling valve is that this input structure is difficult and expensive to manufacture. Known fill valves of the type using a pilot valve typically require a separate element to serve as a pilot valve member cooperating with a pilot valve seat. In addition, complexity occurs when a separate member is used to provide a vacuum interrupter function. Separate pilot valves are described in the U.A. 4,240,606 and 5,439,025. Separate vacuum switch valves are described in the U.A.A. 4,646,779 and 5,439,025. It is desirable that the height of a fill valve can be adjusted in order to select a desired water level in the tank. The patent of E. U.A. No. 4,646,779 discloses a filler valve with a threaded system for height adjustment. This complex, requires extra parts and can not be quickly adjusted to different heights. The patent of E. U.A. 5,439,025 discloses a filling valve having a closure system of bayonet to secure a portion of elevator to a selected height. A problem with this arrangement is that the unpleasant bayonet teeth are exposed to view. Another problem with adjustable height filler valves is that trial-and-error method analyzes are necessary to adjust the fill valve to obtain a desired level of water.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION A main object of the present invention is to provide a filler valve incorporating improvements over known fill valves. Other objects are to provide an improved fill valve that is silent during operation in low flow conditions but provides an unrestricted flow in the fully open condition; provide a fill valve where the main valve disc and the surface with cooperating valves have easy access; provide a filling valve that is easily assembled and does not require foreign parts or fasteners; providing an adjustable height filler valve that is not costly to manufacture and wherein the height adjustment lock structure is protected from vision; provide an adjustable height fill valve provided with indications that make it easier to adjust the valve to the desired height without a trial and error method; and providing a fill valve that overcomes the above problems with known fill valves.

In summary, according to the invention, a toilet tank filler valve including a housing having an inlet and outlet is provided with a main valve for controlling the flow between inlet and outlet. The main valve includes a flexible valve disk having a periphery captured by the housing and having a central portion communicating with the inlet and mounted for flexure movement in the direction of the axis of the valve disc. A surface with valves is connected to a first side of the valve disc, a control chamber is on the second side of the valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber pressurizes the control chamber and forces the valve disc to a closed position against the surface with valves. A pilot valve in the housing controls the flow between the control chamber and the outlet. A member that responds to the water level in the tank opens the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allows the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface to an open position. The filling valve is characterized in that the housing includes a body and a removable cover of the body. The control chamber is defined in the body and the surface with valves is defined in the cover, whereby the first side of the valve disc and the surface with valves are exposed when the cover is removed. In summary, according to another aspect of the invention, a toilet tank filler valve is provided that includes a housing that has an inlet and outlet and a main valve to control the flow between inlet and outlet. The main valve includes a flexible valve disk having a periphery captured by the housing and having a central opening communicating with the inlet and a central portion surrounding the mounted opening for the bending movement in the direction of the axis of the valve disk. A valve surface interconnects with a first side of the valve disc and has a central portion aligned with the central portion of the valve disc. A control chamber is on the second side of the valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber pressurizes the control chamber and forces the valve disc into a closed position against the valve surface. A pilot valve in the housing controls the flow between the control chamber and the outputs. A member that responds to the water level in the tank opens the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface to an open position. The filling valve is characterized by a circular flow blocking flange surrounding the central opening in the valve disc. A plurality of first radial flow passages in the central portion of the valve surface extends radially outwardly from the flange. The peripheral flow passage communicates with the radially outer ends of the first radial flow passages and a plurality of second radial flow passages extend radially outward from the peripheral flow passage. The first and second radial flow passages are peripherally biased to induce toroidal flow in the peripheral flow passage when the valve disc is partially closed over the peripheral flow passage. The valve disc in the open tion is spaced above the first radial flow passages and the peripheral flow passage to allow radial flow from the central opening to the second radial flow passages.

In summary, according to another aspect of the invention, a toilet tank filler valve is provided including a housing having an inlet and outlet and a main valve for controlling the flow between the inlet and the outlet. The main valve includes a flexible valve disc having a central portion mounted for the flexure movement in the direction of the axis of the valve disc. A surface with valves interconnects with a first side of the valve disc. A control chamber is on the second side of the valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber pressurizes the control chamber and forces the valve disc into a closed tion against the valve surface. A pilot valve in the housing controls the flow between the control chamber and the outlet. A member that responds to the water level in the tank opens the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disc away from the valve surface to an open tion. The valve filler is characterized in that the housing includes an inlet tube member having an inlet tube communicating with the central portion of the valve disc and having a disc-shaped head portion, enlarged below the second side of the disc. valves. The control chamber is defined in the head portion. The pilot valve includes a passage in the head portion terminating in a valve seat at the bottom of the head portion. A flexible cup member has a base below the head portion and a peripheral flange portion surrounding the ring of the head portion. The base has a segment that engages with the valve seat to control the flow through the pilot valve. In summary, according to another aspect of the invention, a toilet tank fill valve is provided which includes a housing having an inlet and outlet and a main valve for controlling the flow between the inlet and the outlet. The main valve includes a valve disk having a central portion mounted for the flexure movement in the direction of the axis of the valve disk. A valve surface is interconnected with a first side of the valve disc. A control chamber is on the second side of the valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber pressurizes the control chamber and forces the valve disc to a closed tion against the valve surface. A pilot valve in the housing controls the flow between the control chamber and the outlet. A member who responds to Water level in the tank opens the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface to an open tion. The filling valve is characterized in that the housing includes a body defining a float chamber in communication with the exterior of the housing. A float member includes a float in the chamber and a mounting lever extending toward the region of the pilot valve. A pivoting projection is provided on the mounting lever and the body includes a pivot nest for receiving the pivot projection and supporting the float member for pivotal movement within the housing. In summary, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a height adjustable retention valve for a toilet tank having a valve head portion including valve means for selectively admitting water to the tank. An elevator assembly is adapted to be mounted to an inlet port in the tank wall and to support the valve head portion in a separate site above the entrance port. The lifting assembly includes a central rod surrounded by an outer sleeve, the rod and the sleeve defining between them an elongated cylindrical cavity having an annular cross section. The head portion includes a tubular portion extending telescopically downwardly and slidably received into the cavity cylindrical Matching closure structures are concealed within the cavity and formed on the tubular portion and the riser assembly to secure the head assembly at a selected height in the tank. In summary, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, an adjustable height fill valve is provided for a toilet tank having a head portion including a body and valve means for selectively admitting water to the tank. A level response member closes the valve means when the water level in the tank reaches a predetermined elevation above the body. An elevator assembly is adapted to be mounted to an inlet port in the tank wall and to support the valve head portion in a separate site above the entrance port. The lift assembly includes telescopic slidable portions for varying the length of the lift assembly and the height of the head portion in the tank. A flange on the bottom of the elevator portion is adapted to engage the wall of the tank and a mounting extension having a predetermined axial length is adapted to extend through the wall of the tank to attach the elevator assembly to the wall of the tank. The filling valve is characterized by a visual indicator on the body separated at a distance equal to the predetermined axial length below the surface elevation on the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention together with the foregoing objects and other more and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a valve of filling that modalizes the present invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the fill valve of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the filling valve, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2 and showing the relinking valve in the closed condition; Figure 4 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view similar to the upper portion of Figure 3, showing the fill valve in the open condition; Figure 5 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2 and showing the fill valve in the closed condition; Figure 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view similar to Figure 5 showing the fill valve in the open condition; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective bottom plan view of the components of the filler valve lifter assembly of Figure 1; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective top view of the head portion components of the fill valve; Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 3 showing the riser valve assembly in its unlocked position; Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing the elevator assembly of the fill valve in its locked position; Figure 11 is a side view, partly in cross section, of the float and cover of the fill valve, illustrating the assembly of the float in the cover; Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 1 1 illustrating a subsequent step in the float assembly on the cover; Figure 13 is an enlarged top isometric view of the flexible cup of the fill valve; and Figure 14 is an enlarged isometric view of the lid of the filler valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring now to the drawings, and initially to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a filler valve constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated as a whole with the reference number 20. The filler valve 20 is mounted in a toilet water tank or similar and works to Fill the tank after a flushing operation and maintain a selected water level in the tank. In general, the filler valve 20 includes a housing generally designated 22, having an adjustable height riser assembly 24 and head assembly 26 supported at a selected distance above a tank wall through the riser assembly 24. Referring to Figure 7, the riser assembly 24 includes a rod 28 and a sleeve 30 that are joined together to form a riser base 32, as well as a portion of tube 34 that extends downwardly from a body member 36. Referring to FIG. further to Figures 3 and 8, the head assembly 26 includes a body generally designated with 38 composed of the lower body member 36 and an upper body member or cover 40. The head assembly 26 also includes an inlet member 42, a lid 44, a flexible cup 46 and a valve disc 48. As discussed in detail below, these components cooperate to form a main valve 50 for controlling the flow through the fill valve 20, a pilot valve 52 for controlling the main valve 50 and a vacuum interrupter valve 54 providing an anti-siphonic appearance. A float 56 responds to the water level in the tank and controls the operation of the pilot valve 52. The sleeve 30 includes a flared lower flange 58 with a window arrangement 60 that serve as exit ports to from which water flows from the fill valve 20 to the tank. The rod 28 includes a lower flange 62 which is received within the sleeve flange 58. The rod 28 is axially inserted in the sleeve 30, and then rotated to lock in place, forming a rigid assembly constituting the elevator base. 32. When joined, the rod 28 and the sleeve define between them an elongated, cylindrical, axially extending base cavity 64 having a relatively uniform annular cross-section through its length. This cavity 64 telescopically receives the inlet tube member 42 and allows it to slide in order to vary the axial length of the lifting assembly 24 and thus the height of the filling valve 20. When the rod 28 and sleeve 30 they are locked together, forming a complex structure that could be difficult and expensive to mold as an individual piece. The present invention reduces the cost and simplifies the manufacture of the filler valve 20, since the rod 28 and the sleeve 30 are molded as easily molded parts, relatively discrete, separated, and then assembled together. The elevator base 32 is mounted to an opening in a bottom wall of a toilet tank through a threaded post 66 projecting downwardly from the lower flange 62 of the rod 28. Conventional fittings, including one or more threaded notches on the 66 stile, ensure the base of elevator 32 to the tank wall with the pillar 66 projecting through the wall of the tank and connected to a water supply conduit. As seen in Figure 3, the interior of the rod 28 including the post 66 defines an inlet port 68 through which water pressurized from a water supply enters the fill valve 20. As seen in Figures 7 and 9, the rod 28 includes an opposing pair of flanges 70 and 72 radially projecting, extending axially along the cavity 64. In addition, the rod 28 includes opposite arrangements of bayonet closures 74 also extending axially along the cavity. 64. Each bayonet lock 74 extends in a peripheral direction from an axially extended rib 76 (Figures 9 and 10). The lower inlet pipe member 42 of the lower body member 36 is configured to slide into the cavity 64 and to cooperate with the bayonet seals 74 to provide a height adjustment closure function. The lowermost end of the tube portion 34, as seen in Figures 7 and 9, includes an opposite pair of peripherally extending closing projections 80 sized to be secured between any adjacent pair of corresponding closures 74 of the rod 28. Figure 9 shows the unlocked position of the bayonet closures. 74 and the flanges 70 and 72. In this position, the tube member 34 can slide vertically within the cavity 64 of the elevator base 32. In any selected position, the elevator assembly 24BD. it can be locked through relative rotation of the elevator base 32 (counterclockwise as seen in Figures 9 and 10) to a closed position shown in Figure 1 0. If the elevator base is fixed to a wall of the tank, then it remains fixed while the lower body member 36 is rotated relative to the elevator base 32. In this locked position. The projections 80 of the tube member 34 are received between adjacent closures 74 and the axial movement of the tube member 34 relative to the elevator base 32 is prevented. Friction closures 81 are forced on the upper portions of the flanges 70 and 72 during relative rotation as can be seen by comparing Figures 9 and 10. These closures prevent the projections 80 from turning out of the locked position. Rotational movement in the unlocked direction is limited by the engagement of detents 82 on the sleeve member 34 with the flanges 70 and 72 (Figure 9). The rotational movement in the opposite direction is limited by the engagement of the seals 74 with the seals 82 and / or engagement of the projections 80 with the seals 76 (FIG. 10). Although the elevator assembly 24 is illustrated in the drawings in its shortest, or fully retracted, position, it can be adjusted to place the head assembly 26 in a wide variety of heights. This is done to design the height of the elevator to the requirements of a particular toilet tank and overflow tube configuration with which the valve is used 2. With reference to Figure 1, the present invention facilitates the height adjustment of the fill valve 20. When the fill valve 20 is installed, it is desired to adjust the lift assembly 24 so that the water level is maintained at a predetermined level below the top of the overflow tube. The body 38 of the head assembly 26 is provided with indications to facilitate this installation. The upper and lower body members 40 and 36 satisfy a visible seam or dividing line 84 that slopes between an upper elevation indicated with the reference line 86 and a lower elevation indicated with the reference line 88. The lower part of the stitching 84 (reference 88) is located at the elevation where the fill valve 20 maintains the water level in the tank, and the difference in elevation between the references 86 and 88 is equal to the suggested difference in the elevation in the top of an overflow tube and the water level of the tank. When the filling valve is installed, the user can easily adjust the height of the elevator to obtain the correct level of water by placing the upper portion of the seam 84 (reference 86) at the same height as the top of the tank overflow tube. . As an alternative, some toilet tanks have a water level indicator such as an integral line with the tank material. In this type of installation, the user can place the lower portion of the seam 84 (reference 88) at the same height as the tank water level indicator.

A height adjustment projection 90 is formed as an integral molded part of body 38. The elevation of projection 90 is indicated by reference line 92. The difference in height between projection 90 (reference 92) and the upper portion of the stitching 84 (reference 86) is equal to the distance from the bottom of the flange 58 (reference line 94) to the end of the stile 66 (reference line 96). Another way to adjust the fill valve height is to place the end of the upright 66 against the wall of the tank and adjust the height of the riser so that the nose 90 is at the same height as the top of the overflow pipe. When the fill valve 20 is installed with the pillar 66 extending through a tank opening and the flange 58 is at the bottom in the tank, the upper part of the seam 84 (reference 86) is aligned with the upper part of the overflow tube and the water level (reference 88) is at the appropriate elevation. When the tube portion 34 of the lower body 36 has been inserted into the cavity 64 of the elevator base 32, a seal groove 98 is threaded onto the top of the rod 28 (Figure 4). An O-shaped ring seal 100 is captured below the notch 98. The notch captures the portion of tube 34 in the elevator base 32 since the projections 80 can not be fixed on the notch 98. The notch and the seal they do not restrict the axial sliding movement or the rotational closing movement of the tube portion 34 during height adjustment.

The float 56 includes a laterally extended support lever 102 terminating in a single small projection tip 104. As seen in Figures 11 and 12, the upper body member or cover 40 has an internal hook 106 integrally formed. To mount the float 56 on the cover 40, the float 56 is angled relative to the cover 40 as seen in Figure 11 and the tip 104 is inserted upward into the cover. Then, as seen in Figure 12, the float 56 is rotated upward relative to the cover 40 to engage the tip 104 of the hook. With the float 56 in place, the upper body or cover 40 is attached to the lower body 36. A guide lip 108 on the cover 40 is fixed on the lower body 36 along the seam 84. The body 40 moves down towards a fully seated position, wherein a quick-disconnect arm 1 (Figures 3 and 4) engages on top of a body window 1 12 to hold the assembled parts without separate fasteners or the like. The assembled body portions 36 and 40 define a float chamber 14, where the float 56 is contained. An individual point pivot support is formed by the tip 104 and the hook 106 allowing the float 56 to pivot between the upper (Figures 3 and 5) and lower (Figures 4 and 6) positions within the chamber 1 14. No no fastener or other part is needed to pivotally support the float 56. When the body portions 36 and 40 are assembled, as seen in Figure 4, the float 56 is captured. Still in the lowest position illustrated, the tip 104 is retained in the hook 106 since the lower body portion 36 limits the movement of the float. The flexible cup 46 (Figure 13) includes a generally circular base 116 and a continuous side wall flange 118 terminating in an elongate flange 120. The base 116 is open to define a positioning tab 122, a pair of vacuum switch panels. 124 and a pilot valve member portion 126. The inlet tube member 42 includes an elongated tube portion 128 and an elongated head 130. An annular valve control chamber 132 is defined in the upper art of the head 130 within of a circular outer wall 134 and surrounding a central inlet flow passage 133. A pilot valve orifice 136 extends downwardly through the head 130 from the control chamber 132. A plurality of outflow ports 138 are provided. axially extends through the head 130 and is located between the wall 134 and the outer edge of the head 130. The flexible cup 46 is installed on the bottom of the enlarged head 130 with the portion of tube 128 extending downwardly or through base 116 of cup 46. Tab 118 encloses head 130. Pilot valve portion 126 covers pilot valve orifice 136 and cooperates to form pilot valve 52. The panels of vacuum switch 124 cover the lower ends of the outflow ports 138 and cooperate to form the vacuum switch valve 54. The inlet tube member 42 with the flexible cup 46 in its place is assembled to the body 38. The tube portion 128 is inserted through the seal groove 98 and the O-shaped ring 100 and into the interior of the rod 28. The inflow from the inlet port 68 into the rod 28 flows through the tube 128 and the passage of the inflow 133 to the main valve 50. The vacuum switch ports 140 on the cover 40 (Figures 1, 5 and 6) are led from the region of the panels. vacuum switch 124 towards the exterior of the housing 22. The valve disc 48 is placed on top of the inlet pipe head 130, and the lid 44 (Figure 14) is threaded on a threaded wall 142 of the cover 40 The cover 44 includes a wall 144 that engages the enlarged flange 120 to provide a seal between the cap and the body 38. The wall 144 includes a valve surface 146 that cooperates with the valve disc 48 to provide the main valve 50. An empty chamber for sound deadening 148 above the wall 144 and below an upper lid wall 149 attenuates valve noise caused by the flow of liquid through the valve. The valve disc 48 includes a peripheral flange that is captured in a matching groove in the head 130. The central portion of the disc 48 includes an axially movable hub 150 surrounding an inlet flow path 152. The bottom of the hub 150 slides in the passage 133 while the upper part of the hub 150 slides in a cleat rib arrangement 154 in the lid 44. The lower ends of the passages between the ribs of bleeder 154 serve as a central inlet 156 towards the main valve 50. The surface with valves 146 as seen in Figure 14, is a high surface area projecting below the wall 154. As seen in Figure 5, the Surface with valves 146 is a bit concave. Flow paths 158, 160 and 162 are formed on the surface with valves 146. Three small, equidistantly spaced, radially extended flow paths 158 extend on the surface 146 outward from the central inlet 156. The paths 158 terminate at a relatively large, peripherally extended, circular, continuous flow path 160. Nine relatively large flow paths 162 extend radially outwardly from the circular path 160 to a circular, continuous outlet flow region 164 enclosed by the rim 120. The projections 166 extend radially outward from the inner wall of the circular passage 160 towards each of the passages 162. The paths 158 are deviated from the paths 162 and none is directly aligned. The small paths 158 offer a substantially greater restriction to the flow than the trajectories 160 and 162, which have larger transverse areas. The operation of the fill valve 20 will now be described. The fill valve 20 is shown in the closed condition in Figures 3 and 5. The float 56 is pivoted to its uppermost position through the water inlet by the chamber from float 1 14 through of the window 1 12. A pad 168 on the float support lever near the tip 104 holds the pilot valve member portion 126 of the flexible cup 46 in the sealing relationship against the pilot valve orifice 136 and the pilot valve 52 closes. The slots 170 formed in the central passage 133 through the head 130 of the tube member 42 allow the restricted flow of the pressurized liquid from the inlet port 68 to the control chamber 132. The pressure trapped inside the control chamber 132 by the closed pilot valve 52 forces the valve disc 48 upward toward a sealing relationship against the surface having valves. An elevated circular rib 172 surrounding the central inlet 156 ensures positive closure of the main valve 50. A floating ball valve 174 at the bottom of the float chamber 1 14 is in its closed position. As seen in Figure 5, the vacuum switch panels 124 are in their upper position by venting the region below the flexible cup 46 to the atmosphere through vacuum switch ports 140. When the water level falls in the tank where the filling valve 20 is mounted, the filling valve assumes the open condition illustrated in Figures 4 and 6. As the level drops, the ball valve falls, draining the water from the float chamber 1 14. The float 56 is pivoted downward and the pad 168 allows the pilot valve member 126 to move downwardly (Figure 4) and release pressure from the control chamber 132 at a flow greater than that allowed by the slots.

Restricted 1 70. The pressure drops in the control chamber 1 32 and the valve disc 48 moves downward towards its open position due to the inlet pressure acting on its upper surface. The liquid flows through the surface with valves 146 and through the paths 1 62 toward the circular outlet region 164 and down through the outflow ports 1 38 into the head portion 1 30 of the flow member. inlet tube 42. The flow activates the panels 1 24 downwardly against the vacuum interrupter ports 140 to isolate the outflow from the outside of the housing 22. A portion of the outflow is inverted to a resilient outlet of trap 176. Conventionally about twenty percent of the flow is directed through the overflow tube of the tank to reseal the siphon trap of the associated accessory. The ribs 178 in the lower portion of the upper body 36 impart a rolling action to the remaining flow as it moves downward through the tube portion 34 to the exit ports 60. The swirling action enters and purges the air trapped in the discharge path. As the water level rises, the ball valve 1 74 is seated and the level of the water reaches a sufficient height to flow over a landfill wall 1 80 at the bottom of the body window 1 12. The float chamber 1 14 is filled, raising the float 56 and closing the pilot valve 52. The increase in pressure in the control chamber resulting in restricted flow to through the slots 170 closes the main valve 50. The valve disc 48 is gradually closed with a winding type action from the fully open position (Figures 4 and 6) to the closed position (Figures 3 and 5). In the fully open position, the liquid flows relatively freely through the surface with valves 146 from the circular inlet region 156 on the raised rib 172 and through the external portions of the large flow paths 162 to the outlet region. circular 164. The valve disk is spaced over restricted paths 158 and circular path 160, and the flow is substantially all in one radial direction. As the valve disc 48 begins to close against the valve surface 146, its outer portion initially moves against the projections 166. As the closure disc 48 decreases the flow of water toward the segmented circular path 160, the flow radial free of liquid towards the radial paths 162 is interrupted. The liquid is forced to follow a toroidal path through the circular path 160 to reach the paths 162. As the disk 48 gets closer, it closes on the restricted paths 158, further limiting the flow. Finally, the disc closes on the circular rib 172 positively blocking the entire flow. The projections 166 also support the valve disc 48 in the closed position. The fill valve 20 achieves the contradictory objectives of free flow in a totally open and silent flow when close During the transition when the valve is partially open, the liquid must follow a tortuous path including radial segments diverted in paths 158 and 162 and a toroidal segment in circular path 160. This provides a flow impedance that dissipates energy and obtains an operation Silent During the total flow operation, the flow impedance is removed from the flow path since the valve disk 48 is separated from the valve surface 146 allowing direct radial flow instead of a tortuous flow prevented. Another advantage of the fill valve 20 is that it is easy to clean the main valve area in case it is plugged or soiled with dirt or waste in the water supply. When the lid is removed, there is free access without having to disassemble the main valve region including the upper part of the valve disc 48 and the surface with valves 146. Since the present invention has been described with reference to the details of the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims (29)

1 .- A toilet tank filling valve comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a main valve in said housing to control the flow between the inlet and the outlet; the main valve including a flexible valve disk having a periphery captured by the housing and having a central portion communicating with the inlet and mounted for the flexure movement in the direction of the axis of said valve disc; a valve surface interconnected with a first side of the valve disc, a control chamber on the second side of the valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber to pressurize the control chamber and force the valve disc to a closed position against the surface with valves; a pilot valve in the housing to control the flow between the control chamber and the outlet; a member that responds to the water level in the tank to open the pilot valve to network the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface toward an open position; said filling valve is characterized by:

the housing includes a body and a removable body lid; the control chamber is defined in the body and the surface with valves is defined in the cover, whereby the first side of the valve disc and the surface with valves are exposed when said cover is removed.

2. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes an empty chamber between the valve surface and the exterior of the housing to attenuate the noise of the operation of the valve.

3. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein the lid is threaded to the body.

4. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 3, wherein the periphery of the valve disc is captured between the lid and the body.

5. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein the body includes sections of upper and lower body defining a float chamber communicating with the exterior of the housing, and the member that responds to the level of Water comprises a float in the float chamber.

6. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 5, characterized in that it also comprises quick connection means joining the upper and lower body sections.

7. - A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 6, wherein the float includes a mounting lever having a pivot projection, and the body includes a pivotal pivot nest receiving the pivot projection.

8. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve disk comprises a central hub defining a flow passage through said hub, the flow passage communicating with the inlet.

9. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 8, wherein the lid includes bleeder ribs and said hub slidably engages the bleeder ribs in response to bending of the disc. 1 - A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve surface includes first and second seats of diverted radial flow paths interconnected through a peripheral flow path. 1 1 .- A toilet tank filling valve, comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a main valve in the housing to control the flow between the inlet and the outlet; the main valve including a flexible valve disk having a periphery captured by the housing and having a central opening comming with the inlet and a central portion surrounding the mounted opening for the flexure movement in the

direction of the valve disc axis; a valve surface interconnected with a first side of the valve disc and having a central portion aligned with the central portion of the valve disc, a control chamber on the second side of the valve disc and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber for pressurizing the control chamber and forcing the valve disc to a closed position against the valve surface; a pilot valve in the housing to control the flow between the control chamber and the outlet; a member that responds to the water level in the tank to open the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface to an open position; the filling valve is characterized by: a circular flow blocking rim surrounding the central opening of the valve disc; a plurality of first radial flow passages in the central portion of the valve surface extending radially outwardly from the flange; a peripheral flow passage communicating with the radially outer ends of the first radial flow passages; and a plurality of second radial flow passages extending radially outward from the peripheral flow passage;

the first and second radial flow passages being peripherally biased to induce toroidal flow in the peripheral flow passage, when the valve disc is partially closed over the peripheral flow passage; said valve disc in the open position being spaced above the first radial flow passages and the peripheral flow passage to allow radial flow from the central opening to the second radial flow passages.

12. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein there are fewer said first radial flow passages than said second radial flow passages.

13. - A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 1, wherein the first radial flow passages are relatively restricted compared to the peripheral flow passage and the second radial flow passages.

14. A toilet fill tank valve according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of projections in the wall of the peripheral flow passage opposite to and aligned with the second passages of the radial flow to guide the flow towards the second radial flow passages and support the valve disc in the closed position.

15. A tank filling valve comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a main valve in the housing to control the flow between the inlet and the outlet;

the main valve including a flexible valve disc having a central portion mounted for the flexure movement in the direction of the axis of the valve disc; a surface with valves that interconnect with a first side of the valve disc, a control chamber on the second side of the valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber to pressurize the control chamber and force the valve disc to a closed position against the valve surface; a pilot valve in the housing to control the flow between the control chamber and the outlet; a member that responds to the water level in the tank to open the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface to an open position; the filler valve is characterized in that: said housing includes an inlet tube member having an inlet tube commingling with the central portion of the valve disc and having an enlarged disc-shaped head portion underlying the second side of the valve disc, the control chamber being defined in the head portion; the pilot valve includes a passage in the head portion that terminates in a valve seat at the bottom of the head portion; a flexible cup member that has an underlying basis to the

head portion and a peripheral flange portion surrounding the ring of the head portion; and the base has a segment that engages with the valve seat to control the flow through the pilot valve.

16. The toilet tank filler valve according to claim 15, wherein the member that responds to the water level can be coupled with the base segment.

17. The toilet tank filler valve according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a vacuum switch ventilation port in the adjacent body and normally separated from the bottom part of the base, and a path of Exit flow extending through the enlarged head from the top to its bottom part, the flow through the outlet flow path forcing the base over the vacuum switch vent port.

18. A toilet tank filler valve comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet; a main valve in the housing to control the flow between the inlet and the outlet; the main valve including a valve disk having a central portion mounted for the flexure movement in the direction of the valve disk axis; a surface with valves that interconnects with a first side of the valve disc, a control chamber on the second side of the

valve disc, and a restricted passage between the inlet and the control chamber to pressurize the control chamber and force the valve disc to a closed position against the valve surface; a pilot valve in the housing to control the flow between the control chamber and the outlet; a member that responds to the water level in the tank to open the pilot valve to reduce the pressure in the control chamber and allow the inlet pressure to flex the valve disk away from the valve surface to an open position; the filler valve is characterized in that: said housing includes a body defining a float chamber in communication with the exterior of the housing; a float member including a float in the chamber and a mounting lever extending toward the region of the pilot valve; a pivoting projection on the mounting lever; and a body including a pivot nest for receiving the pivot projection and supporting the float member for pivotal movement within the housing.

19. A toilet tank filler valve according to claim 18, wherein the body includes a lower body portion and a cover portion assembled to the lower portion, the pivot nest being defined in the cover portion. , and the lower portion blocking the removal of the pivot projection from the pivot nest when assembled to the cover portion.

20. - An adjustable height filler valve for a toilet tank comprising: a valve head portion including valve means for selectively admitting water to the tank; an elevator assembly adapted to be mounted to an inlet port in the tank wall and to support the valve head portion in a separate site above the port of entry; the elevator assembly including a central rod surrounded by an outer sleeve, the rod and sleeve defining between them an elongated cylindrical cavity having an annular cross section; said head portion including a tubular portion extending down telescopically and slidably received into the cylindrical cavity; and matching closure structures hidden within the cavity and formed on a tubular portion and the riser assembly to secure the head assembly at a selected height in the tank.

21. An adjustable height filler valve according to claim 20, wherein the closure structures include a plurality of teeth on a tubular portion and the riser assembly and a matching projection on the other tubular portion and the riser assembly.

22. An adjustable height filler valve according to claim 21, wherein said teeth are defined on

The stem and the protrusion are defined on the bular portion.

23. An adjustable height filler valve according to claim 20, wherein the rod defines an inlet flow path from the inlet port towards the valve means and the region surrounding the rod defines a path of flow out from the valve means.

24. An adjustable height filler valve according to claim 20, wherein the rod and the sleeve are separate members assembled together through matching closure means located at the lower end of the elevator.

25. An adjustable height filler valve for a toilet tank comprising: a head portion including a body and valve means to selectively admit water to the tank; a member that responds to the level to close the valve means when the water level in the tank reaches a predetermined elevation above the body; an elevator assembly adapted to be mounted to an inlet port in the tank wall and to support the valve head portion in a separate site above the inlet port; said lifting assembly includes telescopically and slidably portions for varying the length of the lifting sambon and the height of the head portion in the tank; a tab on the bottom of the adapted elevator portion

for coupling the tank wall and a mounting extension having a predetermined axial length adapted to extend through the wall of the tank to attach the elevator assembly to the tank wall; the filling valve is characterized by: a visual indicator on the body separated at a distance equal to the predetermined axial length below the predetermined elevation on the body.

26.- The adjustable height filler valve according to claim 25, wherein the visual indicator is a projection molded on the body.

27.- The adjustable height filler valve according to claim 25, characterized in that it also comprises additional indications on the body including a first visual indication of the water level maintained by the filling valve.

28. The adjustable height filler valve according to claim 27, wherein said additional indications further include a visual indication of the upper end of a vertical tank tube above the visual indication of the predetermined elevation.

29. The adjustable height filler valve according to claim 27, wherein said body has body portions and the indications being a seam of the body portions.