US20030061652A1 - Valve assembly for a pressure flush system - Google Patents
Valve assembly for a pressure flush system Download PDFInfo
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- US20030061652A1 US20030061652A1 US09/967,012 US96701201A US2003061652A1 US 20030061652 A1 US20030061652 A1 US 20030061652A1 US 96701201 A US96701201 A US 96701201A US 2003061652 A1 US2003061652 A1 US 2003061652A1
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- Prior art keywords
- valve
- pressure flush
- piston
- pressure
- fluid communication
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D3/00—Flushing devices operated by pressure of the water supply system flushing valves not connected to the water-supply main, also if air is blown in the water seal for a quick flushing
- E03D3/10—Flushing devices with pressure-operated reservoir, e.g. air chamber
Definitions
- This invention relates to pressure flush tanks or pressure flush systems of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,233,698 and 5,802,628, owned by the assignee of the present application, Sloan Valve Company of Franklin Park, Illinois, and incorporated by reference herein.
- the invention relates to an improved valve assembly for such a pressure flush tank having a valve and a piston which are hydrodynamically connected.
- the invention further provides a valve assembly with a flexible tube which is responsive to movement by the piston.
- the present invention relates to pressure flush tanks and in particular to an improved valve assembly for such tanks.
- a primary purpose of the invention is a pressure flush tank as described which includes a valve and a piston which are hydraulically connected so that piston movement results from a hydraulic response to movement of the valve.
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly which, upon actuation of the valve, allows water contained within the valve assembly to flow through the valve and the piston to a discharge port and results in movement of the piston out of sealing engagement with the discharge port.
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with a flexible tube
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with a flexible tube which is carried between the valve and the piston and which moves in response to movement of the piston.
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways which permit the storage and outflow of water contained within the valve assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a section of the valve assembly positioned within a pressure flush tank.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the valve assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a section of the valve assembly in a fully closed position.
- FIG. 4 is a section of the valve assembly in a fully opened position.
- FIG. 1 shows a pressure flush tank indicated generally at 10 , which will be positioned within a toilet tank, not shown.
- the purpose of the pressure flush tank is to provide a measured quantity or volume of water under pressure so that the flushing system may be more effective, but yet use a volume of water consistent with current government regulations.
- the tank 10 may include a top shell 12 and a bottom shell 14 which fit together to provide a watertight enclosure.
- the inside surface of the tank 10 may include a plurality of baffles 16 and fins 18 .
- the air and water mixture enters the tank 10 through the interior tube 26 and is held within the tank which defines a cavity 28 .
- a valve assembly 30 is centrally located within the tank 10 and extends between an upper tank opening 32 and a discharge port 34 which is in fluid communication with the toilet tank (not shown).
- the discharge port 34 is generally shaped as a conical seat.
- the valve assembly 30 includes a housing, generally indicated at 36 , with upper and lower portions 38 and 40 , respectively, a valve, generally indicated at 42 , a valve return spring 44 , a bellows tube 46 , a piston return spring 48 , a piston 50 , and a sleeve 52 .
- the housing upper portion 38 is generally cylindrical in shape with a threaded external surface 31 , a radial web 35 and an axial bore 37 .
- the axial bore 37 includes an inwardly projecting shoulder 39 and a threaded portion 41 which is radially spaced from the upper tank opening 32 .
- the housing lower portion 40 defines a hollow cylindrical shape including an internal surface 43 and a valve assembly water inlet 45 which allows fluid communication with the tank cavity 28 .
- the housing 36 is supported within the tank 10 at a top end by a threaded connection between the upper tank opening 32 and the housing upper portion 38 .
- the lower portion 40 is supported by the fins 18 which are radially disposed around the discharge port 34 and upwardly project into the tank cavity 28 .
- the housing upper portion 38 matingly engages the lower portion 40 using a series of ribs 54 and tabs 56 .
- the ribs 54 are received within corresponding grooves 58 on the housing lower portion and the tabs 56 engage the underside of a projecting annular rib 60 located on the internal surface of the housing lower portion.
- a seal 47 disposed within a groove 49 of the housing upper portion 38 seals the valve assembly 30 to the atmosphere.
- the valve 42 is positioned within the housing 36 and includes a valve base 61 , a valve seat 62 , a valve actuator 63 , and a downwardly projecting annular skirt 64 for directing water under pressure when the valve is opened.
- the valve base 61 forms a sealed partition, along with an annular valve seal 68 , between the housing upper and lower portions 38 and 40 .
- the valve actuator 63 has a stem 70 , a head 72 and a distal end 73 .
- the head 72 which is generally conical or frusto-conical in shape, includes an annular groove 74 which receives an O-ring seal 76 and is normally biased adjacent the valve seat 62 by the valve return spring 44 .
- the stem 70 Projecting upwards from the head 72 , the stem 70 extends through the axial bore 37 of the housing upper portion 38 and radial movement of the stem is limited by the inwardly projecting shoulder 39 .
- the valve base 61 Radially positioned from the valve seat 62 , the valve base 61 defines a water passage 78 which allows fluid communication between the housing upper portion 38 and the housing lower portion 40 , as will be described in further detail below.
- the valve return spring 44 is circumferentially positioned around the valve actuator stem 70 and is disposed within a water cavity 86 defined by the housing upper portion 38 .
- the valve return spring 44 biases the valve actuator head 72 against the valve seat 62 defining a closed valve position.
- One end of the valve return spring 44 contacts an upwardly facing surface 81 of the valve actuator head 72 while the other end of the return spring is biased against an annular shoulder 82 of the housing upper portion 38 .
- the end of the valve return spring 44 adjacent the annular shoulder 82 is restrained from radial movement by an annular projection 84 .
- a seal 88 which is received within a groove 89 , is circumferentially disposed around the valve actuator stem 70 .
- the seal is secured by a center shaft nut 90 which is screwed onto the threaded portion 41 of the axial bore 37 .
- the bellows tube 46 is axially disposed within the housing and is carried either directly or indirectly between the valve and the piston.
- the bellows tube 46 is in fluid communication with the valve 42 .
- the bellows tube 46 includes an upper end 92 which is radially disposed around the valve annular skirt 64 .
- the annular skirt 64 also has a downwardly facing shoulder 94 which receives an O-ring seal 96 so as to fluidly seal the bellows tube 46 to the annular skirt.
- the valve 42 includes downwardly directed projections 98 which are radially spaced from the annular skirt 64 so as to position the bellows tube upper end 92 of the bellows tube 46 between the annular skirt 64 and the projections 98 .
- the bellows tube 46 extends axially within the housing lower portion 40 from the upper end 92 to a lower end 100 and the tube preferably has an undulating shape, as illustrated.
- the bellows tube lower end 100 is secured by a clamp or seal 99 to the sleeve 52 .
- the piston 50 is circumferentially positioned around the bellows tube 46 .
- the piston 50 extends from an upper end 101 positioned within the housing 36 to a lower end 102 outside thereof.
- the piston generally has a hollow cylindrical, pseudo-concave shape with an axial bore therethrough 103 .
- the axial bore 103 receives at least one axially disposed fluid conduit therein such as the bellows tube 46 and the sleeve 52 so that water contained within the housing is discharged axially through said piston.
- There is an annular groove 104 on the piston exterior surface which receives a U-ring seal 106 to form a fluid seal between the piston and the internal surface 43 of the housing lower portion 40 .
- the piston upper end 101 is spaced from the internal surface 43 .
- the piston lower end 102 extends beyond the housing 36 and is positioned within the discharge port 34 to prevent the discharge of water when the valve is in the closed position.
- a fluid seal is effectuated by an O-ring seal 108 which is positioned within an annular groove 110 of the piston lower end 102 .
- the piston 50 is positioned around the bellows tube 46 and radially spaced therefrom so as to allow the return spring 48 to be positioned therebetween.
- the piston 50 is in fluid communication with the bellows tube 46 .
- the sleeve 52 includes an upper end 112 positioned within the bellows tube 46 and a lower end 114 positioned outside of the bellows tube. In addition, the sleeve 52 is axially positioned within the piston axial bore 103 . The sleeve upper end 112 is axially spaced from the bellows tube upper end 92 and the valve annular skirt 64 when the valve is closed.
- the sleeve 52 which has a generally rigid and hollow, cylindrical shape, extends downwardly to the lower end 114 , which is generally coextensive with the piston lower end 102 and which is in fluid communication with the discharge port 34 .
- the sleeve lower end 114 defines a valve assembly water outlet 115 so as to permit water contained within valve assembly 30 to flow through the water outlet and through the discharge port 34 when the valve is opened.
- the bellows tube lower end 100 is in fluid communication with the sleeve 52 and sealingly engages the sleeve 52 with an O-ring seal 116 and the clamp 99 .
- the seal 116 is received by an upwardly facing shoulder 118 of the sleeve 52 .
- the piston 50 and the sleeve 52 are directly connected by a threadable engagement which allows the piston to be indirectly connected to the bellows tube 46 .
- movement by the piston 50 causes corresponding movement by the bellows tube 46 and the sleeve 52 .
- the piston return spring 48 Located between the bellows tube 46 and the piston 50 , the piston return spring 48 has an upper end which is biased against the underside of the valve base 61 and which is fixed from radial movement by an annular rim 128 formed on the underside of the valve base 61 .
- the lower end of the return spring 48 sits on an annular shoulder 130 formed in the axial bore 103 of the piston 50 .
- the return spring 48 biases the piston 50 into a closed position so that the piston lower end 102 extends beyond the housing 36 and is positioned within the discharge port 34 .
- the piston lower end 102 forms a fluid seal with the discharge port 34 to prevent the discharge of water contained within the tank 10 when the valve assembly 30 has not been actuated.
- the bellows tube 46 it is carried either directly or indirectly between the valve 42 and the piston 50 and provides fluid communication therebetween.
- the bellows tube 46 Upon actuation of the valve 42 , the bellows tube 46 is axially collapsible in response to axial movement of the piston 50 .
- the bellows tube upper end 92 remains fixed during axial movement while the lower end 100 moves in response to axial movement of the piston 50 . Accordingly, when the piston moves axially upward, the bellows tube lower end 100 moves upward while the upper end 92 remains fixed, thereby causing the bellows tube to collapse or retract along its axis.
- the bellows tube lower end 100 moves downward, thus causing axial expansion of the bellows tube 46 .
- a bellow tube it is possible to use any type of flexible tube or the like which is capable of movement in response to movement of the piston although it is preferred that the tube be capable of axial retraction and expansion in response to movement of the piston.
- the bellows tube 46 further defines inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways 132 and 134 , respectively, which are fluidly sealed therebetween by the valve 42 when the valve is closed.
- the inner passageway 132 is in fluid communication with the discharge port 34 and is defined by the internal surfaces of the bellows tube 46 , the sleeve 52 and the valve annular skirt 64 .
- the inner passageway 132 extends through the piston axial bore 103 such that, upon actuation of the valve, water contained within the housing is discharged axially through the piston.
- the outer passageway 134 is in fluid communication with the pressure flush tank 10 at the valve assembly water inlet 45 and contains water under pressure therefrom when the valve 42 is closed. As shown in FIGS.
- the outer passageway 134 is circumferentially disposed around the bellows tube 46 , which defines the internal boundary of the outer passageway 134 , and is circumferentially bounded by the housing internal surface 43 .
- water is permitted to flow within the annular spaces defined between the bellow tube 46 and the piston axial bore 103 and between the piston 50 and the housing internal surface 43 .
- Water is prevented from flowing downstream of the outer passageway 134 by the U-ring seal 106 and the O-ring seal 120 .
- Water within the outer passageway 134 is in fluid communication with the water cavity 86 by the water passage 78 so that water is permitted to flow from the outer passageway 134 into the water cavity 86 as water flows into the valve assembly from the tank.
- the water contained within the outer passageway 134 together with the return spring 48 assists in biasing the piston 50 to a closed position. While the valve remains closed, the outer passageway 134 and the water cavity 86 receive and store water from the tank 10 .
- FIG. 4 shows the valve assembly in a fully opened position. Operation of the valve assembly 30 will be described. First, the distal end 73 of the valve actuator 63 is pulled upwards to open the valve 42 . This may occur either directly by the user or indirectly through a mechanical linkage having one or more members. Upward movement of the valve actuator 63 unseats the actuator head 72 from the valve seat 62 and axially compresses the valve return spring 44 . Once the valve 42 is opened, water under pressure located within the water cavity 86 is expelled through the inner passageway 132 and exits the valve assembly water outlet 115 .
- the sudden release of water causes a decrease in pressure within the valve assembly 30 and creates a pressure differential which forces water from the outer passageway 134 through the water passage 78 and into the water cavity 86 . While the valve remains open, water entering the water cavity 86 from the outer passageway 134 is purged from the valve assembly 30 through the inner passageway 132 .
- the pressure exerted on the actuator head 72 by the flow of water keeps the valve open without having to maintain the valve actuator 63 in a raised position.
- piston movement results from a hydrodynamic response to the valve when the valve is opened to allow the release of water contained within the valve assembly.
- FIG. 3 shows the valve assembly in a fully closed position. Closing of the valve 42 occurs when the resulting pressure drop due to the release of water from the housing upper and lower portions allows the valve return spring 44 to move the valve actuator 63 back into a closed position so that the actuator head 72 forms a fluid seal with the valve seat 62 .
- the resulting pressure drop due to the release of water from the tank allows the piston 50 to close once the water is expelled from the tank cavity.
- the piston return spring 48 allows the piston 50 to move downwardly until it forms a fluid seal with the discharge port 34 . Downward movement of the piston 50 will cause corresponding movement of the bellows tube 46 and the sleeve 52 .
- the tank begins to refill and repressurize as water enters through the interior tube 26 .
- water begins to fill valve assembly 30 .
- the pressure within the valve assembly is equal to the pressure within the tank due to the fluid communication between the valve assembly 30 and the tank 10 at the valve assembly water inlet 45 .
- Water entering the valve assembly 30 fills the outer passageway 134 and assists the piston return spring 48 in biasing the piston 50 against the conical seat of the discharge port so as to keep the piston in a closed position.
- Continued filling of the outer passageway 134 allows water to enter the water cavity 86 through the water passage 78 . Water contained within the water cavity 86 together with the valve return spring 44 assist in biasing the valve 42 to a closed position.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
- Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to pressure flush tanks or pressure flush systems of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,233,698 and 5,802,628, owned by the assignee of the present application, Sloan Valve Company of Franklin Park, Illinois, and incorporated by reference herein. In particular, the invention relates to an improved valve assembly for such a pressure flush tank having a valve and a piston which are hydrodynamically connected. The invention further provides a valve assembly with a flexible tube which is responsive to movement by the piston.
- The present invention relates to pressure flush tanks and in particular to an improved valve assembly for such tanks.
- A primary purpose of the invention is a pressure flush tank as described which includes a valve and a piston which are hydraulically connected so that piston movement results from a hydraulic response to movement of the valve.
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly which, upon actuation of the valve, allows water contained within the valve assembly to flow through the valve and the piston to a discharge port and results in movement of the piston out of sealing engagement with the discharge port.
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with a flexible tube
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with a flexible tube which is carried between the valve and the piston and which moves in response to movement of the piston.
- Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways which permit the storage and outflow of water contained within the valve assembly.
- Other purposes will appear in the ensuing specification, drawings and claims.
- The invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a section of the valve assembly positioned within a pressure flush tank.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the valve assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a section of the valve assembly in a fully closed position.
- FIG. 4 is a section of the valve assembly in a fully opened position.
- FIG. 1 shows a pressure flush tank indicated generally at10, which will be positioned within a toilet tank, not shown. The purpose of the pressure flush tank is to provide a measured quantity or volume of water under pressure so that the flushing system may be more effective, but yet use a volume of water consistent with current government regulations.
- The
tank 10 may include atop shell 12 and abottom shell 14 which fit together to provide a watertight enclosure. The inside surface of thetank 10 may include a plurality ofbaffles 16 andfins 18. Water enters thetank 10 at aninlet port 20 which is connected to a suitable conduit and such conduit may also have a suitable shutoff valve connected thereto. Adjacent theinlet port 20 there is anair inducer housing 22 which includes anair inlet 24. As water passes through theinlet port 20, the flow of water will cause theair inlet 24 to open, thus allowing both air and water to enter the interior of thetank 10. The air and water mixture enters thetank 10 through theinterior tube 26 and is held within the tank which defines acavity 28. Avalve assembly 30 is centrally located within thetank 10 and extends between an upper tank opening 32 and adischarge port 34 which is in fluid communication with the toilet tank (not shown). Thedischarge port 34 is generally shaped as a conical seat. - In FIGS.1-4, the
valve assembly 30 includes a housing, generally indicated at 36, with upper andlower portions valve return spring 44, abellows tube 46, apiston return spring 48, apiston 50, and asleeve 52. The housingupper portion 38 is generally cylindrical in shape with a threadedexternal surface 31, aradial web 35 and anaxial bore 37. Theaxial bore 37 includes an inwardly projectingshoulder 39 and a threadedportion 41 which is radially spaced from the upper tank opening 32. The housinglower portion 40 defines a hollow cylindrical shape including aninternal surface 43 and a valveassembly water inlet 45 which allows fluid communication with thetank cavity 28. - As best seen in FIG. 2, the
housing 36 is supported within thetank 10 at a top end by a threaded connection between the upper tank opening 32 and the housingupper portion 38. At the bottom end of thehousing 36, thelower portion 40 is supported by thefins 18 which are radially disposed around thedischarge port 34 and upwardly project into thetank cavity 28. The housingupper portion 38 matingly engages thelower portion 40 using a series ofribs 54 andtabs 56. Theribs 54 are received withincorresponding grooves 58 on the housing lower portion and thetabs 56 engage the underside of a projectingannular rib 60 located on the internal surface of the housing lower portion. On the external surface of the housingupper portion 38, aseal 47 disposed within agroove 49 of the housingupper portion 38 seals thevalve assembly 30 to the atmosphere. - The
valve 42 is positioned within thehousing 36 and includes avalve base 61, avalve seat 62, avalve actuator 63, and a downwardly projectingannular skirt 64 for directing water under pressure when the valve is opened. Thevalve base 61 forms a sealed partition, along with anannular valve seal 68, between the housing upper andlower portions valve actuator 63 has astem 70, ahead 72 and adistal end 73. Thehead 72, which is generally conical or frusto-conical in shape, includes anannular groove 74 which receives an O-ring seal 76 and is normally biased adjacent thevalve seat 62 by thevalve return spring 44. Projecting upwards from thehead 72, thestem 70 extends through theaxial bore 37 of the housingupper portion 38 and radial movement of the stem is limited by the inwardly projectingshoulder 39. Radially positioned from thevalve seat 62, thevalve base 61 defines awater passage 78 which allows fluid communication between the housingupper portion 38 and the housinglower portion 40, as will be described in further detail below. - The
valve return spring 44 is circumferentially positioned around thevalve actuator stem 70 and is disposed within awater cavity 86 defined by the housingupper portion 38. Thevalve return spring 44 biases thevalve actuator head 72 against thevalve seat 62 defining a closed valve position. One end of thevalve return spring 44 contacts an upwardly facingsurface 81 of thevalve actuator head 72 while the other end of the return spring is biased against anannular shoulder 82 of the housingupper portion 38. The end of thevalve return spring 44 adjacent theannular shoulder 82 is restrained from radial movement by anannular projection 84. At the top of thehousing 36, aseal 88, which is received within agroove 89, is circumferentially disposed around thevalve actuator stem 70. The seal is secured by acenter shaft nut 90 which is screwed onto the threadedportion 41 of theaxial bore 37. - Turning to the housing
lower portion 40, thebellows tube 46 is axially disposed within the housing and is carried either directly or indirectly between the valve and the piston. Thebellows tube 46 is in fluid communication with thevalve 42. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, thebellows tube 46 includes anupper end 92 which is radially disposed around the valveannular skirt 64. Theannular skirt 64 also has a downwardly facingshoulder 94 which receives an O-ring seal 96 so as to fluidly seal thebellows tube 46 to the annular skirt. Thevalve 42 includes downwardly directedprojections 98 which are radially spaced from theannular skirt 64 so as to position the bellows tubeupper end 92 of thebellows tube 46 between theannular skirt 64 and theprojections 98. Thebellows tube 46 extends axially within the housinglower portion 40 from theupper end 92 to alower end 100 and the tube preferably has an undulating shape, as illustrated. The bellows tubelower end 100 is secured by a clamp or seal 99 to thesleeve 52. - The
piston 50 is circumferentially positioned around thebellows tube 46. Thepiston 50 extends from anupper end 101 positioned within thehousing 36 to alower end 102 outside thereof. The piston generally has a hollow cylindrical, pseudo-concave shape with anaxial bore therethrough 103. Theaxial bore 103 receives at least one axially disposed fluid conduit therein such as thebellows tube 46 and thesleeve 52 so that water contained within the housing is discharged axially through said piston. There is anannular groove 104 on the piston exterior surface which receives aU-ring seal 106 to form a fluid seal between the piston and theinternal surface 43 of the housinglower portion 40. Above the U-ringseal 106, the pistonupper end 101 is spaced from theinternal surface 43. Before actuation of thevalve 42, the pistonlower end 102 extends beyond thehousing 36 and is positioned within thedischarge port 34 to prevent the discharge of water when the valve is in the closed position. At thedischarge port 34, a fluid seal is effectuated by an O-ring seal 108 which is positioned within anannular groove 110 of the pistonlower end 102. Thepiston 50 is positioned around thebellows tube 46 and radially spaced therefrom so as to allow thereturn spring 48 to be positioned therebetween. Thepiston 50 is in fluid communication with thebellows tube 46. - The
sleeve 52 includes anupper end 112 positioned within thebellows tube 46 and alower end 114 positioned outside of the bellows tube. In addition, thesleeve 52 is axially positioned within the pistonaxial bore 103. The sleeveupper end 112 is axially spaced from the bellows tubeupper end 92 and the valveannular skirt 64 when the valve is closed. Thesleeve 52, which has a generally rigid and hollow, cylindrical shape, extends downwardly to thelower end 114, which is generally coextensive with the pistonlower end 102 and which is in fluid communication with thedischarge port 34. The sleevelower end 114 defines a valveassembly water outlet 115 so as to permit water contained withinvalve assembly 30 to flow through the water outlet and through thedischarge port 34 when the valve is opened. The bellows tubelower end 100 is in fluid communication with thesleeve 52 and sealingly engages thesleeve 52 with an O-ring seal 116 and the clamp 99. Theseal 116 is received by an upwardly facingshoulder 118 of thesleeve 52. At the sleevelower end 114, thepiston 50 and thesleeve 52 are directly connected by a threadable engagement which allows the piston to be indirectly connected to thebellows tube 46. Thus, movement by thepiston 50 causes corresponding movement by thebellows tube 46 and thesleeve 52. - Located between the
bellows tube 46 and thepiston 50, thepiston return spring 48 has an upper end which is biased against the underside of thevalve base 61 and which is fixed from radial movement by anannular rim 128 formed on the underside of thevalve base 61. The lower end of thereturn spring 48 sits on anannular shoulder 130 formed in theaxial bore 103 of thepiston 50. Upon emptying of the tank, thereturn spring 48 biases thepiston 50 into a closed position so that the pistonlower end 102 extends beyond thehousing 36 and is positioned within thedischarge port 34. With theseal 108, the pistonlower end 102 forms a fluid seal with thedischarge port 34 to prevent the discharge of water contained within thetank 10 when thevalve assembly 30 has not been actuated. - Turning back to the
bellows tube 46, it is carried either directly or indirectly between thevalve 42 and thepiston 50 and provides fluid communication therebetween. Upon actuation of thevalve 42, thebellows tube 46 is axially collapsible in response to axial movement of thepiston 50. The bellows tubeupper end 92 remains fixed during axial movement while thelower end 100 moves in response to axial movement of thepiston 50. Accordingly, when the piston moves axially upward, the bellows tubelower end 100 moves upward while theupper end 92 remains fixed, thereby causing the bellows tube to collapse or retract along its axis. Conversely, as the piston moves axially downward, the bellows tubelower end 100 moves downward, thus causing axial expansion of thebellows tube 46. Instead of a bellow tube, it is possible to use any type of flexible tube or the like which is capable of movement in response to movement of the piston although it is preferred that the tube be capable of axial retraction and expansion in response to movement of the piston. - The
bellows tube 46 further defines inner and outer coaxialfluid passageways valve 42 when the valve is closed. Theinner passageway 132 is in fluid communication with thedischarge port 34 and is defined by the internal surfaces of thebellows tube 46, thesleeve 52 and the valveannular skirt 64. Theinner passageway 132 extends through the pistonaxial bore 103 such that, upon actuation of the valve, water contained within the housing is discharged axially through the piston. Theouter passageway 134 is in fluid communication with the pressureflush tank 10 at the valveassembly water inlet 45 and contains water under pressure therefrom when thevalve 42 is closed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, theouter passageway 134 is circumferentially disposed around thebellows tube 46, which defines the internal boundary of theouter passageway 134, and is circumferentially bounded by the housinginternal surface 43. Within the outer passageway, water is permitted to flow within the annular spaces defined between thebellow tube 46 and the pistonaxial bore 103 and between thepiston 50 and the housinginternal surface 43. Water is prevented from flowing downstream of theouter passageway 134 by theU-ring seal 106 and the O-ring seal 120. Water within theouter passageway 134 is in fluid communication with thewater cavity 86 by thewater passage 78 so that water is permitted to flow from theouter passageway 134 into thewater cavity 86 as water flows into the valve assembly from the tank. The water contained within theouter passageway 134 together with thereturn spring 48 assists in biasing thepiston 50 to a closed position. While the valve remains closed, theouter passageway 134 and thewater cavity 86 receive and store water from thetank 10. - FIG. 4 shows the valve assembly in a fully opened position. Operation of the
valve assembly 30 will be described. First, thedistal end 73 of thevalve actuator 63 is pulled upwards to open thevalve 42. This may occur either directly by the user or indirectly through a mechanical linkage having one or more members. Upward movement of thevalve actuator 63 unseats theactuator head 72 from thevalve seat 62 and axially compresses thevalve return spring 44. Once thevalve 42 is opened, water under pressure located within thewater cavity 86 is expelled through theinner passageway 132 and exits the valveassembly water outlet 115. The sudden release of water causes a decrease in pressure within thevalve assembly 30 and creates a pressure differential which forces water from theouter passageway 134 through thewater passage 78 and into thewater cavity 86. While the valve remains open, water entering thewater cavity 86 from theouter passageway 134 is purged from thevalve assembly 30 through theinner passageway 132. The pressure exerted on theactuator head 72 by the flow of water keeps the valve open without having to maintain thevalve actuator 63 in a raised position. - Mechanical movement by the
valve actuator 63 does not translate directly into mechanical movement by the piston. Rather, the piston moves in response to a hydrodynamic connection between the valve and the piston due to the fluid communication between the valve and the piston. Before actuation of the valve, the piston remains closed due to the balance of pressures acting upon it. The downward pressure exerted by the water contained in theouter passageway 134 together with the downward pressure of thepiston return spring 48 are equal to or greater than the upward pressure exerted by the water contained within thetank cavity 28. Opening of the valve results in an imbalance of the pressures acting upon the piston. In particular, actuation of thevalve 42 permits the release of water from theouter passageway 134 which creates a pressure differential across thepiston 50. The pressure above the piston decreases until the piston breaks the seal with thedischarge port 34. Once the seal is broken, the piston will move axially upwards to permit the flow of pressurized water contained within thetank cavity 28 through thedischarge port 34 and into the toilet tank. Thus, piston movement results from a hydrodynamic response to the valve when the valve is opened to allow the release of water contained within the valve assembly. - When the piston moves axially upwards, the connection at its lower end causes corresponding upward movement by the bellows tube and the sleeve. Moreover, upward movement of the
piston 50 causes upward axial compression of thepiston return spring 48 and thebellows tube 46. As shown in FIG. 4, movement of thepiston 50 continues until the sleeveupper end 112 engages the downwardly projectingannular skirt 64. As the piston moves upward, water remaining within theouter passageway 134 is forced into thewater cavity 86 and flows through theopen valve 42 to exit the valveassembly water outlet 115. Due to the upward force being exerted on thepiston 50 as the water exits thedischarge port 34, the piston remains open until the pressurized water within thetank 10 is expelled. - FIG. 3 shows the valve assembly in a fully closed position. Closing of the
valve 42 occurs when the resulting pressure drop due to the release of water from the housing upper and lower portions allows thevalve return spring 44 to move thevalve actuator 63 back into a closed position so that theactuator head 72 forms a fluid seal with thevalve seat 62. The resulting pressure drop due to the release of water from the tank allows thepiston 50 to close once the water is expelled from the tank cavity. Thepiston return spring 48 allows thepiston 50 to move downwardly until it forms a fluid seal with thedischarge port 34. Downward movement of thepiston 50 will cause corresponding movement of thebellows tube 46 and thesleeve 52. When thepiston 50 forms a seal with thedischarge port 34, the tank begins to refill and repressurize as water enters through theinterior tube 26. Once the water level within thetank cavity 28 reaches the height of the valveassembly water inlet 45, water begins to fillvalve assembly 30. The pressure within the valve assembly is equal to the pressure within the tank due to the fluid communication between thevalve assembly 30 and thetank 10 at the valveassembly water inlet 45. Water entering thevalve assembly 30 fills theouter passageway 134 and assists thepiston return spring 48 in biasing thepiston 50 against the conical seat of the discharge port so as to keep the piston in a closed position. Continued filling of theouter passageway 134 allows water to enter thewater cavity 86 through thewater passage 78. Water contained within thewater cavity 86 together with thevalve return spring 44 assist in biasing thevalve 42 to a closed position. Once thetank cavity 28 is fully filled, the pressure flush system is ready for another actuation. - While the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, it is understood that there may be many modifications, substitutions and alterations thereto without departing from the scope of the claims. For instance, in addition to the bellows tube and sleeve, other types of fluid conduits may be received within the piston axial bore and define an inner passageway which passes through the piston and allows for discharge of water contained within the housing.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/967,012 US6550076B1 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2001-09-28 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
GB0221780A GB2380207B (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-19 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
CA002404427A CA2404427C (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-20 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
MXPA02009372A MXPA02009372A (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-25 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system. |
CO02086713A CO5400122A1 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-26 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A PRESSURE DISCHARGE SYSTEM |
KR1020020058836A KR100644492B1 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-27 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
TW091122259A TW567273B (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-27 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
CNB021439303A CN1274918C (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-28 | Valve assembly on pressure flushing device |
DE10245606A DE10245606B4 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2002-09-30 | Valve arrangement for a pressure flushing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/967,012 US6550076B1 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2001-09-28 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030061652A1 true US20030061652A1 (en) | 2003-04-03 |
US6550076B1 US6550076B1 (en) | 2003-04-22 |
Family
ID=25512191
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/967,012 Expired - Lifetime US6550076B1 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2001-09-28 | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6550076B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100644492B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1274918C (en) |
CA (1) | CA2404427C (en) |
CO (1) | CO5400122A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10245606B4 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2380207B (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA02009372A (en) |
TW (1) | TW567273B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100024113A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2010-02-04 | Sloan Valve Company | Pressurized dual flush system |
WO2018053104A1 (en) * | 2016-09-14 | 2018-03-22 | Ot Llc | Low flush toilet system |
WO2019032579A1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-02-14 | Fluidmaster Inc. | Fluid control system and method |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6550076B1 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2003-04-22 | Sloan Valve Company | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
WO2004025039A2 (en) * | 2002-09-10 | 2004-03-25 | Geberit Technik Ag | Flushing device comprising a pressurized chamber and an evacuation fitting for said flushing device |
US6907623B2 (en) * | 2002-10-03 | 2005-06-21 | Geberit Technik Ag | Pressurized water closet flush system |
US7010816B2 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2006-03-14 | Feiyu Li | Pressure assisted dual flush operating system |
US7299508B2 (en) * | 2004-01-08 | 2007-11-27 | Feiyu Li | Pressurized flush system |
EP1659227A1 (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2006-05-24 | Geberit Technik Ag | Pressure flushing device |
US20100218309A1 (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-02 | Sloan Valve Company | Multiple Feed Discharge Flush System |
US9127778B2 (en) * | 2010-03-17 | 2015-09-08 | Masco Canada Limited | Flush valve |
AU2018346310A1 (en) | 2017-10-03 | 2020-04-23 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Discharge valve system and method |
Family Cites Families (23)
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DE1020936B (en) * | 1957-12-12 | |||
US1636402A (en) * | 1924-12-29 | 1927-07-19 | Franklin G Neal | Pressure-operated valve apparatus |
US3677294A (en) * | 1971-04-12 | 1972-07-18 | Marine Bank And Trust Co | Hydraulic flush tank |
US3817489A (en) * | 1972-08-17 | 1974-06-18 | Water Control Products | Hydraulic flush tank with improved seating and resealing means |
US3820754A (en) * | 1972-08-17 | 1974-06-28 | Water Control Products | Hydraulic flush tank with improved seating and resealing means |
US3817286A (en) | 1972-08-17 | 1974-06-18 | Water Control Products | Hydraulic flush tank with improved seating and resealing means |
US4233698A (en) | 1977-01-28 | 1980-11-18 | Water Control Products/N.A., Inc. | Pressure flush tank for toilets |
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US4984311A (en) | 1989-11-30 | 1991-01-15 | American Standard Inc. | Flushing mechanism with low water consumption |
US5005226A (en) | 1989-11-30 | 1991-04-09 | American Standard Inc. | Flushing mechanism with low water consumption |
US4955921A (en) | 1989-11-30 | 1990-09-11 | American Standard Inc. | Flushing mechanism using phase change fluid |
US5027444A (en) | 1990-02-14 | 1991-07-02 | American Standard Inc. | Device providing automatic delivery of toilet bowl freshener |
US5046201A (en) | 1990-04-16 | 1991-09-10 | Kohler Co. | Pressurized flush toilet tank |
US5241711A (en) | 1991-06-24 | 1993-09-07 | Badders Edwin T | Pressurized toilet flushing assembly |
US5136732A (en) | 1991-07-18 | 1992-08-11 | Maurice Burton | Commode flushing apparatus |
RU2101424C1 (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1998-01-10 | Дабл Ю/Си Текнолоджи Корпорейшн | Higher-pressure flushing system of toilet |
US5361426A (en) | 1993-04-16 | 1994-11-08 | W/C Technology Corporation | Hydraulically controlled pressurized water closet flushing system |
US5553333A (en) | 1993-09-30 | 1996-09-10 | Andersson; Sven E. | Pressurized water closet flushing system |
FR2712639B1 (en) | 1993-11-15 | 1996-01-19 | Financ De Gestion Soc | Monostable sudden discharge device with a capacity of compressed fluid. |
US5652969A (en) | 1994-09-26 | 1997-08-05 | Taylor; Raymond J. | Flush apparatus for use with toilet odor venting apparatus |
US5970527A (en) | 1997-03-07 | 1999-10-26 | W/C Technology Corporation | Pressurized water closet flushing system |
US5802628A (en) | 1997-06-17 | 1998-09-08 | Sloan Valve Company | Pressure flushing device discharge extension |
US6550076B1 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2003-04-22 | Sloan Valve Company | Valve assembly for a pressure flush system |
-
2001
- 2001-09-28 US US09/967,012 patent/US6550076B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-09-19 GB GB0221780A patent/GB2380207B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-09-20 CA CA002404427A patent/CA2404427C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-09-25 MX MXPA02009372A patent/MXPA02009372A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-09-26 CO CO02086713A patent/CO5400122A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-09-27 TW TW091122259A patent/TW567273B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-09-27 KR KR1020020058836A patent/KR100644492B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-09-28 CN CNB021439303A patent/CN1274918C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-09-30 DE DE10245606A patent/DE10245606B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100024113A1 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2010-02-04 | Sloan Valve Company | Pressurized dual flush system |
US7975324B2 (en) | 2008-07-30 | 2011-07-12 | Sloan Valve Company | Pressurized dual flush system |
US8205276B2 (en) | 2008-07-30 | 2012-06-26 | Sloan Valve Company | Pressurized dual flush system |
WO2018053104A1 (en) * | 2016-09-14 | 2018-03-22 | Ot Llc | Low flush toilet system |
US10337180B2 (en) | 2016-09-14 | 2019-07-02 | Ot Llc | Low flush toilet system |
WO2019032579A1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-02-14 | Fluidmaster Inc. | Fluid control system and method |
CN111492116A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2020-08-04 | 福马有限公司 | Fluid control system and method |
US10899598B2 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2021-01-26 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Fluid control system and method |
US20210284523A1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2021-09-16 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Fluid control system and method |
CN114351806A (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2022-04-15 | 福马有限公司 | Fluid control system and method |
US11939206B2 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2024-03-26 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Fluid control system and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10245606A1 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
US6550076B1 (en) | 2003-04-22 |
MXPA02009372A (en) | 2003-09-05 |
TW567273B (en) | 2003-12-21 |
GB2380207A (en) | 2003-04-02 |
GB0221780D0 (en) | 2002-10-30 |
CN1274918C (en) | 2006-09-13 |
CO5400122A1 (en) | 2004-05-31 |
CN1408968A (en) | 2003-04-09 |
CA2404427C (en) | 2007-11-27 |
GB2380207B (en) | 2005-04-06 |
KR20030027812A (en) | 2003-04-07 |
DE10245606B4 (en) | 2011-06-16 |
CA2404427A1 (en) | 2003-03-28 |
KR100644492B1 (en) | 2006-11-10 |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: SLOAN VALVE COMPANY, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FISH, ROBERT H.;REEL/FRAME:012220/0088 Effective date: 20010919 |
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Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS BANK, ILLINOIS Free format text: NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:SLOAN VALVE COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:056751/0614 Effective date: 20210630 |