US20100307618A1

US20100307618A1 - Bellows-type water tap

Info

Publication number: US20100307618A1
Application number: US12/457,220
Authority: US
Inventors: Fu-Shum Zeng; Yu-Chi Chang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-04
Filing date: 2009-06-04
Publication date: 2010-12-09

Abstract

A bellows type water tap which can control the water outflow and consume no electricity, consists essentially of a main valve, a guide pipe, a foot pump, a bellows, one first regulating valve, one second regulating valve, a safety spring, a push rod, an adjusting block, a handle, a needle valve and a diaphragm. When the bellows is inactivated, pressure on above of the diaphragm is higher than the bottom and seals the water outlet and when bellows is expanded, the reaction presses down the needle valve and opens a water passage, lowering the pressure of upper portion of the diaphragm and opening the water outlet for water discharging.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a faucet having bellows configuration which consumes no electricity for controlling the flow of water. It also requires no direct contact with user's skin to avoid probability of transmitting disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional faucet was invented in 19^thcentury, it simplifies the life of millions, and ever since, it has been widely fitted into our life. A conventional water tap regulates the water outlet usually by turning a knob on top of the tap and forcing a washer incorporated in the tap to move downwardly until fitted in a valve seat for sealing the water discharge. The mechanism is simple, however, user constantly forgets to close the tap after use, causing unnecessary waste. Moreover, physical contact of knob and user's hand makes the water tap become a media for transmitting diseases, specifically those for the public use. To avoid direct contact, automatic sensor faucet has been introduced and is now commonly used in most public toilets. Water outlet controlled by infrared sensor reduces the waste and provides hygiene. However, said infrared-sensor water tap can lose its function completely during the black out since it requires electricity, and extra consumption of electricity also shifts the profit from water saving to the electricity bill. Moreover, installation of an automatic water tap is more complicate than the conventional one since it has to be connected electrically. Therefore, to provide a cost effective water tap which consumes no electricity for regulating the water outflow and reduces unnecessary waste has become the objectives of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cost effective, easy installed and durable water tap having bellows-type configuration. Said bellows-type water tap is characterized in that having: a tap (4) which consists essentially of a secondary valve (41), a housing (42) attached under said secondary valve (41) and a main valve (43) coupled on the bottom of said housing (42).
Said secondary valve (41) comprises an air passage (411), and an air inlet (412) and outlet (413) which both were set on the rear portion of said passage (411).
Said main valve (43) is incorporated with a valve chamber (44) and a pressure chamber (45) which connected with said valve chamber (44); said chamber (45) also connects with a water inlet (431) and is further incorporated with a choke (46) that connected to a water outlet (432); said valve chamber (44) and water outlet (432) are connected by a conduit (433).
A guide pipe (2) having one end thereof connects to the air passage (411). A foot pump (1) for transporting fluid into the secondary valve (41) is connected with another end of the guide pipe (2).
A bellows (5) whose one end thereof is connected to the inlet (412) and outlet (413) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41).
A first regulating valve (47) for regulating inflow of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the inlet (412) and a second regulating valve (48) for regulating outflow of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the outlet (413).
A seat (7), set on the other end of the bellows (5) and moves following expansion/retraction of the bellows (5) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41).
A valve gate (49) for opening/closing said air inlet (412) is attached onto the bottom of the first regulating valve (47).
A third spring (8) for supporting said seat (7) is set between the secondary valve (41) and the housing (42).
A buffer (71) is set between the seat (7) and housing (42); and a safety spring (6) having one end thereof against the seat (7) is incorporated into said buffer (71).
A push rod (72) is freely coupled to the bottom of said buffer (71), said push rod is provided with retracting force by accommodating the other end of said safety spring (6).
A movable adjusting block (421) whose one end thereof is jointed with a handle (422) which can adjust the position of said adjusting block (421) is disposed inside the housing (42); said handle (422) is extended to outside of the housing (42).
A needle valve (3) having one end against the push rod (72) and coupled with the adjusting block (421) is incorporated into a valve chamber (44) inside said main valve (43).
A stop (441) having a tapered valve opening (443) correspondingly matching the needle valve(3) on one end and a first spring (31) for lifting the needle valve(3) on the other end, is set on the bottom of said valve chamber (44); and a diaphragm (451) sealing a choke (46) by the force of a second spring (442) where is set on the bottom of said stop (441), is incorporated into a pressure chamber (45); said pressure chamber (45) is divided by said diaphragm (451), a pressurized area (452) is formed below the bottom of said diaphragm (451); said pressurized area is connected with said water inlet (431) and a inlet passage (434) for connecting said water inlet (431) is set between the pressure chamber (45) and the diaphragm (451).
Moreover, a depressurizing mechanism (9) for lifting the diaphragm (451) is installed on the bottom of said choke (46). Said depressurizing mechanism (9) includes a cap (91) which is screwed onto the exterior of said choke (46), a thimble (92) for being adjusted up/downwardly, having one end inside the choke (46), another end through the cap (91) and exposed on the outside; and an o-ring (93) is set between both ends.
Further, a thread is applied to the free portion of said water inlet (431) for screw jointing with a water outlet of a pipe or a water tap.
The elasticity of said safety spring (6) is weaker than the third spring (8), but stronger than the first spring (31).
Aforementioned foot pump (1) is made into one of following shapes: square, spherical, semi-spherical or bellows-type. Said guide pipe (2) is made of one of following materials: metal, rubber or plastic.
Said first regulating valve (47) is an expanding valve and said second regulating valve (48) is a constriction valve.
Furthermore, a groove (423) for allowing movement of the needle valve(3) is set on the center of said adjusting block (421); a trapezoidal hole (424) corresponding said push rod (72) for controlling the shift of said needle valve (3) is set on the center of the adjusting block (421).
A tapered opening (436), correspondingly matching the needle valve (3) for controlling the volume of liquid from valve chamber (44) entering the conduit (433) is set between.
An o-ring (437) for stop the leak is set between the needle valve (3) and the housing (42).

ADVANTAGES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention possesses following advantages:

- 1. Combinations of said bellows (5), adjusting block (421) and needle valve (3) provide the invention with various types of discharge. Water supply automatically being shut off after a predetermined time can prevent any unnecessary waste. The present invention is also easy to install and requiring no special skill. The first and second regulating valve (47,78) can regulate the volume of water discharge, saving water more efficiently.
- 2. By using a foot pump (1) to activate the bellows (5), the present invention reduces its direct contact with hands of user to minimum which lowers the probability of transmitting diseases, making the present invention more sanitary.
- 3. Said depressurizing mechanism (9) ensuring the water discharge continues even when pressure is low during water shortage. Said depressurizing mechanism (9) can also prolong the operational life of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment illustrating the block in close position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the FIG. 2 in function.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment illustrating the adjusting block in normal position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the FIG. 4 in function.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment illustrating the adjusting block in full open position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the FIG. 6 in function.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment with an adjusting block providing two-staged water discharge.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating FIG. 8 in function.

FIGS. 11-13 are schematic diagrams illustrating complete function of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the function of the depressurizing mechanism of the second embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description is described in detail according to the appended drawings hereinafter.
Referring to FIGS. 1,2,4,6,8 and 14, a bellows-type water tap is characterized in that having: a tap (4) which consists essentially of a secondary valve (41), a housing (42) attached under said secondary valve (41) and a main valve (43) coupled on the bottom of said housing (42).
Said secondary valve (41) comprises an air passage (411), and an air inlet (412) and outlet (413) which both were set on the rear portion of said passage (411).
Said main valve (43) is incorporated with a valve chamber (44) and a pressure chamber (45) which connected with said valve chamber (44); said pressure chamber (45) also connects with a water inlet (431) and is further incorporated with a choke (46) that connected with a water outlet (432); said valve chamber (44) and water outlet (432) are connected by a conduit (433).
A guide pipe (2) having one end thereof connects to the air passage (411); and a foot pump (1), connected with another end of the guide pipe (2) for transporting fluid into the secondary valve (41).
A bellows (5) whose one end thereof is connected to the inlet (412) and outlet (413) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41).
A first regulating valve (47) for regulating air entrance of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the inlet (412) and a second regulating valve (48) for regulating air exit of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the outlet (413).
A seat (7), set on the other end of the bellows (5) and moves following expansion/retraction of the bellows (5) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41) and a valve gate (49) for opening/closing said air inlet (412) is attached onto the bottom of the first regulating valve (47).
A third spring (8) for supporting said seat (7) is set between the secondary valve (41) and the housing (42);
A buffer (71) is set between the seat (7) and housing (42); and a safety spring (6) having one end thereof against the seat (7) is incorporated into said buffer (71); A push rod (72) is freely coupled to the bottom of said buffer (71), said push rod is provided with retracting force by accommodating the other end of said safety spring (6).
A movable adjusting block (421) whose one end thereof is jointed with a handle (422) adjusting the position of said adjusting block (421) is disposed inside the housing (42); said handle (422) is extended toward the outside of the housing (42);
A needle valve (3) having one end against the push rod (72) and coupled with the adjusting block (421) is incorporated into a valve chamber (44) inside said main valve (43);
A stop (441) having a tapered valve opening (443) correspondingly matching the needle valve(3) on one end and a first spring (31) for lifting the needle valve(3) on the other end, is set on the bottom of said valve chamber (44); and
A diaphragm (451) for sealing a choke (46) by the force of a second spring (442) where is set on the bottom of said stop (441), is incorporated into a pressure chamber (45); said pressure chamber (45) is divided by said diaphragm (451), a pressurized area (452) is formed below the bottom of said diaphragm (451); said pressurized area is connected with said water inlet (431) and a inlet passage (434) for connecting said water inlet (431) is set between the pressure chamber (45) and the diaphragm (451).
For delivering water, the foot pump (1) is pressed and the fluid inside the foot pump (1) is pushed into the bellows (5) through the guide pipe (2), forcing the needle valve (3) to move and supplying the water. When pressure applied to the foot pump (1) is released, said needle valve (3) returns to its original position and shuts the supply off automatically. Since the whole process doesn't require direct contact with the water tap, probability of getting infected with bacteria or virus by contact has been diminished
Various types of water supply can be selected by setting the handle (422) which will move the adjusting block (421), causing different reactions of needle valve (3) inside the chamber (44) and regulating the supply. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 8, four types of delivery are provided in the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a full close position, which means that no water will be delivered when the adjusting block (421) is moved to this position. A normal position is shown in FIG. 4, said mode allows the water be supplied as described previously, only when pressure is applied to said foot pump (1). FIG. 6 demonstrates a full open type of supply, when said adjusting block (421) is moved to this position; water is supplied continuously without pressing the foot pump (1), and only can be sealed until the adjusting block (421) is released from the position. FIG. 8 illustrates a two-stage delivery, similar to normal water discharge. Water is delivered when the foot pump (1) is pressed, however, different from the normal type, a second delivery will be supplied when the pressure is released from the foot pump (1).
A depressurizing mechanism (9) for lifting the diaphragm (451) is installed on the bottom of said choke (46). Said depressurizing mechanism (9) includes a cap (91), screwed onto the exterior of said choke (46), a thimble (92) for being adjusted up/downwardly, having one end inside the choke (46), another end through the cap (91) and exposed on the outside; and an o-ring (93) is set between both ends.
A thread is processed on the free portion of said water inlet (431) for screw jointing the present invention onto a water outlet of a pipe or another water tap. By mounting the present invention, the probability of leak of the conventional water pipe or tap will be reduced evidently.
The elasticity of the safety spring (6) is weaker than the of third spring (8) but stronger than the of first spring (31). Such configurations ensure the proper movement of said push rod (72). A safety spring (6) stronger than the third spring (8) will cause the push rod (72) unable to move downwardly, however, said safety spring (6) must be stronger than the first spring (31) for allowing the push rod (72) presses said needle valve(3) downwardly.
Furthermore, the elasticity of safety spring (6) is weaker than said third spring (8) for absorbing excess pressure applied to the pump (1); and when the position of said push rod (72) is limited by said adjusting block (421), said safety spring (6) inside the buffer (71) can protect the bellows (5) from damage.
Said foot pump (1) which can be filled with gases or liquids for activating the bellows (5) which can be made into following shape: spherical, semi-spherical or bellows-type. Said types are common types of pumps and a square-shaped pump which can be placed underneath the tile for concealing the appearance thereof can also be adapted. Said guide pipe (2) for connecting said pump (1) and bellows (5) can be made of following materials: metal, rubber or plastic.
Said first regulating valve (47) is an expansion valve and said second regulating valve (48) is a constriction valve. By adjusting said first and second regulating valve (47,48), the retracting time can be extended or shortened and the supplying time of the present invention is controlled corresponding said retracting time.
A groove (423) for allowing movement of the needle valve (3) inside said valve chamber (44) is set on the center of said adjusting block (421); a trapezoidal hole (424) which corresponding said push rod (72) and controlling shift of said needle valve (3) is set on the center of the adjusting block (421). By setting the groove (423) and hole (424) on the center of said adjusting block (421), the position of the needle valve (3) is limited which allows the present invention having different types of water delivery as described previously.
A taper-shaped opening (436), correspondingly matching the needle valve (3) for controlling the volume of liquid from valve chamber (44) entering the conduit (433) is set between. The setting of said opening (436) and needle valve (3), co-working with the bellows (5) of the secondary valve (41) can control the discharge and sealing of water; and trumpet shaped opening (436) reduces the friction between the needle valve (3) and opening (436), avoid possible jamming thereof.
An o-ring. (437) for stop the liquid flowing into the housing (42) is set between the needle valve (3) and the housing (42).
FIG. 3, 5 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating functions of the first embodiment when adjusting block (421) is in close, normal and full open position respectively; FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating function of the first embodiment having a two stage adjusting block (421); and FIGS. 11-13 are schematic diagrams illustrating complete function of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, water from water inlet (431) flows into pressurized area (452) and pressure chamber (45) separately and since the needle valve (3) incorporated in said valve chamber (44) is held in close position and with the function of the second spring (442), ensuring that the pressure of pressure chamber (45) is higher than pressurized area (452), pressing said diaphragm (451) downwardly and sealing the choke (46), closing completely the water exit (432).
FIGS. 5, 11-13 illustrate the complete function of the first embodiment specifically when adjusting block (421) in normal position. For initiating the water discharge, pressure is applied to the foot pump (1) when user steps thereon, fluid inside said pump (1) is pushed through said guide pipe (2), air passage (411), air inlet (412) and outlet (413) of the first and second regulating valves (47,48) into the bellows (5). The bellows (5) receives said fluid and expands, the expansion forces the seat (7), buffer (71) and push rod (72) to move downwardly and causes the third spring (8) being compressed. The push rod (72) presses down the needle valve (3) until valve chamber (44) is opened. Water inside the pressure chamber (45) circulates through the opened valve chamber (44), conduit (433) and into the water outlet (432). The pressure inside the pressure chamber (45) is decreased and the diaphragm (451) is lifted by the higher pressure of pressurized area (452), causing water passing the choke (46), conduit (433) and into water outlet (432).
When pressure applied to the foot pump (1) is released, said needle valve (3) returns to the original position thereof and seals the valve chamber (44) by the retracting force of the first spring (31). Water discharge from water outlet (432) is terminated and fluid inside said bellows (5) is compressed and returns through the air outlet (413) of the second regulating valve (48) and guided back to the foot pump (1).
According to FIGS. 9 and 10, the embodiment having an adjusting block (421) are provide with two water discharges separately, one when foot pump (1) is pressed and another when the pressure is released. In accordance with this mode, the push rod (72) first forces the needle valve (3) to move the position thereof as shown in FIG. 9 and initiates the first water discharge. Said push rod (72) is further moving until contacting directly with the surface of the adjusting block (421). Under this position, the needle valve (3) is perfectly jointed with the valve opening (443) of the stop (441) as shown in FIG. 10 and shuts off the water delivery.
When the pressure applied to said foot pump (1) is released, retracting force of the second spring (442) lifts up said needle valve (3) back to the position of FIG. 9 and initiates the second water discharge. The second discharge continues until the needle valve (3) is lifted to the original position thereof.

Second Embodiment

As illustrated, FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the function of the depressurizing mechanism of the second embodiment. The second embodiment includes a thimble (92). Said thimble (92) can move upwardly along a screw thread and lift said diaphragm (451). Said lifted diaphragm (451) forces the water from water inlet (431) can only pass through the choke (46) and exit from the water outlet (432). Said mechanism can also lead the air in the pipe out during water failure, preventing high air pressure causing damage to the diaphragm (451).
What disclosed above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and it is therefore not intended that the present invention be limited to particular embodiment disclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various equivalent changes may be made depending on specification and drawings of present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bellows-type water tap is characterized in that having:

A tap (4) which consists essentially of a secondary valve (41), a housing (42) attached under said secondary valve (41) and a main valve (43) coupled on a bottom of said housing (42);

Said secondary valve (41) comprises an air passage (411), and an air inlet (412) and outlet (413) which both were set on a rear portion of said passage (411);

Said main valve (43) is incorporated with a valve chamber (44) and a pressure chamber (45) which connected with said valve chamber (44); said pressure chamber (45) also connects with a water inlet (431) and is further incorporated with a choke (46) that connected with a water outlet (432); said valve chamber (44) and water outlet (432) are connected by a conduit (433);

A guide pipe (2) having one end thereof connects to the air passage (411);

A foot pump (1), connected with another end of the guide pipe (2) for transporting fluid into the secondary valve (41);

A bellows (5) whose one end thereof is connected to the inlet (412) and outlet (413) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41);

A first regulating valve (47) for regulating inflow of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the inlet (412);

A second regulating valve (48) for regulating outflow of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the outlet (413);

A seat (7), set on the other end of the bellows (5) and reacts along expansion/retraction of the bellows (5) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41);

A valve gate (49) for opening/closing said air inlet (412) is attached onto a bottom of the first regulating valve (47);

A third spring (8) for supporting said seat (7) is set between the secondary valve (41) and the housing (42);

A buffer (71) is set between the seat (7) and housing (42); and a safety spring (6) having one end thereof against the seat (7) is incorporated into said buffer (71);

A push rod (72) is freely coupled to a bottom of said buffer (71), said push rod (72) is provided with retracting force by accommodating into the other end of said safety spring (6);

A movable adjusting block (421) whose one end thereof is jointed with a handle (422) which can adjust the position of said adjusting block (421) is disposed inside the housing (42); said handle (422) is extended to an outside of the housing (42);

A needle valve (3) having one end against the push rod (72) and coupled with the adjusting block (421) is incorporated into a valve chamber (44) inside said main valve (43);

A stop (441) having a tapered valve opening (443) correspondingly matching the needle valve (3) on one end, and a first spring (31) for lifting the needle valve(3) on the other end, is set on a bottom of said valve chamber (44); and

A diaphragm (451), for sealing a choke (46) by the force of a second spring (442) where is set on a bottom of said stop (441), is incorporated into a pressure chamber (45); said pressure chamber (45) is divided by said diaphragm (451), a pressurized area (452) is formed below a bottom of said diaphragm (451); said pressurized area (452) is connected with said water inlet (431), and an inlet passage (434) for connecting said water inlet (431) is set between the pressure chamber (45) and the diaphragm (451).

2. A bellows-type water tape of claim 1, wherein a depressurizing mechanism (9) for lifting the diaphragm (451) is installed on a bottom of said choke (46); said depressurizing mechanism (9) includes a cap (91) screwed onto an exterior of said choke (46), a thimble (92) for being adjusted up/downwardly, having one end inside the choke (46), and another end penetrated the cap (91) and exposed on an outside; and a o-ring (93) is set between both ends.

3. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein a thread is applied to a free portion of said water inlet (431) for screw jointing with a water outlet of a pipe or a water tap.

4. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein elasticity of the safety spring (6) is weaker than elasticity of said third spring (8), but stronger than elasticity of the first spring (31).

5. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein the foot pump (1) is made into one of following shapes: square, spherical, semi-spherical or bellows-type.

6. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein said guide pipe (2) is made of one of following materials: metal, rubber or plastic.

7. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein said first regulating valve (47) is an expansion valve and said second regulating valve (48) is a constriction valve.

8. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein a groove (423) for providing movement of the needle valve (3), and a trapezoidal hole (424) corresponding said push rod (72) for retaining the shift of said needle valve (3) are set on a center of said adjusting block (421).

9. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein a tapered opening (436), correspondingly matching the needle valve (3) for controlling the volume of liquid from valve chamber (44) entering the conduit (433) is set between.

10. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein an o-ring (437) for stopping the leak is set between the needle valve (3) and the housing (42).