WO1999005437A1 - Improved stem valve stopper - Google Patents

Improved stem valve stopper Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999005437A1
WO1999005437A1 PCT/US1998/015203 US9815203W WO9905437A1 WO 1999005437 A1 WO1999005437 A1 WO 1999005437A1 US 9815203 W US9815203 W US 9815203W WO 9905437 A1 WO9905437 A1 WO 9905437A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stopper
valve
shell
stem
further characterized
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/015203
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Francesco Knapp
Original Assignee
Masco Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Masco Corporation filed Critical Masco Corporation
Publication of WO1999005437A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999005437A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16KVALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K1/00Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
    • F16K1/32Details
    • F16K1/34Cutting-off parts, e.g. valve members, seats
    • F16K1/36Valve members
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16KVALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K27/00Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
    • F16K27/02Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor of lift valves
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16KVALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/44Mechanical actuating means
    • F16K31/50Mechanical actuating means with screw-spindle or internally threaded actuating means
    • F16K31/508Mechanical actuating means with screw-spindle or internally threaded actuating means the actuating element being rotatable, non-rising, and driving a non-rotatable axially-sliding element

Definitions

  • Rotating screw stoppers have long been used to control the flow through a tap or faucet.
  • the screw has an exterior end mounted to a handle.
  • the screw is threadably engaged to a housing and mounting a mobile valve seal or washer at the interior end.
  • the washer As the screw valve is tightened, the washer is compressed against a valve seat. However, the washer by being rotated as it compressed against the valve seat until the stem was fully tightened unduly wore both the washer and the valve seat. While the washer could be replaced, the valve seat could not.
  • Non-rising stem valves have been developed that use shearing action of a valve seal. Compressive valves are often still desirable due to the greater sealing forces available through compression. More rising stem valves have been developed that continue to use compressive action of the seal against a fixed valve seat.
  • a non-rising stem stopper essentially comprises a shell, intended to be affixed securely to the body of a cock, tap or valve.
  • a mobile fitting is mounted in an axially movable manner and in a nonrotatable manner inside the shell of the stopper and bearing a valve seal.
  • An operating stem is mounted for rotation and fixed in an axial direction in the shell of the stopper.
  • the stem has one end inside the shell, linked by a screw threading to the mobile fitting, and an outer end that protrudes from the shell of the stopper and constructed to mount an operating handle. Rotation of the handle causes axial shifting of the mobile fitting and the valve seal which, cooperating in a timely fashion with a valve seat placed between the intake passage and the outlet passage of the shell of a cock, tap or valve brings about the desired adjustment of the water flow.
  • valve seal supported by the mobile fitting, was made up of a packing disc consisting of elastomeric material.
  • the mouth of the inlet passage is formed in the shell of a cock, tap or valve, itself as a valve seat that cooperates with the packing disc to adjust the flow.
  • An example of this traditional arrangement is provided in document DE-U-94 18 554.
  • a sealing washer made of elastomeric material was subject to deterioration. After deterioration, the washer can be easily removed by dismantling the shell of the stopper from the body of the set of cocks, taps and valves. Furthermore, the repair was inexpensive. A simple washer with a central hole was attached via a bolt.
  • valve seat that cooperates with this washer is also subjected to deterioration. Due to the valve seat being a part of the body of a cock, tap or valve, it can be restored only by working on it with a suitable manual milling machine. Such a repair is not an easy operation nor are the results always satisfactory and the repair cannot be repeated more than several times.
  • valve seat On an separate member that is screwed into the body of the cock, tap or valve and that can be extracted so that it may be repaired or replaced. Such a modification results in an excessive increase in the cost of the cock, tap or valve. Furthermore, the operations involved in disassembling and reassembling the applied valve seat are not easy and require special tools. An attempt was made to remedy this inconvenience, for example, as disclosed in document EP-B-0 606 419.
  • the valve seal is a rigid element forming a part of the mobile fitting of the stopper.
  • a special packing made of elastomeric material installed in the shell itself fits tightly against the mouth of the intake passage presented by the body of a cock, tap or valve and which, will cooperate with the rigid valve seal presented by the mobile fitting of the stopper.
  • the body of the cock, tap or valve is thus protected against any deterioration: but the special necessary packing must have a complex configuration and is therefore expensive.
  • the shell of the stopper itself also requires relatively expensive processing to manufacture a seat intended to receive such a packing.
  • a non-rising stem valve stopper that protects the body of the cock, tap or valve against any deterioration without, however, requiring the use of a packing with an excessively complicated shape and without the need for any expensive work on the body that houses the stopper.
  • a valve stopper that enables the designer of the stopper a great degree of freedom in the choice of the configuration of the valve seal. It is further desired to introduce a flow-splitter that reduces the noise connected with the tapping of small volumes of water into the stopper. It is further desired to facilitate the spontaneous adaptation of the tight holding conditions of the valve seal in response to the effective pressure of the flow, which it is expected to control.
  • a valve seal is supported on a mobile fitting of a stopper.
  • the valve seal preferably includes a valve packing made of elastomeric material mounted on an operating stem. The stem extends out of one end of a shell.
  • a collar made of rigid material is mounted at an opposite end of the shell of the stopper. The collar, on one side forms a valve seat that cooperates with the valve seal. The opposite side of the collar carries a static packing or seal to sealingly fit about the mouth of the inlet passage presented by the body of the cock, tap or valve.
  • valve seal of the stopper made up of a valve packing of elastomeric material cooperates with the valve seat presented by the collar. Because both the valve seal and collar are mounted in the stopper, both the operating elements for flow regulation subject to deterioration namely, the valve seal and valve seat can be easily repaired or replaced by extracting the stopper from the body of the cock, tap or valve. The mouth of the inlet passage in the body of the cock, tap or valve is thus protected against any action that might cause it to deteriorate, because it cooperates only with a static seal.
  • the static seal is not subject to any appreciable deterioration because of its static nature, and nevertheless, it can also be easily replaced since it is attached to the removable stopper.
  • the collar that provides the valve seat may be made of a relatively hard material that is particularly resistant to deterioration, without entailing any major expenditure in view of the small mass of the collar itself.
  • valve seal packing that is made of elastomeric material can be a unit that is appropriately stamped for this purpose, or it can also be a packing of the commercial type, such as an O-ring or an annular disc washer.
  • the static seal can also be given various shapes and can be a unit that is appropriately stamped for this purpose, or it can also be a packing of the commercial type, such as an O-ring or a ring-shaped packing with a rectangular cross-section.
  • the valve seal packing made of elastomeric material presents a hollow space so that when in the closed mode, the valve seal packing can be dilated by the pressure of the water against the valve seat. In this way, the holding action of the valve seal against the valve seat is automatically proportional to the effective pressure of the liquid flow to be adjusted.
  • the valve seat it is advantageous for the valve seat to have a substantially frusto- conical configuration.
  • the frusto-conical shape diverges downstream so as to direct the flow toward the periphery of the stopper where the outlet passages in the stopper are located. Furthermore, this configuration ensures correct positioning between the valve seal and the valve seat in spite of any eccentricity between the two elements.
  • the frusto-conical configuration causes their spontaneous alignment and gives rise to an effective closing pressure.
  • valve seal packing can have a substantially bell-shaped configuration and can cooperate with a substantially cylindrical valve seat with a stepped flare mouth.
  • a toothed surface forming a breakwater, capable of slowing down and containing the flow under severe throttle or choking conditions is positioned immediately downstream from valve seat in the direction of flow thus reducing the noise.
  • This toothed surface can be a part of the shell of the stopper or of the collar that provides the valve seat.
  • the toothed surface can be formed in a separate member and it can be constructed to complement various shapes of the valve seat and the valve seal. It is desirably matched with a frusto-conical valve seat.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 analogously illustrate two modified embodiments of the invention with modified configurations of the valve seal and the valve seat;
  • Figure 4 analogously illustrates another embodiment of the invention in the open position
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the stop valve in the closed position
  • FIG. 6 partly illustrates a variant of the valve seal illustrated in Figures 4 and 5;
  • Figure 7 illustrates a preferred shape of the valve seat and the valve seal having frusto-conical shapes for the operationally active sealing sections
  • Figure 8 analogously represents another embodiment of the valve stopper according to the invention including a noise reducer in the open position
  • Figure 9 is an view similar to Figure 8 showing the valve in the closed position.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional profile along line X-X in Figure 8.
  • a stem valve stopper comprises a shell 1 provided with a exterior screw threading 2 for its connection to the body of a cock, tap or faucet (of which the drawing for reasons of clarity only shows the region presenting mouth K of passage P for water intake).
  • the stopper also has peripheral openings 3 for the discharge of water, and a packing 4 to create a tight hold with the body of a cock, tap or faucet.
  • the shell 1 houses a mobile fitting 6 mounted so as to be non-rotatably moved in the axial direction.
  • a packing 5 establishes the seal between shell 1 and mobile fitting 6.
  • an operating stem 9 In shell 1, there is also housed an operating stem 9.
  • the stem 9 is mounted for rotation but is affixed in the axial direction.
  • Stem 9 has a threaded internal end 7 that is screwed into a corresponding screw threading 14 of mobile fitting 6 and has an outer end 8 that protrudes from shell 1 and is so arranged as to receive an operating handle (not shown). All of the parts described so far are commonly found in a variety of stem valve and are well known.
  • operating shaft 9 When operating shaft 9 is rotated by means of a handle, the mobile fitting is shifted axially up and down.
  • mobile fitting 6 bears a disc-shaped elastomeric packing that functions as a valve element cooperating directly with mouth K of the faucet body.
  • the mouth K acts as the valve seat of intake passage P of the body of the cock, tap or faucet which causes the previously described inconvenience and expense.
  • a collar 10 made of rigid material is installed in the end of shell 1 that is opposite to operating stem 9.
  • the collar 10 has one end turned toward mobile fitting 6, forming a valve seat 1 1.
  • the valve seat 11 has an annular shape with an arched cross-section.
  • collar 10 bears a static packing 12 intended to provide a tight hold against mouth K of intake passage P for the water from the body of the cock, tap or faucet.
  • a passage 15 passes through collar 10.
  • mobile fitting 6 mounts a valve seal that includes a valve packing 13 made of elastomeric material.
  • valve packing 13 The parts subject to deterioration are primarily the valve packing 13 and, secondarily, valve seat 11. Both of these parts can be reached easily for repair or replacement by unscrewing shell 1 of the stopper from the body of the cock, tap or faucet.
  • Static packing 12 is not generally subject to deterioration, although it is also easily reached.
  • mouth K of intake passage P of the body of the cock, tap or faucet is not subject to any deterioration.
  • the shape of valve packing is simple and, as the case may be, it can also have the traditional shape of a centrally apertured washer attached by means of a bolt.
  • collar 10 which does not have any large mass, can also be made without any excessive increase in cost by using a relatively hard material that will be different from the material of shell 1 in order to prevent or substantially reduce deterioration of valve seat 11.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment with modified construction of the collar, the valve packing, and the static valve.
  • collar 20 includes a valve seat 21 that is substantially flared with a curved surface.
  • Valve packing 23 is shaped in a correspondingly converging curved fashion.
  • static packing 22 has a rectangular cross- section and receives a shoulder of collar 20 in an annular recess 25.
  • collar 30 includes a frusto- conical valve seat 31 and bears a static packing 32 in the shape of an O-ring.
  • valve packing 33 is in this case likewise made up of an O-ring mounted on a shoulder end 36 of fitting 6.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment incorporating a very advantageous feature of a pressure responsive seal.
  • Valve packing 43 is shaped inside its holding regions to present a hollow space 44 so that it has a substantially bell-shaped configuration.
  • Valve packing 43 is attached to mobile fitting 6 by means of a bolt 5.
  • Valve seat 41 on collar 40 has a substantially stepped shoulder 48 and cylindrical section 47 with a tapered mouth end 48.
  • Static packing 42 has an annular shape with a rectangular cross-section.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 differs from the previously described embodiment only by virtue of the proportion and shape of valve packing 43.
  • the effective sealing pressure on the element 43 can be varied as desired.
  • the sealing pressure is less intensive than in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 due to the shallowness of space
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which collar 50 includes a frusto- conical valve seat.
  • Valve packing 53 is also configured accordingly to have an active frusto-conical sealing section and an internal space 54 that causes the previously described radial dilation due to water pressure.
  • These frusto-conical configurations offer the advantage of directing the flow when it is considerably choked radially outward and directed to outlet opening 3. Furthermore, these configurations also ensure correct cooperation between the valve seal and the valve seat where some eccentricity due to manufacture tolerances between the seat 51 and the packing 53 causing their spontaneous alignment and giving rise to a better, more effective closing pressure at equal force exerted by the mobile fitting compared to other embodiments.
  • Toothing 66 can be a part of shell 1 of the stopper in which it can be made in a simple and economical fashion, for example, by means of broaching.
  • the toothing 66 could also be made up of a separate member inserted in the desired position.
  • Toothing 66 cooperates in an optimum fashion with a frusto-conical flared valve seat 61 ; however, it can also be adopted in the presence of valve seats having different shapes.
  • the stem valve stopper according to the invention thus can attain all or a part of the above stated advantages without any significant increase in its production cost.
  • the designer can in an optimum fashion adapt the features of the stopper to any special requirements connected with each particular application.
  • the invention is not confined to the embodiments described and illustrated by way of example. Changes are well within the grasp of one ordinary skilled in the field, especially as regards to the configuration of the collar, the valve seat, the valve packing or the static packing and, when it exists, the internal space intended to cause the radial dilation of the valve packing.
  • the invention could also be applied to rising valve stem stoppers of a kind where the mobile fitting is screw-connected to the shell of the stopper and is directly linked to the operating stem so that both of the mentioned parts will be shifted axially when the operating stem is rotated.
  • the valve seal can be carried by the mobile fitting in a rotatable manner.
  • Other variations are foreseen without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lift Valve (AREA)
  • Taps Or Cocks (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Polymerisation Methods In General (AREA)
  • Shutters For Cameras (AREA)

Abstract

A stem valve stopper that has a shell (1) intended to be mounted to the body of a cock, tap or faucet. A mobile fitting (6) is mounted in the shell so that it can be moved axially and so that it cannot be turned or rotated inside the stopper shell and carries a valve seal (13). An operating stem (8) is mounted for rotation, but is axially fixed in the stopper shell. The stem has one end inside the shell that is threadably engaged with the mobile fitting, and an outer end (8) protruding from the shell of the stopper and constructed to receive an operating handle. The valve seal, supported by the mobile fitting of the stopper is made up of an elastomeric material. A collar (10) is made of rigid material and is mounted in the stopper shell. The collar has a valve seat at one end and is seated on the other opposite end about a passage (p) of the cock, tap and/or faucet. The valve seat is made of elastomeric material and preferably inside its retaining regions has a hollow space so that, in the closed mode, it is dilated by the pressure of the water to press against the valve seat.

Description

IMPROVED STEM VALVE STOPPER TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a stopper of the rotating screw type, intended to be applied to a cock, tap or valve to adjust the flow of water between an intake passage and an outlet passage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rotating screw stoppers have long been used to control the flow through a tap or faucet. The screw has an exterior end mounted to a handle. The screw is threadably engaged to a housing and mounting a mobile valve seal or washer at the interior end.
As the screw valve is tightened, the washer is compressed against a valve seat. However, the washer by being rotated as it compressed against the valve seat until the stem was fully tightened unduly wore both the washer and the valve seat. While the washer could be replaced, the valve seat could not.
Furthermore, the stem rose out of the housing as the valve was opened which many users deemed undesirable. Non-rising stem valves have been developed that use shearing action of a valve seal. Compressive valves are often still desirable due to the greater sealing forces available through compression. More rising stem valves have been developed that continue to use compressive action of the seal against a fixed valve seat.
A non-rising stem stopper essentially comprises a shell, intended to be affixed securely to the body of a cock, tap or valve. A mobile fitting is mounted in an axially movable manner and in a nonrotatable manner inside the shell of the stopper and bearing a valve seal. An operating stem is mounted for rotation and fixed in an axial direction in the shell of the stopper. The stem has one end inside the shell, linked by a screw threading to the mobile fitting, and an outer end that protrudes from the shell of the stopper and constructed to mount an operating handle. Rotation of the handle causes axial shifting of the mobile fitting and the valve seal which, cooperating in a timely fashion with a valve seat placed between the intake passage and the outlet passage of the shell of a cock, tap or valve brings about the desired adjustment of the water flow.
Traditionally, the valve seal, supported by the mobile fitting, was made up of a packing disc consisting of elastomeric material. The mouth of the inlet passage is formed in the shell of a cock, tap or valve, itself as a valve seat that cooperates with the packing disc to adjust the flow. An example of this traditional arrangement is provided in document DE-U-94 18 554.
With this arrangement, a sealing washer made of elastomeric material was subject to deterioration. After deterioration, the washer can be easily removed by dismantling the shell of the stopper from the body of the set of cocks, taps and valves. Furthermore, the repair was inexpensive. A simple washer with a central hole was attached via a bolt.
However, the valve seat that cooperates with this washer is also subjected to deterioration. Due to the valve seat being a part of the body of a cock, tap or valve, it can be restored only by working on it with a suitable manual milling machine. Such a repair is not an easy operation nor are the results always satisfactory and the repair cannot be repeated more than several times.
An attempt was therefore undertaken to make this valve seat on an separate member that is screwed into the body of the cock, tap or valve and that can be extracted so that it may be repaired or replaced. Such a modification results in an excessive increase in the cost of the cock, tap or valve. Furthermore, the operations involved in disassembling and reassembling the applied valve seat are not easy and require special tools. An attempt was made to remedy this inconvenience, for example, as disclosed in document EP-B-0 606 419. In this disclosure, the valve seal is a rigid element forming a part of the mobile fitting of the stopper. A special packing made of elastomeric material installed in the shell itself fits tightly against the mouth of the intake passage presented by the body of a cock, tap or valve and which, will cooperate with the rigid valve seal presented by the mobile fitting of the stopper. The body of the cock, tap or valve is thus protected against any deterioration: but the special necessary packing must have a complex configuration and is therefore expensive. The shell of the stopper itself also requires relatively expensive processing to manufacture a seat intended to receive such a packing. In view of the above, it is desired to have a non-rising stem valve stopper that protects the body of the cock, tap or valve against any deterioration without, however, requiring the use of a packing with an excessively complicated shape and without the need for any expensive work on the body that houses the stopper. What is also desired is a valve stopper that enables the designer of the stopper a great degree of freedom in the choice of the configuration of the valve seal. It is further desired to introduce a flow-splitter that reduces the noise connected with the tapping of small volumes of water into the stopper. It is further desired to facilitate the spontaneous adaptation of the tight holding conditions of the valve seal in response to the effective pressure of the flow, which it is expected to control.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a valve seal is supported on a mobile fitting of a stopper. The valve seal preferably includes a valve packing made of elastomeric material mounted on an operating stem. The stem extends out of one end of a shell. In addition, a collar made of rigid material is mounted at an opposite end of the shell of the stopper. The collar, on one side forms a valve seat that cooperates with the valve seal. The opposite side of the collar carries a static packing or seal to sealingly fit about the mouth of the inlet passage presented by the body of the cock, tap or valve.
The valve seal of the stopper made up of a valve packing of elastomeric material cooperates with the valve seat presented by the collar. Because both the valve seal and collar are mounted in the stopper, both the operating elements for flow regulation subject to deterioration namely, the valve seal and valve seat can be easily repaired or replaced by extracting the stopper from the body of the cock, tap or valve. The mouth of the inlet passage in the body of the cock, tap or valve is thus protected against any action that might cause it to deteriorate, because it cooperates only with a static seal. The static seal is not subject to any appreciable deterioration because of its static nature, and nevertheless, it can also be easily replaced since it is attached to the removable stopper. Furthermore, the collar that provides the valve seat may be made of a relatively hard material that is particularly resistant to deterioration, without entailing any major expenditure in view of the small mass of the collar itself.
Both the valve seal and the valve seat can without any difficulty be made in various shapes, based on preference of the designer or for easier manufacture or adaption of the stopper to particular requirements. The valve seal packing that is made of elastomeric material can be a unit that is appropriately stamped for this purpose, or it can also be a packing of the commercial type, such as an O-ring or an annular disc washer. For its part, the static seal can also be given various shapes and can be a unit that is appropriately stamped for this purpose, or it can also be a packing of the commercial type, such as an O-ring or a ring-shaped packing with a rectangular cross-section.
Preferably, the valve seal packing made of elastomeric material presents a hollow space so that when in the closed mode, the valve seal packing can be dilated by the pressure of the water against the valve seat. In this way, the holding action of the valve seal against the valve seat is automatically proportional to the effective pressure of the liquid flow to be adjusted. It is advantageous for the valve seat to have a substantially frusto- conical configuration. The frusto-conical shape diverges downstream so as to direct the flow toward the periphery of the stopper where the outlet passages in the stopper are located. Furthermore, this configuration ensures correct positioning between the valve seal and the valve seat in spite of any eccentricity between the two elements. The frusto-conical configuration causes their spontaneous alignment and gives rise to an effective closing pressure. As an alternative, the valve seal packing can have a substantially bell-shaped configuration and can cooperate with a substantially cylindrical valve seat with a stepped flare mouth. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a toothed surface, forming a breakwater, capable of slowing down and containing the flow under severe throttle or choking conditions is positioned immediately downstream from valve seat in the direction of flow thus reducing the noise. This toothed surface can be a part of the shell of the stopper or of the collar that provides the valve seat. Alternatively, the toothed surface can be formed in a separate member and it can be constructed to complement various shapes of the valve seat and the valve seal. It is desirably matched with a frusto-conical valve seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational and segmented view of a valve stopper according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2 and 3 analogously illustrate two modified embodiments of the invention with modified configurations of the valve seal and the valve seat;
Figure 4 analogously illustrates another embodiment of the invention in the open position;
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the stop valve in the closed position;
Figure 6 partly illustrates a variant of the valve seal illustrated in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 7 illustrates a preferred shape of the valve seat and the valve seal having frusto-conical shapes for the operationally active sealing sections; Figure 8 analogously represents another embodiment of the valve stopper according to the invention including a noise reducer in the open position;
Figure 9 is an view similar to Figure 8 showing the valve in the closed position; and
Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional profile along line X-X in Figure 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to Figure 1 , a stem valve stopper comprises a shell 1 provided with a exterior screw threading 2 for its connection to the body of a cock, tap or faucet (of which the drawing for reasons of clarity only shows the region presenting mouth K of passage P for water intake). The stopper also has peripheral openings 3 for the discharge of water, and a packing 4 to create a tight hold with the body of a cock, tap or faucet. The shell 1 houses a mobile fitting 6 mounted so as to be non-rotatably moved in the axial direction. A packing 5 establishes the seal between shell 1 and mobile fitting 6. In shell 1, there is also housed an operating stem 9. The stem 9 is mounted for rotation but is affixed in the axial direction. Stem 9 has a threaded internal end 7 that is screwed into a corresponding screw threading 14 of mobile fitting 6 and has an outer end 8 that protrudes from shell 1 and is so arranged as to receive an operating handle (not shown). All of the parts described so far are commonly found in a variety of stem valve and are well known. When operating shaft 9 is rotated by means of a handle, the mobile fitting is shifted axially up and down. In the traditional designs, mobile fitting 6 bears a disc-shaped elastomeric packing that functions as a valve element cooperating directly with mouth K of the faucet body. The mouth K acts as the valve seat of intake passage P of the body of the cock, tap or faucet which causes the previously described inconvenience and expense. As shown in Figure 1 , a collar 10 made of rigid material is installed in the end of shell 1 that is opposite to operating stem 9. The collar 10 has one end turned toward mobile fitting 6, forming a valve seat 1 1. The valve seat 11 has an annular shape with an arched cross-section. On the opposite side, collar 10 bears a static packing 12 intended to provide a tight hold against mouth K of intake passage P for the water from the body of the cock, tap or faucet. A passage 15 passes through collar 10. Opposite valve seat 11, mobile fitting 6 mounts a valve seal that includes a valve packing 13 made of elastomeric material. When the stopper is in the position shown in Figure 1 , the water coming from the intake passage P, passes through passage 15 in the collar 10 which is sealed about mouth K and then between valve seat 11 and valve packing 13 and reaches openings 3 through which the liquid enters into the body of the cock, tap or faucet and is then drawn from it. When one operates stem shaft 9 to shut off the faucet, mobile fitting 6 is axially shifted toward collar 10; thereby reducing the free passage offered to the water which in turn regulates the volume, until the stopper is finally closed, which completely stops the flow.
The parts subject to deterioration are primarily the valve packing 13 and, secondarily, valve seat 11. Both of these parts can be reached easily for repair or replacement by unscrewing shell 1 of the stopper from the body of the cock, tap or faucet. Static packing 12 is not generally subject to deterioration, although it is also easily reached. In turn, mouth K of intake passage P of the body of the cock, tap or faucet is not subject to any deterioration. As is noted, the shape of valve packing is simple and, as the case may be, it can also have the traditional shape of a centrally apertured washer attached by means of a bolt. In turn, collar 10, which does not have any large mass, can also be made without any excessive increase in cost by using a relatively hard material that will be different from the material of shell 1 in order to prevent or substantially reduce deterioration of valve seat 11.
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment with modified construction of the collar, the valve packing, and the static valve. In this figure and in the following figures, the same parts or parts corresponding to those described with relation to Figure 1 have the same reference numbers and are not described any further. In this case, collar 20 includes a valve seat 21 that is substantially flared with a curved surface. Valve packing 23 is shaped in a correspondingly converging curved fashion. In this embodiment, static packing 22 has a rectangular cross- section and receives a shoulder of collar 20 in an annular recess 25.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, collar 30 includes a frusto- conical valve seat 31 and bears a static packing 32 in the shape of an O-ring. In turn, valve packing 33 is in this case likewise made up of an O-ring mounted on a shoulder end 36 of fitting 6.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment incorporating a very advantageous feature of a pressure responsive seal. Valve packing 43 is shaped inside its holding regions to present a hollow space 44 so that it has a substantially bell-shaped configuration. Valve packing 43 is attached to mobile fitting 6 by means of a bolt 5. Valve seat 41 on collar 40 has a substantially stepped shoulder 48 and cylindrical section 47 with a tapered mouth end 48. Static packing 42 has an annular shape with a rectangular cross-section.
In the full open position as illustrated in Figure 4 and in the other partially opened positions slightly shifted with respect to it, the operation of the stopper does not present any difference with respect to what was described earlier. But when the stopper is in the closed position a illustrated in Figure 5, the pressure of the water coming from the intake of the faucet acts in space 44 of valve packing 43 and tends to cause it to expand radially with a force depending on the water pressure. Therefore, valve packing 43 which by itself can be inserted in valve seat 41 with a slight force, when in the closed position is pushed into contact with the valve seat cylindrical section 47 with a force that is dependent or proportional to the water pressure. Thus, a closure seal with a force in proportion to the pressure to be overcome is accomplished in a reliable manner.
The embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 differs from the previously described embodiment only by virtue of the proportion and shape of valve packing 43. Here, the effective sealing pressure on the element 43 can be varied as desired. In the present embodiment, the sealing pressure is less intensive than in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 due to the shallowness of space
44 inside valve packing 43.
Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which collar 50 includes a frusto- conical valve seat. Valve packing 53 is also configured accordingly to have an active frusto-conical sealing section and an internal space 54 that causes the previously described radial dilation due to water pressure. These frusto-conical configurations offer the advantage of directing the flow when it is considerably choked radially outward and directed to outlet opening 3. Furthermore, these configurations also ensure correct cooperation between the valve seal and the valve seat where some eccentricity due to manufacture tolerances between the seat 51 and the packing 53 causing their spontaneous alignment and giving rise to a better, more effective closing pressure at equal force exerted by the mobile fitting compared to other embodiments.
Reference is now made to Figures 8 - 10 where the configurations of collar 60 and of valve packing 63 substantially correspond to the one according to Figure 7. However, shell 1 of the stopper incorporates a toothing 66 interposed between valve seat 61 of collar 60 and outlet opening 3 of shell 1. This toothing 66 constitutes a breakwater, which - when the water flow is choked and when it then produces a noise - slows down and regulates the flow itself. This results in a major reduction of the noise produced by the flow.
Toothing 66 can be a part of shell 1 of the stopper in which it can be made in a simple and economical fashion, for example, by means of broaching.
Alternatively, it can also be made up of correspondingly upwardly extending configured appendix of collar 60. In another alternative, the toothing 66 could also be made up of a separate member inserted in the desired position.
Toothing 66 cooperates in an optimum fashion with a frusto-conical flared valve seat 61 ; however, it can also be adopted in the presence of valve seats having different shapes.
The stem valve stopper according to the invention thus can attain all or a part of the above stated advantages without any significant increase in its production cost. In particular, the designer can in an optimum fashion adapt the features of the stopper to any special requirements connected with each particular application.
It is understood that the invention is not confined to the embodiments described and illustrated by way of example. Changes are well within the grasp of one ordinary skilled in the field, especially as regards to the configuration of the collar, the valve seat, the valve packing or the static packing and, when it exists, the internal space intended to cause the radial dilation of the valve packing. Furthermore, the invention could also be applied to rising valve stem stoppers of a kind where the mobile fitting is screw-connected to the shell of the stopper and is directly linked to the operating stem so that both of the mentioned parts will be shifted axially when the operating stem is rotated. In this case, the valve seal can be carried by the mobile fitting in a rotatable manner. Other variations are foreseen without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:
1. A valve stopper includes a shell constructed to be sealingly securable to the body of one of a cock, tap and faucet; a mobile fitting, mounted in an axially movable fashion inside said shell of the stopper and bearing a valve seal, and an operating stem mounted rotatably in said shell of the stopper having one end inside the shell operably connected with said mobile fitting, and an outer end protruding from the shell of the stopper and constructed to mount an operating handle, said valve stopper characterized by; a collar made of rigid material being mounted in the shell of the stopper at its end opposite the end where said operating stem protrudes; said collar, at one axial end forms a valve seat cooperating with said valve seal and, on the opposite side, carries a static sealing element constructed to provide a sealing hold about a mouth of an inlet passage in the body of one of the cock, tap and faucet.
2. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 1 , further characterized
by; said valve seal being made of elastomeric material, and having a hollow space facing upstream so that when in the closing mode, it is dilated by the water pressure against said valve seat.
3. A stem valve stopper as defined in Claim 1 further characterized
by: said operative stem mounted only for rotatable motion but fixed in an axial direction in said shell; said mobile fitting is non-rotatably fixed on said shell and threadably engaged to said stem for axial movement as said stem is rotated.
4. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 3 further characterized by; in that said valve seat being made of elastomeric material, is made up of one of an O-ring and an annular washer.
5. A stem valve as defined in Claim 3 further characterized by: said static seal is made up of a seal of the commercial type from one of an O-ring and an annular seal with a rectangular cross-section.
6. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 3 further characterized by: said valve seat has a substantially outwardly flared configuration, constructed to direct the flow radially outward toward the periphery of the stopper where the outlet passages are located.
7. A stem valve stopper as defined in Claim 3 further characterized by: said valve seal has a substantially bell-shaped configuration and cooperates with a substantially cylindrical valve seat with a flared mouth.
8. A stem valve stopper as defined in Claim 3 further characterized by:
a toothed surface capable of slowing down and regulating the flow under conditions of severe choking being positioned in a region immediately following said valve seat in the direction of flow.
9. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 8 further characterized by:
said toothed surface being integrally formed with the shell of the stopper valve.
10. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 8 further characterized by: said toothed surface being integrally formed as part of the collar presenting the valve seat.
11. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 8 further characterized by: said toothed surface being part of a separate member inserted in the shell of the stopper between said collar and an outlet in said shell.
12. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: said valve seal being made of elastomeric material and being made up of one of an O-ring and an annular washer.
13. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: said static seal being made up of a seal of the commercial type from one of an O-ring and an annular seal with a rectangular cross-section.
14. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: said valve seat having a substantially outwardly flared configuration constructed to direct the flow radially outward toward the periphery of the stopper where the outlet passages are located.
15. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: said valve seal having a substantially bell-shaped configuration and cooperates with a substantially cylindrical valve seat with flared mouth.
16. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: a toothed surface capable of slowing down and regulating the flow under conditions of severe choking being positioned in a region immediately following said valve seat in the direction of flow.
17. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 16 further characterized by:
said toothed surface being integrally formed with the shell of the stopper.
18. A stem valve stopper as defined in claim 16 further characterized by: said toothed surface being integrally formed as a part of the collar presenting the valve seat.
19. A stem valve stopper as defined in Claim 16 further characterized by: said toothed surface being part of a separate member inserted in the shell of the stopper between said collar and an outlet in said shell.
PCT/US1998/015203 1997-07-25 1998-07-22 Improved stem valve stopper WO1999005437A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT97TO000671 IT1293648B1 (en) 1997-07-25 1997-07-25 PERFECTED VITONE SHUTTER
ITTO97A000671 1997-07-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999005437A1 true WO1999005437A1 (en) 1999-02-04

Family

ID=11415894

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/015203 WO1999005437A1 (en) 1997-07-25 1998-07-22 Improved stem valve stopper

Country Status (2)

Country Link
IT (1) IT1293648B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999005437A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001071227A3 (en) * 2000-03-23 2002-09-06 Predag Pesovic A faucet valve
US7461669B2 (en) 2005-04-08 2008-12-09 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Seat keeper
EP2278199A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-26 Miodrag Stanic Improved blocking valve
CN106321863A (en) * 2016-08-31 2017-01-11 青岛华冠阀门有限公司 Valve bodies of steel strip valve
CN108167459A (en) * 2017-12-11 2018-06-15 浙江大学 A kind of voltage stabilizing pin structure for being used to compensate in-flow inserted valve closing direction hydraulic power

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2649273A (en) * 1946-06-13 1953-08-18 Pierre P Honegger Device for controlling the passage of a fluid
US3006361A (en) * 1957-10-15 1961-10-31 Kohler Co Valve unit

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2649273A (en) * 1946-06-13 1953-08-18 Pierre P Honegger Device for controlling the passage of a fluid
US3006361A (en) * 1957-10-15 1961-10-31 Kohler Co Valve unit

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001071227A3 (en) * 2000-03-23 2002-09-06 Predag Pesovic A faucet valve
US7461669B2 (en) 2005-04-08 2008-12-09 Masco Corporation Of Indiana Seat keeper
EP2278199A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-26 Miodrag Stanic Improved blocking valve
WO2011010195A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-27 Miodrag Stanic Improved shut-off valve
CN106321863A (en) * 2016-08-31 2017-01-11 青岛华冠阀门有限公司 Valve bodies of steel strip valve
CN108167459A (en) * 2017-12-11 2018-06-15 浙江大学 A kind of voltage stabilizing pin structure for being used to compensate in-flow inserted valve closing direction hydraulic power

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1293648B1 (en) 1999-03-08
ITTO970671A1 (en) 1999-01-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4700928A (en) Valve assembly
JP4666280B2 (en) Stopcock device with pressure adjusting function, faucet device and hot-water mixed faucet device having the same
US5375624A (en) Cartridge for single-control faucet
US4577653A (en) Anti-siphon and anti-knock diverter valve
CN114483999B (en) Ball valve with adjustable trim arrangement
EA019954B1 (en) A control valve
US4662395A (en) Pressurized liquid flushing valve arrangement with a shut-off sleeve
CN114484059A (en) Faucet handle assembly
USRE32981E (en) Anti-siphon and anti-knock diverter valve
US6354565B1 (en) Washer assembly for a faucet
US4082246A (en) Butterfly valve thruport seal
US4314581A (en) Rotary valve washerless cartridge
WO1999005437A1 (en) Improved stem valve stopper
US6298879B1 (en) Stem valve stopper
US7108011B1 (en) Self closing mixing cartridge for single handle cartridge type faucet
EP0303816A2 (en) Valve spindle
US5316039A (en) Cartridge-type faucet valve with improved seal
EP1025377B1 (en) Improved stem valve stopper
US5458152A (en) Self-closing water valve
US4276899A (en) Faucets
GB2408310A (en) Radiator valve
EP0062715B1 (en) Improved fluid flow control valve
US4763687A (en) Faucet valve
AU2011207112B2 (en) A tap valve assembly
CN210003837U (en) butterfly valve clack

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CA JP MX RU TR US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA