WO2000019135A1

WO2000019135A1 - Inlet valve for cisterns

Info

Publication number: WO2000019135A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000833
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Dowley Beattie
Original assignee: Capon, Robert, Henry
Priority date: 1998-09-29
Filing date: 1999-09-29
Publication date: 2000-04-06
Also published as: AUPP622398A0

Abstract

An inlet valve (10) for a cistern, the inlet valve (10) comprising an inlet (166) for receiving a flushing fluid from a supply, an outlet (98) for delivery of the fluid, a valve means (182) positioned substantially between the inlet (166) and outlet (98) for controlling fluid flow therebetween, the inlet valve (10) being characterised by a pivot arm (158) and support means (152) supporting in a pivotal manner the pivot arm (158) intermediate the ends thereof, wherein the support means (152) is removably retained within the inlet valve (10).

Description

TITLE

INLET VALVE FOR CISTERNS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inlet valve for cisterns. The present invention further relates to a support means for a pivot arm which is primarily for use with the inlet valve but which may well have additional applications.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

A problem with prior art inlet valves for cisterns is that they are noisy during flushing operations. The noise can generally be attributed to two factors, one of which is a slow rate at which the valve closes as the level of fluid in the cistern progressively rises. The closing action of prior art inlet valves is controlled by a float arm having a float which rises with the level of fluid in the cistern. As the float progressively rises, the valve progressively closes. This progressive closing of the valve has a choking affect on the fluid flow with the result that a squealing noise is generated. The choking affect on the fluid flow also reduces the flow rate, with the result that the filling operation and the associated noise is prolonged.

The second factor to which the noise can be attributed is the fact that the outlet of the valve is located in the upper region of the cistern, the effect of which is that fluid enters the cistern at a level which is above the fluid level at any time and so the incoming fluid generates a noise as it cascades onto fluid already within the cistern.

An additional problem associated with prior art inlet valves is inconvenience during fitting to a cistern. Prior art devices, for example the FLOWMASTER device, requires the length adjustment of the valve stem to be conducted whilst it is attached to both the inlet valve and the flushing fluid inlet. This requires ongoing evaluation of the positioning of the adjustable valve stem during installation, thereby increasing the difficulty and time taken to perform this task. A still further problem associated with the prior art is an inability to operate in waters heavily contaminated with suspended particulate materials. This material will tend to block inlet valves and/or decrease the efficiency of the operation thereof, causing leakage.

The inlet valve for cisterns of the present invention has as one object thereof to overcome the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art. The present invention preferably seeks to provide an inlet valve which is less noisy and which allows a more rapid filling operation than those of the prior art. Still further, the present invention preferably also seeks to provide an inlet valve which is more conveniently installed and less prone to obstruction than at least the conventional inlet valve described above.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an inlet valve for a cistern, the inlet valve comprising an inlet for receiving a flushing fluid from a supply, an outlet for delivery of the fluid, a valve mechanism positioned substantially between the inlet and outlet for controlling fluid flow therebetween, the inlet valve being characterised by a pivot arm and support means supporting in a pivotal manner the pivot arm intermediate the ends thereof, wherein the support means is removably retained within the inlet valve.

Preferably, the inlet valve has a relief valve means provided therein, whereby flushing fluid from the supply may be released from the inlet valve to clear any particulate material or pressure therefrom. The relief valve means may comprise a removable plug provided in the inlet valve. Still preferably, the support means is formed of a flexibly resilient material, thereby allowing pivotal movement of the pivot arm. The pivot arm is preferably formed with a radially enlarged portion intermediate the length thereof, the enlarged portion acting to positively locate the pivot arm with respect to the support means.

In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a support means for mounting a pivot arm for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the length thereof, the support means characterised by a sleeve having one flanged end and a generally tubular length projecting therefrom and through which the pivot arm is received.

Preferably, the flanged end may be positively located with respect to the inlet valve whilst allowing the pivot arm held in the length of the support to move with respect thereto. The support means is preferably formed at least in part from a flexibly resilient material.

In accordance with the present invention there is still further provided an adjustable inlet stem for the inlet valve of cisterns, the inlet stem characterised by at least first and second portions, the first portion being adapted to positively engage an inlet for flushing fluid, the second portion being formed integrally with, or being adapted to engage, an inlet valve, whereby one of the portions is received at least in part within the other portion in an adjustable manner, thereby allowing differing lengths of inlet stem to be provided.

Preferably, locking of one component with respect to the other is achieved through manipulation of a locking ring provided thereabout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an inlet valve for cisterns in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the inlet valve having associated therewith a flat member, an adjustable inlet stem and an outlet stem;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through the inlet valve, float member, inlet stem and outlet stem of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the inlet valve for cisterns of

Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through the adjustable engagement means between the first and second components of the adjustable inlet stem;

Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of an inlet valve for cisterns in accordance with the present invention, the inlet valve having associated therewith a float member, an inlet stem and an outlet stem, the outlet stem differing from that of Figures 1 , 2 and 4; and

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the inlet valve for cisterns of Figure 5.

BEST MODEfS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown an inlet valve 10, a float means 12, an adjustable inlet stem 14 and an outlet stem 16. The inlet valve 10 comprises an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 20.

The float means 12 comprises a float member 22, provided in the form of an inverted cup, post 24 and a locating arm 26. The locating arm 26 is releasably connected to the upper portion 18 of the inlet valve 10 in a snap-fit manner and defines a tubular portion 28 through which the post 24 is received and is able to freely pass. The post 24 has an aperture 30 provided at an upper end 32 thereof. A collar 34 is provided about a mid-portion of the post 24. A lower end 36 of the post 24 has a series of circumferential recesses 38 provided thereabout. The float member 22 is received about the post 24 in an adjustable manner with regard to the height thereof relative to the post 24. At its highest point, the float member 22 abuts the collar 34 provided about the post 24. This float means 12 is of substantially known type, such being described in International Patent Publication WO 96/16234 and the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The adjustable inlet stem 14 comprises upper and lower generally tubular portions, 40 and 42 respectively. An upper end 44 of the upper portion 40 has a right angle bend 46 provided therein and has an annular shoulder 48 provided thereabout. An outer surface of the upper portion 40 has a series of circumferential recesses 50 provided thereon. A lower end 52 of the upper portion 40 is received within an upper end 54 of the lower portion 42 and has an adjustment means 56 provided thereabout and which may be used to adjust the length of the adjustable inlet stem 14.

The lower portion 42 further has a lower end 58 having a threaded spigot portion 60 projecting therefrom. A washer 62 is provided about the spigot portion 60. The lower end 58 may be affixed to an aperture (not shown) in a cistern (not shown). Rings 64 and 66 are provided on separate threads about the spigot portion 60 and are used to affix the lower portion 42 to the cistern and a source of flushing fluid (not shown).

The outlet stem 16 comprises generally tubular upper and lower portions, 68 and 70, respectively. The upper portion 68 further has an upper end 72 and a lower end 74. The upper end 72 receives in part therein the lower portion 20 of the inlet valve 10. The lower end 74 of the upper portion 68 is received within an upper portion 76 of the lower portion 70 in a manner whereby the portions 68 and 70 may not be pulled apart but may be telescopingly adjusted so as to alter the overall length of the outlet system 16. The upper portion 68 and lower portion 70 each have a shoulder provided thereon that abut when the outlet system 16 is extended to its outer limit. The upper portion 68 is able to slide within the lower portion 70. An external shoulder 78 is provided about the upper end 72 of the upper portion 68 to limit travel of the lower portion 70 relative thereto. A lower end 80 of the lower portion 70 is spread to form a generally bell shaped base and has a plurality of apertures 82 provided therein. The lower portion 70 is designed to rest on the base of the cistern (not shown). The apertures 82 act to allow flushing fluid to pass from the outlet system 16 to the interior of the cistern, below the level of flushing fluid in the cistern, thereby minimising noise produced as the cistern . is filling.

In Figure 3 there is shown the inlet valve 10 and the upper and lower portions 18 and 20 respectively, thereof. The lower portion 20 is received within a cup- shaped portion 84 of the upper end 72 of the upper portion 68 of the outlet system 16. The portion 84 has provided therein a seat 86 and an upstanding spigot 88.

The lower portion 20 comprises a base 90, an outer wall 92 and an annular inner wall 94. The lower portion 20 is of generally round or circular configuration.

The base 90, outer wall 92 and inner wall 94 define an annular lower chamber 96. An outlet flow passage 98 is defined within the inner wall 94 and extends below the base 90 within a depending tubular portion 100.

The lower portion 20 is supported within the cup-shaped portion 84 of the outlet system 16 on the seat 86, and through the support of the depending portion 100 on the upstanding spigot 88.

The outer wall 92 has an upper portion 102 bearing an external threaded surface 104. A valve seat 106 is provided on an internal surface of the outer wall 92. An upper surface 108 of the internal wall 94 contributes to the function of the valve seat 106 and projects to substantially the same level within the lower portion 20.

The upper portion 18 comprises a roof member 110 and an annular outer wall 112 depending therefrom. The outer wall 112 has an outer rim 114 supported on a shoulder 116 provided within the upper portion 102 of the outer wall 92 at a level above that of the valve seat 106. An upper chamber 118 is defined within the upper portion 18 by the outer wall 112. A locking cap 118 is provided about the upper portion 18, the locking cap 118 being of annular configuration with external and internal walls, 120 and 122 respectively. The external wall 120 has an internal threaded surface able to threadedly engage the threaded surface 104 of the upper portion 102. Tightening of the locking cap 118 causes the internal wall 122 to press the outer rim 114 of the upper portion 18 into engagement with the shoulder 116.

The upper portion 18 further comprises an upwardly extending neck portion 124. A guide passage 126 is defined within the neck portion 124 and communicates with the upper chamber 118. A control member or pilot valve member 128 is housed within the guide passage 126. The pilot valve member 128 comprises an upper plate 130, an elongate member 132 and a tip 134 formed of a flexibly resilient material, for example rubber. The rubber tip 134 is removably located on a lowermost portion of the pilot valve member 128, thereby allowing ready replacement thereof.

An uppermost portion of the neck portion 124 defines therein a threaded passage 136, in which is received a relief valve means, for example a threaded plug 138. A washer 140 is retained between a head 142 of the plug 138 and the upper portion 18 in a seat 144. The threaded passage 136 communicates directly with the guide passage 126 defined in the neck portion 124.

The upper portion 18 further comprises a transverse branch of the guide passage 126 formed in part by an annular, externally threaded spigot 146, the spigot 146 defining therein a passage 148. The spigot 146 defines about an external opening of the passage a seat 150 for a support means 152. The support means 152 comprises a generally tubular sleeve 154 having one flanged end 156. A portion of the sleeve 154 adjacent the flanged end 156 is enlarged radially to aid positive location of a pivot arm 158 with respect thereto. The support means 152 is preferably formed of a flexibly resilient material allowing the sleeve 154 thereof to flex relative to the flanged end 156. A threaded cap 160 is received over the threaded spigot 146 and acts to locate the flanged end 156 of the support means 152 on the seat 150. An aperture 162 is provided in the cap 160 and is largely consistent with the aperture of the sleeve 154.

The pivot arm 158 is of generally elongate proportion and extends from the aperture 30 provided in the upper end 32 of the post 24, through the passage 148 and into the guide passage 126 at a point below the upper plate 130 of the pilot valve member 128. A radially enlarged portion 164 of the pivot arm 158 is received within the similarly shaped portion of the sleeve 154 of the support means 152. Upward pivotal movement of the end of the pivot arm 158 received in the guide passage 126, caused by lowering of the float member 22 and post 24 during flushing of the cistern, lifts the upper plate 130 and pilot valve member 128. Pivotal movement of the pivot arm 158 in the other direction allows the pilot valve member 128 to lower within the guide passage 126 and the upper chamber 118.

The outer wall 92 of the lower portion 20 of the inlet valve 10 has an inlet passage 166 provided therein. The inlet passage 166 communicates with the lower chamber 96. An outer end 168 of the inlet passage 166 has an enlarged externally threaded spigot 170 located thereat. An annular locking cap 172 having an internal threaded surface 174 and a shoulder 176 is received about the spigot 170. A filter means 178 and washer 180, are located within the enlarged spigot 170. The upper end 44 of the upper portion 40 of the inlet system 16 abuts the washer 180 and the shoulder 48 thereof is retained by the shoulder 176 of the locking cap 172. As the locking cap 172 is tightened the inlet system 16 is tightened against the spigot 170 and the filter means 178 held in place therewithin. Release of the locking cap 172 will allow removal of the inlet system 16 and the filter means 178.

A valve element 182, of the well-known pressure compensation type, is held within the inlet valve 10 between the valve seat 106 and the upper surface 108 of the inner wall 94, of the lower portion 20, and the outer wall 112 of the upper portion 18. Pressure compensation valves include a series of restricted flow passages and which in the present application allow for fluid communication between the two chambers 96 and 118 to allow fluid pressure to equalise therebetween. The valve element 182 includes a central flow passage 184. When the pilot valve member 128 impinges upon the valve element 182 such is closed against fluid flow, such as is the case when the float member 22 has been raised. In this position fluid pressure in the upper chamber 118 ensures that the valve element 182 is in sealing engagement with the surface 108 thereby preventing fluid flow between the fluid inlet 166 and the outlet flow passage 98. of the outlet system 16. When the central flow passage 184 is open for fluid flow there is a pressure reduction in the upper chamber 118, thereby allowing the valve element to be lifted from the surface 108 under the influence of fluid pressure. This action permits fluid flow between the inlet passage 166 and the outlet flow passage 98.

If it becomes necessary to clear blockages within the inlet valve 10 the threaded plug 138 may be removed, thereby allowing fluid and any obstructions to flow from the guide passage 126 through the threaded passage 136 and externally of the inlet valve 10.

In Figure 4 there is shown the adjustment means 56 comprising a locking ring 186 and an engagement ring 188. The locking ring 186 has a lower portion 190 having an internal threaded surface 192 and a upper inwardly tapered portion 194. The threaded surface 192 engages a threaded surface provided on a radially enlarged portion 196 of the upper end 54 of the lower portion 42 of the inlet system 14. The engagement ring 188 has an lower portion 198 seated within the enlarged portion 196 of the lower portion 42. An upper portion 200 thereof has provided thereon two annular ridges 202. As the locking ring 186 is screwed down over the enlarged portion 196 the upper tapered portion 194 thereof forces the upper portion 202 inwardly and accentuates engagement of the ridges 202 with the recesses 50. This mechanism allows in situ adjustment of the length of the inlet stem 14 through manipulation of the locking ring 186. Additional o-ring seals may be provided between the upper and lower portions 40 and 42 as necessary. Loosening of the locking ring 186 allows the upper portion 40 and lower portion 42 to be telescopingly adjusted. ln Figures 5 and 6 there is shown an inlet stem 210 in position on an inlet valve 10 as described above, like numerals denoting like parts. The inlet stem 210 comprises a single tubular member 212 having a first end 214 and a second end 216. The first end 214 has an external annular shoulder 216 provided thereon as does the inlet stem 14. Similarly, the shoulder 216 is used to locate the filter means 178 within the threaded spigot 170.

The second end 216 has a threaded outer surface 218 by which same may be positively located through a cistern side wall (not shown) and attached to a supply of flushing fluid.

From the above description it is apparent that the inlet valve 10 of the present invention provides a simple yet effective inlet valve for a flushing cistern. The inlet valve 10 is relatively silent in operation owing to its combination with the described outlet stem 16 and the feature that the outlet for flushing fluid into the cistern is (at least for most part of the filling operation) below the level of water within the cistern. Additionally, the feature whereby the float to which the pivot arm 158 is connected is isolated from water entering the cistern during a flushing operation until such time as the cistern is almost full ensures that the inlet valve closes rapidly and avoids excess noise. Still further, the manner of adjustment provided in both the inlet and outlet stems allows their lengths to be adjusted during and/or after installation.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is envisaged that differing mechanisms for the telescoping nature of the inlet and outlet stems may be provided without departing from the scope of the above description.

It is further envisaged that the upper portions of the inlet and outlet stems may, if considered advantageous, be provided integrally formed with the inlet valve and still provide the disclosed capacity for adjustment.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. An inlet valve for a cistern, the inlet valve comprising an inlet for receiving a flushing fluid from a supply, an outlet for delivery of the fluid, a valve means positioned substantially between the inlet and outlet for controlling fluid flow therebetween, the inlet valve being characterised by a pivot arm and support means supporting in a pivotal manner the pivot arm intermediate the ends thereof, wherein the support means is removably retained within the inlet valve.

2. An inlet valve according to claim 1 , characterised in that a relief valve means is provided therein, whereby flushing fluid from the supply may be released from the inlet valve to clear any particulate material or pressure therefrom.

3. An inlet valve according to claim 2, characterised in that the relief valve means is provided in the form of a removable plug provided in the inlet valve.

4. An inlet valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support means is formed of a flexibly resilient material, thereby allowing pivotal movement of the pivot arm.

5. An inlet valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pivot arm is formed with a radially enlarged portion intermediate the length thereof, the enlarged portion acting to positively locate the pivot arm with respect of the support means.

6. A support means for use in an inlet valve for a cistern, the support means being the mounting of a pivot arm for pivotal movement about an transverse to the length thereof, the support means characterised by a sleeve having one flanged end and a generally tubular length projecting therefrom and through which the pivot arm is received.

7. A support means according to claim 6, characterised in that the flanged end is positively located relative to the inlet valve whilst allowing the pivot arm held in the length thereof to move with respect thereto.

8. A support means according to claim 6 or 7, characteπsed in that the support means is formed at least in part from a flexibly resilient material.

9. An adjustable inlet stem for the inlet valve of cisterns, the inlet stem characterised by at least first and second portions, the first portion being adapted to positively engage an inlet for flushing fluid, the second portion being formed integrally with, or being adapted to engage, an inlet valve, whereby one of the portions is received at least in part within the other portion in an adjustable manner, thereby allowing differing lengths of inlet stem to be provided.

10. An adjustable inlet stem according to claim 9, characterised in that the locking of one component with respect to the outer is achieved through manipulation of a locking ring provided thereabout.

11. An inlet valve for a cistern, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

12. A support means for an inlet valve of a cistern substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 6.

13. An adjustable inlet stem for the inlet valve of cisterns substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.