U.S. patent application number 09/967012 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for valve assembly for a pressure flush system.
Invention is credited to Fish, Robert H..
Application Number | 20030061652 09/967012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25512191 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030061652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fish, Robert H. |
April 3, 2003 |
VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A PRESSURE FLUSH SYSTEM
Abstract
A pressure flush system for use within a toilet tank includes a
pressure flush tank having an inlet port and a discharge port, an
air inlet, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a
generally cylindrical housing, a water inlet in fluid communication
with the pressure flush tank, a water outlet in fluid communication
with the discharge port, a normally closed valve which allows fluid
communication between the water inlet and water outlet when the
valve is opened, a piston axially spaced from the valve, and a
flexible tube positioned within the housing which is carried
between the valve and the piston and in fluid communication
therebetween. Relative to the valve, the piston is movable into and
out sealing engagement with the discharge port to permit the
discharge of water under pressure contained within the pressure
flush tank. The flexible tube is movable in response to movement of
the piston.
Inventors: |
Fish, Robert H.; (Howell,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel C. McEachran
Cook, Alex, McFarron, Manzo,
Cummings & Mehler, Ltd.
200 West Adams Street - Suite 2850
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
25512191 |
Appl. No.: |
09/967012 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/354 |
International
Class: |
E03D 003/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pressure flush system for use within a toilet tank including:
a pressure flush tank having an inlet port and a discharge port; an
air inlet for said pressure flush tank, with said pressure flush
tank, prior to discharge, containing water under pressure; a valve
assembly within said pressure flush tank including a generally
cylindrical housing containing water under pressure, a water inlet
in fluid communication with said pressure flush tank, a water
outlet in fluid communication with said discharge port, a normally
closed valve being movable to allow fluid communication between
said water inlet and said water outlet and to permit discharge of
water contained within said housing, a piston axially spaced from
said valve and in fluid communication therewith, said piston being
movable, relative to said valve, into and out of sealing engagement
with said discharge port to permit discharge of water under
pressure contained within said pressure flush tank, and a flexible
tube positioned within said housing carried between said valve and
said piston and in fluid communication therebetween and being
movable in response to movement of said piston.
2. The pressure flush system of claim 1 wherein said valve assembly
defines inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways.
3. The pressure flush system of claim 2 wherein said inner and
outer coaxial fluid passageways which are fluidly sealed
therebetween by said valve when said valve is closed and in fluid
communication therebetween when said valve is opened.
4. The pressure flush system of claim 2 wherein said inner coaxial
fluid passageway is in fluid communication with said discharge
port.
5. The pressure flush system of claim 2 wherein said outer coaxial
fluid passageway is in fluid communication with said pressure flush
tank and contains water under pressure therefrom when said valve is
closed.
6. The pressure flush system of claim 1 wherein said flexible tube
is an axially collapsible bellows tube.
7. The pressure flush system of claim 1 wherein said flexible tube
axially retracts in response to upward axial movement of said
piston and axially expands in response to downward axial movement
of said piston.
8. The pressure flush system of claim 1 further comprising a valve
return spring.
9. The pressure flush system of claim 1 further comprising a piston
return spring.
10. The pressure flush system of claim 1 further comprising a
sleeve which extends internally into said flexible tube.
11. The pressure flush system of claim 10 wherein said sleeve is in
fluid communication with said discharge port.
12. The pressure flush system of claim 10 wherein said sleeve is
axially spaced from said valve when said piston is in sealing
engagement with said discharge port.
13. The pressure flush system of claim 10 wherein said sleeve is
positioned axially adjacent said valve when said piston is out of
sealing engagement with said discharge port.
14. A pressure flush system for use within a toilet tank including:
a pressure flush tank including an inlet port and a discharge port;
an air inlet for said pressure flush tank, with said pressure flush
tank, prior to discharge, containing water under pressure; a valve
assembly within said pressure flush tank including a generally
cylindrical housing containing water under pressure, a water inlet
in fluid communication with said pressure flush tank, a water
outlet in fluid communication with said discharge port, a normally
closed valve being movable to allow fluid communication between
said water inlet and said water outlet and to permit discharge of
water contained within said housing, a piston axially spaced from
said valve and in fluid communication therewith, said piston being
axially aligned with said discharge port and being movable into and
out of sealing engagement therewith to permit discharge of water
contained within said pressure flush tank, said piston including an
axial bore which receives at least one axially disposed fluid
conduit therein such that water contained within said housing is
discharged axially through said piston.
15. The pressure flush system of claim 14 wherein said fluid
conduit is selected one of a flexible tube and a rigid sleeve.
16. The pressure flush system of claim 14 wherein said valve
assembly defines inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways.
17. A pressure flush system for use within a toilet tank including:
a pressure flush tank including an inlet port and a discharge port;
an air inlet for said pressure flush tank, with said pressure flush
tank, prior to discharge, containing water under pressure; a valve
assembly within said pressure flush tank including a generally
cylindrical housing and a normally closed valve, said valve
assembly defining inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways which
are fluidly sealed therebetween by said valve, said inner coaxial
fluid passageway being in fluid communication with said discharge
port, said outer coaxial fluid passageway being in fluid
communication with said pressure flush tank and containing water
under pressure therefrom, said inner and outer coaxial fluid
passageways being in fluid communication therebetween upon
actuation of said valve to allow discharge of water contained
within said outer passageway through said discharge port.
18. The pressure flush system of claim 17 further comprising a
piston axially spaced from said valve and in fluid communication
therewith, said piston being axially aligned with said discharge
port and being movable into and out of sealing engagement therewith
to permit discharge of water contained within said pressure flush
tank, said piston including an axial bore which receives selected
one of a flexible tube and a rigid sleeve which is axially disposed
therein.
19. The pressure flush system of claims 18 wherein at least one of
said flexible tube and said rigid sleeve defines said inner coaxial
fluid passageway.
20. The pressure flush system of claim 18 wherein said inner
coaxial fluid passageway extends through said piston axial bore
such that water contained within said housing is discharged axially
through said piston.
21. The pressure flush system of claim 18 wherein said outer
coaxial fluid passageway is circumferentially disposed around said
flexible tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to pressure flush tanks or pressure
flush systems of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,233,698 and
5,802,628, owned by the assignee of the present application, Sloan
Valve Company of Franklin Park, Illinois, and incorporated by
reference herein. In particular, the invention relates to an
improved valve assembly for such a pressure flush tank having a
valve and a piston which are hydrodynamically connected. The
invention further provides a valve assembly with a flexible tube
which is responsive to movement by the piston.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to pressure flush tanks and in
particular to an improved valve assembly for such tanks.
[0003] A primary purpose of the invention is a pressure flush tank
as described which includes a valve and a piston which are
hydraulically connected so that piston movement results from a
hydraulic response to movement of the valve.
[0004] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve
assembly which, upon actuation of the valve, allows water contained
within the valve assembly to flow through the valve and the piston
to a discharge port and results in movement of the piston out of
sealing engagement with the discharge port.
[0005] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve
assembly with a flexible tube
[0006] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve
assembly with a flexible tube which is carried between the valve
and the piston and which moves in response to movement of the
piston.
[0007] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a valve
assembly with inner and outer coaxial fluid passageways which
permit the storage and outflow of water contained within the valve
assembly.
[0008] Other purposes will appear in the ensuing specification,
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the
following drawings wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a section of the valve assembly positioned within
a pressure flush tank.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the valve assembly of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a section of the valve assembly in a fully closed
position.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a section of the valve assembly in a fully opened
position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a pressure flush tank indicated generally at
10, which will be positioned within a toilet tank, not shown. The
purpose of the pressure flush tank is to provide a measured
quantity or volume of water under pressure so that the flushing
system may be more effective, but yet use a volume of water
consistent with current government regulations.
[0015] The tank 10 may include a top shell 12 and a bottom shell 14
which fit together to provide a watertight enclosure. The inside
surface of the tank 10 may include a plurality of baffles 16 and
fins 18. Water enters the tank 10 at an inlet port 20 which is
connected to a suitable conduit and such conduit may also have a
suitable shutoff valve connected thereto. Adjacent the inlet port
20 there is an air inducer housing 22 which includes an air inlet
24. As water passes through the inlet port 20, the flow of water
will cause the air inlet 24 to open, thus allowing both air and
water to enter the interior of the tank 10. The air and water
mixture enters the tank 10 through the interior tube 26 and is held
within the tank which defines a cavity 28. A valve assembly 30 is
centrally located within the tank 10 and extends between an upper
tank opening 32 and a discharge port 34 which is in fluid
communication with the toilet tank (not shown). The discharge port
34 is generally shaped as a conical seat.
[0016] In FIGS. 1-4, the valve assembly 30 includes a housing,
generally indicated at 36, with upper and lower portions 38 and 40,
respectively, a valve, generally indicated at 42, a valve return
spring 44, a bellows tube 46, a piston return spring 48, a piston
50, and a sleeve 52. The housing upper portion 38 is generally
cylindrical in shape with a threaded external surface 31, a radial
web 35 and an axial bore 37. The axial bore 37 includes an inwardly
projecting shoulder 39 and a threaded portion 41 which is radially
spaced from the upper tank opening 32. The housing lower portion 40
defines a hollow cylindrical shape including an internal surface 43
and a valve assembly water inlet 45 which allows fluid
communication with the tank cavity 28.
[0017] As best seen in FIG. 2, the housing 36 is supported within
the tank 10 at a top end by a threaded connection between the upper
tank opening 32 and the housing upper portion 38. At the bottom end
of the housing 36, the lower portion 40 is supported by the fins 18
which are radially disposed around the discharge port 34 and
upwardly project into the tank cavity 28. The housing upper portion
38 matingly engages the lower portion 40 using a series of ribs 54
and tabs 56. The ribs 54 are received within corresponding grooves
58 on the housing lower portion and the tabs 56 engage the
underside of a projecting annular rib 60 located on the internal
surface of the housing lower portion. On the external surface of
the housing upper portion 38, a seal 47 disposed within a groove 49
of the housing upper portion 38 seals the valve assembly 30 to the
atmosphere.
[0018] The valve 42 is positioned within the housing 36 and
includes a valve base 61, a valve seat 62, a valve actuator 63, and
a downwardly projecting annular skirt 64 for directing water under
pressure when the valve is opened. The valve base 61 forms a sealed
partition, along with an annular valve seal 68, between the housing
upper and lower portions 38 and 40. The valve actuator 63 has a
stem 70, a head 72 and a distal end 73. The head 72, which is
generally conical or frusto-conical in shape, includes an annular
groove 74 which receives an O-ring seal 76 and is normally biased
adjacent the valve seat 62 by the valve return spring 44.
Projecting upwards from the head 72, the stem 70 extends through
the axial bore 37 of the housing upper portion 38 and radial
movement of the stem is limited by the inwardly projecting shoulder
39. Radially positioned from the valve seat 62, the valve base 61
defines a water passage 78 which allows fluid communication between
the housing upper portion 38 and the housing lower portion 40, as
will be described in further detail below.
[0019] The valve return spring 44 is circumferentially positioned
around the valve actuator stem 70 and is disposed within a water
cavity 86 defined by the housing upper portion 38. The valve return
spring 44 biases the valve actuator head 72 against the valve seat
62 defining a closed valve position. One end of the valve return
spring 44 contacts an upwardly facing surface 81 of the valve
actuator head 72 while the other end of the return spring is biased
against an annular shoulder 82 of the housing upper portion 38. The
end of the valve return spring 44 adjacent the annular shoulder 82
is restrained from radial movement by an annular projection 84. At
the top of the housing 36, a seal 88, which is received within a
groove 89, is circumferentially disposed around the valve actuator
stem 70. The seal is secured by a center shaft nut 90 which is
screwed onto the threaded portion 41 of the axial bore 37.
[0020] Turning to the housing lower portion 40, the bellows tube 46
is axially disposed within the housing and is carried either
directly or indirectly between the valve and the piston. The
bellows tube 46 is in fluid communication with the valve 42. As
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bellows tube 46 includes an upper end
92 which is radially disposed around the valve annular skirt 64.
The annular skirt 64 also has a downwardly facing shoulder 94 which
receives an O-ring seal 96 so as to fluidly seal the bellows tube
46 to the annular skirt. The valve 42 includes downwardly directed
projections 98 which are radially spaced from the annular skirt 64
so as to position the bellows tube upper end 92 of the bellows tube
46 between the annular skirt 64 and the projections 98. The bellows
tube 46 extends axially within the housing lower portion 40 from
the upper end 92 to a lower end 100 and the tube preferably has an
undulating shape, as illustrated. The bellows tube lower end 100 is
secured by a clamp or seal 99 to the sleeve 52.
[0021] The piston 50 is circumferentially positioned around the
bellows tube 46. The piston 50 extends from an upper end 101
positioned within the housing 36 to a lower end 102 outside
thereof. The piston generally has a hollow cylindrical,
pseudo-concave shape with an axial bore therethrough 103. The axial
bore 103 receives at least one axially disposed fluid conduit
therein such as the bellows tube 46 and the sleeve 52 so that water
contained within the housing is discharged axially through said
piston. There is an annular groove 104 on the piston exterior
surface which receives a U-ring seal 106 to form a fluid seal
between the piston and the internal surface 43 of the housing lower
portion 40. Above the U-ring seal 106, the piston upper end 101 is
spaced from the internal surface 43. Before actuation of the valve
42, the piston lower end 102 extends beyond the housing 36 and is
positioned within the discharge port 34 to prevent the discharge of
water when the valve is in the closed position. At the discharge
port 34, a fluid seal is effectuated by an O-ring seal 108 which is
positioned within an annular groove 110 of the piston lower end
102. The piston 50 is positioned around the bellows tube 46 and
radially spaced therefrom so as to allow the return spring 48 to be
positioned therebetween. The piston 50 is in fluid communication
with the bellows tube 46.
[0022] The sleeve 52 includes an upper end 112 positioned within
the bellows tube 46 and a lower end 114 positioned outside of the
bellows tube. In addition, the sleeve 52 is axially positioned
within the piston axial bore 103. The sleeve upper end 112 is
axially spaced from the bellows tube upper end 92 and the valve
annular skirt 64 when the valve is closed. The sleeve 52, which has
a generally rigid and hollow, cylindrical shape, extends downwardly
to the lower end 114, which is generally coextensive with the
piston lower end 102 and which is in fluid communication with the
discharge port 34. The sleeve lower end 114 defines a valve
assembly water outlet 115 so as to permit water contained within
valve assembly 30 to flow through the water outlet and through the
discharge port 34 when the valve is opened. The bellows tube lower
end 100 is in fluid communication with the sleeve 52 and sealingly
engages the sleeve 52 with an O-ring seal 116 and the clamp 99. The
seal 116 is received by an upwardly facing shoulder 118 of the
sleeve 52. At the sleeve lower end 114, the piston 50 and the
sleeve 52 are directly connected by a threadable engagement which
allows the piston to be indirectly connected to the bellows tube
46. Thus, movement by the piston 50 causes corresponding movement
by the bellows tube 46 and the sleeve 52.
[0023] Located between the bellows tube 46 and the piston 50, the
piston return spring 48 has an upper end which is biased against
the underside of the valve base 61 and which is fixed from radial
movement by an annular rim 128 formed on the underside of the valve
base 61. The lower end of the return spring 48 sits on an annular
shoulder 130 formed in the axial bore 103 of the piston 50. Upon
emptying of the tank, the return spring 48 biases the piston 50
into a closed position so that the piston lower end 102 extends
beyond the housing 36 and is positioned within the discharge port
34. With the seal 108, the piston lower end 102 forms a fluid seal
with the discharge port 34 to prevent the discharge of water
contained within the tank 10 when the valve assembly 30 has not
been actuated.
[0024] Turning back to the bellows tube 46, it is carried either
directly or indirectly between the valve 42 and the piston 50 and
provides fluid communication therebetween. Upon actuation of the
valve 42, the bellows tube 46 is axially collapsible in response to
axial movement of the piston 50. The bellows tube upper end 92
remains fixed during axial movement while the lower end 100 moves
in response to axial movement of the piston 50. Accordingly, when
the piston moves axially upward, the bellows tube lower end 100
moves upward while the upper end 92 remains fixed, thereby causing
the bellows tube to collapse or retract along its axis. Conversely,
as the piston moves axially downward, the bellows tube lower end
100 moves downward, thus causing axial expansion of the bellows
tube 46. Instead of a bellow tube, it is possible to use any type
of flexible tube or the like which is capable of movement in
response to movement of the piston although it is preferred that
the tube be capable of axial retraction and expansion in response
to movement of the piston.
[0025] The bellows tube 46 further defines inner and outer coaxial
fluid passageways 132 and 134, respectively, which are fluidly
sealed therebetween by the valve 42 when the valve is closed. The
inner passageway 132 is in fluid communication with the discharge
port 34 and is defined by the internal surfaces of the bellows tube
46, the sleeve 52 and the valve annular skirt 64. The inner
passageway 132 extends through the piston axial bore 103 such that,
upon actuation of the valve, water contained within the housing is
discharged axially through the piston. The outer passageway 134 is
in fluid communication with the pressure flush tank 10 at the valve
assembly water inlet 45 and contains water under pressure therefrom
when the valve 42 is closed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer
passageway 134 is circumferentially disposed around the bellows
tube 46, which defines the internal boundary of the outer
passageway 134, and is circumferentially bounded by the housing
internal surface 43. Within the outer passageway, water is
permitted to flow within the annular spaces defined between the
bellow tube 46 and the piston axial bore 103 and between the piston
50 and the housing internal surface 43. Water is prevented from
flowing downstream of the outer passageway 134 by the U-ring seal
106 and the O-ring seal 120. Water within the outer passageway 134
is in fluid communication with the water cavity 86 by the water
passage 78 so that water is permitted to flow from the outer
passageway 134 into the water cavity 86 as water flows into the
valve assembly from the tank. The water contained within the outer
passageway 134 together with the return spring 48 assists in
biasing the piston 50 to a closed position. While the valve remains
closed, the outer passageway 134 and the water cavity 86 receive
and store water from the tank 10.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the valve assembly in a fully opened position.
Operation of the valve assembly 30 will be described. First, the
distal end 73 of the valve actuator 63 is pulled upwards to open
the valve 42. This may occur either directly by the user or
indirectly through a mechanical linkage having one or more members.
Upward movement of the valve actuator 63 unseats the actuator head
72 from the valve seat 62 and axially compresses the valve return
spring 44. Once the valve 42 is opened, water under pressure
located within the water cavity 86 is expelled through the inner
passageway 132 and exits the valve assembly water outlet 115. The
sudden release of water causes a decrease in pressure within the
valve assembly 30 and creates a pressure differential which forces
water from the outer passageway 134 through the water passage 78
and into the water cavity 86. While the valve remains open, water
entering the water cavity 86 from the outer passageway 134 is
purged from the valve assembly 30 through the inner passageway 132.
The pressure exerted on the actuator head 72 by the flow of water
keeps the valve open without having to maintain the valve actuator
63 in a raised position.
[0027] Mechanical movement by the valve actuator 63 does not
translate directly into mechanical movement by the piston. Rather,
the piston moves in response to a hydrodynamic connection between
the valve and the piston due to the fluid communication between the
valve and the piston. Before actuation of the valve, the piston
remains closed due to the balance of pressures acting upon it. The
downward pressure exerted by the water contained in the outer
passageway 134 together with the downward pressure of the piston
return spring 48 are equal to or greater than the upward pressure
exerted by the water contained within the tank cavity 28. Opening
of the valve results in an imbalance of the pressures acting upon
the piston. In particular, actuation of the valve 42 permits the
release of water from the outer passageway 134 which creates a
pressure differential across the piston 50. The pressure above the
piston decreases until the piston breaks the seal with the
discharge port 34. Once the seal is broken, the piston will move
axially upwards to permit the flow of pressurized water contained
within the tank cavity 28 through the discharge port 34 and into
the toilet tank. Thus, piston movement results from a hydrodynamic
response to the valve when the valve is opened to allow the release
of water contained within the valve assembly.
[0028] When the piston moves axially upwards, the connection at its
lower end causes corresponding upward movement by the bellows tube
and the sleeve. Moreover, upward movement of the piston 50 causes
upward axial compression of the piston return spring 48 and the
bellows tube 46. As shown in FIG. 4, movement of the piston 50
continues until the sleeve upper end 112 engages the downwardly
projecting annular skirt 64. As the piston moves upward, water
remaining within the outer passageway 134 is forced into the water
cavity 86 and flows through the open valve 42 to exit the valve
assembly water outlet 115. Due to the upward force being exerted on
the piston 50 as the water exits the discharge port 34, the piston
remains open until the pressurized water within the tank 10 is
expelled.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows the valve assembly in a fully closed position.
Closing of the valve 42 occurs when the resulting pressure drop due
to the release of water from the housing upper and lower portions
allows the valve return spring 44 to move the valve actuator 63
back into a closed position so that the actuator head 72 forms a
fluid seal with the valve seat 62. The resulting pressure drop due
to the release of water from the tank allows the piston 50 to close
once the water is expelled from the tank cavity. The piston return
spring 48 allows the piston 50 to move downwardly until it forms a
fluid seal with the discharge port 34. Downward movement of the
piston 50 will cause corresponding movement of the bellows tube 46
and the sleeve 52. When the piston 50 forms a seal with the
discharge port 34, the tank begins to refill and repressurize as
water enters through the interior tube 26. Once the water level
within the tank cavity 28 reaches the height of the valve assembly
water inlet 45, water begins to fill valve assembly 30. The
pressure within the valve assembly is equal to the pressure within
the tank due to the fluid communication between the valve assembly
30 and the tank 10 at the valve assembly water inlet 45. Water
entering the valve assembly 30 fills the outer passageway 134 and
assists the piston return spring 48 in biasing the piston 50
against the conical seat of the discharge port so as to keep the
piston in a closed position. Continued filling of the outer
passageway 134 allows water to enter the water cavity 86 through
the water passage 78. Water contained within the water cavity 86
together with the valve return spring 44 assist in biasing the
valve 42 to a closed position. Once the tank cavity 28 is fully
filled, the pressure flush system is ready for another
actuation.
[0030] While the preferred form of the invention has been shown and
described, it is understood that there may be many modifications,
substitutions and alterations thereto without departing from the
scope of the claims. For instance, in addition to the bellows tube
and sleeve, other types of fluid conduits may be received within
the piston axial bore and define an inner passageway which passes
through the piston and allows for discharge of water contained
within the housing.
* * * * *