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WO1999023404A1 - Tub and shower diverter valve - Google Patents

Tub and shower diverter valve Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999023404A1
WO1999023404A1 PCT/US1998/023560 US9823560W WO9923404A1 WO 1999023404 A1 WO1999023404 A1 WO 1999023404A1 US 9823560 W US9823560 W US 9823560W WO 9923404 A1 WO9923404 A1 WO 9923404A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
disk
rotatable
stationary
stem
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1998/023560
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jim D. Chrysler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Amerikam Inc
Original Assignee
Amerikam Inc
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 Amerikam Inc filed Critical Amerikam Inc
Priority to AU13090/99A priority Critical patent/AU1309099A/en
Publication of WO1999023404A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999023404A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
    • F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
    • F16K11/06—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements
    • F16K11/072—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with pivoted closure members
    • F16K11/074—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with pivoted closure members with flat sealing faces

Definitions

  • This invention relates to diverter valves and, more particularly, to diverter valves for directing fluid either to a tub spout or showerhead.
  • Diverter valves are commonly used in tub spout assemblies and are usually located in a separate housing connected to a single handle valve or interposed between hot and cold water valves above the tub spout. These diverter valves are typically constructed to have two effective positions: In a first position, the diverter valve permits water to pass only up through the shower riser and out through the shower head. In a second position, the diverter valve permits water to pass only through the tub spout. Some diverter valves seal off the conduit leading to the tub spout in the first position and seal off the conduit leading to the shower riser in the second position.
  • diverter valve designs include a user-operable valve stem coaxially connected to the center of ceramic valve members, which stem connection severely restricts flow cross section within the valve, or requires a larger diverter valve housing to provide adequate flow.
  • a conventional diverter valves by such a diverter valve design including ceramic disks is not possible because the size of the diverter valve housing would need to be enlarged to provide adequate water flow.
  • What is needed in the art is a diverter valve that is reliable and fully seals the tub spout conduit or the shower riser and minimizes or eliminates excess noise from the water flow without the use of a vacuum breaker, and further serves as a field replacement for conventional diverter valves without compromising water flow or requiring modifications to the diverter valve housing.
  • a first embodiment of a diverter valve assembly includes first and second rotatable valve disks and first and second stationary valve disks mounted in a valve chamber.
  • Each rotatable valve disk is axially aligned with and abutting one of the stationary valve disks, and each valve disk includes multiple apertures therethrough.
  • the multiple apertures are frusto-triangular openings.
  • a valve housing defining the valve chamber includes a proximate and a distal end, and a first outlet passage is formed in the proximate end and a second outlet passage is formed in the distal end.
  • the distal end of the valve housing includes a cap defining the second outlet passage and mounting the second stationary valve disk.
  • a valve stem rotates the rotatable valve disks to provide selective fluid communication between an inlet passage and a pair of outlet passages.
  • the rotatable valve disks are rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position.
  • the first and second rotatable valve disks are rotated at their respective peripheries and the valve assembly includes a casing connecting the stem to the second rotatable valve disk for selectively imparting rotation thereto.
  • the inlet passage is partially defined by an aperture in the casing permitting fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the valve chamber.
  • the stem extends through an opening in the valve housing, which includes an arcuate slot, and the stem includes a pin transversely mounted relative thereto and slidably received within the slot.
  • the slot includes opposed ends forming stops for the pin, whereby rotation of the stem is limited.
  • the stem includes a pin extending perpendicular to the stem and the valve housing includes a semi-cylindrical extension about the opening.
  • the extension includes diametrically opposed surfaces forming stops for the pin, whereby rotation of the valve assembly is limited.
  • a disk positions is defined by each step.
  • the first disk is position characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and first rotatable valve disk and alignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk and second rotatable valve disk.
  • the second disk position is characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting alignment second stationary valve disk and second rotatable valve disk and alignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and first rotatable valve disk.
  • Rotation to the first disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port, through inlet passage, the mixing chamber, the valve chamber, and the first rotatable and stationary valves to one of the pair of outlet passages
  • rotation to the second disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port, through the inlet passage, the mixing chamber, the valve chamber, and the second rotatable and stationary valves to the other of the pair of outlet passages.
  • the rotatable valve disks are further rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber to a third disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and first rotatable valve disk and misalignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk and second rotatable valve disk, whereby rotation to the third disk position blocks flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port to both of the pair of outlet passages.
  • first and second stationary valve disks and a rotatable valve disk are mounted in the valve chamber.
  • the rotatable valve disk is axially aligned with, abutting, and positioned between the stationary valve disks, and each valve disk includes at least one aperture therethrough.
  • the valve assembly includes a casing connecting the first and second stationary valve disks to the valve housing, and the stem rotates the rotatable valve disk relative the first and second stationary valve disks and the casing.
  • the stem includes the flange having a slot for receiving a tab extending from the circumferential edge of the rotatable valve disk, whereby rotation of the stem imparts rotation to the rotatable valve disk.
  • the circumferential edge of the rotatable valve disk and the flange of the valve stem each include an aligned opening for receiving a pin connecting the rotatable valve disk to the stem, whereby rotation of the stem imparts rotation to the rotatable valve disk.
  • rotation of the valve stem is limited by an arcuate groove formed in the valve housing.
  • the stem includes a flange transversely extending therefrom and slidably received within the groove.
  • the groove includes opposed ends forming stops for the flange, whereby rotation of the stem is limited.
  • valve disks of this embodiment are rotatable to the first and second positions defined above for the prior embodiment.
  • the rotatable valve disk is further rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber to a third disk position characterized by partial misalignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and the rotatable valve disk and partial misalignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk and the rotatable valve disk.
  • This third disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port, through inlet passage, the mixing chamber, the valve chamber, the rotatable valve, and partially through both the first and second stationary valves to the pair of outlet passages. Fluid flow through one of the pair of outlet passages is inversely related to fluid flow through the other of the pair of outlet passages.
  • the valve disks are ceramic.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 including a diverter valve housing shown in phantom;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 including a diverter valve housing shown in phantom with the valve turned to the tub diverter position;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 including a diverter valve housing shown in phantom with the valve turned to the shower diverter position;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-section along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the casing according to the invention
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 13 is an end view of the aligned disks demonstrating a first position of the disks;
  • FIG. 14 is an end view of the aligned disks demonstrating a second position of the disks;
  • FIG. 15 is an end view of the aligned disks demonstrating a third position of the disks.
  • FIG. 16 is a partial exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • a diverter valve 10 as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, includes a housing 26, valve assembly 20, a mixing chamber 22, outlets 16 and 18, and supply inlets 12 and 14.
  • the housing, mixing chamber, outlets and inlets, and portions of the valve assembly 20 are all shown in phantom to clearly show their relationship to other portions of the valve assembly 20 according to the invention.
  • Supply inlets 12 and 14 are typically a cold and a hot water supply, respectively, and combine in the mixing chamber 22 in the diverter valve 10 to provide the desired temperature water to the outlets 12 or 14.
  • the outlet 18 typically supplies a showerhead (not shown) and the outlet 16 typically supplies a tub spout (not shown).
  • the valve assembly 20 controls whether the water in the mixing chamber 22 is supplied to either the outlet 16 or 18 and the showerhead or the tub spout, respectively.
  • the valve assembly 20 is normally threaded into the housing 26 of the diverter valve 10.
  • the valve assembly 20 comprises a valve disks 60, 62. 64, 66 for controlling fluid flow, a housing 30 defining a valve chamber between the valve disks 60, 62, a stem 40 disposed coaxiallv within the housing 30 for selectively rotating the disks 60, 64 and a casing 50, a cap 100 on a distal end of the casing 50, and O-rings 110 providing seals between the related parts.
  • the hollow housing 30 includes a partially threaded tubular housing wall 28 that partially encases the stem 40, casing 50 and disks 60, 62, 64, 66.
  • the housing 30 includes an outlet passage 41, typically for supplying a tub spout, and an inlet passage 43, which receives supply fluid from the mixing chamber 22.
  • the casing 50 includes an aperture 54, which receives supply fluid from the inlet passage 43, and communicates the supply fluid to the valve chamber.
  • the housing 30 is roughly divided into a front portion 34 and a rear portion 36 separated by the first set of adjacent disks 60, 62.
  • the front portion 34 substantially houses the stem 40 and includes an arcuate milled slot 32 therein and an outlet passage 41.
  • the rear portion 36 substantially houses the casing 50 and the second set of adjacent disks 64, 66. Both the stem 40 and the casing 50 are rotatably mounted within their respective portions of the housing 30.
  • the arcuate milled slot 32 is medially disposed circumferentially on the housing wall 28 of the housing 30 and receives a stop pin 42 therein.
  • the stop pin 42 extends transversely from the stem 40 and travels in slot 32 in the housing wall 28.
  • the slot 32 extends approximately 180 degrees of the peripheral circumference of the housing wall 22, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and includes ends 24 diametrically opposed on the slot 32. The ends 24 block the stop pin 42 from movement beyond the confines of the slot 32.
  • the stem 40 can rotate only the approximately 180 degrees defined by the slot 32.
  • the stem 40 includes a stop pin 142 near its proximal end and the housing 30 includes a ledge 144 diametrically extending from the housing generally parallel and coplanar to the axis of rotation of the stem 40.
  • the stop pin 142 extends generally transversely from the stem 40 and is aligned with the ledge 144 such that it abuts it upon 180° rotation in either direction. In this manner, the ledge 144 forms a stop for the pin 142, whereby the limits of valve stem 40 rotation are defined. Of course, more or less than 180 degrees of rotation can be provided by changing the shape of the ledge 144.
  • the first and second pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64,66 control water flow through the diverter valve 10 depending upon the relative position of adjacent disks. More specifically, the pair of adjacent disks 60, 62 control water flow to supply outlet 16 and the pair of disks 64, 66 control water flow to the supply outlet 18. In conjunction, the pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 can stop water flow to both supply outlets 16 and 18.
  • the disks are preferably composed of ceramic material.
  • the pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 include, respectively, rotating disks 60 and 64 as well as stationary disks 62 and 66.
  • the disks 60, 64 engage and can rotate relative to the adjacent and coaxial disks 62, 66, respectively.
  • Each disk 60, 62, 64, 66 has a face 92 and a circumferential edge 96, and rotating disks 60, 64 have a pair of grooves 80 diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 96.
  • each face 92 includes a pair of triangular apertures 90 diametrically opposed therethrough with pinnacles 94 approaching the center of the disk.
  • disks 60, 62, 64, 66 are mounted flush such that each has a face 92 in frictional engagement with another, thereby providing a seal against the passage of fluid when the openings 90 are not aligned, and providing a passage for fluid when the openings 90 are aligned.
  • the O-rings 110 are positioned adjacent the disks 62, 64, 66 to seal the disk assemblies against leaking fluid from around the circumferential edge 96 of each of the disks.
  • the barrel-shaped casing 50 has a proximate end 52 with arcuate slots 82 diametrically-opposed on the periphery thereof and separated by arcuate tabs 84, as best shown in FIG. 8.
  • the casing 50 mounts the disk 64 at a distal end 58 thereof and further includes apertures 54 communicating with the inlet passage 43 for supplying fluid to the valve chamber between valve disks 62, 64.
  • the apertures 54 and inlet passage 43 accommodate fluid flow from the mixing chamber 22 to either outlet 16, 18 through pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66, respectively.
  • the disk 66 which is secured by the cap 100 is mounted flush and coaxial with the disk 64 and adjacent the distal end 58.
  • the cap 100 covers a distal end 38 of the rear portion
  • the cap 100 further includes an annular ring 104 that extends into the casing 50.
  • the ring 104 has diametrically opposed slots 106 adapted to receive tabs 86 on the disk 66 and secure it against rotation.
  • the cap 100 fixably mounts disk 66, which lies coaxial and adjacent to disk 64, which rotates with the casing 50.
  • the stem 40 includes the transverse-extending pin 42, an operating end 44 and an actuating end 46.
  • the operating end 44 extends from the front portion 34 of the housing 30 and is adapted to receive a handle 48, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 9, for use such that a user can selectively operate the tub or shower spout (not shown) by rotating the stem 40.
  • the slot 32 in the housing 30 receives the pin 42 of the stem 40 to permit rotation within the limits of the slot 32.
  • the actuating end 46 of the stem 40 includes inner flanges 70 and outer flanges 72 on a U-shaped extension 78, as best seen in FIG. 9.
  • the inner flanges 70 are opposed tabs on an inner surface of the extension 78.
  • the outer flanges 72 are the distal-most points on the extensions 78 of the actuating end 46.
  • the inner flanges 70 on the actuating end 46 of the stem 40 are received in the adapted grooves 80 in the disk 60, whereby the disk 60 is forced to rotate when the stem 40 is rotated at its operating end 44.
  • the outer flanges 72 travel in the arcuate slots 82 located on the periphery of the end 52 of a casing 50 and engage the arcuate tabs 84 upon sufficient rotation of the stem 40. whereupon the casing 50 is rotated.
  • the disk 64 is mounted at the distal end 58 of the casing 50, whereby rotation of the casing 50 by force of the outer flange 72 against the arcuate tab 84 causes disk 64 to rotate against adjacent, fixed disk 66.
  • the relative position of the pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 controls the flow of water through the diverter valve 10.
  • the apertures 90 in the disks 60, 62 are aligned water can flow through the diverter valve to the outlet 16.
  • the apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66 are aligned water can flow through the diverter valve
  • the inner flange 70 of the actuating end 46 of the stem 40 rotates the disk 60.
  • the disk 64 is rotated by the end 52 of the casing 50 which, in turn, is rotated by the outer flange 72 of the actuating end 46 of the stem 40.
  • the relative position of the disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 is controlled by rotation of the stem 40 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.
  • valve assembly 20 Operation of the valve assembly 20 is defined by three relative disk positions as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, 4 and 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Each will be described specifically, and rotations of the valve stem are from the perspective of a user operating the handle 48.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the position of the outer flanges 72 in the arcuate slots 82 of the casing 50 when the disks are in this position.
  • the stem 40 and the casing 50 are rotated fully clockwise by the user (in the direction of the arrow A in the rear view of FIG. 4), such that the stop pin 42 is rotated to the bottom of the milled slot 32 in the housing 30 and the inner flange 70 on the extension 78 of the actuating end 46 urges the disk 60 to rotate against the disk 62. Further, the outer flange 72 traveled freely in the arcuate slots 82 from one tab 84 to the other tab 84 so that the casing 50 does not rotate. In this position, the apertures 90 in the disks 60.
  • the apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66 are not aligned, thereby preventing flow therethrough, because rotation clockwise by the user from the first position, as shown in FIG. 2, does not rotate the casing 50 which would cause the disk 64 to rotate. Rather, the outer flange 72 rests against the arcuate tab 84 as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the stem When the user rotates the stem counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees the stem is rotated back to the first, or stop valve, position as illustrated in FIG. 2. That is, the first disk 60 rotates such that the apertures in the disks 60 and 62 are not aligned, thereby closing the path to the tub spout through supply outlet 16.
  • the outer flange 72 on the extension 78 travels the length of the slot 82 between the arcuate tabs 84, but not far enough to cause the casing 50 to move also. Because this rotation of the stem 40 does not rotate the casing 50, it cannot align the apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66, which would allow water to flow to the supply outlet 18 and the showerhead.
  • the third position is defined by full rotation of the stem 40 in a counterclockwise direction (in the direction of the arrow C in the rear view of FIG. 6) such that the stop pin 42 is rotated to the end 24 of the milled slot 32 in the housing 30.
  • the outer flange 72 on the extension 78 on the stem 40 strikes the abutting arcuate tab 84 on the casing 50 on the periphery of the end 52, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby urging the casing 50 to rotate also, which automatically forces the disk 64 to rotate against the disk 66 such that the apertures 90 therethrough become aligned.
  • FIG. 7 depicts the relation of the outer flange 72 and the arcuate tab 84 in this third position.
  • the valve assembly can be returned to the first, or stop valve, position by rotating the stem approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise, whereupon the apertures 90 in both pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 are out of alignment and flow through the diverter valve 10 is stopped, as best shown in FIG. 2.
  • the alternative valve assembly 220 includes a housing 230, a stem 240, a casing 250, and disks 260, 262, and 264.
  • the hollow housing 230 has a partially threaded tubular housing wall 228 that partially encases the stem 240, casing 250, and disks 260, 262, 264.
  • the disks 260, 262, 264 are preferably composed of ceramic material.
  • the housing 230 is approximately divided into a larger diameter front portion
  • the more forward opening is an outlet 239 supply, which typically connects to a tub spout (not shown), and the more rearwardly disposed opening is an inlet 241, which receives fluid, typically water, supplied by a connected source (not shown).
  • An annular ring 243 separates the front portion 234 and rear portion 236 and further functions as a mounting stop including a sealing ring 247 on its rearwardly facing surface for providing a sealed mounting upon proper installation of the housing 230.
  • the foremost end of the front portion 234 includes a hexed end 245 adapted to be received by a tool, such as a wrench, for installing the housing 230. Further, a bore 231 extending from the front portion 234 to the rear portion 236 defines the hollow housing 230. In the front portion 234 a bore 231 is a smaller diameter than in the rear portion 236.
  • the valve stem 240 includes an operating end 244 and an actuating end 246.
  • the operating end 244 which extends from within the bore 231 through the hexed end 245 of the housing 230, is adapted to receive a handle (not shown), whereby a user can selectively operate the tub or shower spout by rotating the stem 240.
  • the stem 240 is limited to approximately 90° of rotation by diametrically opposed flanges 222 formed to extend from the valve stem 240 transverse to its axis of rotation and diametrically opposed arcuate grooves 224 formed on an internal wall 226 of valve housing 230.
  • the arcuate grooves 224 each are formed from approximately 90° of a portion of the internal wall 226 and define ends 225 that block rotation of the flanges 222 beyond the 90° defined by the arcuate grooves 224, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 12.
  • the valve stop mechanisms described above for the prior embodiments of the invention could alternatively be used with this embodiment of the invention; further, this valve stop mechansim can be used with the prior embodiments of the invention.
  • O-rings 227, 237 provide seals between respective portions of the valve stem 240 and an internal surface of the valve housing 230.
  • the actuating end 246 of the stem 240 includes opposed flanges 270 formed parallel to the axis of rotation of the stem 240.
  • the opposed flanges 270 each include aligned aperture 272 therethrough for receiving a pin 271 for connecting the valve stem 240 to the disk 262, which connection allows the central disk 262 to rotate with the valve stem 240 as will be explained more fully below.
  • the barrel-shaped casing 250 has an open end 252 with slots 282 formed diametrically opposed on the periphery thereof, as well as a substantially closed distal end 258 with an outlet 259 to the tub formed therein.
  • the open end 252 receives the assembly of disks 260, 262, 264, O-rings 253, and the actuating end 246 of the valve stem 240.
  • An O-ring 251 forms a seal between the valve stem 240 and the casing 250.
  • the body of the casing 250 includes large opposed openings 285 for providing fluid flow to either the tub or shower as determined by the relative positions of the disks 260, 264.
  • the distal end 258 further includes slots 284 (only one is shown in FIG. 11) formed diametrically opposed on an inner periphery of the casing 250.
  • the slots 282, 284 are adapted to retain disks 260. 264, respectively, which are mounted stationary relative the central disk 262, which rotates with the valve stem 240. Further, the slots 282 are offset 90° relative the slots 284, whereby the disk 264 is offset 90° relative the disk 260, as will be explained further below.
  • Each end 252, 258 also mounts an O-ring 253 adjacent the disks 260, 264, respectively, for providing a seal between the disks 260, 264 and the tubular housing of the casing 250.
  • Each disk 260, 262, 264 has a face 292 and a circumferential edge 296, and stationary disks 260, 262 include a pair of diametrically opposed tabs 286 on their circumferential edges 296. Further, each face 292 of disks 260, 264 includes the pair of triangular openings 290 defining diametrically opposed fluid flow paths therethrough with pinnacles 294 approaching the center of the disk.
  • the disks 260, 264 are identical and are mounted in slots 282, 284 offset 90° relative one another, the openings 290 therethrough are offset 90° relative one another, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14.
  • the central disk 262, which rotates with the valve stem 240, is generally bow tie shaped.
  • the central disk 262 includes opposed generally triangular openings 291 formed at the periphery thereof for defining a fluid flow path and openings 297 formed diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 296 for receiving the pin 271 through the opening 272 in the flange 270 for connecting the valve stem 240 to the disk 262, which connection allows the central disk 262 to rotate with the valve stem 240.
  • the disks 260, 264 are aligned and mounted flush relative the central disk 262 such that each disk 260, 264 has a face 292 in frictional engagement with a face 292 of the central disk 262 to provide a seal against the passage of fluid when either opening 290 is not aligned with opening 291, and providing a passage for fluid when either opening 290 is aligned with opening 291.
  • FIGS 13-15 illustrate the relative positions of the disks 260, 262, 264 in order to control fluid flow through the valve assembly 220.
  • the opening 290 in disk 260 is labeled as flow passage "A”
  • the opening 291 in disk 262 is labeled as flow passage "B”
  • the opening 290 in disk 264 is labeled as flow passage "C”.
  • Aligned flow passages permit fluid to flow to either the tub or shower spout, while misaligned flow passages stop or decrease fluid passage to either the tub or shower spout. All views are taken from just forward of disk 260; thus flow passage A is foremost in the figures, while flow passages B and C are shown in phantom except when aligned with flow passage A.
  • valve stem 240 In a first position, with reference to FIG. 13. the valve stem 240 is rotated, whereby central disk 262 is rotated, until openings 291 are aligned with openings 290 in disk 264. Because the disks 260, 264 are offset 90° relative one another, flow passage A is aligned with face 292 of central disk 262 and flow passages B and C are aligned for fluid communication, as shown in phantom. Fluid flows from a source, through the inlet 241 in the valve housing 230. through the openings 285 in the casing 250, through the flow passage B, through the flow passage C, through the outlet 259 in the distal end 258 of casing 250, and to the shower spout (not shown).
  • Rotating the valve stem 240 approximately 90° causes the central disk 262 to rotate 90°, whereby openings 291 in central disk 262 are aligned with openings 290 in disk 260.
  • This position is illustrated in FIG. 14, in which flow passage A is aligned with flow passage B for fluid communication, and flow passage C (shown in phantom) is aligned with face 292 of central disk 262 to block fluid flow in that direction.
  • fluid flows from a source, through the inlet 241 in the valve housing 230, through the openings 285 in the casing 250, through the flow passage B, through the flow passage A, through the outlet 239 in the rear portion 236 of the valve housing 230, and to the tub spout (not shown).
  • FIG. 15 An example of an intermediary position is illustrated in FIG. 15, in which fluid passages A and B are at least partially aligned and fluid passages B and C are at least partially aligned.
  • the degree of flow to either flow passage A or flow passage C, and thus to the tub spout or to the shower spout is determined by the area of overlap of flow passage B and flow passage A relatively the area of overlap of flow passage B and flow passage C, which areas of overlap are inversely related.
  • the central disk 262 includes slots 297 formed diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 296 for receiving the pin 271 for connecting the valve stem 240 to the disk 262, which connection allows the central disk 262 to rotate with the valve stem 240.
  • a central disk 362 includes tabs 397 formed diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 396 for reception by slots 399 formed in the actuating end 346 of the valve stem 340 for connecting the valve stem 340 to the disk 362, which connection allows the central disk 362 to rotate with the valve stem 340 and relative stationary disks 360, 364.
  • this variation operates and is constructed in the same manner as the other embodiments.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Multiple-Way Valves (AREA)

Abstract

A diverter valve assembly including first and second rotatable valve disks (60, 64) and first and second stationary valve disks (62, 66) mounted in a valve chamber. Each rotatable valve disk (60, 64) is axially aligned with and abutting one of the stationary valve disks (62, 66), and each valve disk (60, 62, 64, 66) includes at least one aperture (90) therethrough. A valve stem (40) rotates the rotatable valve disks (60, 64) to provide selective fluid communication between an inlet passage (43) and a pair of outlet passages (41, 102). The rotatable valve disks (60, 64) are rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position. The first disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (90) in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60) and alignment of the apertures (90) in abutting second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64). The second disk position is characterized by misalignement of the apertures (90) in abutting alignment second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64) and alignment of the apertures (90) in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60). Rotation to the first disk position permits flow of fluid from at least one inlet port (12, 14), through the mixing chamber (22), inlet passage (43), the valve chamber, and the first rotatable and stationary valves (60, 62) to one of the pair of outlet passages (41), and rotation to the second disk position permits flow of fluid from at least one inlet port (12, 14), through the mixing chamber (22), the inlet passage (43), the valve chamber, and the second rotatable and stationary valves (64, 66) to the other of the pair of outlet passages (102). In another embodiment, first and second stationary valve disks (260, 264) and a rotatable valve disk (262) are mounted in the valve chamber. The rotatable valve disk (262) is axially aligned with, abutting, and positioned between the stationary valve disks (260, 264) for selectively controlling fluid flow to a pair of outlet passages (239, 259), and each valve disk (260, 262, 264) includes at least one aperture (90) therethrough.

Description

TUB AND SHOWER DIVERTER VALVE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/064,313, filed November 5, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to diverter valves and, more particularly, to diverter valves for directing fluid either to a tub spout or showerhead.
Related Art
Diverter valves are commonly used in tub spout assemblies and are usually located in a separate housing connected to a single handle valve or interposed between hot and cold water valves above the tub spout. These diverter valves are typically constructed to have two effective positions: In a first position, the diverter valve permits water to pass only up through the shower riser and out through the shower head. In a second position, the diverter valve permits water to pass only through the tub spout. Some diverter valves seal off the conduit leading to the tub spout in the first position and seal off the conduit leading to the shower riser in the second position. Others are not constructed to seal the shower riser when water is directed to the tub spout, but rather rely on a lack of water pressure to make any water flow through the shower riser ineffectual. Of those designs that seal the shower riser when water is directed to the tub spout, most are inadequate in that they do not positively block the shower riser, thus permitting leakage, or are noisy in operation, either due to movement in the diverter valve assembly or leakage therethrough.
Further, some diverter valve designs include a user-operable valve stem coaxially connected to the center of ceramic valve members, which stem connection severely restricts flow cross section within the valve, or requires a larger diverter valve housing to provide adequate flow. Thus, field replacement of a conventional diverter valves by such a diverter valve design including ceramic disks is not possible because the size of the diverter valve housing would need to be enlarged to provide adequate water flow. What is needed in the art is a diverter valve that is reliable and fully seals the tub spout conduit or the shower riser and minimizes or eliminates excess noise from the water flow without the use of a vacuum breaker, and further serves as a field replacement for conventional diverter valves without compromising water flow or requiring modifications to the diverter valve housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The diverter valve described herein overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a valve assembly having rotatable disks for selectively sealing a pair of output passages. A first embodiment of a diverter valve assembly includes first and second rotatable valve disks and first and second stationary valve disks mounted in a valve chamber. Each rotatable valve disk is axially aligned with and abutting one of the stationary valve disks, and each valve disk includes multiple apertures therethrough. Preferably, the multiple apertures are frusto-triangular openings. A valve housing defining the valve chamber includes a proximate and a distal end, and a first outlet passage is formed in the proximate end and a second outlet passage is formed in the distal end. In a variation of this embodiment, the distal end of the valve housing includes a cap defining the second outlet passage and mounting the second stationary valve disk.
A valve stem rotates the rotatable valve disks to provide selective fluid communication between an inlet passage and a pair of outlet passages. The rotatable valve disks are rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position. Preferably, the first and second rotatable valve disks are rotated at their respective peripheries and the valve assembly includes a casing connecting the stem to the second rotatable valve disk for selectively imparting rotation thereto. Further, the inlet passage is partially defined by an aperture in the casing permitting fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the valve chamber.
In one variation of this embodiment, the stem extends through an opening in the valve housing, which includes an arcuate slot, and the stem includes a pin transversely mounted relative thereto and slidably received within the slot. The slot includes opposed ends forming stops for the pin, whereby rotation of the stem is limited. As an alternative to this variation, the stem includes a pin extending perpendicular to the stem and the valve housing includes a semi-cylindrical extension about the opening. The extension includes diametrically opposed surfaces forming stops for the pin, whereby rotation of the valve assembly is limited. In each variation, a disk positions is defined by each step.
The first disk is position characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and first rotatable valve disk and alignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk and second rotatable valve disk. The second disk position is characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting alignment second stationary valve disk and second rotatable valve disk and alignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and first rotatable valve disk. Rotation to the first disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port, through inlet passage, the mixing chamber, the valve chamber, and the first rotatable and stationary valves to one of the pair of outlet passages, and rotation to the second disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port, through the inlet passage, the mixing chamber, the valve chamber, and the second rotatable and stationary valves to the other of the pair of outlet passages. In a variation of this embodiment, the rotatable valve disks are further rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber to a third disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and first rotatable valve disk and misalignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk and second rotatable valve disk, whereby rotation to the third disk position blocks flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port to both of the pair of outlet passages. In another embodiment of the diverter valve assembly, first and second stationary valve disks and a rotatable valve disk are mounted in the valve chamber. The rotatable valve disk is axially aligned with, abutting, and positioned between the stationary valve disks, and each valve disk includes at least one aperture therethrough. Preferably, the valve assembly includes a casing connecting the first and second stationary valve disks to the valve housing, and the stem rotates the rotatable valve disk relative the first and second stationary valve disks and the casing.
In one variation, the stem includes the flange having a slot for receiving a tab extending from the circumferential edge of the rotatable valve disk, whereby rotation of the stem imparts rotation to the rotatable valve disk. In another variation, the circumferential edge of the rotatable valve disk and the flange of the valve stem each include an aligned opening for receiving a pin connecting the rotatable valve disk to the stem, whereby rotation of the stem imparts rotation to the rotatable valve disk. Further, rotation of the valve stem is limited by an arcuate groove formed in the valve housing. The stem includes a flange transversely extending therefrom and slidably received within the groove. The groove includes opposed ends forming stops for the flange, whereby rotation of the stem is limited.
The valve disks of this embodiment are rotatable to the first and second positions defined above for the prior embodiment. In a variation of this embodiment, the rotatable valve disk is further rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber to a third disk position characterized by partial misalignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk and the rotatable valve disk and partial misalignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk and the rotatable valve disk. This third disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port, through inlet passage, the mixing chamber, the valve chamber, the rotatable valve, and partially through both the first and second stationary valves to the pair of outlet passages. Fluid flow through one of the pair of outlet passages is inversely related to fluid flow through the other of the pair of outlet passages. For all embodiments, it is preferred that the valve disks are ceramic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 including a diverter valve housing shown in phantom;
FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 including a diverter valve housing shown in phantom with the valve turned to the tub diverter position;
FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 including a diverter valve housing shown in phantom with the valve turned to the shower diverter position; FIG. 7 is a cross-section along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the casing according to the invention; FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention; FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention;
FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is an end view of the aligned disks demonstrating a first position of the disks; FIG. 14 is an end view of the aligned disks demonstrating a second position of the disks;
FIG. 15 is an end view of the aligned disks demonstrating a third position of the disks; and
FIG. 16 is a partial exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, a diverter valve 10, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, includes a housing 26, valve assembly 20, a mixing chamber 22, outlets 16 and 18, and supply inlets 12 and 14. The housing, mixing chamber, outlets and inlets, and portions of the valve assembly 20 are all shown in phantom to clearly show their relationship to other portions of the valve assembly 20 according to the invention. Supply inlets 12 and 14 are typically a cold and a hot water supply, respectively, and combine in the mixing chamber 22 in the diverter valve 10 to provide the desired temperature water to the outlets 12 or 14. The outlet 18 typically supplies a showerhead (not shown) and the outlet 16 typically supplies a tub spout (not shown). The valve assembly 20 controls whether the water in the mixing chamber 22 is supplied to either the outlet 16 or 18 and the showerhead or the tub spout, respectively. The valve assembly 20 is normally threaded into the housing 26 of the diverter valve 10. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the valve assembly 20 comprises a valve disks 60, 62. 64, 66 for controlling fluid flow, a housing 30 defining a valve chamber between the valve disks 60, 62, a stem 40 disposed coaxiallv within the housing 30 for selectively rotating the disks 60, 64 and a casing 50, a cap 100 on a distal end of the casing 50, and O-rings 110 providing seals between the related parts. The hollow housing 30 includes a partially threaded tubular housing wall 28 that partially encases the stem 40, casing 50 and disks 60, 62, 64, 66. The housing 30 includes an outlet passage 41, typically for supplying a tub spout, and an inlet passage 43, which receives supply fluid from the mixing chamber 22. The casing 50 includes an aperture 54, which receives supply fluid from the inlet passage 43, and communicates the supply fluid to the valve chamber.
Further, the housing 30 is roughly divided into a front portion 34 and a rear portion 36 separated by the first set of adjacent disks 60, 62. The front portion 34 substantially houses the stem 40 and includes an arcuate milled slot 32 therein and an outlet passage 41. The rear portion 36 substantially houses the casing 50 and the second set of adjacent disks 64, 66. Both the stem 40 and the casing 50 are rotatably mounted within their respective portions of the housing 30.
With reference to FIG. 1 in particular, the arcuate milled slot 32 is medially disposed circumferentially on the housing wall 28 of the housing 30 and receives a stop pin 42 therein. Of course, the milled slot 32 and stop pin 42 assembly could be located elsewhere in the front portion 34 of the housing 30. The stop pin 42 extends transversely from the stem 40 and travels in slot 32 in the housing wall 28. The slot 32 extends approximately 180 degrees of the peripheral circumference of the housing wall 22, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and includes ends 24 diametrically opposed on the slot 32. The ends 24 block the stop pin 42 from movement beyond the confines of the slot 32. Thus, the stem 40 can rotate only the approximately 180 degrees defined by the slot 32.
An alternative to the just previously described pin/slot assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 10. The stem 40 includes a stop pin 142 near its proximal end and the housing 30 includes a ledge 144 diametrically extending from the housing generally parallel and coplanar to the axis of rotation of the stem 40. The stop pin 142 extends generally transversely from the stem 40 and is aligned with the ledge 144 such that it abuts it upon 180° rotation in either direction. In this manner, the ledge 144 forms a stop for the pin 142, whereby the limits of valve stem 40 rotation are defined. Of course, more or less than 180 degrees of rotation can be provided by changing the shape of the ledge 144.
The first and second pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64,66 control water flow through the diverter valve 10 depending upon the relative position of adjacent disks. More specifically, the pair of adjacent disks 60, 62 control water flow to supply outlet 16 and the pair of disks 64, 66 control water flow to the supply outlet 18. In conjunction, the pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 can stop water flow to both supply outlets 16 and 18. The disks are preferably composed of ceramic material.
The pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 include, respectively, rotating disks 60 and 64 as well as stationary disks 62 and 66. The disks 60, 64 engage and can rotate relative to the adjacent and coaxial disks 62, 66, respectively. Each disk 60, 62, 64, 66 has a face 92 and a circumferential edge 96, and rotating disks 60, 64 have a pair of grooves 80 diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 96. As best seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, each face 92 includes a pair of triangular apertures 90 diametrically opposed therethrough with pinnacles 94 approaching the center of the disk. These disks 60, 62, 64, 66 are mounted flush such that each has a face 92 in frictional engagement with another, thereby providing a seal against the passage of fluid when the openings 90 are not aligned, and providing a passage for fluid when the openings 90 are aligned. The O-rings 110 are positioned adjacent the disks 62, 64, 66 to seal the disk assemblies against leaking fluid from around the circumferential edge 96 of each of the disks.
The barrel-shaped casing 50 has a proximate end 52 with arcuate slots 82 diametrically-opposed on the periphery thereof and separated by arcuate tabs 84, as best shown in FIG. 8. The casing 50 mounts the disk 64 at a distal end 58 thereof and further includes apertures 54 communicating with the inlet passage 43 for supplying fluid to the valve chamber between valve disks 62, 64. The apertures 54 and inlet passage 43 accommodate fluid flow from the mixing chamber 22 to either outlet 16, 18 through pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66, respectively. The disk 66, which is secured by the cap 100 is mounted flush and coaxial with the disk 64 and adjacent the distal end 58. The cap 100, as best shown in FIG. 9, covers a distal end 38 of the rear portion
36 of housing 30 and includes an aperture 102 through which fluid can pass to outlet 18 when the openings 90 in adjacent disks 64, 66 are aligned. The cap 100 further includes an annular ring 104 that extends into the casing 50. The ring 104 has diametrically opposed slots 106 adapted to receive tabs 86 on the disk 66 and secure it against rotation. The cap 100 fixably mounts disk 66, which lies coaxial and adjacent to disk 64, which rotates with the casing 50.
The stem 40 includes the transverse-extending pin 42, an operating end 44 and an actuating end 46. The operating end 44 extends from the front portion 34 of the housing 30 and is adapted to receive a handle 48, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 9, for use such that a user can selectively operate the tub or shower spout (not shown) by rotating the stem 40. The slot 32 in the housing 30 receives the pin 42 of the stem 40 to permit rotation within the limits of the slot 32.
The actuating end 46 of the stem 40 includes inner flanges 70 and outer flanges 72 on a U-shaped extension 78, as best seen in FIG. 9. The inner flanges 70 are opposed tabs on an inner surface of the extension 78. The outer flanges 72 are the distal-most points on the extensions 78 of the actuating end 46.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the inner flanges 70 on the actuating end 46 of the stem 40 are received in the adapted grooves 80 in the disk 60, whereby the disk 60 is forced to rotate when the stem 40 is rotated at its operating end 44. The outer flanges 72 travel in the arcuate slots 82 located on the periphery of the end 52 of a casing 50 and engage the arcuate tabs 84 upon sufficient rotation of the stem 40. whereupon the casing 50 is rotated. The disk 64 is mounted at the distal end 58 of the casing 50, whereby rotation of the casing 50 by force of the outer flange 72 against the arcuate tab 84 causes disk 64 to rotate against adjacent, fixed disk 66. Thus, the relative position of the pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 controls the flow of water through the diverter valve 10. When the apertures 90 in the disks 60, 62 are aligned water can flow through the diverter valve to the outlet 16. When the apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66 are aligned water can flow through the diverter valve
10 to the outlet 18. When the apertures 90 in the disks 60, 62 are aligned, the apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66 cannot be aligned. However, when the apertures 90 in neither pair of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 are aligned, water is blocked from flowing from the mixing chamber 22, effecting a stop valve.
The inner flange 70 of the actuating end 46 of the stem 40 rotates the disk 60.
The disk 64 is rotated by the end 52 of the casing 50 which, in turn, is rotated by the outer flange 72 of the actuating end 46 of the stem 40. Thus, the relative position of the disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 is controlled by rotation of the stem 40 in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.
Operation of the valve assembly 20 is defined by three relative disk positions as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, 4 and 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Each will be described specifically, and rotations of the valve stem are from the perspective of a user operating the handle 48.
Starting from a first position where none of the apertures 90 in either set of adjacent disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 2, the stem 40 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the user to selectively actuate fluid flow through either the outlet 16 or 18. FIG. 3 illustrates the position of the outer flanges 72 in the arcuate slots 82 of the casing 50 when the disks are in this position.
In a second position, as shown in FIG. 4, the stem 40 and the casing 50 are rotated fully clockwise by the user (in the direction of the arrow A in the rear view of FIG. 4), such that the stop pin 42 is rotated to the bottom of the milled slot 32 in the housing 30 and the inner flange 70 on the extension 78 of the actuating end 46 urges the disk 60 to rotate against the disk 62. Further, the outer flange 72 traveled freely in the arcuate slots 82 from one tab 84 to the other tab 84 so that the casing 50 does not rotate. In this position, the apertures 90 in the disks 60. 62 are aligned such that water is permitted to flow from the supply inlets 12, 14, to the mixing chamber 22, through the inlet passage 43 in the housing 30 and the aperture 54 in the casing 50, through the apertures 90 in the disks 60, 62, and to the supply outlet 16, which typically supplies the tub. The arrow B illustrates this flow path. The apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66 are not aligned, thereby preventing flow therethrough, because rotation clockwise by the user from the first position, as shown in FIG. 2, does not rotate the casing 50 which would cause the disk 64 to rotate. Rather, the outer flange 72 rests against the arcuate tab 84 as shown in FIG. 5.
When the user rotates the stem counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees the stem is rotated back to the first, or stop valve, position as illustrated in FIG. 2. That is, the first disk 60 rotates such that the apertures in the disks 60 and 62 are not aligned, thereby closing the path to the tub spout through supply outlet 16. When the stem 40 is rotated counterclockwise back to this first position, the outer flange 72 on the extension 78 travels the length of the slot 82 between the arcuate tabs 84, but not far enough to cause the casing 50 to move also. Because this rotation of the stem 40 does not rotate the casing 50, it cannot align the apertures 90 in the disks 64, 66, which would allow water to flow to the supply outlet 18 and the showerhead.
The third position, as best shown in FIG. 6, is defined by full rotation of the stem 40 in a counterclockwise direction (in the direction of the arrow C in the rear view of FIG. 6) such that the stop pin 42 is rotated to the end 24 of the milled slot 32 in the housing 30. Further, the outer flange 72 on the extension 78 on the stem 40 strikes the abutting arcuate tab 84 on the casing 50 on the periphery of the end 52, as shown in FIG. 5, thereby urging the casing 50 to rotate also, which automatically forces the disk 64 to rotate against the disk 66 such that the apertures 90 therethrough become aligned. When the apertures 90 in this latter set of disks 64, 66 are aligned, water flows from the supply inlets 12, 14, to the mixing chamber 22, through the inlet passage 43 in the housing 30 and the aperture 54 in the casing 50, through the apertures 90 in disks 64, 66, and to the supply outlet to supply outlet 18, which typically supplies the showerhead. The arrow D illustrates this flow path. FIG. 7 depicts the relation of the outer flange 72 and the arcuate tab 84 in this third position. The valve assembly can be returned to the first, or stop valve, position by rotating the stem approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise, whereupon the apertures 90 in both pairs of disks 60, 62 and 64, 66 are out of alignment and flow through the diverter valve 10 is stopped, as best shown in FIG. 2. An alternative embodiment is generally shown in FIGS. 11-16. The alternative valve assembly 220 includes a housing 230, a stem 240, a casing 250, and disks 260, 262, and 264. The hollow housing 230 has a partially threaded tubular housing wall 228 that partially encases the stem 240, casing 250, and disks 260, 262, 264. The disks 260, 262, 264 are preferably composed of ceramic material. The housing 230 is approximately divided into a larger diameter front portion
234 having threads 235 and a smaller diameter rear portion 236 having threads 233 interposed between opposed pairs of openings. Preferably, the more forward opening is an outlet 239 supply, which typically connects to a tub spout (not shown), and the more rearwardly disposed opening is an inlet 241, which receives fluid, typically water, supplied by a connected source (not shown). An annular ring 243 separates the front portion 234 and rear portion 236 and further functions as a mounting stop including a sealing ring 247 on its rearwardly facing surface for providing a sealed mounting upon proper installation of the housing 230. The foremost end of the front portion 234 includes a hexed end 245 adapted to be received by a tool, such as a wrench, for installing the housing 230. Further, a bore 231 extending from the front portion 234 to the rear portion 236 defines the hollow housing 230. In the front portion 234 a bore 231 is a smaller diameter than in the rear portion 236.
The valve stem 240 includes an operating end 244 and an actuating end 246. The operating end 244, which extends from within the bore 231 through the hexed end 245 of the housing 230, is adapted to receive a handle (not shown), whereby a user can selectively operate the tub or shower spout by rotating the stem 240. As shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12, the stem 240 is limited to approximately 90° of rotation by diametrically opposed flanges 222 formed to extend from the valve stem 240 transverse to its axis of rotation and diametrically opposed arcuate grooves 224 formed on an internal wall 226 of valve housing 230. Specifically, the arcuate grooves 224 each are formed from approximately 90° of a portion of the internal wall 226 and define ends 225 that block rotation of the flanges 222 beyond the 90° defined by the arcuate grooves 224, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 12. The valve stop mechanisms described above for the prior embodiments of the invention could alternatively be used with this embodiment of the invention; further, this valve stop mechansim can be used with the prior embodiments of the invention.
Once in the assembled position, O-rings 227, 237 provide seals between respective portions of the valve stem 240 and an internal surface of the valve housing 230. The actuating end 246 of the stem 240 includes opposed flanges 270 formed parallel to the axis of rotation of the stem 240. The opposed flanges 270 each include aligned aperture 272 therethrough for receiving a pin 271 for connecting the valve stem 240 to the disk 262, which connection allows the central disk 262 to rotate with the valve stem 240 as will be explained more fully below.
The barrel-shaped casing 250 has an open end 252 with slots 282 formed diametrically opposed on the periphery thereof, as well as a substantially closed distal end 258 with an outlet 259 to the tub formed therein. The open end 252 receives the assembly of disks 260, 262, 264, O-rings 253, and the actuating end 246 of the valve stem 240. An O-ring 251 forms a seal between the valve stem 240 and the casing 250. Further, the body of the casing 250 includes large opposed openings 285 for providing fluid flow to either the tub or shower as determined by the relative positions of the disks 260, 264. More specifically, once the valve assembly 220 is assembled, the openings 285 are positioned below the inlet 241, whereby supply fluid is communicated from the source, through the inlet 241, and then through the openings 285. The distal end 258 further includes slots 284 (only one is shown in FIG. 11) formed diametrically opposed on an inner periphery of the casing 250. The slots 282, 284 are adapted to retain disks 260. 264, respectively, which are mounted stationary relative the central disk 262, which rotates with the valve stem 240. Further, the slots 282 are offset 90° relative the slots 284, whereby the disk 264 is offset 90° relative the disk 260, as will be explained further below. Each end 252, 258 also mounts an O-ring 253 adjacent the disks 260, 264, respectively, for providing a seal between the disks 260, 264 and the tubular housing of the casing 250.
Each disk 260, 262, 264 has a face 292 and a circumferential edge 296, and stationary disks 260, 262 include a pair of diametrically opposed tabs 286 on their circumferential edges 296. Further, each face 292 of disks 260, 264 includes the pair of triangular openings 290 defining diametrically opposed fluid flow paths therethrough with pinnacles 294 approaching the center of the disk. Thus, because the disks 260, 264 are identical and are mounted in slots 282, 284 offset 90° relative one another, the openings 290 therethrough are offset 90° relative one another, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. The central disk 262, which rotates with the valve stem 240, is generally bow tie shaped. Thus, the central disk 262 includes opposed generally triangular openings 291 formed at the periphery thereof for defining a fluid flow path and openings 297 formed diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 296 for receiving the pin 271 through the opening 272 in the flange 270 for connecting the valve stem 240 to the disk 262, which connection allows the central disk 262 to rotate with the valve stem 240. The disks 260, 264 are aligned and mounted flush relative the central disk 262 such that each disk 260, 264 has a face 292 in frictional engagement with a face 292 of the central disk 262 to provide a seal against the passage of fluid when either opening 290 is not aligned with opening 291, and providing a passage for fluid when either opening 290 is aligned with opening 291.
FIGS 13-15 illustrate the relative positions of the disks 260, 262, 264 in order to control fluid flow through the valve assembly 220. For these figures, the opening 290 in disk 260 is labeled as flow passage "A", the opening 291 in disk 262 is labeled as flow passage "B", and the opening 290 in disk 264 is labeled as flow passage "C". Aligned flow passages permit fluid to flow to either the tub or shower spout, while misaligned flow passages stop or decrease fluid passage to either the tub or shower spout. All views are taken from just forward of disk 260; thus flow passage A is foremost in the figures, while flow passages B and C are shown in phantom except when aligned with flow passage A. In a first position, with reference to FIG. 13. the valve stem 240 is rotated, whereby central disk 262 is rotated, until openings 291 are aligned with openings 290 in disk 264. Because the disks 260, 264 are offset 90° relative one another, flow passage A is aligned with face 292 of central disk 262 and flow passages B and C are aligned for fluid communication, as shown in phantom. Fluid flows from a source, through the inlet 241 in the valve housing 230. through the openings 285 in the casing 250, through the flow passage B, through the flow passage C, through the outlet 259 in the distal end 258 of casing 250, and to the shower spout (not shown).
Rotating the valve stem 240 approximately 90° causes the central disk 262 to rotate 90°, whereby openings 291 in central disk 262 are aligned with openings 290 in disk 260. This position is illustrated in FIG. 14, in which flow passage A is aligned with flow passage B for fluid communication, and flow passage C (shown in phantom) is aligned with face 292 of central disk 262 to block fluid flow in that direction. Thus, fluid flows from a source, through the inlet 241 in the valve housing 230, through the openings 285 in the casing 250, through the flow passage B, through the flow passage A, through the outlet 239 in the rear portion 236 of the valve housing 230, and to the tub spout (not shown).
When rotating the valve stem 240 from either one of the two positions defined above and illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 to the other of the two positions, the disks 260, 262, 264 rotate through intermediary positions. An example of an intermediary position is illustrated in FIG. 15, in which fluid passages A and B are at least partially aligned and fluid passages B and C are at least partially aligned. In these intermediary positions, which vary inversely in the relative area of alignment of fluid flow passages A,B versus B,C, fluid flows from a source, through the inlet 241 in the valve housing 230, through the openings 285 in the casing 250, through the flow passage B, partially through the flow passage A, partially through the flow passage C, partially through the outlet 239 in the rear portion 236 of the valve housing 230, partially through the outlet 259 in the distal end 258 of casing 250, partially to the tub spout (not shown), and partially to the shower spout (not shown). The degree of flow to either flow passage A or flow passage C, and thus to the tub spout or to the shower spout is determined by the area of overlap of flow passage B and flow passage A relatively the area of overlap of flow passage B and flow passage C, which areas of overlap are inversely related.
In one variation of the valve assembly 220, the central disk 262 includes slots 297 formed diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 296 for receiving the pin 271 for connecting the valve stem 240 to the disk 262, which connection allows the central disk 262 to rotate with the valve stem 240. In another variation of this latter embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a central disk 362 includes tabs 397 formed diametrically opposed on the circumferential edge 396 for reception by slots 399 formed in the actuating end 346 of the valve stem 340 for connecting the valve stem 340 to the disk 362, which connection allows the central disk 362 to rotate with the valve stem 340 and relative stationary disks 360, 364. In other aspects, this variation operates and is constructed in the same manner as the other embodiments. While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as incorporate those features which constitute the essential features of these improvements within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. In a diverter valve assembly, comprising an outer housing (26) including a mixing chamber (22), at least one inlet port (12,14), a pair of outlet ports (16,18); a valve assembly 20 received within the outer housing (26) and including a stem (40) for diverting flow between the pair of outlet ports (16,18). a valve housing (30) defining a valve chamber, an inlet passage (43) providing fluid communication between the mixing chamber (22) and the valve chamber, and a pair of outlet passages (41,102) in the valve housing (30) respectively providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the pair of outlet ports (16,18); the improvement characterized by: the valve assembly (20) including first and second rotatable valve disks (60,64) and first and second stationary valve disks (62,66) mounted in the valve chamber; each valve disk (60,62,64,66) including at least one aperture (90) therethrough, the first and second rotatable valve disks (60.64) being axially aligned with and abutting one of the stationary valve disks (62,66), and being rotatable by the stem (40) about the axis of the valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position; the first disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (90) in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60) and alignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64), the second disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting alignment second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64) and alignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60); whereby rotation to the first disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port (12,14), through the mixing chamber (22), the inlet passage (43), the valve chamber, and the first rotatable and stationary valve disks (60,62) to one of the pair of outlet passages (41) to the respective outlet port (16); and rotation to the second disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port (12,14), through the mixing chamber (22), the inlet passage (43), the valve chamber, and the second rotatable and stationary valve disks (64,66) to the other of the pair of outlet passages (102).
2. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first and second rotatable valve disks (60,64) are rotated at their respective peripheries.
3. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 2 wherein the valve assembly (20) further comprises a casing (50) connecting the stem (40) to the second rotatable valve disk (64) for selectively imparting rotation thereto.
4. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 3 wherein the stem (40) includes at least one flange (70,72) for selectively rotating the first rotatable valve disk (60) and the casing (50).
5. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 4 wherein the at least one flange (70.72) is received in a slot (82) formed in an end of the casing (50), the slot (82) including ends (84), whereby the at least one flange (70,72) moves in the slot (82) until the at least one flange (70,72) engages one of the ends (84) and causes rotation of the casing (50).
6. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 5 wherein the inlet passage (43) communicates with an aperture (54) in the casing (50) to permit fluid communication between the mixing chamber (22) and the valve chamber.
7. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one aperture (90) in each valve disk is multiple apertures (90).
8. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 7 wherein the multiple apertures (90) are frusto-triangular openings.
9. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve housing (30) includes a proximate end and a distal end, and the pair of outlet passages (41,102) includes a first outlet passage (41) in the proximate end and a second outlet passage (102) in the distal end.
10. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 9 wherein the distal end of the valve housing (30) includes a cap (100), the cap (100) including the second outlet passage (102) and mounting the second stationary valve disk (66).
11. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve housing (30) includes an arcuate slot (32), and the stem (40) includes a pin (42) transversely mounted relative thereto and slidably received within the slot (32), the slot (32) including opposed ends (24) forming stops for the pin (42), whereby rotation of the stem (40) is limited.
12. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the stem (40) extends through an opening in the valve housing (30) and includes a pin (142) extending perpendicular to the stem (40), the valve housing (30) including a semi- cylindrical extension (144) about the opening, and the extension (144) including diametrically opposed surfaces forming stops for the pin (142), whereby rotation of the stem (40) is limited.
13. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the valve disks (60,62, 64. 66) are ceramic.
14. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 1 wherein the rotatable valve disks (60, 64) are further rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber to a third disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (90) in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60) and misalignment of the apertures (90) in abutting second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64), whereby rotation to the third disk position blocks flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port (43) to both of the pair of outlet passages (41,102).
15. In a diverter valve assembly, comprising an outer housing (26) including a mixing chamber (22), at least one inlet port (12,14), and a pair of outlet ports (16,18); a valve assembly (220) received within the outer housing (26) and including a stem (40) for diverting flow between the pair of outlet ports (16,18), a valve housing (230) defining a valve chamber, an inlet passage (241) providing fluid communication between the mixing chamber (22) and the valve chamber, and a pair of outlet passages (239,259) in the valve housing (230) respectively providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the pair of outlet ports (16,18); the improvement characterized by: the valve assembly (220) including first and second stationary valve disks (260,264) and a rotatable valve disk (262) mounted in the valve chamber; each valve disk (260,262,264) including at least one aperture (290) therethrough, the rotatable valve disk (262) being axially aligned with, abutting, and positioned between the stationary valve disks (260,264), and being rotatable by the stem (240) about the axis of the valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position; the first disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (290) in the first stationary valve disk (260) and the rotatable valve disk (262) and alignment of the apertures (290) in the second stationary valve disk (264) and the rotatable valve disk (262), the second disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (290) in the second stationary valve disk (264) and the rotatable valve disk (262) and alignment of the apertures (290) in the first stationary valve disk (260) and the rotatable valve disk ((262); whereby rotation to a first stem position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port (12,14), through the mixing chamber (22), the inlet passage (241), the valve chamber, the rotatable valve disk (262), and the first stationary valve disk (260) to one of the pair of outlet passages (239), and rotation to a second stem position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port (12,14), through the mixing chamber (22), the inlet passage (241), the valve chamber, the rotatable valve disk (262), and the second stationary valve disk (264) to the other of the pair of outlet passages (259).
16. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 15 wherein the rotatable valve disk (262) is rotated at its periphery.
17. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 16 wherein the stem (240) includes a flange (270) for rotating the rotatable valve disk (262).
18. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 17 wherein the valve assembly (220) further comprises a casing (250) connecting the first and second stationary valve disks (260,264) to the valve housing (230), and the stem (240) rotates the rotatable valve disk (262) relative the first and second stationary valve disks (260,266) and the casing (250).
19. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 18 wherein the flange
(270) includes a slot (399) for receiving a tab (397) extending from the circumferential edge (399) of the rotatable valve disk (362), whereby rotation of the stem (240) imparts rotation to the rotatable valve disk (363).
20. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 19 wherein the circumferential edge (296) of the rotatable valve disk (262) and the flange (270) of the valve stem (240) include respective aligned openings (272,297) for receiving a pin
(271) connecting the rotatable valve disk (262) to the stem (240), whereby rotation of the stem (240) imparts rotation to the rotatable valve disk (262).
21. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 20 wherein the inlet passage (241) communicates with an aperture (285) in the casing (250) to permit fluid flow between the at least one inlet port (12,14) and at least one of the first and second outlet passages (16,18).
22. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 15 wherein the at least one aperture (290) in the valve disks is multiple apertures (290).
23. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 22 wherein the apertures (290) are frusto-triangular openings.
24. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 23 wherein the valve housing (230) includes a proximate end including the first outlet passage (239) and a distal end including the second outlet passage (259).
25. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 15 wherein the valve housing (230) includes an arcuate groove (224), and the stem (240) includes a flange (222) transversely mounted relative thereto and slidably received within the groove (224), the groove (224) including opposed ends (225) forming stops for the flange (222), whereby rotation of the stem (240) is limited.
26. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 15 wherein the valve disks (260,262,264) are ceramic.
27. A diverter valve assembly according to claim 15 wherein the rotatable valve disk (262) is further rotatable about the axis of the cylindrical valve chamber to a third disk position characterized by partial misalignment of the apertures (290) in abutting first stationary valve disk (260) and the rotatable valve disk (262) and partial misalignment of the apertures (290) in abutting second stationary valve disk (264) and the rotatable valve disk (262), whereby rotation to the third disk position permits flow of fluid from the at least one inlet port (12,14), through the mixing chamber (22), the inlet passage (241), the valve chamber, the rotatable valve disk (262), and partially through both the first and second stationary valve disks (260,264) to the pair of outlet passages (16,18), wherein fluid flow through one of the pair of outlet passages (16,18) is inversely related to fluid flow through the other of the pair of outlet passages (16,18).
28. In a diverter valve, comprising a valve assembly 20 including a valve housing (30) defining a valve chamber, an inlet passage (43) providing fluid communication between a source of fluid and the valve chamber, a pair of outlet passages (41,102) in the valve housing (30) selectively provided with fluid from the source, and a stem (40) for diverting flow between the pair of outlet passages (41,102); the improvement characterized by: the valve assembly (20) including first and second rotatable valve disks
(60,64) and first and second stationary valve disks (62,66) mounted in the valve chamber; each valve disk (60,62,64,66) including at least one aperture (90) therethrough, the first and second rotatable valve disks (60,64) being axially aligned with and abutting one of the stationary valve disks (62,66), and being rotatable by the stem (40) about the axis of the valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position; the first disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (90) in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60) and alignment of the apertures in abutting second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64), the second disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures in abutting alignment second stationary valve disk (66) and second rotatable valve disk (64) and alignment of the apertures in abutting first stationary valve disk (62) and first rotatable valve disk (60); whereby rotation to the first disk position permits flow of fluid from the source, through the inlet passage (43), the valve chamber, and the first rotatable and stationary valve disks (60,62) to one of the pair of outlet passages (41), and rotation to the second disk position permits flow of fluid from the source, through the inlet passage (43), the valve chamber, and the second rotatable and stationary valve disks (64,66) to the other of the pair of outlet passages (102).
29. In a diverter valve: a valve assembly (220) including a valve housing (230) defining a valve chamber, an inlet passage (241) providing fluid communication between a source of fluid and the valve chamber, a pair of outlet passages (239,259) in the valve housing (230) selectively provided with fluid from the source, and a stem (40) for diverting flow between the pair of outlet passages (41,102); the improvement characterized by: the valve assembly (220) including first and second stationary valve disks (260,264) and a rotatable valve disk (262) mounted in the valve chamber; each valve disk (260,262,264) including at least one aperture (290) therethrough, the rotatable valve disk (262) being axially aligned with, abutting, and positioned between the stationary valve disks (260,264),and being rotatable by the stem (240) about the axis of the valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position; the rotatable valve disk (262) being rotatable about the axis of the valve chamber between a first disk position and a second disk position, the first disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (290) in the first stationary valve disk (260) and the rotatable valve disk (262) and alignment of the apertures (290) in the second stationary valve disk (264) and the rotatable valve disk (262), the second disk position characterized by misalignment of the apertures (290) in the second stationary valve disk (264) and the rotatable valve disk (262) and alignment of the apertures (290) in the first stationary valve disk (260) and the rotatable valve disk (262); whereby rotation to a first stem position permits flow of fluid from the source, through the inlet passage (241), the valve chamber, the rotatable valve disk (262), and the first stationary valve disk (260) to one of the pair of outlet passages (239), and rotation to a second stem position permits flow of fluid from the source, through the inlet passage (241), the valve chamber, the rotatable valve disk (262), and the second stationary valve disk (264) to the other of the pair of outlet passages (259).
PCT/US1998/023560 1997-11-05 1998-11-05 Tub and shower diverter valve Ceased WO1999023404A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU13090/99A AU1309099A (en) 1997-11-05 1998-11-05 Tub and shower diverter valve

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6431397P 1997-11-05 1997-11-05
US60/064,313 1997-11-05

Publications (1)

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WO (1) WO1999023404A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007134360A1 (en) * 2006-05-18 2007-11-29 Caroma Industries Limited A tap
WO2012116150A1 (en) * 2011-02-23 2012-08-30 Bransfield Products, Ltd. Toilet fill valve water leak and overflow notification device
CN103267138A (en) * 2013-06-07 2013-08-28 吴文龙 Quick-opening valve core
WO2018010528A1 (en) * 2016-07-12 2018-01-18 杭州三花研究院有限公司 Flow control apparatus
WO2019044405A1 (en) * 2017-08-30 2019-03-07 株式会社Ｌｉｘｉｌ Valve device

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GB2076127A (en) * 1980-05-20 1981-11-25 Willi Anton J Thermostatically controlled mixing valves for hot and cold water
DE3507995A1 (en) * 1985-03-06 1986-09-11 GVB SANIMED Hygiene- und Medizintechnik GmbH, 3070 Nienburg Control valve for fluid-pressure cylinders
US4705074A (en) * 1981-04-04 1987-11-10 Danfoss A/S Mixer tap
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EP0572299A1 (en) * 1992-05-26 1993-12-01 WABCO France fluid delivery apparatus
EP0801255A2 (en) * 1996-04-13 1997-10-15 Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft Rotary gate valve
US6431397B1 (en) 2000-06-09 2002-08-13 Sherman S. Fishman Method and means for dispensing releasable labels from roll-stock substrate

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2076127A (en) * 1980-05-20 1981-11-25 Willi Anton J Thermostatically controlled mixing valves for hot and cold water
US4705074A (en) * 1981-04-04 1987-11-10 Danfoss A/S Mixer tap
DE3507995A1 (en) * 1985-03-06 1986-09-11 GVB SANIMED Hygiene- und Medizintechnik GmbH, 3070 Nienburg Control valve for fluid-pressure cylinders
US4794952A (en) * 1987-02-04 1989-01-03 American Standard Combination mixing valve and appliance valve assembly
EP0572299A1 (en) * 1992-05-26 1993-12-01 WABCO France fluid delivery apparatus
EP0801255A2 (en) * 1996-04-13 1997-10-15 Friedrich Grohe Aktiengesellschaft Rotary gate valve
US6431397B1 (en) 2000-06-09 2002-08-13 Sherman S. Fishman Method and means for dispensing releasable labels from roll-stock substrate

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007134360A1 (en) * 2006-05-18 2007-11-29 Caroma Industries Limited A tap
WO2012116150A1 (en) * 2011-02-23 2012-08-30 Bransfield Products, Ltd. Toilet fill valve water leak and overflow notification device
CN103267138A (en) * 2013-06-07 2013-08-28 吴文龙 Quick-opening valve core
WO2018010528A1 (en) * 2016-07-12 2018-01-18 杭州三花研究院有限公司 Flow control apparatus
CN107606236A (en) * 2016-07-12 2018-01-19 杭州三花研究院有限公司 Volume control device
US10982780B2 (en) 2016-07-12 2021-04-20 Hangzhou Sanhua Research Institute Co., Ltd. Flow control apparatus
WO2019044405A1 (en) * 2017-08-30 2019-03-07 株式会社Ｌｉｘｉｌ Valve device
JP2019044806A (en) * 2017-08-30 2019-03-22 株式会社Ｌｉｘｉｌ Valve device

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