WO2012012829A2

WO2012012829A2 - A jumper valve

Info

Publication number: WO2012012829A2
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000944
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Fenwick; Malcolm John Purcell; Henry Teasdale Fenwick
Original assignee: PURCELL DIANA; Pride Technologies International Pty Ltd
Current assignee: PURCELL DIANA; Pride Technologies International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-29
Filing date: 2011-07-27
Publication date: 2012-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2013-01-29
Also published as: AU2011284786A1; WO2012012829A3

Abstract

A valve member (40) for a fluid flow control valve (such as a tap 27). The valve includes an inlet (36), an outlet, a valve seat (34) and a space for receiving the valve member. The valve member (40) has a sealing portion (42) connected by a connection to a shaft portion (44). The sealing portion (42) has an outer face with a seal (such as a washer 68) arranged for use in engaging with the valve seat to effect sealing of the fluid flow control valve, and a first connection portion (46) located substantially centrally of an inner surface of the sealing portion. The shaft portion (44) has a stem (50) with a length along a central axis, a shoulder (52) connected to the stem and having a bearing surface coaxial with the stem portion, and an inner surface (72) opposite the inner surface (70) of the sealing portion. The shaft portion has a second connection portion (48) located substantially centrally thereto and connected to the first connection portion such that the shaft portion and the sealing portion have some angular or pivotal movement relative to one another. A compressive force applied to the bearing surface of the shoulder portion causes the sealing portion to align about the valve seat by relative movement of the sealing portion with respect to the shaft portion through the connection such that the compressive force is substantially evenly distributed to the seal to effect sealing against the valve seat.

Description

A JUMPER VALVE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to fluid flow control valve. The present invention has been devised as a "jumper" valve for use within a tap or faucet, but is capable of broader application as a flow control valve member of a fluid flow control valve.

For the purposes of this patent specification and describing or defining the present invention, the term "tap" encompasses the term "faucet" and equivalents.

BACKGROUND

It is commonly known in taps to use a tap washer, which is a disc of material such as a polymer, fixed either to a loose spindle or directly to the tap spindle.

In conventional domestic taps, a jumper valve is often used in place of the tap washer. A jumper valve is an improvement on a conventional tap washer, and comprises a disc of sealing material having a stem extending in an axial direction. The valve is free to move up and down within a tap body when the tap is open, so that besides acting as a normal washer shutting off the water when the tap spindle is screwed down, it also acts as check valve if the street water mains are opened and water pressure drops whereby the jumper valve wil drop into place closing off the tap.

A conventional tap apparatus using a jumper valve comprises a handle, an operating portion provided with a receiving recess for receiving the stem of the jumper valve and a main body through which water flow is facilitated, said body being provided with a valve seat. In such jumper valve systems, in order to effect a seal between the jumper valve and the valve seat of the tap apparatus, a bottom surface of the tap operating portion would need to be truly flat and parallel to a top surface of the jumper valve sealing disc, with the lower surface of the jumper valve sealing disc being in parallel surface contact with an upper surface of the valve seat, and with the stem being exactly perpendicular However, this kind of system would require the machining of corresponding screw threads in the body, the operating portion and the handle, and as such the cost and process of ensuring surfaces remain parallel would be prohibitively expensive. Conventional systems routinely used a compromise to overcome these difficulties, by fitting a soft washer underneath the lower portion of the jumper valve. The soft washer can be unevenly compressed to compensate for any inaccuracies in the orientation of the system.

In the conventional systems, each time the tap is opened, the jumper valve becomes free to rotate on its vertical axis, and each time the tap is closed the system requires maximum compression on a different part of the washer. This continuous uneven compression of the washer ultimately results in a reduction of resilience which causes the need for increased pressure to be applied to the sealing disc to facilitate proper closure and sealing of the valve.

Pressure from the operating portion is applied to the jumper valve in a rotary action, with the load being applied around the periphery of the sealing disc, resulting in abrasion between the washer and the valve seat. The application of pressure coupled with the presence of any grit or dirt in the system results in wear and abrasion of both the valve seat and the surface of the washer.

As a result of the wear to the valve seat and/or the washer, even greater pressure needs to be applied by the operating portion to facilitate closure. Such pressure can cause the deformation and wear of the screw thread. Additionally it can prove difficult for some users (particularly the old and infirm) to apply the required pressure.

As such, whilst known valves provide a leak proof seal and further provide adequate adjustment of the water flow, these systems are faced with problems associated with both the washer and the valve seat being subject to wear over time, resulting in leakage.

One jumper valve previously proposed by the applicant to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous jumper valve systems is disclosed in Australian patent 2007203149 (also known as New Zealand patent 567490). That invention provides a jumper valve system whereby pressure is applied substantially evenly across the interface between the sealing portion and the valve seat, thereby reducing the problems such as wear and abrasion caused by the uneven pressure distribution in conventional systems. This is achieved by a valve member comprising a sealing portion and a stem, the sealing portion having an outer surface arranged to sealingly engage with a valve seat; and an inner surface having a stem engaging portion located substantially centrally thereof, whereby engagement of the stem with the stem engaging portion permits some angular movement of the stem relative to the sealing portion, and wherein a compressive force applied substantially axially to the stem causes the sealing portion to align about the valve seat such that the compressive force is substantially evenly distributed around a portion of the outer surface in contact with the valve seat.

However, whilst that invention has particular benefits, there are also some drawbacks. In particular, the compressive force applied axially along the stem can cause the stem to fail close to the stem engaging portion. Typically, in use, compressive force is applied to the distal or upper end of the stem by contact with the closed end of a blind aperture in the end of the spindle. This force can be substantial when closing the tap, resulting in a considerable compressive force being applied to the sealing portion. Because of the distance between the distal end of the stem and the stem engaging member, and some lateral freeplay of the stem in the blind aperture, it has been realised that the stem can fracture and break close to the stem engaging means.

It is therefore desirable to provide in the present invention a valve member that alleviates or overcomes this problem whilst providing even sealing pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the aforementioned in mind, the present invention provides in one aspect a valve member for a fluid flow control valve, the valve including an inlet, and outlet, a valve seat and a chamber for receiving the valve member, the valve member including;

a sealing portion connected by a connection to a shaft portion,

the sealing portion having an outer face with a seal arranged for use in engaging with the valve seat to effect sealing of the fluid flow control valve, and a first connection portion located substantially centrally of an inner surface of the sealing portion, and the shaft portion having a stem portion with a length along a central axis, a shoulder portion connected to the stem and having a bearing surface coaxial with the stem portion, and an inner surface opposite the inner surface of the sealing portion, the shaft portion inner surface having a second connection portion located substantially centrally thereto and connected to the first connection portion such that the shaft portion and the sealing portion have some angular movement relative to one another, and

wherein a compressive force applied to the bearing surface of the shoulder portion causes the sealing portion to align about the valve seat by relative movement of the sealing portion with respect to the shaft portion through the connection such that the compressive force is substantially evenly distributed to the seal to effect sealing against the valve seat.

This arrangement provides for an even sealing force by spreading the force over a wider area whilst avoiding putting all of the compressive force through the stem portion. The shoulder portion takes all or a large proportion of the compressive force rather than the stem.

The stem portion of the shaft portion may be detachably engaged with an operating portion of a fluid flow control valve. Therefore the valve member can be a replaceable component.

The connection may be releasable such that the shaft portion is detachably engaged with the sealing portion. This allows either or both components to be replaced separately, but also enables simplified manufacture. The releasable connection may be a ball and socket arrangement.

The seal may include a washer for sealing engagement against the valve seat. The washer may be replaceable or may be permanently bonded to the outer face of the sealing portion, such as by heat sealing, co-moulded plastic or adhesive means. Alternatively, the outer face of the sealing portion may include or be made of material forming an integral seal to seal the valve seat by direct contact. Thus, the material of at least the outer surface of the sealing portion may be a resilient material for efficient and effective sealing.

The shoulder portion may be provided part way along the stem portion, or may be part of or form a head of the stem portion incorporating the inner surface and control surface or raised zone. The valve member may be provided ready assembled or as a kit of parts.

Either of the inner surface of the sealing portion or the shaft portion may include a raised control surface with a sloping periphery. This can assist with transferring forces through the shoulder portion to the sealing portion as well as stabilise the relative movement of the two components.

The valve member may be provided with a tap, either as a component to insert or as a ready assembled tap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known jumper valve apparatus; and Figure 2 is a cut away view of a tap apparatus incorporating the jumper valve apparatus of Figure 1 .

Figure 3 shows components of a valve member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows the components of figure 3 assembled and a washer in position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention in situ in a tap. Figures 6a and 6b show plan and sectional views of the respective components of a jumper valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 7a and 7b show side vies of the respective components of a jumper valve of figures 6a and 6b.

Figure 7c shows a side sectional view of the components of figures 7a and

7b when assembled together.

Figures 8a and 8b show assembled components of a jumper valve according to an embodiment of the present invention and demonstrating the relative pivoting motion of the those components with respect to each other.

Figure 9 shows a valve member in situ within a flow path and seated against an uneven valve seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the known device in Figure 1 , there is shown a valve apparatus 10 comprising a sealing portion 12 and a stem 14 for detachably engaging with the sealing portion 12.

In the described assembly, the sealing portion 12 is a substantially circular member having an inner surface 16 and an outer surface 20. The upper surface portion 16 of the sealing portion 12 further includes an upwardly extending annular stem engaging portion 18. The sealing portion 12 of the valve apparatus 10 may be a one piece member formed of moulded plastics or metal. The outer surface 20 of the sealing portion 12 can be provided with a thin layer of soft material for engagement with a valve seat. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the stem engaging portion 18 is a hollow substantially cylindrical annular member having a receiving surface 22 configured to centrally engage with the stem 14 of the valve apparatus 10. In a preferred embodiment of the known device, the receiving surface 22 is a dimpled surface arranged to receive a conical engagement surface of the stem 14. It will be appreciated that this arrangement permits the stem 14 to engage with the stem engaging portion 18 even where it is not exactly perpendicular to the sealing portion 12. Further, when engaged, a degree of angular movement of the stem 14 relative to the sealing portion 12 is permitted.

The stem 14 is a substantially cylindrical member having a conical end 24 for engaging with the stem engaging portion 18 of the sealing portion 12, and a tap engaging portion 26 for engaging with an operating member 30 provided in a tap apparatus. The stem 14 is preferably formed from a nonferrous metal or plastic material.

Referring to Figure 2, a conventional tap 27 apparatus comprises a handle

28 and a body portion 32. The handle 28 is engaged with an operating member 30, such that rotation of the handle 28 in a clockwise direction moves the operating member 30 between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The body portion 32 is arranged to facilitate the flow of liquid, said body portion 32 being provided with a valve seat 34 having an opening 36.

In use, the sealing portion 12 of the valve apparatus 10 is provided such that the outer surface 20 is engaged with an upper surface of the valve seat 34 to releasably cover the opening 36, as seen in Figure 2. The conical end 24 of the stem 14 is engaged with the stem engaging portion 18 provided on the innersurface 16 of the sealing portion 12, such that the conical end 24 of the stem 14 contacts the receiving surface 22 of the stem engaging portion 18.

The tap engaging portion 26 detachably engages with the operating member 30 of the tap apparatus, such that movement of the operating member from an open position to a closed position applies a downward pressure to the stem 14, causing the conical end 24 of the stem 14 to engage fully with the receiving surface 22 of the stem engaging portion 18 of the sealing portion 12. The downward pressure causes the outer surface 20 to make sealing contact with an upper surface of the valve seat 34 to prevent the flow of liquid through the opening 36 of the body portion 32. The stem 14 contacts the stem receiving portion 18 in central position, thereby ensuring that the pressure placed on the sealing portion 12 is always substantially uniform. The nature of the engagement is such that a uniform pressure is applied even when the stem 14 is not strictly perpendicular to the sealing member 12. In other words, the nature of the engagement acts to centre the applied pressure. This substantially uniform distribution of pressure across the sealing portion 12 ensures uniform contact of the outer surface 20 and the valve seat 34, thereby reducing the problems of wear and abrasion seen in earlier prior art systems.

When the tap handle 28 is rotated in an anticlockwise direction, the downward pressure is removed from the operating member 30 resulting in alleviation in the pressure applied to the stem 14 and ultimately the sealing portion 12, such that the outer surface 20 breaks sealing contact with the valve seat 34, thereby facilitating the flow of liquid through the opening 36 of the body 32.

The stem portion 14 can be varied in length as a means to control the flow of fluid through the tap apparatus.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. A valve member 40 has two components, a sealing portion 42 and a shaft portion 44. In this embodiment, these two components are arranged to fit together via ball 46 and socket 48 arrangement forming a flexible or pivotable joint. However, it will be appreciated that the two components could be joined for relative movement by other means, such as a continuous moulded resilient plastic material integral to both components. It will be appreciated that the ball and socket may be on the alternate component - i.e. the ball on the shaft portion and the socket on the sealing portion.

The shaft member includes a stem portion 50 and a shoulder portion 52, the shoulder portion having a width greater than the radius of the stem portion. The shoulder portion includes an outer surface 54 for receiving a force to, in use, close the valve member in a valve, such as from an end of a spindle of a tap. The shoulder portion therefore spreads the compressive force over a greater area than the end 56 of the stem portion 50.

The sealing member 42 includes a spigot 58 for receiving a seal part, in this instance a washer (see figure 4), and has a rim 60 for retaining the washer in place. However, it will be appreciated that the sealing portion can include an integral seal, such as a sealing material that is bonded to or forming a fixed part of the outer face 42a of the sealing portion.

The shaft portion 44 includes a raised zone 62 on its inner surface 64. The raised zone (as well as the connection through the ball and socket arrangement) helps to transfer the force from the shaft portion to the sealing portion whilst also permitting relative angular movement between the two components. The raised zone has a sloping periphery 66 to allow this movement.

In figure 4, the shaft portion 44 and sealing portion 42 are shown connected together. The sealing portion includes a washer 68 removably mounted thereto and retained in place on the spigot 58 by the rim 60. When worn or damaged, the washer can be removed and replaced.

In figure 5, the valve member is shown in a cutaway of a typical home or garden water tap or faucet. The tap has a handle 28, which, when rotated a certain way, causes the tap operating member 30 (such as a spindle) to force the valve member down by applying pressure over a contact area on the shoulder 52 of the shaft portion 44. This in turn applies pressure to the sealing portion through the moveable or flexible connection and the raised zone. The raised zone having a sloping periphery allows the sealing portion to move angularly with respect to the shaft portion and thereby to accommodate unevenness in the seat. The washer is then forced against the valve seat evenly. Figures 6a and 6b show plan and side sectional views of the shaft portion 44 and sealing portion 42 of the valve 40. Figure 6b in particular shows the socket 48 for receiving therein the ball 46 of the sealing portion, which permits pivotal motion of each component relative to the other. This pivoting action, along with the washer 68 once fitted, accommodates uneven or irregular seats in taps and other valves where the jumper valve 40 is used. The pivoting action allows the washer to tilt relative to the longitudinal extent of the stem 50 and the closing force applied to the jumper.

Figures 7a and 7b show the stem portion 44 and sealing portion 42 in side view. Figure 7c shows a sectional view through the stem and sealing portions once assembled. The ball 46 of the sealing portion 42 is in situ within the socket 48 of the stem portion. It will be appreciated that the raised sloped area or landing 62 provides additional strength and support to the stem portion immediately surrounding the socket 48, thereby the transfer of loads through to the sealing portion. The sloped face 66 also provides clearance for the sealing portion to pivot relative to the stem portion.

Figures 8a and 8b show the pivoting action of the jumper valve 40. Reference A shows the wider clearance and reference B the narrower clearance between the respective inner faces 70 and 72 of the stem and sealing portions. It will be appreciated that the pivoting action occurs through a 3 dimensional angle due to the ball and socket connection. Also, alternatively the ball may be on the stem portion and the socket on the sealing portion.

Figure 9 shows the valve member 40 with the washer 68 attached to the sealing portion 42 and pressed into sealing against a valve seat 90 of a flow control valve. The stem 50 is inserted into a recess 92 within a valve stem 94 of the flow control valve. The valve seat 90 may be uneven due to wear or poor manufacture. The connection 96 between the stem portion 44 and the sealing portion 42 allows the valve member 40 to accommodate for the unevenness of the seat.

In use, when the flow control valve, such as a tap, is closed, the spindle presses against the shoulder portion, spreading the closing force and avoiding the stem portion from breaking close to its joint with the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion transfers that force to the sealing portion by contact with the control surface at the raised zone and through the connection. The sealing portion can move angularly with respect to the shaft portion and thereby compensate for unevenness in the valve seat. Opening the valve allows fluid pressure to retain the valve member in the hollow centre of the spindle. If water pressure is lost or removed, the valve member can drop into place as a check valve.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A valve member for a fluid flow control valve, the valve including an inlet, and outlet, a valve seat and a chamber for receiving the valve member, the valve member including;

a sealing portion connected by a connection to a shaft portion,

the sealing portion having an outer face with a seal arranged for use in engaging with the valve seat to effect sealing of the fluid flow control valve, and a first connection portion located substantially centrally of an inner surface of the sealing portion, and

the shaft portion having a stem portion with a length along a central axis, a shoulder portion connected to the stem and having a bearing surface coaxial with the stem portion, and an inner surface opposite the inner surface of the sealing portion, the shaft portion inner surface having a second connection portion located substantially centrally thereto and connected to the first connection portion such that the shaft portion and the sealing portion have some angular movement relative to one another, and

2. A valve member according to claim 1 , wherein the stem portion of the shaft portion is detachably engaged with an operating portion of the fluid flow control valve.

3. A valve member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection is releasable such that the shaft portion is detachably engaged with the sealing portion.

4. A valve member according to claim 3, wherein the releasable connection is a ball and socket arrangement.

5. A valve member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seal on the outer face of the sealing portion is removable from the sealing portion as a replaceable component.

6. A valve member according to claim 5, wherein the seal is a washer.

7. A valve member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seal is integrally formed with or bonded to the outer face of the sealing portion.

8. A valve member according to any of the preceding claims, wherein either of the inner surface of the sealing portion or of the shaft portion includes a raised control surface with a sloping periphery.

9. A valve member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3 to 5.

10. A flow control valve provided with a valve member according to any one of the preceding claims.

1 1 . A flow control valve according to claim 10, wherein the valve is a household, commercial or garden tap or faucet.