Mixing valve

Details Mixing valve Mixing valve

2000-11-15

2002-04-16

Fox, John (Department: 3753)

Fluid handling

Systems

Multi-way valve unit

C137S625170

Reexamination Certificate

active

06371163

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mixing valve. More particularly this invention concerns a housing assembly for a mixing valve or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,972 a valve body has a hollow rigid housing formed with at least two outwardly open sockets centered on respective axes that extend generally perpendicularly of each other and a connector body fitted in one of the sockets at an intersection of the axes and having an outer face directed outwardly in the one socket and an inner face directed outward in the other socket. The connector body is also formed with a plurality of passages extending between the faces. A valve cartridge is secured to the connector-body outer face. In addition an insert body fitted in the other socket has an inner face engaging complementarily with the connector-body inner face and is formed with passages having inner ends opening into the connector-body passages at the connector-body inner face and outer ends. One of the inner faces is formed as a recess and the other as a complementary projection such that when fitted together the connector body is fixed in the housing. Input lines are connected to the outer ends of the insert-body passages and a mounting element extends into the insert body for securing the bodies and housing to a plate.
The one socket extends across the axis of the other socket and in fact the other socket extends across the one socket and is outwardly open in two axially opposite directions. Thus when the two bodies are fitted together they not only secure each other in place, but secure themselves relative to the housing, eliminating the need for any further connection between the housing and the bodies. The mounting element extends through the housing and through both of the bodies and is provided with a nut bearing on the housing in one direction and another nut threaded on the mounting element and bearing in an opposite direction on the plate. This mounting element is a pipe and the body includes a flexible feed tube extending through the pipe. The feed tube can be connected at one end through the insert body to the mixed-water passage of the connector body and can carry at its opposite end a head that serves both as the end of a spout and as a movable sprayer.
While this structure is extremely attractive, with virtually nothing of the mounting hardware visible, it is relatively complex and expensive to manufacture.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved housing assembly for a mixing valve.
Another object is the provision of such an improved housing assembly for a mixing valve which overcomes the above-given disadvantages, that is which is of relatively simple and inexpensive construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A valve assembly has according to the invention a one piece housing having lower, upper, and side sockets respectively defining lower, upper, and side openings. A stepped mounting sleeve has a downwardly directed shoulder bearing inwardly on an upper-opening shoulder, an upwardly directed shoulder, and a threaded lower end engage in a holder inside the housing. An insert mounted on the holder has a front face directed outward at the side opening, adapted to carry a valve cartridge, and provided with connections for fluid supply lines. A mounting rod extending through the insert and sleeve has an upper end at the upper socket and a lower portion extending out of the housing through the lower opening. A nut threaded on the upper rod end bears downward on the upwardly directed shoulder of the mounting sleeve. Mounting structure engaged with the rod lower portion outside the housing secures the housing down against a mounting surface.
The insert can therefore be a simple flat plate serving mainly as a sort of manifold that connects the valve cartridge to the incoming hot- and cold-water lines and the outgoing mixed-water line. Thus the housing need only be machined around its openings; otherwise it can be a simple cast or hydroformed piece.
According to the invention the holder has a collar through which the rod passes and which bears upward on the housing. In addition it has a front face on which the insert is mounted and a pair of arms forming the holder front face. Screws engaged through the insert and threaded into the holder arms press the insert against the holder front face.
The holder can be unitarily formed with a vent housing holding a backflow preventing vent. The insert is formed with hot-, cold-, and mixed-water ports opening at the front face. Respective conduits forming the fluid-supply lines are connected to the insert and communicate with the ports. The insert is formed with respective holes communicating with the ports and receiving the respective conduits. A passage formed in the insert connects the mixed-water port with the vent housing. The insert is provided around the passage connecting the mixed-water port with the vent housing with an O-ring.
The valve assembly wherein the insert and holder are made of metal, normally brass which is corrosion resistant and easily machined.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5167255 (1992-12-01), Gohring et al.
patent: 5660203 (1997-08-01), Gnauert et al.
patent: 5730176 (1998-03-01), Heimann et al.
patent: 6058972 (2000-05-01), Kahle

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