Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Patent
1996-09-03
1997-09-09
Fox, John
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
13762541, F16K 11087
Patent
active
056646038
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The field of this invention relates to a mixer valve for a faucet incorporating a movable valve element housed in a cartridge and more particularly to a ball valve element housed in a cartridge.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSE
Single handle faucets, commonly referred to as mixer valves, that control both hot and cold water flow have seen vast consumer acceptance. These faucets are commonly constructed such that a handle or knob is movable in two distinct directions to adjust the mix of hot and cold water and to adjust the volume or flow rate.
The two basic types of mixer valves that have seen widest commercial acceptance are plate valves and ball valves. While ball valves offer a reliable one piece construction that is durable and easily assembled, plate valves offer a drive mechanism that allows motion to the handle in two desirable directions that appears to be universally accepted by the consumer. This desirable handle motion allows for an orbiting motion of the handle about a fixed longitudinal axis of the valve body and a rocking, i.e. pivoting, motion about a movable horizontal axis relative to the valve body. The horizontal axis is fixed with respect to the handle and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve body. The one distinguishing characteristic of this type of handle motion is that when the handle is pivoted to an off position, the desired mix ratio of hot and cold water can be remembered by the location of the handle so that when the faucet is turned back on, the same mix of hot and cold water flows through the faucet.
Recently, ball valves have been devised that allow the handle to be operated in the same fashion as the commercially accepted plate type mixer valve. These ball type mixer valves require the introduction of another moving part in the form of a rotatable plate mounted above the ball valve element. Furthermore, these ball valves have been combined with plate devices which can be adjustably positioned about a cover opening through which the handle controls the ball valve to limit the total flow rate. Alternately or in addition, these limiting devices limit the maximum ratio of hot water to cold water and consequentially the maximum temperature of the mixed water at the outlet.
Various disadvantages exist with a ball valve construction. In particular, the ball valve element is mounted between elastomeric inlet seals positioned about the inlet ports of the valve body and a sealing gasket that is mounted under the valve cover or gap. The elastomeric inlet seals and gasket are all yielding and render a floating characteristic to the ball valve element between the valve body and cap. There is no positive lock or locator mechanism that securely positions the ball valve in place. Because the ball valve can be moved in a translational manner against the elastomeric elements, the operator when operating the handle can also move the handle a small amount in any direction including directions not contemplated in the design of the mixing valve. This unwanted motion renders a undesirable spongy feel to the operation of the faucet and an uncertainty to the operator as to the proper operation of the faucet. Furthermore, the spongy feel of the handle gives the impression that the handle is unstable and not assembled properly.
The top sealing gasket provides three functions. Firstly, it seals against leakage of water about the ball. Secondly, its outer periphery seals against the inner surface of the housing to prevent leakage. Thirdly, the gasket resiliently positions the ball downwardly against the inlet seals. As a consequence, the gasket is an expensive component due to its mass and shape. To obtain a smooth operation, the elastomeric sealing gasket has a thin layer of tetraflouroethylene that contacts the ball valve to reduce wear as compared to direct contact of the elastomeric material with the ball member.
In order to reduce the floating feel, a regulation ring has been incorporated in many ball valve mixing valves. The regulation ring is adjustably screwed on
REFERENCES:
patent: 5018553 (1991-05-01), Grassberger et al.
patent: 5195555 (1993-03-01), Knapp
Fox John
Masco Corporation
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