AU2007216736B1 - Flow control device - Google Patents

Flow control device Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2007216736B1
AU2007216736B1 AU2007216736A AU2007216736A AU2007216736B1 AU 2007216736 B1 AU2007216736 B1 AU 2007216736B1 AU 2007216736 A AU2007216736 A AU 2007216736A AU 2007216736 A AU2007216736 A AU 2007216736A AU 2007216736 B1 AU2007216736 B1 AU 2007216736B1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
housing
control device
flow control
inlet
piston
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
AU2007216736A
Inventor
Brian Anthony Robinson
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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
Priority claimed from AU2007904889A external-priority patent/AU2007904889A0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2007216736A priority Critical patent/AU2007216736B1/en
Priority to AU2007221963A priority patent/AU2007221963A1/en
Publication of AU2007216736B1 publication Critical patent/AU2007216736B1/en
Priority to NZ571123A priority patent/NZ571123A/en
Priority to GB0816466A priority patent/GB2452634A/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
    • F16K27/02—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor of lift valves
    • 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
    • F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
    • F16K1/02—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with screw-spindle
    • 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
    • F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
    • F16K1/32—Details
    • F16K1/34—Cutting-off parts, e.g. valve members, seats
    • F16K1/36—Valve members
    • 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
    • F16K3/00—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing
    • F16K3/22—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution
    • F16K3/24—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members
    • 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
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
    • F16K31/50—Mechanical actuating means with screw-spindle or internally threaded actuating means

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lift Valve (AREA)

Description

Regulation 3.2
AUSTRALIA
Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT
APPLICANT:
Invention Title: BRIAN ANTHONY ROBINSON FLOW CONTROL DEVICE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: "FLOW CONTROL DEVICE" Technical field This invention relates to a flow control device and to a method of controlling flow.
The invention has particular but not exclusive application to a flow control device for controlling the quantity of fluid flowing from a tap, valve or the like.
The invention also has particular application to a tap, valve or the like incorporating a flow control device according to the invention. The invention has particular application for use with domestic water taps.
Background of Invention As many regions in the world increasingly face water shortage, it is desirable to ensure that flow rates from water reticulation systems are regulated.
My Australian patent 736466 discloses a domestic water tap arrangement which controls flow rates by directing the fluid flow through the apertures in the wall of a housing located in the tap housing.
Summary of Invention The present invention provides inventive alternatives to known flow control devices.
In its various aspects this invention resides broadly in a flow control device, a method of controlling flow, and a tap or valve; all as defined in the claims appended hereto.
Description of Drawings In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIGS 1A and 1B are cross-sectional elevations illustrating the domestic water tap of my patent 736466; FIG 2 is a cross sectional elevation of a piston used in a flow control device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; FIG 3 is a cross sectional elevation of a cylindrical housing used in a flow control device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; FIG 4 is a schematic cross sectional elevation of the flow control device showing the piston positioned in the cylindrical housing in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention with spring biasing means located external of the cylindrical housing; FIG 5 is a schematic cross sectional elevation of the flow control device of FIG 4 showing the flow control device in closed configuration; FIG 6 is a schematic cross sectional elevation of the flow control device of FIG 4 showing the flow control device in open configuration; FIG 7 is a cross sectional elevation of a piston used in a flow control device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; FIG 8 is a cross sectional elevation of a cylindrical housing used in a flow control device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; FIG 9 is a schematic cross sectional elevation of the flow control device showing the piston positioned in the cylindrical housing in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention with spring biasing means located within the cylindrical housing showing the flow control device in open configuration; FIG 10 is a schematic cross sectional elevation of the flow control device in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention showing the flow control device in closed configuration; FIGS 11 and 12 are schematic cross sectional elevations of the flow control device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention showing a first arrangement of sealing between the piston and housing to control flow through the aperture(s) in the cylindrical housing, and showing the flow control device in closed and open configurations respectively; FIGS 13 and 14 are schematic cross sectional elevations of the flow control device in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention showing a second arrangement of sealing between the piston and housing to control flow through the aperture(s) in the cylindrical housing, and showing the flow control device in open and closed configurations respectively, and FIGS 15 and 16 are schematic cross sectional elevations of the flow control device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention showing a third arrangement of sealing between the piston and housing to control flow through the aperture(s) in the cylindrical housing, and showing the flow control device in open and closed configurations respectively.
Description of Preferred Embodiment of Invention FIGS 1A and 1B are cross-sectional elevations illustrating the domestic water tap 10 of my patent 736466 wherein a tap spindle 13 is mounted in a spindle housing 12, which itself is mounted in a tap housing 11. Valve seat 18 in tap housing 11 supports open ended cylindrical housing 15 which is positioned thereagainst by screwing down spindle housing 12 such that its lower end 19 bears against the upper rim 20 of housing 15. Piston 16 is received within housing 15 and seals against its inner wall by means of O-ring 23 mounted in a groove in piston head 63. Piston 16 is axially seated in the lower end of spindle 13 by means of shaft 24 in a manner similar to that of a conventional domestic water tap. Housing 15 is stepped at 22 with lower stepped portion 21 fitting in valve seat 18. Step 22 carries a washer or O-ring 14 which forms a seal with valve seat 18. Housing 15 is shown with a number of apertures 17 in its wall. A fluid flow path is thus defined between the inlet and outlet of tap 11 through apertures 17 with the interior of housing 15 being in communication with the inlet and the exterior of housing 15 being in communication with the outlet. Rotation of spindle 13 effects sealing engagement between O-ring 23 and the inner surface of housing 15 to control fluid flow.
Housing 15 and piston 16 can be retrofitted to conventional domestic water taps. However it has been found in practice that if the taps have been in use for some time it is possible that valve seat 18 may have been previously reamed out to provide a better seat for the conventional jumper valve. Such reaming, or repeated reamings, may result in the distance between the lowermost end 19 of spindle housing 12 and valve seat 18 being greater than the length of housing 15 and washer or O-ring 14. This may also be the case in some older non-standard taps. This variation can cause leaking of a tap retrofitted with housing 15 and piston 16.
Whilst this can be compensated for by packing the top of housing 15 with a washer, in accordance with the present invention housing 15 is resiliently urged into contact with valve seat 18.
In a first embodiment best seen in cross-sectional elevation in FIGS 2 and 3 and schematically in FIGS 4, 5 and 6, a piston 25 has shaft 26 supporting piston head 27 on the walls of which O-ring 37 is held in groove 28. Piston slides within the inner wall of the upper portion 30 of housing 29 through which is formed apertures 31 and 34. Whilst two apertures are illustrated, there can be more or less than two. The lower end of housing 29 continues in a housing inlet 32, about which a circumferential groove 33 is formed on the base of upper portion 30. A step or shoulder 35 is formed on outer wall of the upper portion of housing 29. As seen schematically in FIG 4, compression spring 38 sits on step or shoulder 35, and in the event that the distance between the lowermost end 19 of spindle housing 12 and valve seat 18 is greater than the length of housing 29 and O-ring 36, the upper end of compression spring 38 will bear against end 19 and with the lower end of compression spring 38 seated on step or shoulder 35, housing 29 will be resiliently biased downwards to force O-ring 36 held in groove 33 to seal against valve seat 18. Spring 38 thus compensates for variations in the distance between the lower end 19 of spindle housing 12 and valve seat 18. Axial variation in the position of piston 25 within housing 29 by rotation of spindle 13 effects control of fluid flow between a closed configuration seen in FIG 5 and an open configuration seen in FIG 6.
As seen in FIG 4, compression spring 38 is external of housing 29. In an alternative embodiment seen in FIGS 7 to 10 the compression spring can be positioned within the housing. In this embodiment piston 39 is received within the upper portion of housing 41 similarly as in the previous embodiment.
However a recess 40 is formed in the crown of piston 39 to receive the upper end of an internally positioned compression spring 43 (as best seen in FIGS 9 and 10), the lower end of which bears against a step or shoulder 42 formed in the lower inlet to housing 41. Similarly to the previous embodiment, in the event that the distance between the lowermost end 19 of spindle housing 12 and valve seat 18 is greater than the length of housing 41 and O-ring 36, the upper end of compression spring 43 will bear against the surface of recess 40 in the crown of piston 39, the upper side of which (or a washer as seen in FIGS 9 and 10) will engage the lowermost end of spindle 13, and with the lower end of compression spring 43 seated on step or shoulder 42, housing 41 will be resiliently biased downwards to force O-ring seal 36 against valve seat 18 as seen in FIG 4. Axial variation in the position of piston 39 within housing 41 by rotation of spindle 13 effects control of fluid flow between a closed configuration seen in FIG 10 and an open configuration seen in FIG 9.
In the arrangements seen in both above embodiments, O-ring seal 37 is carried on the piston and slides over the aperture opening(s) on the inner wall of the housing. To ameliorate wear this may cause on the O-ring, the aperture opening may be chamfered as mentioned in my earlier patent and as illustrated here in FIG 4. Altematively, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the arrangement can be such that in operation the O-ring seal(s) does (do) not traverse the aperture(s). A number of embodiments of 'this aspect of the invention are illustrated and discussed.
As seen in FIGS 11 and 12, a pair of O-ring seals 45 and 47 are mounted in grooves 46 and 48 on piston 44 to sealingly engage the interior of the housing on either side of the aperture(s). Axial variation in the position of piston 44 within the housing by rotation of the spindle effects control of fluid flow between a closed configuration seen in FIG 11 and an open configuration seen in FIG 12.
Alternatively as seen in FIGS 13 and 14, a pair of O-ring seals 52 and 54 are mounted in grooves 51 and 53 on the inner wall of housing 49 on either side of the aperture(s) to sealingly engage the lower post 55 of piston 50. Axial variation in the position of piston 50 within housing 49 by rotation of the spindle effects control of fluid flow between a closed configuration seen in FIG 14 and an open configuration seen in FIG 13.
Again, as seen in FIGS 15 and 16, a pair of O-ring seals 59 and 61 are respectively mounted in grooves 58 and 60 on piston 56 and on the interior of housing 57 to sealingly engage the other on either side of the aperture, O-ring 59 the inner surface of the upper portion of housing 57 and O-ring 61 engaging lower post 62 of piston 56. Axial variation in the position of piston 56 within housing 57 by rotation of the spindle effects control of fluid flow between a closed configuration seen in FIG 16 and an open configuration seen in FIG In use, it will be appreciated that in accordance with one aspect of the present invention as seen in FIGS 2-10, flow in a tap or valve is controlled by causing fluid to flow in a flow path defined between an inlet and an outlet by positioning a housing having at least one aperture in the flow path with the interior of the housing in communication with one of the inlet and outlet and with the exterior of the housing in communication with the other of the inlet and outlet, and resiliently urging the housing into engagement with the one of the inlet and outlet.
In use in accordance with another aspect of the invention as best seen in FIGS 11-16, it will be appreciated that flow in a tap or valve is controlled by causing fluid to flow in a flow path defined between an inlet and an outlet by positioning a housing having at least one aperture in the flow path with the interior of the housing in communication with one of the inlet and outlet and with the exterior of the housing in communication with the other of the inlet and outlet, by reciprocating within the housing a piston carried by a spindle housed in a spindle housing, and by sealing the passage between the housing and the piston by at least one O-ring seal on one and/or the other of the housing and piston such that the at least one O-ring seal does not traverse the aperture during reciprocation of the piston.
It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.
BRIAN ANTHONY ROBINSON by PIZZEYS PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS

Claims (9)

1. A flow control device comprising: O an inlet and an outlet defining a flow path therebetween, and 00 Oa housing adapted to be positioned in the flow path with the interior of the housing in communication with one of the inlet and outlet and with the exterior of the IN housing in communication with the other of the inlet and outlet, the wall of the housing r having at least one aperture; wherein the housing is resiliently urged into engagement with the one of the inlet Sand outlet.
2. A flow control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is resiliently urged into engagement with the one of the inlet and outlet by a compression spring.
3. A flow control device as claimed in claim 2, wherein one end of the compression spring engages a shoulder on the housing.
4. A flow control device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the compression spring is exterior of the housing and the other end of the compression spring engages a spindle housing which houses a spindle carrying a piston which is reciprocable within the housing.
A flow control device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the compression spring is within the housing and the other end of the compression spring engages the crown of a piston reciprocable within the housing and carried by a spindle housed in a spindle housing.
6. A flow control device as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a piston reciprocable within the housing and carried by a spindle housed in a spindle housing, and at least one seal on one and/or the other of the housing and piston adapted to seal the passage therebetween.
7. A flow control device as claimed in claim 6, wherein in operation the at least one seal does not traverse the at least one aperture. S
8. A method of controlling flow in a tap or valve comprising:- 00 Spositioning a housing in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet with the interior of the housing in communication with one of the inlet and outlet and with the Iexterior of the housing in communication with the other of the inlet and outlet, the wall rof the housing having at least one aperture, and cresiliently urging the housing into engagement with the one of the inlet and Soutlet.
9. A method of controlling flow in a tap or valve substantially as described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.
AU2007216736A 2007-09-10 2007-09-12 Flow control device Ceased AU2007216736B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007216736A AU2007216736B1 (en) 2007-09-10 2007-09-12 Flow control device
AU2007221963A AU2007221963A1 (en) 2007-09-10 2007-10-12 Flow control device
NZ571123A NZ571123A (en) 2007-09-10 2008-09-09 Flow control device
GB0816466A GB2452634A (en) 2007-09-10 2008-09-09 Tap

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007904889 2007-09-10
AU2007904889A AU2007904889A0 (en) 2007-09-10 Flow control device
AU2007216736A AU2007216736B1 (en) 2007-09-10 2007-09-12 Flow control device

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2007221963A Division AU2007221963A1 (en) 2007-09-10 2007-10-12 Flow control device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2007216736B1 true AU2007216736B1 (en) 2007-10-25

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2007216736A Ceased AU2007216736B1 (en) 2007-09-10 2007-09-12 Flow control device

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AU (1) AU2007216736B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2452634A (en)
NZ (1) NZ571123A (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8297303B2 (en) * 2009-09-30 2012-10-30 Emerson Electric Co. Self cleaning valve assembly

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4722507A (en) * 1985-09-25 1988-02-02 Masoneilan International, Inc. Piston sealing ring apparatus
AU9701098A (en) * 1997-12-11 1999-07-01 Brian Anthony Robinson Valve assembly

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL137883C (en) * 1967-09-11
AUPP085497A0 (en) * 1997-12-11 1998-01-08 Robinson, Brian Anthony Valve assembly

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4722507A (en) * 1985-09-25 1988-02-02 Masoneilan International, Inc. Piston sealing ring apparatus
AU9701098A (en) * 1997-12-11 1999-07-01 Brian Anthony Robinson Valve assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0816466D0 (en) 2008-10-15
NZ571123A (en) 2010-01-29
GB2452634A (en) 2009-03-11

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FGA Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)
MK14 Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired