MXPA97005939A - Simple handle mixer valve with better ball valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A mixing valve (10) has a control channel (42), for adjusting to the ball valve (24), to control the flow rate and mixing of the temperature of the mixed water. The ball valve (24) has a pair of slots (60) and a shank (64), which extends through the slots (60) of the ball valve (24). The channel (42) has a clamp (80) that extends into the ball valve and ends against the stem (64). The stem (64) is rotated in a cartridge (56), such that the ball is fixed vertically to the cartridge (56) and thus, it is prevented from falling through the open end of the bottom (92) of the cartridge.

Description

SIMPLE HANDLE MIXER VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED BALL VALVE This application is, in part, continuation of co-pending US application PCT / US92 / 10739, dated December 11, 1992, entitled "A mixing valve having a ball valve stored in a cartridge".

TECHNICAL FIELD The field of this invention relates to a mixing valve of a key and more particularly to a ball valve cartridge of a mixing valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The simple handle wrenches are commonly known as mixing valves, they control the passage of cold and hot water and it is seen that they have been widely accepted by the consumer. The keys are commonly constructed in such a way that the handle or crank is movable in two different directions, to adjust the mix of hot and cold water, as well as to adjust the quantity, this is the flow.

REF: 25164 The two basic types of mixing valves, which have been seen to have the greatest commercial acceptance are the plate valves and the ball valves. The ball valves offer a reliable and compact construction that is also durable. Plate valves offer a handling mechanism that can be easily packaged in the form of a cartridge. The known plate valve cartridges have the movable plate and the fixed plate inside it. The cartridge can be easily removed and replaced with another, so that easy repair of the key can be made. After the water passage is closed, the key is simply opened and the cartridge is easily replaced. This type of repair can be done without the need to request a qualified service. Just as plate valves have been widely incorporated into a cartridge format, ball valves have not been previously handled in a cartridge construction. The difficulties in the development of a commercially successful cartridge for a ball valve are largely unsuccessful. First, the floating nature of the ball valve, demanded that any cartridge, was wrapping and capturing the ball valve, otherwise, the ball valve simply falls under the cartridge. Next, the compact nature of the construction of the ball valve in the body of the key leaves little room for the inclusion of a cartridge. The introduction of the traditional cartridges, which house and capture the ball valve in the tank of the key, demand that this box is higher, to be incorporated at the added height and that is needed for the inclusion of the cartridge. Moreover, the traditional cartridges, disable their repair, by breaking the elastomeric seals. The cartridge accommodates both the movable valve, as well as the fixed valve ports, which regularly include elastomeric seals in the ports. Most of the wear and the resulting leakage in a key is the result of the repetitive movement of the movable valve in the elastomeric seals of the ports. Because the seals are encapsulated in the cartridge, the entire cartridge is replaced, including replacement of the many good components of the cartridge that still have a long service life. The desire to eliminate waste is, in spite of this, offset by the need to simplify the operation of the repair. In addition, many cartridges are permanently assembled and do not allow their dismantling. Still, for the cartridges that can be dismantled, the advantages of the cartridge are lost, if the cartridge is dismantled, along with all its component parts. The movable valve falls, if it is not replaced frequently, in its correct orientation. This erroneous installation can easily occur with symmetric plate valves and ball valves that are inherently symmetrical. This requires a qualified and knowledgeable person to avoid mounting certain ball valves in a cartridge, in its incorrect orientation. Recently, ball valves have been devised in such a way as to allow the handle to be handled in the same manner as in the plate type mixing valve, which are commercially accepted. Some of these ball type mixing valves require the introduction of another movable part in the shape of a rotatable plate, mounted above the ball valve. A ball valve like this was discovered in U.S. Patent No. 4,449,551., Issued to Lorch on May 22, 1984. Another ball construction, which mimics a desirable movement, of the handle of the plate valves that are commercially available. accepted, is discovered in my PCT publication O 92/22765, published on December 23, 1992, which incorporates a horizontal rod, which extends, through the ball valve, to place the ball, in the tank. This construction virtually eliminates the floating or spongy feeling during the operation of the ball valve wrench.

The movement of the handle provided by the keys discovered in these two inventions, mentioned above, is substantially the same. The construction of the ball valve allows an orbital movement of the handle, through an axis fixed longitudinally in the valve body and an oscillating movement, that is to pivot way, through a horizontal movable axis in relation to the body of the valve. The horizontal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve body and is fixed with respect to the handle, so that it moves through the tank like the handle, which rotates about the longitudinally fixed axis. The only distinguishing feature of this type of movement in the handle is that when the handle is closed, the ratio of the desired mix of cold and hot water can be remembered by the position of the handle, so that when the key is On again, the same mixture of cold and hot water, flow through the tap. My recent PCT publication WO 94/13985, published on June 23, 1994, discloses an improved cartridge for a ball valve, which also mimics the movement of most plate valve keys, that is, orbital motion around a vertically fixed axis and an oscillating movement around a movable horizontal axis. PCT publication WO 94/13985, which describes the construction of this improved cartridge, is incorporated for reference. On the other hand, certain types of alternative, ball-handling mechanisms may be desirable in certain situations. These alternative types of ball handling mechanisms, have a fixed axis of rotation, being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body of the key, these are the horizontal ones in many of the washbasin keys. A ball valve operating mechanism has a movable shaft that is fixed in relation to the ball, being substantially perpendicular to the horizontally fixed shaft. The movable axis of rotation, is sustainable in a vertical plane, around the fixed axis, with movement of the ball and centered around, in a horizontal position. An example of this type of ball handling mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,056,418., Issued to Adams ßt al, on October 2, 1962. Another ball handling mechanism is known as that having the fixed axis and the movable in the reverse position than that of the Adams discovery. An example of this type of ball handling mechanism is disclosed in US Patent 2,592,062, issued to Perry, on April 8, 1952. Yet, another type of ball valve drive mechanism has a movable shaft, being substantially perpendicular to the transversely fixed axis and also being substantially aligned with the control channel. This type of handling mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,417,783, issued to Manoogian, on December 24, 1968. These types of ball valve constructions, mentioned above, have certain properties that either increase the maintenance cost or make their maintenance more frequent. In particular, the ball valve is mounted between the elastomeric seals of the inlet port, locating around the inlet ports of the valve body and the sealing package and which is mounted unthe cover or valve opening. The elastomeric seal of the port and the packing, are holding everything and execute a floating characteristic for the ball valve, between the body of the valve and the cover. There is no effective insurance or locator mechanism, which securely fix the ball valve in a vertical direction. Because the ball valve can move translationally against the elastomeric elements, the operator can, when operating the handle, move it a little in any direction, even in directions not foreseen by the design of the mixing valve . These unforeseen movements, can produce an undesirable spongy feeling, in the operation of the key and not only for the operator, but for the own operation of the key.

Furthermore, the spongy feel of the key gives the impression that the handle is unstable and that it is not assembled correctly. The superior sealing gasket, in commercially known ball valve constructions, offers three functions. First, it seals against the leakage of water around the ball. In second, its outer periphery, seals the inner surface of the deposit to prevent any leakage. Third, the package flexibly locates the ball down against the seals at the entrance, against the pressure of the water flowing there. As a consequence, packaging is a long and expensive component. To obtain a smooth operation, the elastomeric sealing gasket usually contains a thin layer of tetrafluoroethylene which, in contact with the ball valve, reduces wear, as compared to the direct contact of the elastomeric material with the ball. In order to reduce the floating sensation, a regulating ring has been incorporated into many ball valve mixing valves. The regulating ring is adjustable screwed on top of the valve cover. The regulating ring compresses the sealing package downwards against the ball valve. The increased compression of the sealing package, against the ball valve, reduces undesirable spongy movement, but does not eliminate it. In addition, the combination of the regulating ring with the known packaging increases the cost and complexity of the mixing valve. The increased pressure, expelled by the sealing package, completely erodes the packaging. As the wear progresses, the regulating ring has to be adjusted repeatedly to restore the pressure in the packing for both the seal and to offer a strong operation of the handle of the key, to keep the handle in a position stable and prevent the forces of gravity expelled by the handle of the key, move to it without any intention. Also, these alternative types of ball valve drive mechanisms have not been treated to be installed favorably in a cartridge assembly, for several reasons. One reason is that a packing mechanism must be developed, suitable for the ball, inside a cartridge of suitable size and at the same time having the ability to hold the ball around the two required axes. In addition, no cartridge has been developed, for a ball valve, that limits compressive pressure against the sealing gasket that retains the top, between the ball and the cartridge, to ensure that the ball does not eject with destructive force toward the ball. the packaging. What is needed is a ball valve construction, which provides for all types of ball valve mechanism, which are stored in a mixing valve cartridge, which operatively settle to the ball valve. What is also needed is a cartridge for a ball valve, which provides a superior sealing gasket, which seals against leaks to the outside of the reservoir and seats the ball valve, but at the same time, allows access to the elastomeric seals from the port, through the ports of entry.

Brief Description of the Invention According to one aspect of the invention, a liquid valve mixing valve has a ball valve mounted in a pivot in a cavity of a reservoir. The cavity is in communication with the fluid, with a plurality of input ports and at least one output port. The ball valve has at least a partially spherical surface and a plurality of intake openings on its surface. The openings cooperate with the ports, to control the liquid fluid, both the fluid quotient, as well as the temperature mix, through the ports. The storage valve has a control opening. The ball valve has a control channel, which passes through the control opening. A handle, can be connected operably to the channel. The cover, has a seal seat, around the control opening. A sealing pack is seated in the seal seat, around the top opening in the lid and the sealing ends against the movable ball valve. The ball valve has a first arcuate groove, to which it is substantially co-aligned around a large circle in the ball. A bar is rotated on the body, to avoid any lateral sliding and extends through the groove of the ball, the ball valve is rotatable about the axis of a bar, at a point where the bar extends through the bar. slot. The bar extends into the ball valve and ends in a clamp, which is fixed in the upper section of the ball valve. In modeling, the ball valve is pivotally mounted in the cartridge reservoir. The mixing valve has a cavity that is adjusted, to store the cartridge reservoir. The cartridge has a lower opening through which said ball valve pushes, to cooperate with the inlet ports in such a manner, that the ball valve closes in the seals of the elastomeric inlet port, stored in the lower terminal current of the input ports. The clamp provides a support against the bar, preventing the ball from falling off or falling undesirably downwards, through the lower opening of the cartridge. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mixing valve of the key has a movable valve, mounted to the cartridge reservoir, which is received in a cavity of the body of the key. The body has a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity. The ball valve, as previously described, pushes through a lower opening of the cartridge, to cooperate with the inlet ports. The bar that extends through the groove of the ball, which is rotated in the cartridge against any lateral sliding. The clamp is fixed in the upper section of the ball valve, extends towards it and ends in the bar to provide a support, to prevent the ball from falling off or falling out, through the lower opening of said cartridge. In one modeling, a sealing package is seated in the seal seat, around said upper opening of said cartridge, which stores and closes sealing, against the movable ball valve. The storage cartridge has a dependent flange, interposed between said upper opening and the seal seat. The flange is in close proximity to the ball valve and provides a stop limit, for any upward movement, of the ball valve against the seal, with the intention of controlling the maximum amount of compression of the seal. Preferably, the clamp must have an end that includes an angle that terminates against the bar and side tabs, which diametrically abut the opposite sides of the bar. The bar extends towards the center, inside said ball valve and the clamp ends together with the bar at a close proximity to the center of the bar. In modeling, the contact of the clamp with the bar is slightly spaced from the center of the ball, so that when an oscillating movement of the ball valve occurs, about an axis perpendicular to the bar, from a central position of the ball. channel to a lateral position of the channel, the clamp pushes the ball upward, with respect to the bar, to then push the ball against the sealing gasket and compress the packing between the ball valve and the cartridge. Preferably, the ball must have a second arcuate groove, diametrically opposite said first groove. The bar extends through both first and second slots and is seated at both of its equidistant ends at, either the cartridge reservoir, or the body of the key. The bar should preferably have a circular cross section to provide a relative relationship to the ball, around the axis of the bar.

In a modeling the slots are drawn to follow a large circle in the ball valve, which defines a plane that is approximated to a side distant from the handle level that is fixed to the control channel. The plane has a normal axis that is perpendicular to the bar, so that the ball valve can move in two directions, one of these directions is around the longitudinal center axis of the channel and the second direction is around the bar axis . In another modeling, the slots are in a large circle, which defines a plane that is normal for the control channel such that the ball valve can move in two directions, one of these directions being around the longitudinal central axis of the channel and the second direction is around the axis of the bar. In modeling, the clamp member is an extension of the control channel that passes into the ball valve. In another modeling, the clamp is a separate member, which can be rotated with respect to the control channel and provides an angled angle and side tabs, and rotates until it is properly oriented, to allow the bar to be inserted between the tabs side, when the bar is installed on the ball valve. The anti-siphon valve can be stored inside the ball valve and seated around the clamp. The anti-siphon valve is in communication with the atmospheric environment through an opening in the upper section of the ball valve. In accordance with the general aspect of the invention, a mixing valve has a ball valve cartridge with a ball valve, which has a groove through it. An ejector is translationally fixed to the cartridge and extends through the groove of the ball. The ball rotates around the axis of an ejector, at a point where it extends through the groove of the ball. A support extends from the expeller, into an empty section of the ball, to end against the upper section of the ball valve, to provide and support the ball, to prevent it from falling down through the section bottom of the cartridge. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ball valve for a key includes a surface in the ball valve having an arcuate slot traversing it substantially around a large circle of said ball valve. A clamp is fixed in the upper section of said ball valve and extends to end in the bar extending through the groove of the ball. The ball rotates around the axis of the bar.

Brief Description of the Drawings Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation and partially segmented view of a key mixing valve, according to a modeling of the invention, which is illustrating a key in the off position . Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mixing valve, illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of a cartridge, taken along line 3-3, illustrated in Figure 1 Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along line 4-4, illustrated in Figure 3, in addition to illustrating the assembly of the cartridge. Figure 5 is an elongated and partially segmented perspective view of the ball valve and rod, illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3, illustrating the movement of the ball valve, for vary the temperature mixture. Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 3, illustrating the subsequent modification of the rod, the channel and the clamp.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 3, illustrating a modification of the clamp and the channel. Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 5, illustrating the ball valve and the collar, illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 3, illustrating a modeling of the invention in a movement of ball operation different from that of that, shown in Figure 3. Figure 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along line 11-11 shown in Figure 10, in addition to illustrating the assembly of the cartridge. Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 5, illustrating the ball valve and rod, illustrated in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a view showing a modification to the ball valve, incorporating an anti-siphon valve . Figure 14 is a view of an alternative modeling incorporating an anti-siphon valve.

Detailed description of Preferred Modeling Referring now, to Figures 1 to 5, a mixing valve 10, has a conventional reservoir for valve 12, which is formed by a reservoir base member 14 and a cover assembly 16. The base member 14, has a cavity 22 for within a lower surface, it is substantially spherical. The two inlet ports 18 and 19, for cold and hot water, have their ends found in the downstream, perforated in the lower surface, to form a seat for two inclining springs 23, which incline the tubular elastomeric sealing elements. against the ball valve 24, which is stored in the cartridge 26. An outlet passage 20 extends from the interior surface 21 and through a cylindrical side wall 27, for the passage of the mixed water from the cavity. A conventional tubular casing 17 is mounted sealingly and slidable about the lower base member 14 and forming an annular chamber 15 in fluid communication with the outlet passage 20. A channel 29 is fixed to the casing and in fluid communication with the chamber annular 15, through an opening 13 in the housing 17. The cover assembly 16, contains a treated member 37, which is screwed into the base member 14. A cosmetic shell 11 can be located on the member 37. The element, ball valve 24, has a substantially spherical valve surface 31, with a cold intake opening 32 located and appropriately formed, a hot intake opening 34 and an exit opening 36 through them. The silhouette of the surface 31 substantially complements the concave silhouette of the lower surface 21 of the cavity 22. The openings 32 and 34 cooperate respectively with the inlet ports 18 and 19 and the outlet opening 36 is in fluid connection, with the outlet passage 20 to regulate the quotient of the water mixture and the flow quotient, that is, the total volume of water per unit time from the two ports of entry 18 and 19, to the outlet passage 20. assembly of the cover 16, has a control opening 40, in the middle thereof. The cover 16 is positioned such that the longitudinal axis 28 of the reservoir of the valve 12 passes through the control opening 40. The cartridge 26 includes a reservoir 56 having an upper opening 58, aligned under the opening. 40. A control channel 42 is fixedly connected to the ball valve element 24. A control channel 42 extends through the control opening 40. The control channel 42 is constructed to be attached to the lift handle of the control valve. the key 43, in a conventional manner. The ball valve 24 is pivotally mounted to the reservoir member of the cartridge 56. The reservoir 56 can be made of any known plastic material suitable for key applications. The ball valve 24 also has a pair of diametrically opposed slots 60 arcuate around the surface 31 of the ball valve 24. The slots 60 have a longitudinal central axis that form part of a large circle around the valve. ball. The large circle is located in the plane 73 which is disposed in front of the remote terminal 63, of the lift handle 43. The plane 73 is orthogonal with respect to the movable axis of rotation 68, which adjusts the temperature mixture of the valve. A cylindrical rod to which it refers, as to a rod 64, which extends through the ball and through both slots 60. The rod 64 has its ends 66 rotated in a pivot manner, in the holes 67, in the cartridge reservoir 56. The rod 64 is located to intersect in the center 84 of the ball valve 24 and is located perpendicular to the control channel 42. The rod 64 and the slots 66 are sized, to slide and provide a limited rotation, around the axis 68, to be rotated and rotate around the axis 75 of the rod and with all this, avoid any significant rotation of the ball valve with respect to the rod, towards the direction that is commonly referred to, such as the width of the groove. The ends 74 of the grooves 60, are of a perpendicular silhouette and form stop brackets for the rod 64. The grooves 60 have a certain width, to form enough space to allow only, the sliding movement of the rod 64 in the groove 60. Desirably there should be no lateral space between the slots 60 and the rod 64. The ball valve 24 has a lower section 90 on the valve surface 31, which ejects through a wide open lower end 92 into the reservoir of the cartridge 56. The ejector section 90 is a significant portion of the ball. Approximately, just below, in the middle of the spherical surface of the valve 31, it extrudes below the lower opening of the cartridge 92 at any time, as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 3. The valve surface 31, together with the openings 32, 33, and 36 press in operation the sealing elements of the leveling springs 25. The upper section 99 of the ball 24 is stored inside the inner chamber 101 of the cartridge reservoir 56 defined in part by the cylindrical inner wall. dependent 103. The inner chamber 101 is in fluid communication with the cavity 22 of the valve reservoir 12. The ball valve 24 is retained in the correct vertical position, relative to the cartridge reservoir by means of an internal clamp 80 which is an integral extension of the control channel 42. The clamp 80 and the channel 42 are fixed to the upper section 99 of the ball valve, with welding. The bracket may have a bra 81 to properly locate the ball in place. The clamp 80 extends towards the center 84 of the ball valve 24 and ends against the rod 64. In this way, the ball with its grooves 60, ro can fall from its proper vertical position. The end of the clamp has an angled tip 82, located such that the tip 83 is transverse to the axis 75 of the rod 64. Two-sided tabs 86, also surround the stem and extend below it, to maintain the alignment of the rod with the clamp. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the annular gasket seat 94 is located around the upper opening 58 and in front of the ball 24, inside the chamber 101. The packing seat 94 is profiled with its inner periphery 5 with the more can edge than its outer periphery 96. A post-dependent bra or collar 97, depends vertically on the inner periphery and is in close proximity to the upper section of the ball valve 99, to allow certain manufacturing tolerances and for a slight amount of growth control, as will be explained later. An annular gasket sealing ring 98 is mounted in the cartridge reservoir 56 against the seat 94, such that it is placed under an already preloaded one, with its inner periphery 100 bent to be higher than its outer periphery. 102. The packing sealing ring 98 has four rounded edges, these are the vertices 104, 106, 108 and 109. Each vertex 104, 106, 108 and 109 is approximately 903 circularly spaced, from the adjacent apex, about an annular central axis 105 of the packaging. The vertices 104 and 108 are oppositely located at about 1802, and the vertices 106 and 109 are equally spaced at 1802. one of the vertices 104 located on the inner and lower diameter, located in the packing, terminates at the ball valve 24 and provides the seal in this part, against water leakage. The upper vertices, of inner and outer diameter, respectively 106 and 108, terminate in the profiled seat 94 with the vertex of internal diameter 106, being located higher than the vertex of outer diameter 108, as clearly shown in the Figure 3. The upper section 99 of the surface of the ball 31 terminating in the sealing ring of the package 98 is polished to an appropriate smoothness to provide a proper seal for the package. With this sealing construction, any water pressure inside the chamber 101, defined by the cartridge reservoir 56, acts both on the lower sealing surface 107, located between the vertices 104 and 109 as well as on the outer periphery 102, located between the vertices 108 and 109 of the packing cross section 98. The pressure acting on the inner surface 107 located only between the vertices 104 and 109, tends to keep the package 98 effectively inserted in the seat 94, around the support 97 , and protect it from being accidentally ejected, even when the pressure increases abnormally. The pressure acting on the outer periphery 102, located between the vertices 108 and 109 of the cross section of the gasket 94, tends to deform this last thrust apex 104, in contact under pressure against the ball valve 24. This vertex contact pressure 104 with an inlet in the pressure in chamber 101 and right here maintains an efficient fixation when the pressure is increased, but without maintaining a high value that would be useless when the pressure in chamber 101 is reduced to zero. A standard and economical package, made of a commercially available elastomeric material, can be used and still, continue to obtain a low resistance, exerted by the ball valve when it is being operated. The packaging also leads to low wear. The apex 109 of the package 98 is spaced from the side wall 103 of the cartridge reservoir 56, such that the pressure prevailing in the chamber 101 of the cartridge may act on the outer periphery 102 of the package 98, which is between the vertices 108. and 109. This space is obtained by placing the package 98 in an inclined position, due to the inclination of the seat 94.

Other sealing instructions are possible, such as a "0" ring, or an airtight seal. The seals do not have to be constructed for a high pressure because the parts are placed and fitted very close together the collar 97, provides a controlled upper limit as for the amount of pressure exerted on the seal between the ball 24 and the reservoir of the cartridge 56. The outer periphery 110 of the cartridge chamber 56 has an annular base 111 that seats an "O" ring 112. The ring 0"112 is adjusted to seal the outer periphery of the cartridge 110 with the cavity 22 in the lower body 14 of the tank 12. Oscillating the control channel 42 about the fixed axis 75 of the rod, supports the ball valve 24 pivotally about the pivot axis 75, regardless of the rotated position of the ball valve, about the movable shaft 68. The edge 83 of the clamp only rotates around the rod. Alternatively, the edge can rotate with the rod, in which the rod can also be constructed to rotate as will be discussed later. Even more the distal ends 66 of the rod 64 can slide along the slots 60, to allow the ball valve member 24 to rotate around the shaft 68 when the distal end of the lift handle 63 is moved around the shaft 68. In this action, as illustrated in Figure 6, the clamp has an angular end 82 that rotates around the center 84 of the ball. Rotation from the center mix position (shown dotted) to either cold position, as illustrated or the hot position (on the opposite side), provides a slight lifting of the ball, in addition to compressing the packing seal 98 , and provide increased compression for the seal. The increased compression also slightly increases the static friction between the ball and the cartridge reservoir, while the torque exerted by the weight of the handle 43 on the channel 42 is increased in the basin wrenches, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 and 6. The increased friction is desirable right there in these positions, to double the increased torque due to the weight of the handle, to prevent undesirably dropping the handle, due to gravity. The rotation of the ball valve 24 around the shaft 68 is limited by the stop holders 74 of the grooves 60 ending in the rod 64. The mixing valves having different applications, can have different rotation angles, established by the length of the slots 60, that is, the circumferential position of the holding bras 74. The rotation of the element valve 24, as illustrated, adjusts the ratio of the mixture and thus the temperature of the discharged mixed water.

Alternatively and in addition to the stop bras 74, the rotation of the ball around the shaft 68 and 75, the radial edge 85 of the upper opening 58 in the cartridge magazine 56 can be limited. The cartridge is assembled with the packages 98 and 112, properly settled. The ball valve 24 is then located against the package 98. The rod 64 is then passed through the slots 60 and located between the tabs 86. The tilt of the package 98 in the ball 24 provides a frictional fit of the rod 64 in the angular end 32 which prevents the rod 64, from falling off easily before its assembly in the body of the key 12. The assembled cartridge 16, is a separate assembled body, which can be sold separately as spare for a repair and be able to be then installed in the mixing valve of the key 10. The assembled cartridge 26 is located in the cavity 22 of the body of the key 14. The slot 71 appropriately locates the cartridge 26 with an ear 72 in the cavity and a projection 103, properly locate in a vertical form to the cartridge 26 in a corresponding projection 132 in the base 14. The cover 16 is then placed in the upper right flange 70 to press down the cartridge 26 against the projection 132. The maximum distance between the rod 64 and the clamp 80 in the vertical position prevents undesirable vertical displacement of the ball valve 24 with respect to the reservoir of the valve 12 and the cartridge reservoir 56. The ball through the clamp 80, the rod 64 and the collar 97 is trapped. Consequently, the control channel does not show any sign of instability, nor does it play a spongy feel, when the ball is supported on the pivot along the two pre-established pivot positions. Referring to Figure 7, there may be situations in which it is not required or desired that the ball be lifted from the middle position, when moving to the cold or hot position, common is described in Figure 6. With this position, the rod and the clamp, can be easily modified to eliminate this lifting. In this modeling, the rod 64 has a central slot 161 that provides a surface 162 that is aligned with the diameter of the rod and thus the center 84 of the ball. The clamp 80 is fitted to the socket in such a way that its angular end 82 has an edge 83 that intersects the center 84 of the ball. In this construction, the angular edge 83 is supported on the pivot to the center 84 of the ball 24, and thus no lifting of the ball occurs. As well as the patterns shown in Figures 1 through 8, this modeling provides the same movement of the ball described above to adjust the volume of the fluid or the temperature mixture. For ease of installation, the slit 116 is sufficiently long to allow the angular edge 83 to enter, before the rod enters an opening 67, but after the end of the rod is installed in the opposite opening. of the cartridge. In this modeling, during the volume adjustments, the channel 42 rotates the rod 64 in the openings of the cartridge 67, about the fixed axis 75. Other constructions of the clamp are possible, without affecting the function of the key. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the clamp can be a separate collar 180 having a space 181 receiving rotatable to channel 42. Channel 42 is welded in a conventional manner to the ball, in upper section 99, and it has an extension 189 which is adjusted by rotating into space 181. Clamp 180, then aligns itself to the correct rotated position, where the rod 64 is inserted therein. To cause self-adjustment, the tabs 186 can be flashed to induce simple capture of the rod during installation, at the same time the rod enters the ball valve 24. The member 180 can be made of a plastic or an elastomeric material to provide a limited amount of pressure to the clamp while the ball is rotated, as shown in Figure 8. The invention is also adaptable for different types of ball valve, which give alternative movements for adjusting the temperature mixture or fluid volume. As illustrated in Figure 10-12, a ball valve 124 has a construction similar to that of the aforementioned, exempt by the fact that the slots 260 are aligned to be transverse to the channel 242 and the bracket 280. With this construction, the temperature mixture, is adjusted, by rotating the channel 42 around its own axis 268. The volume is adjusted, oscillating to the channel around the shaft 275 of the rod which is purely in the direction from one end to the other of the key . This type of ball movement may be desirable when a knob-type handle 243, such as when a glass knob is used. In this modeling, the control channel 242 need not be more than a specially made diamond-shaped channel ending at the edges 285 of the opening 215 as is already known and necessary in the prior art. After estrus, detentions may be provided by the ends 274 of the slots 160. Thus, the need for accurate rotational positioning of a non-round channel in a ball valve, to provide mixing stops, is eliminated. . The clamp in this modeling, has a flat end 182. Because it does not oscillate along the shaft 275 of the rod, if not only around it, the clamp 280, does not need an angle aristado. Further, because the clamp 280 rotates about its own axis with respect to the rod 64, the tabs are eliminated. The tank of the cartridge 256 is similar to that previously described, with the only difference of the contour of the opening 215. Because the channel 42 oscillates in the plane from one side to the other, the opening 285 can be of the shape of the slot that allows channel 42, to oscillate in there, and to rotate around its own axis, inside as well. Revenues 232, 234, and output 236, are also properly formed and located to cooperate with the complementary ports of the valve reservoir. These ports can be substantially different from the ports 32, 34 and 36 of the ball valve 24 previously described. The contour and position of these ports can vary, but also correspond to any of the variety of known openings, found in the previous ball valves with similar handling movements. The present invention is also particularly adapted to provide the ball valve 24 with an internal anti-busting device 300. Two patterns are shown in Figures 13 and 14. In both modeling the upper section 99 of the ball has an opening 310 within this. A perforated seat 311 is fitted around the channel 42 has a plurality of openings 312. The seat 311 is fitted around the channel 42 and has a collar 313, near its periphery, which seats a sealing channel 316, which ends against the inside the ball valve 24, sealing it. The collar seat has a collapsible valve plate 318 of elastomeric material, typically closing at opening 312, against the fluid pressure, inside the ball valve 24. In spite of this, if negative accidental pressure occurs in the the water supply, which tends to cause a negative influx, the pressure inside the ball valve 24 becomes lower at atmospheric pressure and thus, the folding valve 318, opens to allow the passage of air, through the openings 310, so that it enters the ball valve 24, which cuts with any expelling effect through the channel 29. As shown in Figure 13, the seat 310 can be formed integrally with the flanges 386 and the channel 42, which it has a sharp tip, that is, the angled end 382 of the clamp 380. As shown in Figure 14, the seat 311, can form the entire bracket 380 and include both flanges 386 and the angled end 82. This modeling can also provide the self-adjusting and limited elasticity properties as described in the modeling, shown in the Figures 8 and 9. For the repairs of the key, only these parts that need to be replaced, are only normally the elastomeric seals 25, they are in fact replaced, at the same time that the advantages of ease of installation and the reassembly of the cartridge are maintained. the key. The need for a long elastic and inclining regulator ring, positioned to press downwardly on the ball 24 against the leveling sealing springs 25 is eliminated. The packing sealing ring 98 functions only to prevent leakage between the ball valve 24 and the cartridge reservoir 56. The ring "" O 112 operates only to prevent leakage between the cartridge reservoir 56 and the lower base 14. The vertical position of the ball valve 24 is fixed within the cartridge reservoir 56 with the rod 64 and the inner clamp 80. Further, any adjustment ring that has been previously incorporated in the cover 37, to provide an appropriate inclination of the valve 24 ball against the seal (49 elements), ring 98 becomes optional. The ring can be incorporated if the cartridge 26, which is previously adjusted in the existing keys that previously included this ring (not shown). Further on, the ball valve 24 is incorporated into a valve cartridge, easily replaceable 26, without the need to increase the total height of the valve reservoir 12, if compared to the mixing valves incorporating ball valve elements. of the preceding art.

Further, this invention eliminates the need to fabricate square or diamond-shaped channels that are necessary for certain ball handling mechanisms and provide the necessary control stops for itself to the ball valve. In this way, a ball valve mixing control valve is easily installed, such that it can be adapted to different ball handling movements and also be presented in a cartridge format. Other variations and modifications are possible without detaching from the field and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. It is noted that, with regard to this date, the best method known by the requested, to carry out the present invention, is that which is clear from the present, discovering the invention. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (51)

1. In a tap or spigot mixing valve having a ball valve element mounted in a reservoir body that is defined as a cavity, the body has a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity, The ball valve cooperates with the inlet ports to control the flow of liquid in both, flow ratio and temperature mixing, through the ports, the ball valve body has a control opening connected within it and it extends through the control opening, the improvements are characterized by: the mixing valve, is in the form of a cartridge with a cartridge having a reservoir; the cartridge reservoir has a top opening to allow the control channel to pass through; the cartridge has a lower opening through which the ball valve expels in said space in the reservoir body, to cooperate with the inlet ports; the cartridge reservoir has a seat for a seal around the upper opening; A sealing gasket is seated in the seal seat around the upper opening of the cartridge reservoir and ends sealing against the movable ball valve element; the ball valve has a first groove arched therein and is substantially aligned with a large circle of the ball; a bar is rotated in the cartridge, against any lateral sliding movement and extends through the groove of the ball, this ball rotates around the axis of the bar, at a point such that the bar extends through of the ball slot; the bar extends inside the ball valve; a clamp is fixed against the upper section of the ball valve and extends terminating against the bar to provide a support and thus prevent the ball from falling down through the lower opening of the cartridge.

2. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 1, it is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side flanges that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. bar.

3. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 2, it is characterized by: The bar extends into the interior of the center of the ball valve. The clamp that terminates in the bar, approximately in the center of the bar, but slightly spaced from this center, such that at the beginning of an oscillating movement of the ball valve along the perpendicular axis of the bar, from the middle position of the channel, to a lateral position of the channel, the clamp lifts the ball with respect to the bar, to increase the compression of the sealing pack, between the ball valve and the cartridge.

4. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 3, it is characterized by: The ball has a second arcuate groove, diametrically opposite the first groove; The bar extends through both the first and second slots, and is seated at both distal ends in the cartridge reservoir.

5. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 4, it is characterized by: The bar has a circular cross section to provide a relative rotation of the ball with respect to the cartridge reservoir, about the axis of the bar .

6. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 5, it is characterized by: The grooves are in a large circle defining a plane that is approximate to the end remote from that of the handle, which is fixed to the channel control and has an axis that is perpendicular to the bar, such that the ball valve can be moved in two directions, one of these directions is about the normal axis and the second direction is about the axis of the bar.

7. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 5, it is characterized by: The grooves are in a large circle defining a plane that is normal to the control channel, such that the ball valve is it can move in two directions, one of these directions is around the central axis of the channel and the second direction is around the axis of the bar.

8. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 5, it is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side flanges that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. bar.

9. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 8, it is characterized by: The clamp is an extension of the control channel passing inside the ball valve.

10. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 8, it is characterized by: The clamp is a separate member that rotates with respect to the control channel and provides an angular edge and side flanges and rotates until oriented properly, to allow the bar between the side tabs until the installation of the bar in the ball valve.

11. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 8, it is characterized by: A seat is mounted around the clamp and defining an anti-siphon valve, is inside the ball valve and in communication with an opening through an upper section of the ball valve.

12. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 1, it is characterized by: The cartridge reservoir has a dependent flange, interposed between the upper opening and the seal seat, this flange being in close proximity to the seal. ball valve and provides a stop limit for the upward movement that the ball valve performs against the seal, with the intention of controlling the maximum amount of compression towards the seal.

13. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 12, it is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side tabs that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. bar.

14. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 13, it is characterized by: The clamp that terminates in the bar, approximately in the center of the bar, but slightly spaced from this center, such that at the beginning of an oscillating movement of the ball valve along the perpendicular axis of the bar, from the middle position of the channel, to a lateral position of the channel, the clamp lifts the ball with respect to the bar, to increase the compression of the sealing pack, between the ball valve and the cartridge.

15. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 12, it is characterized by: The ball has a second arcuate groove, diametrically opposite the first groove; The bar extends through both the first and second slots, and is seated at both distal ends in the cartridge reservoir.

16. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 11, it is characterized by: The bar has a circular cross section to provide a relative rotation of the ball with respect to the cartridge reservoir, about the axis of the bar .

17. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 16, it is characterized by: The grooves are in a large circle defining a plane that is approximate to the end remote from that of the handle, which is attached to the channel control and has an axis that is perpendicular to the bar, such that the ball valve can be moved in two directions, one of these directions is about the normal axis and the second direction is about the axis of the bar.

18. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 16, it is characterized by: The grooves are in a large circle defining a plane that is normal to the control channel, such that the ball valve is it can move in two directions, one of these directions is around the central axis of the channel and the second direction is around the axis of the bar.

19. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 16, it is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side tabs that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. bar.

20. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 19, it is characterized by: The clamp is an extension of the control channel passing inside the ball valve.

21. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 19, it is characterized by: The clamp is a separate member that rotates with respect to the control channel and provides an angular edge and side flanges and rotates until oriented properly, to allow the bar between the side tabs until the installation of the bar in the ball valve.

22. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 19, it is characterized by: A seat is mounted around the clamp and defining an anti-siphon valve, is inside the ball valve and in communication with an opening through a top section of the ball valve.

23. In a key mixing valve having a ball valve element mounted in a reservoir body that is defined as a cavity, the body has a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity, the valve The ball valve cooperates with the inlet ports to control the flow of liquid in both, flow ratio and temperature mixing, through the ports, the ball valve body has a control opening connected within it and extends Through the control opening, improvements are characterized by: The mixing valve, being in the form of a cartridge with a cartridge having a reservoir; The cartridge reservoir has an upper opening to allow the control channel to pass through it; The cartridge has a lower opening through which the ball valve exhausts in said space in the reservoir body, to cooperate with the inlet ports; The cartridge reservoir has a seat for a seal around the upper opening; A seal pack is seated in the seal seat around the upper opening of the cartridge reservoir and ends sealing against the movable ball valve element; The ball valve has a first groove arched therein and is substantially aligned with a large circle of the ball; An expeller is translationally fixed to the cartridge and extends through the groove of the ball, the ball rotates about an axis of the expeller itself, at a point where it extends through the groove of the ball; A support extends from the expeller, inside a hollow interior section of the ball, to end against an upper section of the ball and provides support to prevent the ball from falling down through the lower opening of the cartridge.

24. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 23, it is characterized by: The cartridge reservoir has a dependent flange, interposed between the upper opening and the seal seat, this flange being in close proximity to the ball valve and provides a stop limit for the upward movement that makes the ball valve against the seal, with the intention of controlling the maximum amount of compression towards the sealing package.

25. A ball valve cartridge for a mixing valve is characterized by: A ball valve element having at least one inlet and one outlet; The cartridge reservoir has a top opening to allow the control channel to pass through it; A cartridge reservoir has a lower opening, through which it ejects the movable ball valve, the ball valve is sealable in proximity to the inlet ports with the mixing valve below the cartridge, in such a way that it exists at the minus one entry, which is selectively alignable or corrects its alignment with the entry ports; A sealing pack is seated between the ball valve and the cartridge reservoir, to prevent the flow of liquid through the upper opening in the cartridge reservoir; The ball valve has a first groove arched therein and is substantially aligned with a large circle of the ball; An expeller is translationally fixed to the cartridge and extends through the groove of the ball, the ball rotates about an axis of the expeller itself, at a point where it extends through the groove of the ball; A support extends from the expeller, inside a hollow interior section of the ball, to end against an upper section of the ball and provides support to prevent the ball from falling down through the lower opening of the cartridge.

26. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 25, is characterized by: The cartridge reservoir has a dependent flange, interposed between the upper opening and the seal seat, this flange being in close proximity to the ball valve and provides a stop limit for the upward movement that the ball valve performs against the seal, with the intention of controlling the maximum amount of compression towards the sealing package.

27. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 26, is characterized by: The ejector is a bar that rotates in the cartridge and extends through the groove of the ball, the ball rotates about the axis from the bar, to a point where the bar extends through the groove of the ball; The bar extends inside the ball valve; The clamp that terminates in the bar, approximately in the center of the bar, but slightly spaced from this center, such that at the beginning of an oscillating movement of the ball valve along the perpendicular axis of the bar, from the middle position of the channel, to a lateral position of the channel, the clamp lifts the ball with respect to the bar, to increase the compression of the sealing pack, between the ball valve and the cartridge.

28. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 27, is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side flanges that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. the bar.

29. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 28, is characterized by: The clamp is an extension of the control channel passing inside the ball valve.

30. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in accordance with claim 28, is characterized by: The clamp is a separate member that rotates with respect to the control channel and provides an angular edge and side flanges and rotates until it is properly oriented, to allow the bar between the side flanges until the installation of the bar in the valve. ball.

31. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 28, is characterized by: A seat is mounted around the clamp and defining an anti-siphon valve, is inside the ball valve and in communication with a opening through an upper section of the ball valve.

32. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in accordance with claim 27, is characterized by: The ball has a second arcuate groove, diametrically opposite the first groove; The bar extends through both the first and second slots, and is seated at both distal ends in the cartridge reservoir.

33. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in accordance with claim 32, is characterized by: The bar has a circular cross section to provide a relative rotation of the ball with respect to the cartridge reservoir, around the rod axis.

34. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 33, is characterized by: The slots are in a large circle that defines a plane that is approximated to the end remote from that of the handle, which is fixed to the channel of control and has an axis that is perpendicular to the bar, in such a way that the ball valve can be moved in two directions, one of these directions is around the normal axis and the second direction is around the axis of the bar .

35. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 33, is characterized by: The slots are in a large circle that defines a plane that is normal to the control channel, such that the ball valve it can be moved in two directions, one of these directions is around the central axis of the channel and the second direction is around the axis of the bar.

36. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 33, is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side flanges that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. the bar.

37. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in accordance with claim 36, is characterized by: The clamp is an extension of the control channel that passes inside the ball valve.

38. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 25, is characterized by: The expeller is a bar that rotates in the cartridge and extends through the groove of the ball, the ball rotates about the axis from the bar, to a point where the bar extends through the groove of the ball; The bar extends inside the ball valve; The clamp that terminates in the bar, approximately in the center of the bar, but slightly spaced from this center, such that at the beginning of an oscillating movement of the ball valve along the perpendicular axis of the bar, from the middle position of the channel, to a lateral position of the channel, the clamp lifts the ball with respect to the bar, to increase the compression of the sealing pack, between the ball valve and the cartridge.

39. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 38, is characterized by: The ball has a second arcuate groove, diametrically opposite the first groove; The bar extends through both the first and second slots, and is seated at both distal ends in the cartridge reservoir.

40. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 39, is characterized by: The bar has a circular cross section to provide relative rotation of the ball with respect to the cartridge reservoir, about the axis of the ball. bar.

41. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 40, is characterized by: The slots are in a large circle defining a plane that is approximate to the end remote from that of the handle, which is fixed to the channel of control and has an axis that is perpendicular to the bar, in such a way that the ball valve can be moved in two directions, one of these directions is around the normal axis and the second direction is around the axis of the bar.

42. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 40, is characterized by: The slots are in a large circle that defines a plane that is normal to the control channel, such that the ball valve it can be moved in two directions, one of these directions is around the central axis of the channel and the second direction is around the axis of the bar.

43. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in claim 40, is characterized by: The clamp has an end that contains an angle that terminates against the bar and the side flanges that terminate at the diametrically opposite sides of the bar. the bar.

44. A ball valve cartridge, as defined in accordance with claim 43, is characterized by: The clamp is an extension of the control channel that passes inside the ball valve.

45. A ball valve for a wrench is characterized by: The ball valve has a first slot arched therein and is substantially aligned with a large circle of the ball; A clamp is fixed against the upper section of the ball valve and extends terminating against the bar, which extends through the groove of the ball, this ball rotates about the axis of the bar, at a point such that the bar extends through the groove of the ball.

46. In a key mixing valve having a ball valve element mounted in a reservoir body that is defined as a cavity, the body has a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity, the valve The ball valve cooperates with the inlet ports to control the flow of liquid in both, flow ratio and temperature mixing, through the ports, the ball valve body has a control opening connected within it and extends Through the control opening in a cover member, the improvements are characterized by: The lid has a seal seat around the control opening; A sealing gasket is seated in the seal seat, around the top opening in the lid, and ends sealing against the movable ball valve; The ball valve has a first groove arched therein and is substantially aligned with a large circle of the ball; A bar is rotated in the cartridge, against any lateral sliding movement and extends through the groove of the ball, this ball rotates around the axis of the bar, at a point such that the bar extends through of the ball slot; The bar extends inside the ball valve; and A clamp is fixed against the upper section of the ball valve and extends terminating against the bar.

47. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 46, it is characterized by: The bar extends into the interior, through the center of the ball valve. The clamp that terminates in the bar, approximately in the center of the bar, but slightly spaced from this center, such that at the beginning of an oscillating movement of the ball valve along the perpendicular axis of the bar, from the middle position of the channel, to a lateral position of the channel, the clamp lifts the ball with respect to the bar, to increase the compression of the sealing pack, between the ball valve and the cartridge.

48. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 46, it is characterized by: The ball has a second arcuate groove, diametrically opposite the first groove; The bar extends through both the first and second slots, and is seated at both distal ends in the cartridge reservoir.

49. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 48, it is characterized by: The bar has a circular cross section to provide a relative rotation of the ball with respect to the cartridge reservoir, about the axis of the bar .

50. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 49, it is characterized by: The slots are in a large circle that defines a plane that is approximated to the far end of the handle, which is fixed to the control channel and has an axis that is perpendicular to the bar, such that the ball valve is it can move in two directions, one of these directions is around the normal axis and the second direction is around the axis of the bar.

51. In a key mixing valve, as defined in accordance with claim 49, it is characterized by: The grooves are in a large circle defining a plane that is normal to the control channel, such that the ball valve is it can move in two directions, one of these directions is around the central axis of the channel and the second direction is around the axis of the bar. SIMPLE HANDLE MIXER VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED BALL VALVE Summary of the Invention A mixing valve (10) has a control channel (42), for adjusting to the ball valve (24), to control the flow rate and mixing of the temperature of the mixed water. The ball valve (24) has a pair of slots (60) and a rod (64), which extends through the slots (60) of the ball valve (24) .The channel (42) has a clamp (80) which extends in the ball valve and ends against the rod (64) The rod (64) is rotated in a cartridge (56), in such a way that the ball is fixed vertically to the cartridge (56) and thus, it is prevented from falling through the open end of the bottom (92) of the cartridge.