US1519654A - Automatic flush valve - Google Patents

Description

Dec', 16, 1924.

R. R. BANTA AUTOMATIC FLUSH VALVE Filed March 28, 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 16, 1924.

R. R. BANTA AUTOMATIC FLUSH VALVE Filed MaIGh 28, 1921 5 SheetS-Sheet 2 a D@ wh,

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 R. R. BANvTA AUTOMATIC FLUSH VALVE Flled March 28, 1921 Dec, 16, 1924.

Patented Dec. 16, 1924.

UNITED lSTATES ROBERT It. BANTA, Gif/CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

AUTOMATIC FLUSH v ALvE.

application fuea umn 2s, 1921. serial No. 456,344. f

To aZvZ whom it may com-em.'

Be it `known that I, ROBERT R. BANTA, a'citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Flush Valves, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to. a new and improved ilush valve, and more particularly to a flush valve adapted for use-in connection with toilet fixtures and designed to be operated either manually or automatically by movement of the seat of the fixture.

The device of the present application is in many respects similar to that disclosed in my prior Patent Number 1,416,317, granted May 16, 1922, and is in the nature of an improvement thereon.

In the use of fixtures of this character, in public buildings especially, it is highly desirable that means be provided for both automatic and selective manual operation in order that the fixtures may be certain of receiving the proper care.

It is an object of the present invent-ion to provide a Hush valve which, as stated, is capable of both automatic and manuall operation, and which is simple in construction and positive in its operation. v

It is an additional object to provide a device of this character which is composed `of relatively few and rugged parts, with all wearin elements afforded the maximum of protectlon, and which is easy of assembly.

It is a further object to provide a device which is capable of adjustment forl the purpose of regulating the duration ofthe flush, regardless of the pressure of the water supply or of. the. method or duration of the movement of either the manual or automatic operating means.

Other and further objects will appear as the description proceeds. f

Broadly stated, my invention comprises a main valve and an operating or bleeder valve adapted to cause the operation of the main valve by releasing the pressure upon it. It provides two distinct means forpermitting operation of the bleeder valve so that it may be actuated either manually or by movement of the seat.

I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical section of the device taken through the manual operating mechanism,

Fio'ure 2 is a fragmentary vertical section showmg the automatic or seat-actuated operating device; p

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail showing the operating devices in normal position relative to the valve operating stem;

Figure 4 is 'a view similar to Figure 3 showing the automatic operating device moved mwardly;

-Fi l e 5 is -a viewv similar to Figure 3 showm'g the automatic device holding the valve operating ystem in operated position; an v Figure 6 is a plan viewpartly in section throu h the manual operating mechanism.

Re erring to the drawing, my valve comprises the main body or casing member 7, and the cap member 8 secured to the upper end thereof. An opening 9 is provided in the Side of the casing to receive the water inlet pipe 10.' A lateral tubular extension 11 is provided in the lower portion of the cas? ing' to receive the manually operated mechamsm. This casing 7 has its open lower end secured by means of a coupling 12 to the automatic operating device housing 13. The latter is secured to the fixture 14 by means of the clamp 15 and bolt 16.

The fixed valve sleeve orcut-of member 17 is threaded into an intermediate partition 18 in the housing 7. It is provided with internal guide pins 17. Coacting with this sleeve is the depending sleeve 19 which is threaded into the lower face of the main valve member 20. The main valve member 20 is rovided on its lower face with a packing rmg 25 which is retained in place by the depending sleeve 19. This packing ring engages the upper surface of the member 17 and serves to entirely close the passage through the member 17.

The flexible diaphragm 21 is provided with a circular inner opening and its inner edge is secured to-'the valve member 20 by means of the upper guide sleeve 22 and the clamping ring 23. The outer edge of the diaphragm 21 is clamped between the upper surface of the casing member 7 and the par-l tition member24, the latter being held `in place by the cap member 8.

The main valve member 20 is provided from that sleeve.- The spring 33 bears upon the under face of the head 29 and upon the upper surface of the stem 32 and normally urges it outward to the limit of its motion as rmitted by the member 31.

he secondary or bleeder valve 434 is tubu- -lar in form, with a transversevpartition 34 to the lower face of which a packing ring 35 isv secured by the bolt 36.l The outer face of this tubular valve is` provided with the longitudinal grooves 37. This valve 34 is carried by the main valve assembly, be-

ing retained within the sleeve 22 Iby means of the perforated plate 38. It is urged downwardly against the flangle 26"of the main valve by the spring 39, t e upper end of which engages the plate 38. The outer portion of the sleeve 22 fits closely into' a depending circular flange or dam 83 formed in the cap member 8. The intermediate portion of the outer surface of this sleeve 22 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves 40. The port member 41 is passed through the guard member 24, the diaphragm 21, and the inner flange 7 of the casing member 7 at any desired point and is retained in place by the cap member 8. This member 41 is readily removable and replaceable, which is an extremely mportant feature, since these small parts tend to corrode and clo y The flange 18, xed sleeve 17, the diaphragm 21, together With the main valve closure, define an operating chamber 42 in direct communication with the main water supply pipe 10. The collapsing chamber 43 is defined by the diaphragm 21, the movable sleeve 22 and the guard member 24. The feed chamber 44 is defined by the guard member 24 and the cap 8 with its flange 83. The discharge chamber 45 is formed in the upper portion. of the cap member above itsl dam 83 and normally closed by the secondary valve 34.

The manual operation device comprises the handle 46 which is directly attached to the operating cam 47, the latter being retained in place upon the extension 11 of the valve housing by the screw cap 48. The tubular slide 49 is provided with the rounded head 50 which normally contacts with a similarly shaped face upon the member 47. The member 49 has the tripping extension 51 carried by extended arms 52. The spring 53 is held in place in the member 49 by means ofthe cross portions 54 of the guide sleeve 55. The guide sleeve is retained in place in the tubular extension 11v by a screw-threaded connection `therewith. The rubber packing ring 56 encircles the tubular member 49. This ring being vplaced in the grov'e 84 when assembling the device, is forced to the position shown inFigures 1 and 6 by the assembling movement and is compressed, thus forming a very efficient packing.

The automatic or vseat actuated operating device is carried in the tubular extension 57 which forms a part of the housing 13. This device comprises the tripping member 58 which is attached to the inner end of the plunger 59. The adjustable contact pin 60 is secured in the outer end of the plunger 59, being locked by the set screw 60. The plunger 59 is provided with -the enlarged shou der 61 which engages the screw cap 62 to retain the plunger in the housing. The plunger is further provided with the shoulder 63 adjacentthe shoulderv 61, and the packing ring 64 which is similar to the ring 56 is retained between these two shoulders. The thrust Washer 65 is retained in the tubular housing 57 llby the flange 66 formed in the housing. The operating spring 67 bears against this washer 65 andv aga-inst the adjustable washer 68, which latter is screw-threaded upon the plunger 59. The guide collar 69 isformed integnally with the plunger 59 and is provided w1th a groove 70 coacting with a longitudinal ridge 71 in the housing to prevent rotation of the plunger. The washer 68 is also ,provided with a groove coacting with this ridge 71 in order to prevent accidental rotation of the washer and consequent variation in adjustment of the spring tension. The outer end of the in 6() engages the rear of the seat 80 which is connected to the fixture by the hinges 81. The tripping member 58 is shown in `plan view in Figures 3 to 5 and is provided with the flattened outer portion 72, the intermediate laterall open aperture 73, the guard spring 74, an holding nose 75.

The valve as shown in Figure 1 is in its normal position. The Water under pressure from the mains fills the chamber 42 from the pipe 10 and through the port member 41 the chamber 44 is filled. There isa clearance between the wall of the partition 24 Aand the sleeve 22 so that the chamber 43 is also filled by water under pressure. Tater also fills the discharge chamber 45 and aids in retaining the valve 34 against its seat.' The pressure of the water in the chambers l43 and 45 serves to retain the main valveassembly against its seat.

In .operating the valve by means of the manual operating device, the handle 46 is moved; in any direction from normal. This movement causes the cam member 47 to pivot against the cap 48 and to thrust rearwardly against the head 50 of the operating member. The telescopic sleeve 31 is thrust to the left by the tripping member 51, as indicated in broken lines in Figure 1, and as soon as theplunger 32 clears the left side of the tripping member 58, the rod 32 is forced downwardly to the limit of its move\ ment by the spring 33. This lateral movement of the rod tilts the head 29 of the valve operating device andthe upper edge of the head 29 engages the secondary or bleeder valve 34 and lifts that valve vertically from its seat. The water above the Valve and in the discharge chamber 45, due to the pressure in chamber 42 onv the main valve closure, immediately rushes past the valve 34 through the passages 37 and out through the opening uncovered by the member 29 and through the series of holes 76 therein. This rushof water relieves a portion of the pressure on the main valve. As the valve starts to rise, due to the release of pressure, water from the collapsing chamber 43 and the vfeed chamber 44 passes upwardlyinto the chamber 45 through the grooves 40 in the sleeve 22 and from the chamber`45 past the secondary valve. This discharge of water is much greater than the volume of water which comes into the chamber 44 through the port member 41 during the same period of time.

As the valve assembly rises the telescopic actuating assembly 28 is carried with it and before the assembly reaches the top limit Iof its movement the rod or plunger 32 has cleared 4the tripping member 58 and the assembly is then free to-swing to normal position, allowing the secondary valve 34 to close. This member 29 is provided with small ports 76 which serve to permit passage of the Water trapped above the head and the valve 34 is closed against its seat 26 by the pressure of the water and by its spring 39.

During the period after the main valve' sleeve 19 has cleared its lower contact with the fixed sleeve member 17, the main flow of v water rushes directly from the chamber 42 through the main valve opening about this sleeve 19. After the closing of the secondary valve the chambers 43, 44 and 45 are gradu- 4ally filled-through the port member 41 and the valve assembly gradually sinks until the main valve 25 again makes contact with its valve seat, the upper rim of the -member 17 As this assembly lowers, the rod 32 engages the upper face 'of the tripping member 58 and is returned to normal position, pressing inwardly the spring 33. i

In operation by means of the automatic operating device, when the seat 80 is depressed, it thrusts against the pin 60, and the plunger 59 and tripping .Y member 58 are moved inwardly from theposition shown in Figure 3 to that shown in Figure 4, the rod 32 being forced by its vspring 33 downwardl through the opening 73. Aslong as the p unger is retained in this position the valve is not actuated. When pressure upon the seat 80 is relieved, the plunger 59 is released, the spring 67 returns the plunger to its normal position, as seen in Flgure 5, and thev seat is tilted upwardly. The rod 32 is carried to the right by the movement of the plunger 59 and tripping member 58, thus tilting the valve operating` device and operating the valve in a manner exactly similar to that described in connection with the hand operating lever.

It will be observed that if the hand-operating lever is moved after the plunger has been brought to the position of Figure 4, the rod 32 will be forced optwardly between thespring 74 and nose 7 5and will slip to the dotted-line position of Figure 4. The hand operating device thus serves to operate the valve independently of the position of the automatic operating device, whether it be as in Figure 3 or` 4. The spring 74 tends to resist movement of the stem in either directlon and to prevent it slipping back after actuation. s

It will be noted that the upper end of the sleeve 22 makes a relatively close itin the dam 83 so that the water in the discharge chamber 45 'is substantially separated from the water in the other chambers when the main valve is in the fully closed position. However, after the valve assembly starts to rise, the water passes freely from the collaps' ing chamber through the grooves 40 in the sides of the sleeves 22.

In the closing of theA valve assembly, the close engagement between the upper end of the sleeve 22 and the dam 83 permits only a very slow passage of water into the chamber 45 toward the end ofthe movement and consequently causes the final seating of the main valve to be gradual and without jar. This slow closing acts to prevent water hammer and to` provide an ample supply of refill water for thebowl of the fixture. The slow closing with lts accompanying beneficial results 1s also aided by-the relatively close fit between the lower part ofthe sleeve 19'and the lower edge of the fixed sleeve 17. Before the' lower part of the'sleeve 19 engages the lower edge of the sleeve 17 it comes opposite the shoulder 17a and this causes a material reduction in the area permitting passage of thewa-ter. This reduction in the amount of water flowing, serves to break the Siphon actionin the closet bowl caused by the main heavy flow.

It will be observed that clearance is pro- The upward or opening movement of the valve asscnibly continues as long as the blceder valve is open,and the latter is open while the rod 32 is thrust laterally. The rod is thrust laterally, as long as it engages the side of the member 58 or the side of the aperture 73 therein, when the member is drawn back. The duration of the opening movement of the valve and consequently also of the closing movement is therefore governedby the etlective extension of the rod '32. This extension may be varied to adjust the duration of the flush b v screwing the sleeve 31 into or out of the member- 30. While the .duration of the flush may be somewhat shorter where heavy water pressures are encountered, the amount of water passed will be substantially the same under all conditions.

I claim:

1. In combination, a valve,`a valve operating rod associated therewith, a lower-tripping member engaging the rod and adapted to be moved to release the rod and to automatically returnto operate the valve, and a second tripping member adapted to be moved to disengage the rodl from the lower tripping member to simultaneously operate the valve.

2. In combination, a valve, a valve operating assembly associated therewith and provided with a telescopic extension, a lower tripping member normally supporting the extension in telescopic position, and a second tripping member engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to force the telescopic extension from the lower tripping member. a

3. In combination, a valve, a valve operating assembly associated therewith -and provided with a telescopic extension, a lower tripping vmember normally supporting the extension in telescopic position, and a second tripping member engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to force the telescopic extension from the lower tripping member to operate the valve, the telescopic extension thereupon laterally engaging the lower'tripping member to maintain the valve in open position a period of time.

4. In combmation, a valve, a valve operpredetermined ating assembly associated therewith and provided'with a telescopic extension, a lower tripping member normally supporting the extension in telescopic position, and a second tripping member engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to force the telescopic extension from the lower trippingv member, the lower tripping member being movable to release the telescopic eX- tension.

5. In combination, a valve, a valve operating assembly associated therewith and pro'- vided with a telescopic extension, a lower A being tri ping member normally supporting the ex lension in telescopic posit-ion, and a second tripping member engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to vforce the telescopic extension from the lower tripping member, the lower tripping member movable to release the telescopic extension and to engage it to operate the valve.

6. In combination, a valve,a valve operating assembly associated therewith and provided with a telescopic extension, a lower tripping member normally supporting the extension in telesco ic posit-ion, and av second tripping mem er engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to force the telesco ic extension from the lower tripping Amem r, the lower trippingmember being movableto release the telescopic extension and to engage it to operate the valve upon the return of the lower tripping member to normal position. l

7. In combination, a valve, a valve operating assembly associated therewith and provided with a telescopic extension, a lower tripping member normally supportingv the extension in telescopic position, a second tripping member engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to force the telescopic extension from the lower tripping member, the lower tripping member being movable to release the telescopic extension and to engage it to operate. the valve upon vthe return of the lower tripping member.

to normal position, and means adapted automatically to return the lower tripping member to normal position.

8. In combination, a valve, a valve operating assembly associated therewith and pro-- vided with a telescopic extension, a lower tripping member normally supporting the extension in telescopic position, and a second tripping member engaging said assembly and adapted to be moved to force the telcscopic extension from the lower tripping member to operate the valve, the telescopic extension thereupon laterally engaging the lower tripping member to maintain the valve in open positiona predetermined period of time, the lower tripping member being movable to release the telescopic extension and to engage it to operate'the valve.

9. In combination, a valve, a valve oper-v ping member to operate the valve, the telescopic extension thereupon laterally engaging the lower tripping member to maintain the valve in open postion a predetermined period of time, the lower trip ping member being movable to release the adapted to be moved to disengage the assemtelescopicextension and to engage it to 0perate the valve upon the return of the lower tripping member to normal position, and means adapted automatically to return the lower ltripping member to normal position. v 10. In combination, a main valve, a secondary valve associated therewith, an operating assembly associated with the secondary valve, a lower tripping member engaging the assembly, and a second tripping member bly from the lower tripping member.

11. In combination, a main valve, a secondary valve carried thereby and movable therewith, the secondary valve being adapted upon opening to cause the opening of the main valve, an operating assembly associated with the secondary valve, a lower tripping member engaging the assembly, and a second tripping member adapted to be moved to disengage the-assembly from the lower tripping member.

12. In combination, a main valve, a secondary valve carried thereby and movablel therewith, the secondary valve being adapted upon opening to cause the opening of the main valve, means adapted to engage and open the secondary valve, said means being provided with a sleeve having a telescopic extension thereon, a lower tripping member` engaging the extension, and a secondary tripping member adapted to move to disengage the extension from thelower tripping member.

13. In combination, a main valve, a secondary valve carried thereby and movable therewith, the secondary valve being adapted upon opening to cause the opening of the main valve, means adapted-to engage and open the secondary valve, said means being provided with a sleeve having a telescopi: extension thereon, a lower tripping member engaging the extension, a secondary tripping member` adapted to move to disengage the extension from the lower tripping member, the lower tripping member being movable to release the telescopic extension and to engage it to operate the valve upon the return of the lower tripping memberv to normal position, and means adapted automatically to return the lower tripping member to normal position.

14. In combination, a valve, valve operating means comprising an assembly having a portion normally urged outwardly, a tripping member eA gaging said portion and maintaining it artly inward and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of the portion of the assembly, and a secondary tripping member adapted to be moved to release the said portion from contact with the first tripping member.

15. In combination, a valve, valve operating means comprising an assembly having a portion normally urged outwardly, a tripping member engaging said portion and maintaining it partly inward and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of said portion, said tripping member being movable to permit said portion to pass through the opening, and a secondary tripping member adapted to be moved to release the said portion from contact with the first tripping member.

16. In combination, a valve, valve operating means comprising an assembly having a portion normally urged outwardly, a tripping member engaging said portion and maintaining it partly inward and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of said portion, said tripping member being movable to permit said portion to pass through the opening, said opening being adapted to permit lateral movement of the portion, and a secondary tripping member adapted to be moved to release the said portion from Contact with the first tripping member.

17. In combination, a valve, valve oper'- ating means comprising an assembly having a portion normally urged outwardly, a tripping member engaging said portion and maintaining it partly inward, an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of the portion of the assembly, anda secondary .tripping member adapted tobe moved to moved said assembly to release the said portion from contact with the rst tripping member and to tilt the assembly to operate the valve.

18. In combination, a valve, valve operating means comprising an assembly having a portion normally urged outwardly, a tripping member engaging said portion and maintaining it partly inward and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of the portion of the assembly, said tripping member being movable to pe'rmit said portiontopass through the opening and to engage the assembly to tilt it to operate the valve, and a secondary tripping member adapted to be moved to move said assembly to release the said portion from contact with the first tripping member.

19. In combination, a valve, valve operating means comprising an assemblyv having a portion normally urged outwardly, a tripping member engaging said portion and maintaining it partly inward and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of said portion, said tripping member being movable to permit said portion to pass through the opening and to engage said assembly to tilt it to operate the valve, and a secondary tripping member adapted to be moved to move said assembly to release the said portion from contact with the first tripping member and to tilt the assembly to operate the valve.

20.- In combination, a valve, valve operate mg means comprising an assembly having and lto engage the assembly to tilt it to operate the valve, said opening being adapted to permit lateral movement of the portion of the assembly.

21. In combination, a valve, valve operating means comprising an assembly having a portion normally urged outwardly, a

tripping member engaging said portion and maintaining it partly inward and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of said portion of the assembly, said tripping member being movable to permit said portion to pass through the opening and to engage the assembly to tilt it to operate the valve, said opening being adapted to permit lateral movement of said por' tion, and a secondary tripping member adapted to be moved to move said assembly to release the said portion from contact with the first tripping member and to tilt the assembly to operate the valve, the secondary tripping member being adapted to move the assembly in a direction having approximately a right-angular relation to the direction of movement imparted the assembly by the first tripping member.

22. A flush valve comprising a casing with an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat between the same, a dam carried by the easing concentric with and above theyvalve guide the valvel movement and to act as la dash pot to limit and control the speed of said movement, the surface of the dam engaging the sleeve being smooth, and the portion of the sleeve engaging the dam when the valve is closed and approximately closed being smooth, and the remainder of the sleeve being provided with grooves, whereby'the movement of the valve when adjacent the closed position is retarded relative to its movement when adjacent the open position.

24. In combination, a valve, a valve operating means comprising an extension, a tripping member engaging said extension, and an opening in said member adapted to permit passage of the extension, said open- 1ng extending laterally through the side of the memberto permit lateral movement of the stem,ea1`1 edge ofsaid opening being v provided with a nose adapted to prevent the extension slipping into the` opening.

Signed at Chicago, Illinois, this 22nd day of March, 1921. i i

ROBERT R. BANTA.

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