Abstract:
A regulator valve for managing a fluid in an appliance is provided. The regulator valve comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter, a pressure regulator, a solenoid valve, a mounting structure, and a locking tab depending from the mounting structure. The inlet and outlet utilize quick connect adaptors. The pressure regulator maintains the fluid in the housing within a desired pressure range and the solenoid valve alternatively permits and prevents expulsion of the fluid from the outlet. The twist mount is inserted through a twist mount aperture on, e.g., a drinking fountain and rotated until a portion of the twist mount engages with a portion of the drinking fountain and the locking tab rests in a tab aperture on the drinking fountain. Therefore, the regulator valve is secured to the drinking fountain and can clean, regulate, and manage the fluid.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to solenoid valves, pressure regulators, and filters used in appliances, such as drinking fountains, and methods of securing such components to the appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A typical appliance (e.g., a drinking fountain) can include various components such as a solenoid valve for controlling the expulsion of water from the fountain, a pressure regulator for maintaining the pressure of the water dispensed within a desired pressure range, and a filter for removing contaminants from the water. 
     Unfortunately, each of the components must be connected to a water source, to one of the other components, to a water delivery device (e.g., a bubbler), and the like, using a tube, a pipe, or some other type of conduit capable of distributing fluids. Each connection can be difficult to form, time consuming, and a potential source of fluid leaks. 
     Additionally, each of the components must be independently secured to the appliance. Such securement is typically performed using one of a variety of connecting devices such as fasteners, nut and bolt combinations, screws, rivets, and the like. Undesirably, each device usually has its own unique type of fastener. Therefore, securing the host of components to the appliance can be difficult, can require several different types of connections, and can be very time consuming. Therefore, a single device that can clean, regulate, and manage the fluid in the appliance, as well as be easily and quickly connected to the appliance, is desirable. 
     The invention provides such a device. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention provides a regulator valve for managing a fluid in an appliance. The regulator valve comprises a housing having an inlet, an inlet filter section, a pressure regulation section, an outlet valving section, and an outlet in fluid communication therethrough. The housing further has a mounting structure including a mounting flange that has a locking tab depending therefrom. The filter is removably positioned in the inlet filter section of the housing for removing contaminants from the fluid. The pressure regulator is positioned in the pressure regulation section of the housing for regulating an outlet fluid pressure. The solenoid valve is positioned in the valving section of the housing for alternatively permitting expulsion of the fluid from the outlet and preventing expulsion of the fluid from the outlet. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a regulator valve for cleaning, regulating a pressure of, and managing the flow of a fluid in an appliance. The regulator valve comprises a housing including, in fluid communication, an inlet for receiving the fluid, an outlet for expelling the fluid, a filter aperture, a regulator aperture, a solenoid aperture, and a mounting structure proximate the regulator aperture. The filter is removably disposed within the filter aperture of the housing for cleaning the fluid flowing therethrough. The pressure regulator is disposed within the regulator aperture of the housing for regulating the pressure of the fluid at an outlet thereof. The solenoid valve is secured to the solenoid aperture of the housing for managing the flow of fluid therein. 
     In a further aspect, the invention provides a regulator valve body for managing a fluid in an appliance. The regulator valve body comprises a housing having an inlet, an inlet filter section, a pressure regulation section, an outlet valving section, and an outlet in fluid communication therethrough. The housing further has a mounting structure proximate the pressure regulation section. 
     The inlet section defines a filter aperture at one end thereof, the filter aperture sized to accommodate a filter that may be removably positioned therein for removing contaminants from the fluid. The inlet section is sealed by an end cap removably affixed to the inlet aperture. 
     The pressure regulator section defines a regulator aperture at one end thereof, the regulator aperture sized to accommodate a pressure regulator that may be removably positioned therein for regulating an outlet fluid pressure. The pressure regulator section includes a regulator mounting cap removably positioned therein. The regulator mounting cap has an adjustment aperture positioned therein. 
     The outlet valving section is sized to accommodate a solenoid valve that may be positioned thereon for alternatively permitting expulsion of the fluid from the outlet and preventing expulsion of the fluid from the outlet. 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a regulator valve constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the regulator valve of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded partial view of the regulator valve of  FIG. 2  highlighting a weld portion; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the regulator valve of  FIG. 1  disposed within a drinking fountain; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the regulator valve of  FIG. 1  engaged to the portion of the drinking fountain of  FIG. 4  using a twist mount; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view showing the relationship between the regulator valve of  FIG. 1 , the portion of the drinking fountain of  FIG. 4 , and the twist mount of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the regulator or  FIG. 1  secured within the portion of the drinking fountain of  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the regulator valve of  FIG. 1  employing a slide mount to secure the regulator valve to the drinking fountain of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a regulator valve  10  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. The regulator valve  10  includes a housing  12  that contains a filter  14  (see  FIG. 2 ) within inlet filter section  15 , a pressure regulator  16  (see  FIG. 2 ) within the body pressure regulation section  17 , and a solenoid valve  18  within outlet valving section  19 . The integration of the filter  14 , the pressure regulator  16  and the solenoid valve  18  within housing  12  eliminates the mounting and plumbing requirements for each of these components such that the regulator valve  10  functions as a single, integral unit requiring only a single inlet connection and a single outlet connection. This eliminates or greatly reduces the chance of leakage, the time and expense of installing and plumbing each component in an appliance (e.g., a drinking fountain), and the time and trouble servicing these components. 
     The housing  12  includes a single inlet  20  and a single outlet  22 . The inlet  20  is configured to receive a flow of a fluid (e.g., water) from an external water supply, while the outlet  22  is configured to expel, in a preferred environment, a flow of the filtered, pressure regulated water to the bubbler  82  (see  FIG. 4 ) of a drinking fountain. The inlet  20  and the outlet  22  are each, in a preferred embodiment, equipped with a quick connect fitting  24  such that a fluid supply line (not shown) can be quickly and easily connected to the inlet and a fluid delivery line (not shown) can be quickly and easily connected to the outlet without the need for tools. In other embodiments, a portion of the housing  12  proximate the inlet  20  and outlet  22  is threaded, includes hose barbs, and the like, for connecting the fluid supply line and the fluid delivery line in conventional fashion. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the filter  14  is disposed proximate the inlet  20  and resides within a filter cavity  26  inside the inlet filter section  15  of housing  12 . The filter  14  removes contaminants from the fluid that enters the regulator valve  10  through the inlet  20 . The filter  14  is dimensioned such that it is insertable into, and removable from, the inlet filter section  15  of housing  12  through a filter aperture  28  to allow replacement and servicing of the filter  14 . Threads  30  are included on the end of the inlet filter section  15  proximate the filter aperture  28  to allow a threaded filter cap  32  to be secured to the housing  12  to seal the filter aperture  28  or to be disengaged from the housing  12  to open the filter aperture  28 . With the threaded filter cap  32  removed from the housing  12 , the filter  14  can be withdrawn from the filter cavity  26  and inspected. Upon inspection, the filter  14  can be selectively cleaned (if needed), reinserted, or discarded and replaced by a new, fresh filter. After the filter  14  has been reinserted or replaced, the threaded filter cap  32  is once again threadably secured to the housing  12  where the reinserted or replaced filter can begin or continue to remove contaminants. The filter  14  can be cylindrical, as shown in  FIG. 2 , or otherwise shaped. 
     Once the water has entered inlet  20  and has been filtered by filter  14 , the water enters the pressure regulation section  17  of the housing  12 . A pressure regulator  16  is disposed within the pressure regulation section  17  of housing  12  and generally resides in a regulator cavity  34 . Preferably, the pressure regulator  16  is one commercially available from Elkay Manufacturing Company of Oakbrook, Ill. The conventional pressure regulator  16  comprises a diaphragm  36  and a spring  38 . The spring  38  in the pressure regulator  16  is disposed, and is preferably adjustably compressed, between the diaphragm  36  and a threaded insert  53  proximate the regulator mounting cap  50 . The regulator mounting cap  50  engages with an engaging portion  52  (e.g., threads, a detent) disposed on a portion of the housing  12  inside the regulator cavity  34  to secure the pressure regulator  16  within the housing  12 . 
     The regulator mounting cap  50  includes a cap aperture  54  or slot that is dimensioned to receive a torque-producing device (not shown) such as, for example, a flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a hex wrench, and the like. The threaded insert  53  also includes an aperture  55  or slot that is dimensioned to receive the torque-producing device. Therefore, the threaded insert  53  can be threadably driven inwardly by the torque-producing device toward the diaphragm  36  to compress the spring  38  or, alternatively, threadably driven outwardly away from the diaphragm to decompress or expand the spring. By rotating the threaded insert  53  in one direction or another, the amount of force and bias that the spring  38  exerts upon the diaphragm  36  is adjusted. Resultantly, the pressure regulator  16  can maintain the fluid that flows from the diaphragm outlet  42  to the outlet valving section  19  within a desired pressure range no matter what pressure the fluid has at the inlet  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the pressure regulator  16  is removable from, and insertable into, the housing  12  by threadably driving the regulator mounting cap  50  away from the diaphragm  36  and entirely out of the housing through regulator aperture  58 . Thereafter, the pressure regulator  16 , including the diaphragm  36  and the spring  38 , can be extracted from the housing  12  for replacement, inspection, adjustment, and the like. In other words, the pressure regulator  16  can advantageously be easily removed from the housing for servicing without having to undesirably disassemble the regulator valve  10 , other components in the regulator valve, and/or the drinking fountain itself. 
     The solenoid valve  18  is disposed proximate the outlet  22  on the housing  12 . In a preferred embodiment, as depicted in detail in the exploded section illustration of  FIG. 3 , the solenoid  18  is secured to the housing  12  by a weld portion  60  proximate a solenoid aperture  62  using a spin, ultrasonic, or other welding process. As such, the solenoid valve  18  becomes an integral part of the housing  12  of regulator valve  10 . In other embodiments, the solenoid valve  18  is secured to, and becomes and integral part-of, the housing  12  using other securing means such as, for example, a threaded connector, snap or friction fit, and the like. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the solenoid valve  18  comprises a guide tube  64 , a solenoid spring  66 , an armature  68 , a coil  69 , a solenoid valve cavity  70 , and a seat  72 . The seat  72  and the spring  66  are disposed at opposing ends of the armature  68 . When the coil  69  of the solenoid valve  18  is energized, the armature  68  compresses the solenoid spring  66  and disengages the seat  72  from a sealing flange  74  in the housing  12 . Resultantly, the fluid is permitted to flow from the solenoid valve cavity  70  to the outlet  22 . In contrast, when the coil  69  of the solenoid valve  18  is de-energized, the solenoid spring  66  forcibly biases the armature  68  and the seat  72  towards the sealing flange  74  such that the seat  72  engages with the sealing flange  74 . Resultantly, the fluid is prevented from flowing from the solenoid valve cavity  70  as well as from the outlet  22 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the solenoid valve  18  is a direct-acting solenoid. In other embodiments, the solenoid valve  18  can also be an indirect-acting solenoid valve, a pilot operated solenoid valve, a solenoid valve with a lift diaphragm, and the like. 
     As will now be recognized by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, the relative positions of the pressure regulator  16  and the solenoid valve  18  can be modified without disrupting operation of the regulator valve  10 . For example, using a flow of water traveling from the inlet  20  to the outlet  22  as a reference, the solenoid valve  18  can be either downstream or upstream of the pressure regulator  16 . Moreover, the orientation of one or more of the components, devices, and/or parts of the regulator valve  10  can be modified such that the housing  12  has different geometries to accommodate different installation environments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the regulator  10  valve can be employed in an appliance such as, for example, a drinking fountain  76 . When used by the drinking fountain  76 , the inlet  20  of the regulator valve  10  is connected to a water supply conduit  78 , the outlet  22  of the regulator valve  10  is connected to a water delivery conduit  80  that delivers the water to a bubbler  82  from which the water is dispensed, and an electrical connector  84  is connected to a power supply line  86  associated with a push button  88 . When the push button  88  is depressed by a user, the solenoid valve  18  is energized to permit a regulated flow of water to be supplied to the bubbler  82 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , in an exemplary embodiment the housing  12  of the regulator valve  10  further comprises a mounting structure such as, for example, a twist mount  90 . The twist mount  90  includes an upper portion  92  and a lower portion  94 . In a preferred embodiment, the twist mount  90  also includes a mounting flange  96  extending outwardly from the upper portion. The mounting flange  96  includes a depending locking tab  98  that engages a locking tab aperture  104  in the drinking fountain. The twist mount  90  permits the regulator valve  10  to be quickly and easily connected to and secured in the drinking fountain  76  without requiring the use of tools. 
     In one embodiment, the lower portion  94  of the twist mount  90  is generally square-shaped but has beveled corners  100 . The generally-square shape of the twist mount  90  permits the lower portion  94  of the twist mount to be inserted into a corresponding square aperture  102  that has been punched or otherwise formed in the drinking fountain  76 . Once inserted, the regulator valve  10  is rotated, preferably about forty-five degrees, until the beveled corners  100  slide upon and over portions of the drinking fountain  76  as shown in  FIG. 7 . As illustrated by collectively viewing  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the upper and lower portions  92 ,  94  of the twist mount  90  essentially straddle and/or clamp the mounting wall of the drinking fountain  76 . If the upper and lower portions  92 ,  94  have an appropriate amount of tolerance (e.g., opposing space) between them, friction alone can retain the regulator valve  10  in place on or within the drinking fountain  76 . 
     Despite the frictional securement provided by the upper and lower portions  92 ,  94 , in a preferred embodiment, the locking tab  98  is provided to engage with a locking tab aperture  104  that has been punched or otherwise formed in the drinking fountain  76  when the regulator valve  10  has been rotated about forty-five degrees. Engagement of the locking tab  98  with the locking tab aperture  104  secures the regulator valve  10  in position within the drinking fountain  76 . As a result, inadvertent removal and/or loosening of the regulator valve  10  from the drinking fountain  76  is prevented and/or inhibited. 
     Preferably, the locking tab  98  can, when desired, be disengaged from the locking tab aperture  104  by biasing the resilient mounting flange  96  upwardly and/or otherwise to remove the locking tab  98  out of the locking tab aperture  104 . With the locking tab  98  disengaged from the locking tab aperture  104 , the twist mount  90  can be rotated to permit removal of the regulator valve  10  from the square aperture  102  for inspection, replacement, cleaning, removal, and the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in another exemplary embodiment the housing  12 ′ of the regulator valve  10 ′ further comprises a mounting structure such as, for example, a slide mount  106 . The slide mount  106  includes peripheral portions  108 . In a preferred embodiment, the slide mount  106  also includes a mounting flange  110  extending outwardly from the slide mount. The mounting flange  110  includes a depending locking tab  112  that engages a locking tab aperture  114  in the drinking fountain  76 ′. The slide mount  106  permits the regulator valve  10 ′ to be quickly and easily connected to and secured in the drinking fountain  76 ′ without requiring the use of tools. 
     In one embodiment, the peripheral portions  108  of the slide mount  106  are beveled as shown in  FIG. 8 . The beveled peripheral portions  108  and the generally-square shape of the slide mount  106  permits the slide mount to be slideably inserted into a corresponding fitting  116  that has been formed on the drinking fountain  76 ′. Because the fittings  116  are slightly smaller than the peripheral portions  108  and/or the slide mount  106 , the fittings  116  essentially clamp the peripheral portions  108  of the drinking fountain  76 ′ in place using friction. If an appropriate amount of tolerance (e.g., opposing space) is left between the fitting  116  and the drinking fountain  76 ′, friction alone can retain the regulator valve  10 ′ in place on or within the drinking fountain. 
     Despite the frictional securement provided by the fittings  116 , in a preferred embodiment, the locking tab  112  is provided to engage with a locking tab aperture  114  that has been punched or otherwise formed in the drinking fountain  76 ′ when the peripheral portions  108  have been slid into engagement with fittings  116 . Engagement of the locking tab  112  with the locking tab aperture  114  secures the regulator valve  10 ′ in position within the drinking fountain  76 ′. As a result, inadvertent removal and/or loosening of the regulator valve  10 ′ from the drinking fountain  76 ′ is prevented and/or inhibited. 
     Preferably, the locking tab  112  can, when desired, be disengaged from the locking tab aperture  114  by biasing the resilient mounting flange  110  upwardly and/or otherwise to remove the locking tab  112  out of the locking tab aperture  114 . With the locking tab  112  disengaged from the locking tab aperture  114 , the slide mount  106  can be slid to permit removal of the regulator valve  10 ′ from the beneath the fittings  116  for inspection, replacement, cleaning, removal, and the like. 
     In operation, the regulator valve  10  is initially secured to the drinking fountain  76  using either the twist mount  90  or the slide mount  106 . When using the twist mount  90 , the lower portion  94  is inserted into and through the square aperture  102  and, thereafter, rotated relative to the drinking fountain  76 . Preferably, the rotation continues for about forty-five degrees until the beveled corners  100  have slid over (under) portions of the drinking fountain  76  and/or the locking tab  98  has engaged with the locking tab aperture  104 . When using the slide mount  106 , the peripheral portions  108  are slid into engagement with the fittings  116  until the locking tab  112  engages with the locking tab aperture  114 . In each case, the regulator valve  10  (or  10 ′) is now secured to the drinking fountain  76  (or  76 ′). For clarity, regulator valves  10 ,  10 ′ and drinking fountains  76 ,  76 ′ will hereinafter be collectively referred to as simply regulator valve  10  and drinking fountain  76 . 
     Once the regulator valve  10 , is secured to the drinking fountain  76 , the inlet  20 , outlet  22 , and electrical connector  84  are coupled with the water supply conduit  78 , the water delivery conduit  80 , and the power supply line  86 , respectfully. As such, fluid communication between the water supply conduit  78  and the water delivery conduit  80  is possible and the solenoid  18  can be energized and de-energized. 
     When a user of the drinking fountain  76  depresses the push button  88 , the solenoid valve  18  is energized and the seat  72  disengages from the sealing flange  74 . Thereafter, water begins to flow through the regulator valve  10 . Initially, the water flows into the inlet  20  from the water supply conduit  78  and passes through the filter  14  such that contaminants in the water are removed. From there, the water flows through the diaphragm inlet and fills the diaphragm cavity  48 . The regulator  16 , using the diaphragm  36  and spring  38 , balances the water pressure with the biasing force of the spring  38 . If the pressure of the water at the inlet  20  increases, the force of the water against the outer basin exceeds the force of the spring  38 , the diaphragm  36  moves toward the regulator mounting cap  50 , and the orifice permitting water to flow into the diaphragm cavity  48  is reduced as the plug moves relative to the housing  12 . In contrast, if the pressure of the water at the inlet  20  decreases, the force of the spring  38  exceeds the force of the water against the outer basin, the diaphragm  36  moves away from the regulator mounting cap  50 , and the orifice permitting water to flow into the diaphragm cavity  48  is increased as the plug moves relative to the housing  12 . Therefore, no matter what pressure the water has at the inlet  20 , the pressure regulator  16  adjusts that pressure to within a desired pressure range. 
     The pressure regulated water next flows out of the diaphragm cavity  48  and enters the solenoid cavity  70 . Since the solenoid valve  18  has been energized, the water is permitted to flow from the solenoid cavity  70  past the seat  72 . The water is then expelled from the regulator valve  10  at the outlet  22  and enters the water delivery conduit  80 . From there, the water travels to the bubbler  82  where the water is ejected in a stream having a height that corresponds to the desired pressure range. 
     When the push button  88  is released, the solenoid valve  18  is de-energized and the seat  72  engages with the sealing flange  74  to form a seal. With the seal formed, the flow of water inside the regulator valve  10  is halted until the push button  88  is once again depressed. 
     Advantageously, the regulator valve  10  of the present invention provides substantial cost reductions over previous, distributed component installations, as well as improvements to quality and serviceability for the regulator valve. By reducing the number of plumbing connections that need to be made, the reliability of the valve is greatly enhanced, and the time and effort to install and repair is greatly reduced. The inclusion of quick connect fittings further reduces the time and effort necessary to install the valve  10 , and eliminates the necessity of using tools. Further, the twist lock  90  eliminates the necessity of using tools to install the valve  10  itself in its operating environment. The regulator valve  10  is employable within newly manufactured drinking fountains  76  and, due to the regulator valve&#39;s universal nature, adaptable to existing drinking fountains as well. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.