Patent Publication Number: US-2019194966-A1

Title: Pool valve assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 201721805535.1, filed Dec. 21, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to valve systems. In particular, a pool valve assembly for selectively enabling a fluid flow is provided. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Standard pool valve assemblies are generally known in the art. Some valve systems include selectively-sealable openings or one-way valves. As known in the art, above ground pools, which are often used outdoors, generally need a filter pump for filtration and cleaning. The filter pump is typically connected to the inlet and outlet of the above ground pools via tubes to achieve water circulation. During maintaining or cleaning filter element, the filter pump needs additional elements (e.g. plugs) to block the inlet and outlet to prevent water leakage. To simplify the blocking manner, a water valve is mounted to the inlet and the outlet. Though the water valve is easily operated, its structure is complicate and production costs can be high. However, conventional valve systems generally manipulate a fluid flow via an external toggle or removable plugs, or require the use of tools to operate. Accordingly, conventional valve systems are limited in their functionality and flexibility, and do not purposefully and effectively address these constraints. The present disclosure seeks to overcome some limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present disclosure is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some implementations of the present disclosure, a valve assembly is provided and includes a valve body with a fluid upstream end and a fluid downstream end, and a sliding plate disposed in the valve body is configured to be slidable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body. A continuous fluid channel is formed between the fluid upstream end and fluid downstream end when the sliding plate is positioned in the first position, and a continuous fluid channel is prevented between the fluid upstream end and fluid downstream end when the sliding plate is positioned in the second position. 
     The sliding plate can have an opening, and the continuous fluid channel can be formed through the opening when the sliding plate is positioned in the first position. 
     The fluid upstream end can be provided with a tube for an installation, or connection, of the valve assembly to another device. 
     The valve assembly can further include a first slot and a second slot disposed on the side wall of the valve body. The first and second slots can be adapted for insertion of the sliding plate such that the sliding plate is slidable between the first position and the second position. 
     A guide member parallel with the valve body can be provided between the first slot and the second slot, and a slideway can be formed between the guide member for the sliding plate&#39;s sliding between the first slot and the second slot. 
     The valve assembly can further include a first positional groove and a second positional groove. The first and second positional grooves is disposed on one of either the valve body and the sliding plate, and a protrusion is disposed on the other of either the valve body and sliding plate. The protrusion can engage the first positional groove when the sliding plate is positioned in the first position, and the protrusion can engage the second positional groove when the sliding plate is positioned in the second position. 
     The valve assembly can further include a first positional groove and a second positional groove. The first and second positional grooves are disposed on either the guide member or the sliding plate, and a protrusion is disposed on the other of the guide member and sliding plate. The protrusion can engage the first positional groove when the sliding plate is positioned in the first position, and the protrusion can engage the second positional groove when the sliding plate is positioned in the second position. 
     The valve assembly can further include a seal ring disposed between a portion of the sliding plate and a portion of the valve body, and a sealing structure formed on the sliding plate. At least a portion of the sealing structure is cooperatively engageable with at least a portion of the seal ring to form a fluid seal between the fluid upstream end and the fluid downstream end when the sliding plate is positioned in the second position. The seal ring can be at least partially disposed within a seal ring seat formed in the valve body. 
     A sliding plate stop can be disposed at one end of the sliding plate. The sliding plate stop contacts a portion of the valve body when the sliding plate is disposed in the second position to limit a travel of the sliding plate relative to the valve body when the sliding plate is disposed in the second position. 
     A plate aperture abutment portion can be formed on the sliding plate and an abutment member can be formed on the valve body. The plate aperture abutment portion contacts the abutment member when the sliding plate is disposed in the first position to limit a travel of the sliding plate relative to the valve body when the sliding plate is disposed in the second position. 
     The valve assembly can further include a valve housing, and the valve body can be releasably connected to the valve housing. In one implementation, the valve body can be releasably connected to the valve housing via cooperative threading on the valve body and the valve housing. 
     In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a pool device that has a valve body with a fluid upstream end and a fluid downstream end. The pool device also has a sliding plate disposed in the valve body is configured to be slidable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body. A continuous fluid channel is formed between the fluid upstream end and the fluid downstream end when the sliding plate is positioned in the first position, and a continuous fluid channel is prevented between the fluid upstream end and fluid downstream end when the sliding plate is positioned in the second position. 
     The pool device can further include a mounting member. The mounting member includes a connection tube and a connection part, which can also be called an attachment device. The connection part can be configured to connect the connection tube to a wall of a pool. 
     The fluid upstream end can be provided with an intake tube for installation of the valve assembly. The intake tube can be configured to insert into the connection tube. 
     The valve assembly according to the present disclosure can easily control flow of fluid without the need to use additional tools. The structure is also simple and its production cost is low. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which implementations of the disclosures are illustrated and, together with the descriptions below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a valve assembly according to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a valve assembly according to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing the valve assembly from a different perspective than that shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1  showing a sliding plate in a first position, taken along line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 4A , further illustrating a portion of a pool body and a sliding plate in a first position. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional-view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 4B , showing a sliding plate in a second position. 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of a valve body according to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, showing a sliding plate in a first position. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of  FIG. 6  showing a sliding plate in a first position, taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of  FIG. 7 , showing a sliding plate in a second position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While a valve assembly  100  discussed herein may be implemented in many different forms, the disclosure will show in the drawings, and will herein describe in detail, implementations with the understanding that the present description is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the valve assembly  100  and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the implementations illustrated. 
     Referring now to the figures, and initially to  FIGS. 1-3 , the valve assembly  100  includes a valve housing  104  and a valve body  108 . Generally, the valve assembly  100  selectively permits the passage of a fluid through the valve assembly  100  depending upon relative positions and interactions of various constituent elements. The valve housing  104  is releasably, or permanently, attached to the valve body  108 , as will be described below in further detail. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the valve housing  104  defines an outlet  110  and a valve housing cavity  112 . An outlet tube  117 , which may be generally cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape, extends from the outlet  110  through the valve housing cavity  112 . In some implementations, surface irregularities  119  are disposed on a valve housing outer surface  121 . The valve housing outer surface  121  is substantially opposite a valve housing inner surface  122 , which substantially defines the valve housing cavity  112 . In some implementations, the valve assembly  100  includes a fluid downstream end  109 , which can be defined by the outlet  110 . 
     A peripheral housing region  125  releasably joins the valve housing  104  to the valve body  108 . In some implementations, the peripheral housing region  125  includes housing threading  129 , as will be described below. 
     The valve body  108  defines a valve body cavity  113 . In particular, the valve body cavity  113  is substantially defined by an interior face  116  and an inner surface  124  of a circumferential wall  120 . The circumferential wall  120  also defines an outer surface  128  disposed substantially opposite the inner surface  124  of the circumferential wall  120 . Valve body threading  132  can be disposed on the outer surface  128 . 
     An inlet  160  is disposed at one end of the valve body  108 . An intake tube  164  in fluid communication with the inlet  160  extends from the valve body  108 , and the intake tube  164  may be generally cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape. In some implementations, the valve assembly  100  includes a fluid upstream end  165 , which can be defined by a portion of the intake tube  164 . In some implementations, the intake tube  164  facilitates the installation of the valve assembly  100  to another device, or a pool, which will be described below in further detail. 
     A seal ring seat  168  is disposed substantially around the inlet  160 . The seal ring seat  168  may be formed in the interior face  116 , and a seal ring  172  is at least partially disposed within the seal ring seat  168 . The seal ring  172  may be formed of rubber, a polymer, a ceramic, a metal or any other material known to those in the art that can effectively prevent, or limit, a fluid flow. Additionally, a first slot  180  and a second slot  184  can be formed the valve body  108  or the valve housing  104  to receive a sliding plate  200 . 
     One or more guide members  140 , or baffles are disposed in, or on, the valve body  108  as best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The guide members  140  serve as a sliding surface, or slideway, for a sliding plate  200 , as will be described below in further detail. Further, a first positional groove  144  and a second positional groove  148  are disposed on, interior face  116 , circumferential wall  120  of the valve body  108  or guide member  140 . While  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the first positional groove  144  and the second positional groove  148  as being disposed on the guide member  140 , it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations shown. 
     The FIGS. also illustrate a sliding plate  200  in isolation ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and within other elements of the valve assembly  100 . The sliding plate  200  can be movably disposed within the valve assembly  100  to selectively permit, prevent or reduce a fluid flow through the valve assembly  100 . In some implementations, the sliding plate  200  is slidably disposed within the first slot  180  and the second slot  184  to selectively permit, prevent or reduce a fluid flow through the valve assembly  100 . It will be understood that other dynamic relationships between the sliding plate  200  and other elements of the valve assembly  100  are also within the scope of this disclosure, such as, for example, pivotal movement or translational movement along any axis. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the sliding plate  200  includes a protrusion  204 . The protrusion  204  extends from the sliding plate  200  and can engage with first positional groove  144  or second positional groove  148 . In some implementations, the protrusion  204  releasably engages with the first positional groove  144  or second positional groove  148  until the sliding plate  200  is manipulated with a sufficient degree of force by a user. 
     A sliding plate stop  208 , is formed at one end of the sliding plate  200 , and can extend substantially perpendicularly from the sliding plate  200 . In some implementations, the sliding plate stop can include a substantially planar shape, a curved shape or a flap shape. A sealing structure  212  and a sliding plate aperture  216  are also formed on the sliding plate  200 . The sealing structure  212  can engage with the seal ring  172  in certain arrangements of the valve assembly  100  (for example, the protrusion  204  engages the first position groove  144 ). In particular, the sealing structure  212  can include a circular shape and forms a fluid-tight, substantially fluid-tight or a partial seal when the sealing structure  212  is engaged with the seal ring  172 . Further, the sealing structure  212  comprises a circular rib formed on the sliding plate  200 . 
     The sliding plate aperture  216  extends completely through a portion of the sliding plate  200 . Further, a plate aperture abutment portion  220  is disposed on a portion of the sliding plate  200  defining the sliding plate aperture  216 . 
     In operation, the valve assembly  100  selectively permits the passage of a fluid through the valve assembly  100 . Initially, the valve housing  104  can be releasably joined to the valve body  108  by the engagement of the housing threading  129  and the valve body threading  132 . In some implementations, the surface irregularities  119  can aid a user in gripping the valve housing  104  such that the user can rotate the valve housing  104  relative to the valve body  108  to releaseably join, or separate, the valve housing  104  to the valve body  108 . However, it is to be understood that mechanical, electromechanical or chemical attachment technologies, such as clips, fasteners, snaps, clasps, adhesives, magnets, electromagnets or any other such technology known to those skilled in the art suitable to releasably join the valve housing  104  and the valve body  108  are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     When the valve housing  104  is releasably attached to the valve body  108 , the sliding plate  200  can be disposed in a plurality of positions relative to valve housing  104  and the valve body  108 . In some implementations, the sliding plate  200  can be disposed in at least a first position  250 , or an open position, and a second position  260 , or a sealed position. The first position  250  can correspond to the valve assembly  100  facilitating a fluid flow through the valve assembly  100 . The second position  260  can correspond to the valve assembly  100  permitting, preventing or reducing a fluid flow through the valve assembly  100 . 
     As described above, the guide member  140  serves as a sliding surface, or slideway, for the sliding plate  200 , which is also disposed within the first and second slots  180 ,  184 . Accordingly, the sliding plate  200  can slide between the first position  250 , as best shown in  FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B, 6 and 7 , and the second position  260 , as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , guided by the guide member  140  and first and second slots  180 ,  184 . 
     In the first position  250 , the protrusion  204  releasably engages with the first positional groove  144 , best seen in  FIG. 7 . This engagement can include the protrusion  204 , and thus the sliding plate  200  as the protrusion  204  is formed on the sliding plate  200 , being disposed in the first position  250  until the sliding plate  200  is manipulated with a sufficient degree of force by a user. Additionally in the first position  250 , the plate aperture abutment portion  220  contacts the abutment member  176 , thus limiting sliding travel of the sliding plate  200  in a particular direction when the tab aperture abutment portion  220  contacts the abutment member  176 . When the sliding plate  200  is disposed in the first position  250 , a fluid channel  259  exists through the intake tube  164 , inlet  160 , sliding plate aperture  216 , outlet tube  117  and outlet  110  to thereby permit a fluid flow through the valve assembly  100 . 
     When the sliding plate  200  is disposed in the first position  250  and is manipulated with the threshold degree of force by a user, the protrusion  204  disengages with the first positional groove  144 . The sliding plate  200  can then be slid into the second position  260 . In the second position  260 , the protrusion  204  releasably engages with the second positional groove  148 , best seen in  FIG. 8 . This engagement can include the protrusion  204 , and thus the sliding plate  200  as the protrusion  204  is formed on the sliding plate  200 , being disposed in the second position  260  until the sliding plate  200  is manipulated with a sufficient degree of force by a user. 
     Additionally, in the second position  260 , the sliding plate stop  208  contacts valve housing  104  and/or valve body  108  proximate the first slot  180 , thus limiting sliding travel of the sliding plate  200  in a particular direction when the tab stop  208  contacts one or more of the valve assembly  100 , valve housing  104  and valve body  108 . 
     When the sliding plate  200  is disposed in the second position  260 , the seal ring  172  engages with the sealing structure  212  on the sliding plate  200 . This engagement between the seal ring  172  and the sealing structure  212  forms a fluid-tight, substantially fluid-tight or a partial seal when the sealing structure  212  is engaged with the seal ring  172 . Thus, when the sliding plate  200  is disposed in the second position  260 , fluid is partially, or completely, prevented from flowing through the valve assembly  100 . 
     The first positional groove  144  and second positional groove  148  are described as being disposed on interior face  116 , circumferential wall  120  of the valve body  108  or guide member  140 , and the protrusion  204  is described as being disposed on the sliding plate  200 . However, it will be understood that the protrusion  204  could also be disposed on interior face  116 , circumferential wall  120  of the valve body  108  and guide member  140 , and the first positional groove  144  and second positional groove  148  could be disposed on the sliding plate  200  without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     Turning again to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the valve assembly  100  can be releasably attached to a pool  300 , or a pool body. In particular, the valve assembly  100  can be releasably attached to a wall  310  of the pool  300 . 
     In some implementations, the pool  300  includes a mounting member  315 . The mounting member  315  can include a connection tube  325  and a connection part  335 . The connection part  335  is configured to either permanently or releasably connect the connection tube  325  to the wall  310 . Further, in some implementations, the fluid upstream end  165  is provided with the intake tube  164  for installation of the valve assembly  100 , and the intake tube  164  is configured to insert into the connection tube  325 . 
     It is to be understood that all described elements and features in this disclosure can be formed of any number of materials including, but not limited to, polymers, rubbers, foams, ceramics, metals, metal alloys or any other material known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the elements of this disclosure may be formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a hardness of 20±5 Parts per Hundred Resin (PHR). 
     While some implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. 
     The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular implementations disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative implementations disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each article of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.