Patent Publication Number: US-2023138823-A1

Title: Liquid control valve and adjusting rod and liquid stopper thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a liquid control valve and, more particularly, to a liquid control valve using a float to control a liquid level as well as an adjusting rod and a liquid stopper of the liquid control valve. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
       FIG.  1    shows a conventional liquid control valve  9  used in a liquid container, such as a water tank, a reservoir, etc. The liquid control valve  9  includes a body  91  having an inlet  9   a  and an outlet  9   b.  The body  91  includes a flange  911  on an inner periphery thereof. Mounted in the body  91  are a valve rod  92 , a seal ring  93 , and a seal ring seat  96  as well as a pull rod  94  extending beyond the body  91 . A float rod  95  is connected to an outer periphery of the body  91  and includes an end having a float  951  floating on the liquid level. An adjusting device is disposed between the float rod  95  and the pull rod  94  and includes a first fixing member  97 , a rotatable adjusting member  98 , and a second fixing member  99 . The first fixing member  97  is pivotably connected to the float rod  95  at a first pivotal point P 1 . The second fixing member  99  is pivotably connected to the pull rod  94  at a second pivotal point P 2 . An example of such a liquid control valve  9  is disclosed in Taiwan Utility Model No. M554183. 
     When the liquid level in the liquid container drops, the float rod  95  pushes the pull rod  94  to disengage a protrusion  941  of the pull rod  94  from a bottom of the valve rod  92 . Thus, the water pressure from the water inlet  9   a  forces the seal ring  93  to disengage from the flange  911  of the body  91 , such that the liquid can be supplied into the liquid container, and the liquid level rises. After the liquid level reaches a predetermined height, the float rod  95  pulls the pull rod  94 , such that the protrusion  941  of the pull rod  94  presses against the bottom of the valve rod  92  and such that the seal ring  93  can be in sealing contact with the flange  911 , preventing further supply of the liquid into the liquid container. 
     In use of the liquid container with the conventional liquid control valve  9 , when it is desired to change the liquid level, the adjusting member  98  is rotated to adjust the distance between the first pivotal point P 1  and the second pivotal point P 2 . When the distance increases, the liquid level in the liquid container can be higher to increase the amount of liquid stored in the liquid container. On the other hand, when the distance decreases, the liquid level can be lower, such that the amount of liquid stored in the liquid container is reduced. When adjusting the distance between the first pivotal point P 1  and the second pivotal point P 2  by rotating the adjusting member  98 , the travel of the valve rod  92  and the seal ring  93  is changed, and the force imparted by the protrusion  941  of the pull rod  94  to the bottom of the valve rod  92  is varied. When the distance between the first pivotal point P 1  and the second pivotal point P 2  is too small due to over adjustment of the adjusting member  98 , the travel of the valve rod  92  and the seal ring  93  is reduced, such that the seal ring  93  could not be completely disengaged from the flange  911  or could still be in sealing contact with the flange  911  when the liquid level is lowered. As a result, the liquid at the inlet  9   a  could not rapidly fall or be supplied into the liquid container. On the other hand, when the distance between the first pivotal point P 1  and the second pivotal point P 2  is too large, the protrusion  941  of the pull rod  94  could not push the valve rod  92  upward to a higher position, such that the seal ring  93  could not be in sealing contact with the flange  911 , forming a gap therebetween. Thus, the liquid continuously leaks into the liquid container via the gap. 
     Furthermore, with reference to  FIG.  2   , since the protrusion  941  of the pull rod  94  presses against the bottom of the valve rod  92  for a long period of time and since the flange  911  and the seal ring  93  only have a small contact area therebetween, the seal ring  93  will deform due to long-term pressure, such that the seal ring  93  cannot achieve the sealing contact, resulting in a gap through which the liquid leaks into the liquid container. 
     Thus, improvement to the conventional liquid control valve is required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a liquid control valve having a liquid stopper whose travel is not changed when the liquid level in the liquid container changes, providing the liquid stopper with a better sealing effect. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide an adjusting rod for a liquid control valve. The liquid level can be changed by changing an angle of the adjusting rod. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a liquid stopper for a liquid control valve, avoiding deformation and leakage due to long-term use of the liquid stopper. 
     As used herein, the term “a”, “an” or “one” for describing the number of the elements and members of the present invention is used for convenience, provides the general meaning of the scope of the present invention, and should be interpreted to include one or at least one. Furthermore, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the concept of a single component also includes the case of plural components. 
     As used herein, the term “coupling”, “engagement”, “assembly”, or similar terms is used to include separation of connected members without destroying the members after connection or inseparable connection of the members after connection. A person having ordinary skill in the art would be able to select according to desired demands in the material or assembly of the members to be connected. 
     A liquid control valve according to the present invention includes a base, a liquid stopper, an adjusting rod, and a linkage. The base includes a first chamber and a second chamber intercommunicating with the first chamber. An inlet intercommunicates with the first chamber. An outlet intercommunicates with the second chamber. The base further includes an inner face having an upper stop portion. The liquid stopper includes a valve body, a seal, and a guiding member. The valve body is movably received in the first chamber. The seal is located between the valve body and the guiding member. The seal is configured to abut against or disengage from the upper stop portion. The guiding member includes a guiding hole aligned with a slot of the base. The adjusting rod includes fixing arm and an adjusting arm. Each of the fixing arm and the adjusting arm has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the fixing arm is pivotably connected to a first pivotal portion of the base. The second end of the fixing arm and the first end of the adjusting arm are pivotably connected by a conical hole and a cone. The fixing arm includes an intermediate pivotal hole between the first end thereof and the second end thereof. The second end of the adjusting arm is connected to a float. The linkage includes a driving arm and a connecting arm. An end of the driving arm is pivotably connected to an end of the connecting arm. Another end of the driving arm extends through the slot and the guiding hole and is pivotably connected to a second pivotal portion of the base. Another end of the connecting arm is pivotably connected to the intermediate pivotal hole of the fixing arm. 
     An adjusting rod for a liquid control valve according to the present invention includes a fixing arm and an adjusting arm. The fixing arm has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the fixing arm includes an end pivotal hole. The fixing arm further includes an intermediate pivotal hole between the first end thereof and the second end thereof. The adjusting arm has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the adjusting arm and the second end of the fixing arm are pivotably connected by a conical hole and a cone. The second end of the adjusting arm is connected to a float. 
     A liquid stopper according to the present invention includes a valve body, a seal, and a guiding member. The valve body includes an anti-leak gasket. The valve body is connected to an end of a rod. Another end of the rod has a threaded portion. The seal includes an upper face and a lower face opposite to the upper face. The seal further includes a central hole extending from the upper face through the lower face. The guiding member includes a first end having a face with a screw hole and a stub. The screw hole is in threading connection with the threaded portion. The stub is received in the central hole. The lower face of the seal abuts against the face of the first end of the guiding member. 
     Thus, in the liquid control valve and its adjusting rod and its liquid stopper according to the present invention, the adjusting arm is simply rotated relative to the fixing arm during a change of the height of the liquid level, whereas the position of the linkage pivotably connected to the second pivotal portion is not changed, and the angle between the driving arm and the connecting arm is not changed. Thus, the travel of the liquid stopper is not changed, assuring the functions of the liquid stopper in permitting feeding of liquid and achieving sealing contact. Furthermore, in the liquid stopper, in addition to provision of the sealing contact between the lower face of the seal and the face of the first end of the guiding member, the seal and the guiding member can be in sealing contact with each other by the first and third stop portions and the second and fourth stop portions, providing multiple sealing contacts to thereby achieve the best sealing effect and the best leakage-prevention effect while preventing leakage from the first chamber into the second chamber. 
     In an example, the base is comprised of an upper base and a lower base coupled to the upper base. Thus, the liquid stopper can be easily assembled to the base. 
     In an example, a face of the cone contacts with a face of the conical hole, and at least one of the faces of the cone and the conical hole has an anti-slip portion. Thus, the adjusting arm and the fixing arm are more securely connected to prevent the adjusting arm and the fixing arm from becoming loosened. 
     In an example, a face of the cone contacts with a face of the conical hole. One of the faces of the cone and the conical hole has teeth. Another of the faces of the cone and the conical hole has grooves meshed with the teeth. Thus, the adjusting arm and the fixing arm are more securely connected to prevent the adjusting arm and the fixing arm from becoming loosened. 
     In an example of the liquid control valve or its liquid stopper, a rod is connected to the valve body and includes a threaded portion. The first end of the guiding member has a screw hole in threading connection with the threaded portion. The seal includes an upper face configured to abut against or disengage from the upper stop portion. The seal includes a lower face having a first stop portion and a second stop portion. A face of the first end of the guiding member is formed with a groove and has a third stop portion and a fourth stop portion. The first stop portion is in sealing contact with the third stop portion. The second stop portion is in sealing contact with the fourth stop portion. Thus, the liquid stopper can be easily assembled. Furthermore, the seal and the guiding member have multiple sealing contacts therebetween, achieving excellent sealing contact and avoiding leakage. 
     In an example of the liquid control valve or its liquid stopper, one of the first stop portion and the third stop portion is a conical wall, and another of the first stop portion and the third stop portion is a conical groove matching with the conical wall. Thus, the seal and the guiding member have a better sealing contact therebetween and can avoid leakage. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a cross sectional view of a conventional liquid control valve. 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged view of a circled portion of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded, perspective view of a liquid control valve of an embodiment according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross sectional view of the liquid control valve of the embodiment according to the present invention after assembly. 
         FIG.  5    is a view similar to  FIG.  4   , illustrating operation of the liquid control valve. 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded, perspective view of a liquid stopper according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross sectional view of the liquid stopper according to the present invention after assembly. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded, perspective view of an adjusting rod according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross sectional view of the adjusting rod according to the present invention after assembly. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the adjusting rod according to the present invention after assembly. 
     
    
    
     In the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “inner”, “outer”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear” and similar terms are used hereinafter, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings, and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIG.  3   , a liquid control valve of an embodiment according to the present invention includes a base  1 , a liquid stopper  2 , an adjusting rod  3 , and a linkage  4 . The liquid stopper  2  is received in the base  1 . An end of the adjusting rod  3  and an end of the linkage  4  are pivotably connected to the base  1 . The adjusting rod  3  can actuate the linkage  4  which, in turn, pushes the liquid stopper  2  to move. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the base  1  can be integral or comprised of a plurality of components. The present invention is not limited in this regard. In this embodiment, the base  1  is comprised of an upper base  1   a  and a lower base lb coupled to the upper base  1   a.  The coupling can be male/female coupling, snapping, or threading connection. The base  1  includes a first chamber  11  and a second chamber  12  intercommunicating with the first chamber  11 . An inlet I intercommunicates with the first chamber  11 . The inlet I can be connected to a fluid source (not shown), permitting the fluid to be guided into the first chamber  11 . The base  1  further includes an inner face having an upper stop portion  13 . The upper stop portion  13  can be in the form of an annular protrusion on the inner face of the base  1 , such that the upper stop portion  13  forms an annular ring in the first chamber  11 . At least one outlet O intercommunicates with the second chamber  12  and is configured to guide the liquid in the second chamber  12  outward. Preferably, the at least one outlet O includes a plurality of outlets O. The base  1  further includes a first pivotal portion  14  and a second pivotal portion  15 . An end of the adjusting rod  3  is pivotably connected to the first pivotal portion  14  by a pivot P. An end of the linkage  4  is pivotably connected to the second pivotal portion  15  by a pivot P. 
     With the reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the liquid stopper  2  is movably received in the first chamber  11  and the second chamber  12  of the base  1 . The liquid stopper  2  includes a valve body  21 , a seal  22 , and a guiding member  23 . The valve body  21 , the seal  22 , and the guiding member  23  can be integral or comprised of a plurality of components. The present invention is not limited in this regard. The valve body  21  is movably received in the first chamber  11 . The seal  22  is located between the valve body  21  and the guiding member  23 . The seal  22  can be made of elastic materials such as rubber or silicone rubber. The seal  22  can abut against the upper stop portion  13  to interrupt intercommunication between the first chamber  11  and the second chamber  12 , such that the fluid guided from the inlet I into the first chamber  11  will not enter the second chamber  12 . The guiding member  23  includes a guiding hole  231  extending through two opposite sides of the guiding member  23  and aligned with a slot  16  of the base  1 , permitting the linkage  4  to extend therethrough. Furthermore, the linkage  4  can actuate the guiding member  23  to move in the second chamber  12 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , in a preferred embodiment, the liquid stopper  2  can be comprised of the valve body  21 , the seal  22 , and the guiding member  23 , which are separate and can be coupled together. The valve body  21  can have an anti-leak gasket  211  which can be in sealing contact with a housing wall of the first chamber  11  to provide a better sealing effect. The valve  21  is connected to a rod  212  having a threaded portion  213 . The first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23  has a screw hole  232  in threading connection with the threaded portion  213 . 
     The seal  22  includes an upper face  22   a  and a lower face  22   b  opposite to the upper face  22   a.  The seal  22  further includes a central hole  221  extending from the upper face  22   a  through the lower face  22   b.  A face of the first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23  has a stub  234 . The stub  234  is received in the central hole  221  of the seal  22 , such that the lower face  22   b  of the seal  22  can abut against the face of the first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23 . Preferably, the upper face  22   a  of the seal  22  is recessed to form a countersink  224  for receiving a washer  24 . A nut  25  is threadedly coupled with the threaded portion  213 , such that the lower face  22   b  of the seal  22  and the face of the first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23  have tighter sealing contact therebetween. 
     Preferably, the lower face  22   b  of the seal  22  has a first stop portion  222  and a second stop portion  223 . The face of the first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23  may be formed with a groove  233  and may have a third stop portion  235  and a fourth stop portion  236 . The first stop portion  222  is in sealing contact with the third stop portion  235 . The second stop portion  223  is in sealing contact with the fourth stop portion  236 . In this embodiment, one of the first stop portion  222  and the third stop portion  235  is a conical wall, and another of the first stop portion  222  and the third stop portion  235  is a conical groove matching with the conical wall. One of the second stop portion  223  and the fourth stop portion  226  is an annular groove, and another of the second stop portion  223  and the fourth stop portion  226  is a flange matching with the annular groove. Thus, in addition to the sealing contact between the lower face  22   b  of the seal  22  and the face of the first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23 , the seal  22  and the guiding member  23  can be in sealing contact with each other by the first and third stop portions  222  and  235  and the second and fourth stop portions  223  and  236 , providing multiple sealing contacts to thereby achieve tight sealing contact and a leakage-prevention effect. 
     The guiding member  23  can be received in the second chamber  12  of the base  1  by the second end  23   b.  The second end  23   b  of the guiding member  23  includes a guiding hole  231  extending through two opposite sides of the guiding member  23  and aligned with the slot  16  of the base  1 , permitting the linkage  4  to extend therethrough. The guiding hole  231  includes an upper abutting portion  237  and a lower abutting portion  238 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  8   , the adjusting rod  3  includes a fixing arm  31  and an adjusting arm  32 . Each of the fixing arm  31  and the adjusting arm  32  has a first end  31   a,    32   a  and a second end  31   b,    32   b  opposite to the first end  31   a,    32   a.  The first end  31   a  of the fixing arm  31  includes an end pivotal hole  311  which is pivotably connected to the first pivotal portion  14  of the base  1  by a pivot P. The second end  31   b  of the fixing arm  31  and the first end  32   a  of the adjusting arm  32  are pivotably connected by a conical hole and a cone. In this embodiment, the second end  31   b  of the fixing arm  31  includes a conical hole  312  and a through-hole  313  concentric to the conical hole  312 . The through-hole  313  extends through a face of the fixing arm  31 . The fixing arm  31  further includes an intermediate pivotal hole  314  between the first end  31   a  thereof and the second end  32   a  thereof. 
     The first end  32   a  of the adjusting arm  32  has a cone  321  protruding therefrom. The cone  321  matches with the conical hole  312 . Preferably, the cone  321  and the conical hole  312  have the same conicity. A face of the cone  321  contacts with a face of the conical hole  312 . At least one of the faces of the cone  321  and the conical hole  312  has an anti-slip portion  322 . Alternatively, one of the faces of the cone  321  and the conical hole  312  has teeth, and another of the faces of the cone  321  and the conical hole  312  has grooves meshed with the teeth. Thus, after the fixing arm  31  and the adjusting arm  32  are coupled together, the fixing arm  31  and the adjusting arm  32  will not pivot relative to each other. The cone  321  has a screw hole  323 . A threaded member  33  can extend through the through-hole  313  to threadedly couple with the screw hole  323 , such that the second end  31   b  of the fixing arm  31  and the first end  32   a  of the adjusting arm  32  are in a fixed relation to each other. Furthermore, a user can loosen the threaded member  33  to adjust the angle between the fixing arm  31  and the adjusting arm  32 . The second end  32   b  of the adjusting arm  32  has a connecting portion  324 , and a float  34  can be directly or indirectly connected to the adjusting arm  32 . In this embodiment, the float  34  is indirectly connected to the adjusting arm  32  by a rod  35 . 
     The above coupling between the second end  31   b  of the fixing arm  31  and the first end  32   a  of the adjusting arm  32  is merely an example. The second end  31   b  of the fixing arm  31  can be modified to include a screw hole similar to the screw hole  323  of the cone  321  of the adjusting arm  32 , whereas the first end  32   a  of the adjusting arm  32  can be modified to include a conical hole and a through-hole similar to the conical hole  312  and the through-hole  313  of the fixing arm  31 . The same function and effect can be provided. The present invention is not limited in this regard. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the linkage  4  includes a driving arm  41  and a connecting arm  42 . An end of the driving arm  41  is pivotably connected to an end of the connecting arm  42  by a pivot P. Another end of the driving arm  41  extends through the slot  16  and the guiding hole  231 . The extending end of the driving arm  41  has a first end pivotal hole  43  pivotably connected to the second pivotal portion  15  of the base  1  by a pivot P. Another end of the connecting arm  42  has a second end pivotal hole  44  pivotably connected to the intermediate pivotal hole  314  of the fixing arm  31  by a pivot P. 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , the liquid control valve according to the present invention can be used in an interior of a liquid container (not shown). The liquid control valve is used to stop or permit flow of a liquid. The float  34  of the adjusting rod  3  can float on the liquid level of the liquid. The height of the float  34  can be increased in response to a rise of the liquid level L. The float  34  actuates the adjusting rod  3  to pivot in the clockwise direction (as viewed from the drawing sheet) about the first pivot portion  14  of the base  1  pivotably connected to the adjusting rod  3 . At the same time, the adjusting rod  3  actuates the driving arm  41  via the connecting rod  42  pivotably connected to the adjusting rod  3 , such that the driving arm  41  also pivots in the clockwise direction about the second pivotal portion  15 . Thus, the driving arm  41  can abut against the upper abutting portion  237  of the liquid stopper  2  to move the liquid stopper  2  upward (as viewed from the drawing sheet). When the upper face  22   a  of the seal  2  abuts against the upper stop portion  13  of the base  1 , the liquid stopper  2  interrupts the intercommunication between the first chamber  11  and the second chamber  12 , stopping the liquid from flowing into the liquid container. Furthermore, in addition to the sealing contact between the lower face  22   b  of the seal  22  and the face of the first end  23   a  of the guiding member  23 , the seal  22  and the guiding member  23  can be in sealing contact with each other by the first and third stop portions  222  and  235  and the second and fourth stop portions  223  and  236 , providing multiple sealing contacts to thereby achieve the best sealing effect and the best leakage-prevention effect. 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , when the height of the float  34  is reduced in response to a drop in the liquid level L, the adjusting rod  3  pivots in the counterclockwise direction (as viewed from the drawing sheet) about the first pivotal portion  14  of the base  1  pivotably connected to the adjusting rod  3 . At the same time, the adjusting rod  3  actuates the driving arm  41  via the connecting rod  42  pivotably connected to the adjusting rod  3 , such that the driving arm  41  also pivots in the counterclockwise direction about the second pivotal portion  15 . Thus, the driving arm  41  can abut against the lower abutting portion  238  of the liquid stopper  2  to move the liquid stopper  2  downward (as viewed from the drawing sheet). When the upper face  22   a  of the seal  22  disengages from the upper stop portion  13  of the base  1 , the first chamber  11  and the second chamber  12  of the base  1  intercommunicate with each other, permitting the liquid to flow into the liquid container. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  8  and  10   , when the user intends to change the height of the liquid level L of the liquid in the liquid container, the threaded member  33  is loosened to permit a change in the angle between the adjusting arm  32  and the fixing aim  31  to thereby change the liquid level L. In the example shown in  FIG.  4   , the adjusting rod  32  is rotated clockwise relative to the fixing arm  31  to increase the height of the liquid level L. On the other hand, the adjusting rod  32  can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the fixing arm  31  to reduce the height of the liquid level L. While changing the angle between the adjusting arm  32  and the fixing arm  31 , the adjusting rod  3  is adjusted by simply rotating the adjusting arm  32  relative to the fixing arm  31 , such that the linkage  4  pivotably connected to the second pivotal portion  15  does not pivot. Thus, the angle between the driving arm  41  and the connecting arm  42  is not changed, avoiding a change in the travel of the liquid stopper  2 . 
     In view of the foregoing, in the liquid control valve and its adjusting rod and its liquid stopper according to the present invention, the adjusting arm is simply rotated relative to the fixing arm during a change of the height of the liquid level, whereas the position of the linkage pivotably connected to the second pivotal portion is not changed, and the angle between the driving arm and the connecting arm is not changed. Thus, the travel of the liquid stopper is not changed, assuring the functions of the liquid stopper in permitting feeding of liquid and achieving sealing contact. Furthermore, in the liquid stopper, in addition to provision of the sealing contact between the lower face of the seal and the face of the first end of the guiding member, the seal and the guiding member can be in sealing contact with each other by the first and third stop portions and the second and fourth stop portions, providing multiple sealing contacts to thereby achieve the best sealing effect and the best leakage-prevention effect while preventing leakage from the first chamber into the second chamber. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferable embodiments, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.