AU2004205172B2 - Three-way valve with independent quarter-turn outlets - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Valvulas Arco, S.L. ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, 3000, Australia INVENTION TITLE: Three-way valve with independent quarter-turn outlets The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:la TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a three-way valve. BACKGROUND Three-way valves are widely known devices for the regulation of the flow of liquid fluids, which include in one same body or box two independent valves set in such a way that, with one single inlet and two outlets, of equal or different diameters, they enable the separate control of the outlet flows of both sections. The relative positions of the valves may vary, depending in turn on that taken by the inlet channel with regard to the outlet channels, since it can take up an intermediate position between both, or a position in one of the lateral channels. Whatever the case, three-way valves must be able to take up four alternative functional positions: - Both outlets open simultaneously. - One outlet open and the other closed. - That same status but the other way around (closed-open). - Both outlets closed simultaneously. A preferred application of three-way valves is the connection of domestic appliances (washing machines, dish washers) and taps simultaneously to the water mains at one single inlet.

2 SUMMARY According to the invention, there is provided a three way valve, comprising: an inlet channel; 5 a first outlet channel; a second outlet channel; a first independent, quarter-turn valve situated at an intersection of said inlet channel and said first outlet channel and comprising a plug provided with channels for 10 regulating fluid communication between said inlet channel and said first and second outlet channels; and a second independent, quarter-turn valve situated intermediate said first independent valve and said second outlet channel, wherein 15 a longitudinal axis of said first outlet channel is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of said inlet channel and a longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel is orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said inlet channel such that said longitudinal axis of said inlet channel, said 20 longitudinal axis of said first outlet channel and said longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel are arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration, said inlet channel, said first outlet channel and said second outlet channel are unitarily formed, 25 said first independent, quarter-turn valve is axially aligned with said inlet channel, an axis of said second independent, quarter-turn valve is perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel, and 30 said plug and said inlet channel are configured and adapted such that said plug can be assembled into said three-way valve via said inlet channel.

3 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the three-way valve is of the type with an inlet port between two outlet ports which are aligned orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the inlet port in a general T-shaped 5 layout. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the two independent valves is aligned axially with a tubular inlet channel that constitutes the central longitudinal section of the "T" (central valve), while the 10 axis of the other valve is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of one of two tubular outlet channels, which make up the transverse section of the "T" (lateral valve), both being grouped together in one single technical unit (three way valve). 15 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a central valve, which is aligned with the inlet channel, receives fluid from below and is capable of distributing it as desired to one or both sides simultaneously. For this purpose, that valve's plug may have a straight interior 20 channel and an L-shaped channel, with perpendicular outlet directions, in such a way that the straight channel lets the fluid use both outlets simultaneously, whereas the L-shaped channel provides only one unidirectional flow towards the outlet channel in which the lateral valve is inserted. 25 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lateral valve, which is set orthogonally to one of the outlet channels, receives the flow from the side, transversely, and is capable of regulating the flow in the outlet channel in which it intervenes, for which purpose its 30 plug has a straight interior channel. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structures of the two independent valves, the central 4 and lateral valves, correspond substantially to the generally known structure typical of fluid regulation valves with ellipsoidal plugs. Therefore, between said particular structures, there is both formal and functional similarity, 5 except with regard to the fluid-flow through their respective plugs, the distinctive features of which have been previously described. However, they do have differences of size and form resulting from the fact that their assembly is necessarily different since, whereas in the central valve 10 the plug stem is assembled by introducing the unit through the bottom of the main body of the three-way valve, the lateral valve can be assembled through the top of the body only, i.e. through the housing neck. The functioning of a three-way valve according to a 15 preferred embodiment of the invention, in order to fulfil the four alternative functional options required of it, includes the following simultaneous positioning of its respective interior channels: - Both outlets open. 20 Central valve: L-shaped channel closed and straight channel open. Lateral valve: Straight channel open. - Single outlet through the channel with the lateral valve. 25 Central valve: L-shaped channel open and straight channel closed. Lateral valve: Straight channel open. - Single outlet through the lateral channel with no valve. 30 Central valve: L-shaped channel closed and straight channel open. Lateral valve: Straight channel closed.

5 - Both outlets closed. Central valve: L-shaped channel open and straight channel closed. Lateral valve: Straight channel closed. 5 In the above positional descriptions, the word "open" is applied to the channel through whose interior the fluid flows, whereas, reciprocally, the word "closed" is applied to the channel in a position where the fluid cannot flow 10 through its interior. Embodiments of the invention seek to provide the engineering and production of a three-way valve with which the functional performance typical of said valves and common to all is obtained, by means of a quarter-turn flow control 15 system on both outlets of each of the two independent valves integrated in it. The three-way valve according to preferred embodiments has been expressly designed and developed accordingly, since the valve-machining for quarter-turn control systems can be simpler and cheaper than the spindle 20 system. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 25 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal section of a three-way valve in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with the position of the controls of its independent valves enabling the simultaneous outlet of the fluid through its two lateral channels; 30 Figure 2 with a single outlet through the channel in which the lateral valve is inserted; PPR\M1XC\209%L24S993-Ispdoc.22V6/2009 5A Figure 3, with a single outlet through the lateral channel with no valve; and Figure 4 with both lateral channels closed. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the plug-stem unit of 5 the lateral valve; and Figure 6 is a longitudinal and axial section of said unit. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the plug-stem unit of the central valve; and 10 Figure 8 is a longitudinal and axial section of said unit. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT To clearly show the nature and scope of the 15 advantageous application of the "three-way valve, with independent quarter-turn outlets" the following is a description of its structure and functioning, with reference to the diagrams which, as they represent a preferred embodiment of the invention, for information purposes, must 20 be considered in their widest sense and not as limiting to the application and content of the claimed invention. Said three-way valve is of the type with the inlet channel between the two outlet channels, which are aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the inlet valve in 25 a general T-shaped layout. One of the two independent valves is aligned axially with the tubular inlet channel that constitutes the central longitudinal section of the "T" (central valve), while the axis of the other valve is perpendicular to the 6 longitudinal axis of one of the two tubular outlet channels, which make up the transverse section of the "T" (lateral valve) . Both are grouped together in one single technical unit (three-way valve). The valve aligned with the inlet channel (1), the central valve (2), receives the fluid from below and is capable of distributing it as desired to one or both sides simultaneously. For this purpose, its plug (3) has a straight interior channel (4) and an L-shaped channel (5), with perpendicular outlet directions, in such a way that the straight channel (4) lets the fluid use both outlets simultaneously, whereas the L-shaped channel (5) enables only one unidirectional flow towards the outlet channel (6) in which the lateral valve (7) is inserted. The orthogonal valve to one of the outlet channels (6) , the lateral valve (7) , receives the flow from the side, transversally, and is capable of regulating the flow in the outlet channel (6) in which it intervenes, for the purpose of which its plug (8) has a straight interior channel (9). The structures of the two independent valves, the central (2) and lateral (7) valves, correspond substantia lly to the general known structure typical of fluid regulation valves with ellipsoidal plugs. Therefore, between said particular structures, there is both formal and functional similarity, except with regard to the fluid flowing through their respective plugs, whose distinctive features have been previously described. However, they do have differences of size and form resulting from the fact that their assembly is necessarily different since, whereas in the central valve (2) the plug stem is assembled by introducing the unit through the 7 bottom of the main body of the three-way valve, the lateral valve (7) can be assembled through the top of the body only, i.e. through the housing neck. The functioning of the three-way valve, in order to fulfil the four alternative functional options required of it, includes the following simultaneous positioning of its respective interior channels: - Both outlets open. (See figure 1) Central valve: L-shaped channel closed and straight channel open. Lateral valve: Straight channel open. - Single outlet through the channel (6) with the lateral valve (7): (See figure 2) Central valve: L-shaped channel open and straight channel closed. Lateral valve: Straight channel open. - Single outlet through the lateral channel with no valve. (See figure 3) Central valve: L-shaped channel closed and straight channel open. Lateral valve: Straight channel closed. - Both outlets closed. (See figure 4) Central valve: L-shaped channel open and straight channel closed. Lateral valve: Straight channel closed. In the above positional descriptions, the word "open" is applied to the channel through whose interior the fluid flows, whereas, reciprocally, the word "closed" is applied to the channel in a position where the fluid cannot flow through its interior.

8 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (17)

1. A three-way valve, comprising: an inlet channel; 5 a first outlet channel; a second outlet channel; a first independent, quarter-turn valve situated at an intersection of said inlet channel and said first outlet channel and comprising a plug provided with channels for 10 regulating fluid communication between said inlet channel and said first and second outlet channels; and a second independent, quarter-turn valve situated intermediate said first independent valve and said second outlet channel, wherein 15 a longitudinal axis of said first outlet channel is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of said inlet channel and a longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel is orthogonal to said longitudinal axis of said inlet channel such that said longitudinal axis of said inlet channel, said 20 longitudinal axis of said first outlet channel and said longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel are arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration, said inlet channel, said first outlet channel and said second outlet channel are unitarily formed, 25 said first independent, quarter-turn valve is axially aligned with said inlet channel, an axis of said second independent, quarter-turn valve is perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel, and 30 said plug and said inlet channel are configured and adapted such that said plug can be assembled into said three-way valve via said inlet channel. P:OPER\MXCUO9U2489930.1spIdc-22M/2009 10

2. The three-way valve of claim 1, wherein said first independent valve is configured and adapted for - a first mode of operation in which fluid 5 communication is established solely between said inlet channel and said second independent valve; and - a second mode of operation in which fluid communication is established between all of said inlet channel, said first outlet channel and said second 10 independent valve.

3. The three-way valve of claim 2, wherein said first independent valve is configured and adapted such that a quarter turn of said plug effects a switching from said 15 first mode of operation to said second mode of operation or a switching from said second mode of operation to said first mode of operation.

4. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, 20 wherein said plug comprises: a first channel that extends only partially into said plug along an axis of rotation of said plug; a second channel that extends through said plug perpendicular to and intersecting said first channel; and 25 a third channel perpendicular to and intersecting both said second channel and said first channel.

5. The three-way valve of claim 4, wherein an outer radial wall of a fluid channel of said plug that interconnects said 30 first channel and said third channel is smoothly curved.

6. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, P:\CPER\MXCUO 912489930-.spadoc-226I209 11 wherein said second independent valve is configured and adapted for regulating fluid communication between said first independent valve and said second outlet channel. 5

7. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein said longitudinal axis of said first outlet channel is the axis of fluid flow through said first outlet channel.

8. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, 10 wherein said longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel is the axis of fluid flow through said second outlet channel.

9. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, 15 wherein said longitudinal axis of said inlet channel is the axis of fluid flow through said inlet channel.

10. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein said longitudinal axis of said inlet channel, said 20 longitudinal axis of said first outlet channel and said longitudinal axis of said second outlet channel are arranged in a common plane.

11. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, 25 wherein said inlet channel extends in a straight line from said first independent valve for a distance greater than a distance between said first and second independent valves.

12. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, 30 wherein said inlet channel is configured and adapted for attachment to piping that is separate from an assembly that forms said three-way valve. P:\OPERVXC2O09l2489930-lspaoV22M6/2009 12

13. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug is configured and adapted to receive a handle. 5

14. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug is machined from a single piece of material. 10

15. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug comprises: an L-shaped passage for fluid communication solely between said inlet channel and said second independent valve; and 15 a T-shaped passage for fluid communication between all of said inlet channel, said first outlet channel and said second independent valve, wherein one leg of said L-shaped passage is orthogonal to a plane defined by said T-shaped passage and the other leg of 20 said L-shaped passage is common to the stem of said T-shaped passage.

16. The three-way valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein said second independent valve is configured and 25 adapted such that a quarter turn of a plug of said second independent valve effects a switching between a fullest opening of fluid communication between said first independent valve and said second outlet channel and an absolute obstruction of fluid communication between said 30 first independent valve and said second outlet channel.

17. A three-way valve substantially as hereinbefore P:OPERMXC2009I249930-lIsp.dc.2262009 13 described with reference to the drawings and/or Examples.