Valve

Abstract

 A valve which includes a housing (12) in which is formed a chamber (14), first (18) and second (22) inlets to the chamber, an outlet (16) from the chamber, a closure member (24) within the chamber, and biasing means (30), the closure member including a fluid flow passage for fluid which flows through the chamber from the second inlet to the outlet, and being movable against the action of the biasing means to close the first inlet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a valve.

[0002] Suction type swimming pool cleaners are in widespread use. A cleaner of this type normally includes a suction head which is connected to a suction source, positioned for example in a swimming pool weir, by means of a flexible hose. Water flow through the hose is used to impart random movement to the suction head in any one of a variety of ways. In this way the suction head is caused to traverse the submerged surface of the swimming pool.

[0003] If the suction head is removed from the water, or rises above the water surface during its own operation, then air is drawn into the flexible hose. Under certain conditions the supply line lead to the pump of the swimming pool system i.e. on the upstream side of the pump, runs dry and this can have serious consequences for the motor which drives the pump. Under no-load conditions the motor can be permanently damaged.

[0004] A similar problem must be taken care of when a swimming pool cleaner is placed in the water at the start of the cleaning cycle. The flexible hose at this stage is air filled and the air must be purged from the system before the cleaner will work satisfactorily. Normally the displacement of air is achieved by connecting the outlet end of the hose to a water source and, once the hose is filled with water, connecting the outlet end of the hose to the suction source i.e. the inlet to the upstream line leading to the pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention provides a valve which includes a housing, a chamber being formed within the housing, at least a first inlet which is provided to the chamber, an outlet which is provided from the chamber, the outlet being adapted to be connected to a fluid body which is at a lower pressure than a fluid body at the first inlet, and a closure member which is located in the chamber and which is movable by fluid flow through the chamber to the outlet so that it at least partly closes the first inlet.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the closure member is adapted effectively to seal the first inlet.

[0007] The valve may include biasing means which acts on the closure member and which biases the closure member towards a position at which the first inlet permits fluid flow to the outlet. Thus when the closure member is caused to move so that the first inlet is sealed this movement takes place against the action of the biasing means.

[0008] The valve may be designed so that when the closure member closes off the first inlet a stable condition pertains in that the first inlet remains sealed. Alternatively, the valve may be designed so that the closure member is placed in an unstable condition in the sense that once the first inlet is sealed the biasing means causes the closure member to be restored to its original position and fluid flow through the first inlet again takes place. This cycle repeats and an oscillating movement of the closure member ensues.

[0009] The valve may include a second inlet to the chamber. The second inlet may be permanently open. Thus fluid flow may at all times be allowed to take place from the second inlet to the outlet.

[0010] The second inlet and the outlet may be positioned on a common axis.

[0011] The first inlet may comprise a plurality of apertures or a single aperture. In either case the aperture or apertures may be positioned transversely to a line extending from the second inlet to the outlet.

[0012] Means may be provided for limiting the degree of movement of the closure member.

[0013] The closure member may include a passage for fluid flow. At least a portion of the passage may be of reduced cross section relatively to the remainder. A venturi may be defined within the closure member.

[0014] Fluid from the second inlet may flow through at least part of the passage in the closure member. Similarly, fluid from the first inlet may flow through at least part of the passage.

[0015] The valve may be provided in combination with a pool cleaner of the suction type which is connected by means of a flexible hose to a suction source, the valve being located for example in the flexible hose. The outlet may, therefore, be connected to the suction side and the second inlet may be connected to the pool cleaner by means of the flexible hose.

[0016] The valve may be positioned so that the first inlet is at all times submerged.

[0017] The valve may for example be positioned at a weir and may be used to connect the flexible hose to a suction inlet on the weir.

[0018] In another form of the invention the valve may be formed integrally with a weir, with the first inlet preferably being positioned so that at all times it is located below the water level.

[0019] The valve in one embodiment may include only one inlet which is the first inlet. Under these conditions the closure member operates so that fluid flow from the first inlet to the outlet is intermittently interrupted. A pulsating fluid flow of this type is suitable for causing random movement of a suction type swimming pool cleaner which is connected to means of a flexible hose to a suction source. The invention is intended to include a swimming pool cleaner which includes a valve of this type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates from the side and partly sectioned a valve according to one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is a similar view of a valve according to a second form of the invention,

Figure 3 schematically illustrates the use of the valve of Figure 1, and

Figure 4 schematically depicts an application of the valve of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a valve 10 which includes a body 12 in which is formed a chamber 14. The chamber has an outlet 16 and a first inlet 18 to the chamber which is defined by means of a plurality of relatively small holes 20 which are formed through the wall of the housing 12 transversely to a longitudinal axis of the chamber. A second inlet 22 is provided into the chamber on a side which opposes the outlet 16.

[0022] Located within the chamber 14 is an annular closure member 24. The closure member is positioned between annular steps 26 and 28 which limit its axial movement. A spring 30 abuts a third annular step 32 and acts on the closure member 24 biasing it to the right in the drawing. At this right-hand position the closure member 24 is displaced clear of the holes 20.

[0023] In use of the valve 10 the outlet 16 is connected, for example, to a suction inlet 80 of a swimming pool weir 82, see Figure 3. The valve is positioned so that the holes 20 are at all times below the surface of the water in the swimming pool. The second inlet 22, which it is to be noted is located at one end of a spigot-like projection of the valve, is connected to one end of a flexible hose 84 which leads to a suction type swimming pool cleaner 86. The swimming pool cleaner may be of any suitable known type. Its operation is not important to an understanding of the invention.

[0024] If the chamber 14 and the hose leading to the swimming pool cleaner contain water then when a suction force is applied to the outlet 16 water initially flows from the second inlet 22, and through the first inlet 18, to the outlet 16. The design of the valve however is such that the water flow interalia from the second inlet 22 causes the closure member 24 to be displaced to the left in the drawing and the holes 20 are thereby sealed. Water then flows only from the second inlet 22 to the outlet 16. No water passes through the first inlet 18.

[0025] If the swimming pool cleaner 86 is lifted or rises above the water level, for whatever reason, then air enters the flexible line 84 leading to the second inlet 22 and water flow from this inlet is stopped. When this occurs the closure member 24 is moved to the right in the drawing, by means of the spring 30, and the holes 20 are thereby opened. The water then passes through the holes to the outlet 16. In this way water is supplied to the pump and it cannot run dry. As a complete no-load condition is averted the likelihood of damage of the pump motor is substantially reduced if not eliminated.

[0026] When water flows through the holes 20 it is found, depending on the dimensions and shape of the closure member, and on the strength of the spring 30, that under certain conditions the closure member 24 can again be drawn to the left so that the holes 20 are at least partly closed. When the rate of water flow reduces, due to the closing of the holes 20, the spring 30 moves the closure member 24 to the right in the drawing and the water flow rate therefore increases. For this type of operation the pump is intermittently connected to a water source by means of the oscillating closure member 24. The likelihood of damage to the pump is again considerably reduced.

[0027] The valve of the invention may be provided as a separate unit located for example at an intermediate position 10A in the flexible hose 84, or as a device which is formed integrally with the weir 82 for example. In either embodiment the valve functions so that it opens the first inlet 18 when air enters the second inlet 22 and closes the first inlet 18 when water flow through the second inlet rises at least above a certain level.

[0028] In a different application of the invention, shown schematically in Figure 4, the second inlet 22 is sealed. In other words the valve 10 is formed with the first inlet 18 only. The valve is mounted inside a dome 90 of a suction type pool cleaner which is connected to a suction source through a flexible hose 92 leading from the outlet 16. When suction force is applied to the outlet 16 water flows through the first inlet 18 and the closure member 24 is moved to the left in the drawing against the action of the spring 30. Once the fluid flow has stopped or at least reduced the spring 30 biases the member 24 to the right and the rate of fluid flow increases. The closure member 24 oscillates continuously in this fashion with the result that a pulsating stream of water flows through the outlet 16 and then through the hose 92. It is known that a pulsating water stream of this type which is directed through a flexible hose connected to a suction type swimming pool cleaner causes random movement of the cleaner. This type of movement in turn is necessary if the submerged surface of the swimming pool is to be effectively cleaned.

[0029] It follows that this modified form of the valve of the invention, when used in conjunction with a suction head, can form an automatic suction type swimming pool cleaner. The invention is intended to cover this development.

[0030] In the valve of Figure 1 water which flows through the holes 20 does not flow through the interior of the closure member 24. This water flow exerts a slight force only on the closure member, in the nature of a venturi-generated force, which tends to displace the member to the left. The stiffness of the spring 30 is consequently low and it is found that under certain conditions this can cause problems in that the closure member is not decisively displaced to the left, or to the right, as the case may be, within the housing.

[0031] This type of problem is avoided with the design shown in Figure 2 which illustrates a valve 110 which includes a body 112 in which is formed a chamber 114. The body is connected to an extension piece 116 which in turn is connected by means of threads 118 to an outlet connector 120. The connector forms an inner shoulder 122 which abuts a helical spring 124 positioned in the chamber 114.

[0032] A first inlet 126 to the chamber 114 is formed by means of a plurality of holes 128 positioned peripherally on the body 112. A second inlet 130 to the chamber is formed at its right hand end.

[0033] Mounted inside the chamber 114 is a closure member 132. This member includes an inner skirt 134 which defines a venturi, and a plurality of holes 136 which respectively are in register with the holes 128 in the body 112. Relative axial movement between the member 132 and the body 112 is prevented by means of a stop 138 which is located in an axially extending groove 140. This arrangement permits a limited degree of relative axial movement between the components.

[0034] In use of the valve 110 the connector 120 is connected to the suction side of a pump, not shown, which forms part of the filtration system of a swimming pool. The second inlet 130, at the right hand side of the body 112, is connected to one end of a flexible hose. The other end of the hose is connected to a pool cleaner. The holes 128 are submerged in the water of the swimming pool. For example, the valve 110 is located in a weir and, at least for new installations, the valve preferably is formed integrally with a weir.

[0035] In the absence of fluid flow through the valve the closure member 132 is in the position illustrated i.e. the position at which the holes 136 are in register with the holes 128. Thus water can enter the chamber 114 through the holes 128 and through the second inlet 130.

[0036] Assume that the swimming pool cleaner is out of the water or that air is in the suction line connecting the valve to the swimming pol cleaner. The pump is operating and consequently suction exists at the connector 120 i.e. the outlet from the valve. Water thus enters the chamber 114 through the holes 128. The pressure of the water flow exerts a force on the right hand side of the skirt 134 and, in addition, a region of reduced pressure is created to the left of the skirt by means of the venturi action. The net result is that the valve member 132 moves to the left in the drawing, against the action of the spring 124. A sleeve 142 on the right hand side of the valve member 132 is therefore moved to a position at which it blocks water flow through the holes 128. If air is in the inlet 130 this causes an interruption of the water flow and the closure member 132 moves to the right under the restoring action of the spring 124. Water flow again takes place through the holes 128. The process continues in this way with the closure member 132 oscillating to and fro and alternately permitting water flow through the holes 128, and blocking off such water flow. At the same time however suction is applied, at least with intermittent action, to the hose leading to the pool cleaner and gradually air in the hose is drawn through the pump system. If the pool cleaner is submersed a stage is reached at which all the air is extracted from the flexible hose. On the other hand if the pool cleaner is kept out of the water body then the process will continue indefinitely.

[0037] Assume that the pool cleaner is at some stage immersed in the water of the swimming pool. The oscillating valve member, as has been pointed out, gradually causes the air in the hose to be extracted from the hose and eventually the hose is filled with water. A stage is reached then at which, when the member 132 moves to the left in the drawing, the water flow through the inlet 130, i.e. from the pool cleaner, is such that the valve member is kept, at all times, at the left hand position. In other words the entire water flow is directed now through the second inlet and no water flows through the first inlet which consists of the holes 128.

[0038] If the water flow from the pool cleaner is interrupted, for whatever reason, and this includes a situation in which the pool cleaner is removed from the swimming pool water, the reduction in water flow rate through the chamber 114 causes a reduction in the balancing force applied to the valve member 132 and this member is therefore moved immediately to the right by means of the spring 124. Water can then enter the chamber 114 through the holes 128 and the oscillating action of the valve member recommences and continues until such time as all air is extracted from the system.

[0039] It is apparent that the two embodiments of the valve function substantially similarly but that in the Figure 2 embodiment water which flows through the holes 128 flows through the interior of the closure member. This is not the case with the Figure 1 embodiment. Consequently it is found in the Figure 2 embodiment that the force which acts as the closure member, moving it to the left, is greater than for the Figure 1 embodiment. The spring 124 is also stiffer than the spring 30. Thus in the Figure 2 embodiment a more decisive movement of the closure member takes place, which means greater reliability.

Claims

1. A valve which includes a housing (12), a chamber (14) being formed within the housing, at least a first inlet (18,126) which is provided to the chamber, an outlet (16) which is provided from the chamber, the outlet (16) being adapted to be connected to a fluid body which is at a lower pressure than a fluid body at the first inlet, and which is characterized by a closure member (24,132) which is located in the chamber and which is movable by fluid flow through the chamber to the outlet so that it at least partly closes the first inlet (18).

2. A valve according to claim 1 characterized in that the closure member (24,132) is movable to seal the first inlet.

3. A valve according to claim 1 or 2 which is characterized in that it includes biasing means (30) which acts on the closure member and which biases the closure member towards a position at which the first inlet (18) permits fluid flow to the outlet.

4. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3 which is characterized in that it includes a second inlet (22) to the chamber.

5. A valve according to claim 4 characterized in that the second inlet (22) is permanently open.

6. A valve according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that the second inlet (22) and the outlet (16) are positioned on a common axis.

7. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the closure member (132) includes a fluid flow passage.

8. A valve according to claim 7 characterized in that fluid flowing through the first inlet (126) passes through at least a portion of the fluid flow passage.

9. A valve according to claim 7 characterized in that fluid flowing through the first inlet (126) does not pass through the fluid flow passage.

10. A valve according to any one of claims 7 to 9 characterized in that at least a portion of the passage is of a reduced cross section relatively to the remainder.

11. A valve according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10 which is characterized in that it includes a second inlet (130) to the chamber and in that fluid flowing through the second inlet passes through the fluid flow passage.

12. A valve according to claim 4 which is characterized in that it is provided in combination with a pool cleaner (86) of the suction type which is connected by means of a flexible hose (84) to a suction source (88), the valve being located in the flexible hose, and fluid flow passing through the hose, the second inlet and the outlet.

13. A valve according to claim 4 which is characterized in that is is positioned in a weir (82) and is used to connect a flexible hose (84) leading from a suction type pool cleaner (86) to a suction inlet (88) on the weir.

14. A valve according to claim 13 which is characterized in that it is formed integrally with the weir.

15. A valve which includes a housing (12,112) in which is formed a chamber (14,114), first and second inlets (18,22,126,130) to the chamber, an outlet (16,120) from the chamber, a closure member within the chamber, and biasing means (30,124), and which is characterized in that the closure member includes a fluid flow passage for fluid which flows through the chamber from the second inlet to the outlet, and is movable against the action of the biasing means to close the first inlet.

16. A valve (10) according to claim 1 which is characterized in that it is provided in combination with a pool cleaner (90) of the suction type which is connected by means of a flexible hose (92) to a suction source, the outlet (16) being connected to the flexible hose.

Drawing