MX2008000975A - Automatic fluid flow control device - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention provides a fluid control device for a fluid supply, the device comprising:a housing (31) defining a fluid supply channel (34) with a fluid inlet (35) for coupling to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet (36) for coupling to an appliance, the housing additionally defining a chamber (44) with an inlet (40) for coupling to an overflow and an outlet (41 ) for coupling to a drain;a valve (55) located in said fluid supply channel (34) and moveable from a first open position to a second closed position where fluid flow through the channel (34) is substantially restricted;an actuator (52) provided in said chamber (44) and moveable from a first position to a second position, wherein the valve (55) and actuator (44) are magnetically coupled to one another such that movement of the actuator (44) from said first position to said second position causes the valve (55) to move from said open position to said closed position.

Description

AUTOMATIC FLUID FLOW CONTROL DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to automatic fluid flow control devices, particularly, but not exclusively, with automatic flow control devices. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention are related to automatic fluid flow control devices that are configured to operate when an oversupply condition occurs, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is operable to substantially interrupt (i.e. less restrict severely) the flow of fluid until the device is readjusted. The currently preferred embodiments of the invention, and indeed, the problems addressed by the present invention, are described hereinafter with particular reference to the applications of domestic water supply, but it should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to a particular type of fluid or limited to a particular application. Thus, the following description should only be construed as illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The device to be described can, for example, be used in domestic, commercial and industrial applications for the control of a variety of different fluids, including both gases and liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been previously proposed to provide water tanks, such as the toilet cistern or a cold water tank, with a valve, which is configured to interrupt the water supply when the water level in the tank reaches a predetermined point. For example, it is typical in domestic applications to provide a so-called ball valve, which consists of a hollow, ball-shaped float that is connected to a simple valve by a movable arm. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a tank (101) showing the components of the valve in a vacuum position, where the amount of fluid in the tank is reduced. The tank (101) has an inlet pipe (103), an outlet pipe (105) and a drain pipe (107). Fluid flowing through the inlet enters a valve assembly (109) which is provided (in this case) with a flap valve (111) which is rotatably movable between an open position (as illustrated in FIG. Figure 1), where the fluid flows through the valve and exits the outlet of a valve assembly (113) and into the tank (101), and a closed position, where the fluid flow ceases (as shown in FIG. illustrated in Figure 2) once a predetermined maximum water level (121) (see Figure 2) has been reached. The flap valve (111) is coupled to a floating arm (115) having a float (117) mounted at one end, and the floating arm (115) is rotatably moved about a pivot point (119) to move the hinge between the open and closed positions. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the tank (101) showing the components of the valve in a position where the fluid in the tank is at a predetermined maximum level (121) and the float (117) has moved the floating arm ( 115) to close the valve (111). As will be appreciated, the float (117) floats on the water in the tank (101), and as the water level and the float (117) rise, the arm (115) moves to close the flap valve (111). ) in the water inlet valve assembly (109), to interrupt the water supply to the tank. In the event of a valve failure or a float failure to rise with the water level, the continuous supply of water to the tank will cause the water level in the tank to rise to a level (123) above the predetermined maximum level (121), where it is said that an "oversupply condition" has occurred, and at this point, the intention is that the excess water must be drained safely from the tank, through the drain pipe (107). Although these systems have operated adequately for many years, the arrival of an oversupply condition where the water is being drained from the drain pipe (107), can cause the loss of significant amounts of water and at times in the that water is a limited resource, these escapes should be avoided or reduced as much as possible. It is also the case that if the valve (111) or the valve assembly (109) deteriorates to a point where the volume of liquid that is being supplied per unit time from the inlet (103) is greater than the volume of the liquid that is leaking via the drain pipe (107) per unit of time (or actually, if the float failed to rise with the water level), then the tank can be filled beyond its maximum level (121) intended, beyond the oversupply level (123), where excess water flows through the drain pipe, and a water drain may occur above the sides of the tank (101). In the case of household appliances (such as sinks, bathtubs, sinks, bidets and the like), interruption devices are usually not provided. Drainage pipes, however, are usually provided and such pipes are typically connected to the drains (often by means of a waste pipe through which the waste water flows normally), so once the level of water from the domestic appliance has risen beyond the predetermined maximum level, additional water can escape from the domestic appliance by means of the drain pipe and spillage of water flowing on the sides of the domestic appliance can be prevented.

However, a significant problem with these household appliances is that it is often the case that domestic appliances are configured so that a larger volume of water can be supplied per unit of time than that which the drain pipes can remove. In such circumstances, these household appliances depend on the user realizing that the water level has risen beyond the maximum point and taking the appropriate corrective action (for example, closing the faucets of the household appliance), to avoid the overflow of water from the domestic appliance. If the user is distracted or not present, then the water level in the household appliance may continue to rise until it spills out of the household appliance and damage may occur. It is possible to conceive an electronic valve and a detector system that would act to interrupt the water supply in the event that an oversupply of water was detected, but such a system would require a supply of electricity, by means of batteries or by the principal, to operate. The batteries degrade over time, and a system that uses a battery power source would need careful observation to ensure that the device has enough power to operate properly. Connecting the device to the main power would require that the main power be in close proximity to the water supply and the risks associated with electricity and water are such that the arrangement should be avoided better, particularly if the valve and detection systems can be readjusted well by people without experience in electrical installations. It is also the case that an electrical supply may not always be available near the home appliance to which the device will be adapted. It would be very advantageous, therefore, if the device can be designed without requiring electricity to operate to interrupt or at least substantially restrict fluid flow in the event an oversupply is detected. An attempt previously proposed to provide such a device was described in GB Patent Publication No. 2288330. This device includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, a drain inlet and a drain outlet. The cold water inlet is connected to the cold water supply and the cold water tap of the domestic appliance. In a similar manner, the hot water inlet is connected to the hot water supply and the hot water tap of the domestic appliance. The drain pipe of the domestic appliance is coupled to the drain inlet, and the drain outlet is coupled to the drains. The device includes a chamber to which the water in the drain inlet can flow. A float is provided within a float guide in the chamber and is connected to a pair of cantilever drive arms projecting towards the hot and cold entrances by means of respective access holes, cut into the walls of the hot inlets and cold. The drain outlet includes a vent hole to allow the liquid inside the chamber to run into the drain. When the water level in the household appliance exceeds the predetermined maximum level, the water runs to the drain pipe of the domestic appliance and through the pipe to the chamber. As water enters the chamber, the water level in the chamber rises and the float moves to an elevated position. As the float moves higher, the cantilever arms in each of the hot and cold inlets move progressively to obstruct the flow of water, until the flow is interrupted when the float is generally at the level of the outlet of the float. drain. In this position, the water has been prevented from flowing into the domestic appliance, and in this way it is no longer possible for the domestic appliance to overflow. However, as soon as the water in the chamber begins to purge towards the waste outlet, the water level in the chamber will be reduced, the float will fall and the hot and cold inlets will open once more until the water level in the chamber it is replaced by the water that flows into the chamber through the drain inlet. It is evident, therefore, that although this device would achieve the primary purpose of preventing overflows, it necessarily cycles between the open and closed positions of the valve, and therefore, inherently wastes significant amounts of water. It is also possible that if the cycles occur relatively quickly, the device causes a water hammer in the pipeline, generating pressure impulses in the hot and cold water inlets. One purpose of the present invention is to provide a flow control device that reduces the possibility of an overflow occurring, while also avoiding problems associated with prior devices of the type described in the GB patent application mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION For this purpose, a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic device for controlling fluid flow for a fluid supply, wherein the device is operable without an electrical supply, and comprising a mobile actuator of a first position corresponding to a normal supply of fluid, to a second position corresponding to a fluid overflow, the actuator acts on a valve in the fluid supply, as it moves from the first position to the second to close the valve , and therefore, at least substantially restrict fluid flow in the fluid supply, until the device is readjusted. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid flow control device that is operable automatically, without an electrical supply and in the case of a fluid overflow, substantially restricting fluid flow until the device is readjusted . In the preferred embodiment, the actuator includes a magnet and is capable of directly or indirectly exerting a magnetic force on the valve. Preferably, the actuator and the valve each include a magnet, the magnets interact to exert a force on the valve, which urges the valve to close as the actuator moves from the first position to the second position. Preferably, the actuator and the valve each include a magnet, the magnets interact to exert a force on the valve, which urges the valve to open as the actuator moves from the second position to the first position. The magnets can be placed in the first position with different magnetic poles adjacent, and in the second position with adjacent magnetic poles. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a float located in a chamber, the chamber comprises an inlet for connection to a drain pipe and an outlet for connection to a drain, the arrangement must be such that fluid can flow into the chamber by means of the drain inlet, to cause the float to move from the first position to the second position, as the fluid level inside the chamber increases. Preferably, the outlet is configured to be able to pass a smaller volume of fluid per unit of time than the inlet.

The device may comprise a plug for the outlet, which cap reduces the volume of liquid that can flow through the outlet per unit of time. Preferably, the plug is removable from the outlet. The plug may include a plurality of cut wall portions to allow fluid to flow therethrough. Preferably, the float is rotatable between the first and second positions. In a highly preferred arrangement, the actuator is capable of acting on a second valve in a second fluid supply while moving from the first to the second position. In another highly preferred arrangement, the device may comprise a second actuator that is capable of acting on a second valve in a second fluid supply, to cause the valve to move from an open position to a closed position, while the second actuator it moves from a third position corresponding to the first position, to a fourth position corresponding to the second position. In another embodiment, the actuator may comprise a receptacle located in a chamber, the chamber comprises an inlet for connection to a drain line and an outlet for connection to a drain, the arrangement must be such that the fluid can flow to the chamber through the drain inlet and into the receptacle to cause the receptacle to move from the first position to the second position, while the fluid level inside the receptacle is increased. Preferably, the receptacle comprises a drain to allow the fluid to drain from it, and from the chamber through the outlet. The receptacle can be elastically deformed away from a wall of the chamber in the first position and move against deformation towards the second position. Preferably, the receptacle is elastically deformed away from the floor of the chamber, the receptacle compresses the elastic deformation as it moves from the first position to the second position. Preferably, the receptacle has a magnet mounted to the wall thereof. The receptacle may include a second magnet mounted to an opposite wall of the receptacle, the second magnet being capable of acting on a second valve in a second fluid supply to cause the valve to move from an open position to a closed position while the The receptacle moves from the first position to the second position. In another embodiment, the actuator may comprise a vane member mounted for rotation on an axis located in a chamber, the chamber comprises an inlet for connection to a drain line and an outlet for connection to a drain, the arrangement must such that the fluid can flow into the chamber through the drain inlet and against the vane member to cause the vane member to rotate from the first position to the second position to close the valve. A pallet of the vane member may include a magnet mounted proximal to the shaft and to the valve. The vane member may include a second magnet mounted near the axis and a second valve, rotation of the vane member from the first position to the second position causes the second valve to move to the closed position. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a flow control device for a fluid supply, the device comprising: a housing defining a fluid supply channel with a fluid inlet that is coupled to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet that is coupled to a domestic appliance, the housing also defines a chamber with an inlet to be coupled to a drain and an outlet to be coupled to a drain; a valve located in the fluid and mobile supply channel from a first open position to a second closed position, wherein the fluid flowing through the channel is substantially restricted; and an actuator provided in the chamber and movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the valve and the actuator are magnetically coupled with one another, such that the movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position , causes the valve to move from the open position to the closed position. In another embodiment, a fluid control device is provided for a fluid supply, the device comprising: a housing defining a first and second fluid supply channels, each with a fluid inlet for coupling to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet for coupling to a domestic appliance, the housing further defines a chamber with an inlet for coupling to a drain and an outlet for coupling to a drain; first and second valves located in the first and second fluid supply channels, each valve is movable from the first position open to the second closed position, wherein the fluid flowing through the channel is substantially restricted; a first actuator provided in the chamber and movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the first valve and the first actuator are magnetically coupled with one another, so that the movement of the first actuator from the first position to the second position causes the first valve to move from the open position to the closed position; and a second actuator provided in the chamber and movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the second valve and the second actuator are magnetically coupled with one another, so that the movement of the second actuator of the first position to the second position causes the second valve to move from the open position to the closed position. Preferably, the arrangement is such that the valve or valves remain in the second closed position until the device is readjusted. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanically operated liquid switch device, in which the oversupply of a liquid acts on a float in a chamber, to move a magnet from a position where the magnetic attraction it holds a valve in its open position, to a position where the magnetic repulsion moves the valve to its closed position, where it interrupts the supply of liquid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a liquid switch device, comprising (i) a mobile float mounted in a chamber; (ii) a first magnet connected to the float and located on the outside of the chamber; (ii) a second magnet connected to a valve or means of operation of the valve, valve which, in its closed position, interrupts the supply of liquid in a conduit and (iv) a third magnet, the magnets are located and oriented from so that when the valve is in its open position, the first magnet is located adjacent and between the second and third magnets, with the north pole of the first magnet located adjacent to the south poles of the second and third magnets or vice versa and, when a liquid enters the chamber, the float moves causing the first magnet to move away from its location between the second and third magnets, so that the repulsion force between the same poles of the second and third magnets causes the valve to move towards its closed position, closed position in which it interrupts the flow of liquid in the conduit. In another embodiment of the invention, a liquid switch device is provided, which comprises (i) a movable float mounted in a chamber; (ii) a first magnet connected to the float and located on the outside of the chamber; and (iii) a second magnet connected to a valve or means of operation of the valve, which valve, in its closed position, interrupts the supply of liquid in a conduit, so that when the valve is in the open position, the first magnet is located adjacent to the second magnet, with the north pole of the first magnet located adjacent to the south pole of the second magnet or vice versa and, when a liquid enters the magnet. the chamber, the float moves causing the first magnet to move away from its location with a magnetic pole of the first magnet adjacent to the opposite pole of the second magnet, to a location where the magnetic pole of the first magnet is adjacent to the same magnet pole. second magnet, so that the repulsion force between the same poles of the first and second magnets, cause the valve to move to its closed position, closed position which, interrupts the flow of liquid in the conduit. Preferably, the valve is a flapper valve with the magnet attached to the hinge section and, when the hinge moves towards the liquid flow in the duct, the flow of the liquid helps move the valve to the position of closed. In this position, the pressure of the liquid supply keeps the valve closed. If there are two conduits supplying liquid, for example, a hot and cold water supply, there may be two valves, one for each conduit, and the third magneto may be connected to a second valve or valve operation means, so that the repulsive force between the same poles of the second and third magnets causes both valves to move to their closed positions. In one embodiment of the invention, there is a space between the end of the second and third magnets and the first moves through the float to a position where it repels the second magnet and the third magnet, and thus aids the movement of the valve. When a flap valve is closed, preferably there is a collar in the duct against which the valve is seated, to completely seal the flow of liquid in the duct. The float can be a conventional float made of hollow plastic or a foam material. The float can be connected to the first magnet by means of a rod mounted directly below the float. When the overflow stops, the liquid drains away from the float chamber, the float returns to its original position, the first magnet returns to its original position, the pressure of the liquid under each hinge can keep it closed, this can be a force more powerful than the first magnet at this point. When the taps are closed, however, the pressure of the liquid stabilizes above and below the hinge, which leaves each hinge in a state of equilibrium. At this point, both the attraction of the first magnet and gravity, will cause each hinge to fall to its readjustment position and then they can be retracted into the first magnet again. In the preferred arrangement, a small amount of water movement is provided beyond the valve, in order for the water to stabilize the pressure above and below, when the tap or faucets close. In other embodiments of the valve design, it may be more appropriate for there to be a washer / gasket or the like to prevent any movement of liquid beyond the valve hinges. The use of the magnets is intended to keep the valves in their open position by a positive force and are driven by a positive force towards their closed position. The magnets can be conventional permanent magnets and, since they can come into contact with water, they must be corrosion proof, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first magnet can be rotated by the movement of the float, so that instead of opposite poles of the first and second magnets being adjacent and thus maintaining the valve open, the same poles of the first and second magnets they are adjacent, thus moving the valve to its closed position. The device is particularly useful for household appliances where there is a hot and cold supply, but can be used for any situation. As mentioned above, if there are more than two ducts, there may be more than two valves. Various other preferred embodiments, and features and advantages thereof, will become apparent from the detailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a water tank and a ball valve of the prior art in a vacuum configuration; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a water tank and a ball valve of the prior art, of Figure 1, in a configuration in which the fluid in the tank is at a predetermined maximum level; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration corresponding to a normal supply; Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a control device of Figure 3, in a configuration corresponding to a fluid oversupply; Figures 5 and 6 are details of Figures 3 and 4, respectively, illustrating a preferred orientation of the magnet in the normal and fluid oversupply configurations; Figure 7 is a schematic elevation of a control device according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a device similar to that illustrated in Figure 7, showing the alternative couplings; Figures 9 and 10 are perspective and plan views of part of the device described in Figure 7; Figures 11 and 12 are, respectively, a schematic side view of the device and a cross-sectional view along the line A-A with an inserted plug plug; Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line A-A of Figure 11, with the stopper plug removed; Figures 14 and 15 are, respectively, a schematic elevation of the device and a cross-sectional view along the line B-B, with the stopper plug inserted; Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line B-B of Figure 15, with the stopper plug removed; Figure 17 is a schematic side elevation of the device, showing the cross section C-C; Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line C-C of Figure 17, showing the device in an inactive state; Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line C-C of Figure 17, showing the device in an activated state; Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device according to the third embodiment of the invention, in an inactive state; Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 20, in an activated state; Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, in an inactive state; Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 22, in an activated state; and Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view, partially in dotted lines, of a control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 25 and 26 are schematic perspective views of a valve chamber, for use with the fifth embodiment, in the open and closed configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a control device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this case, the device is configured to be used with a household appliance (such as a sink, bathroom ring, bidet or sink, for example), which includes a pair of taps (not shown) that are respectively powered by a hot supply (3) and a cold supply (4). The domestic appliance has a drain pipe (1), which is coupled to a drain (19) that is provided with an adjustable flow resistor (2). The flow resistor (2) operates to adjust the volume of the liquid flowing to the drain, in order to generate a back pressure of sufficient magnitude to ensure that the device operates properly. The control device includes a chamber (5) open to the atmosphere by means of an air inlet (6), and which is coupled to the drain (1) by means of a pipe (18). An actuator, in this case a float (7), is provided inside the chamber (5), and as long as the liquid supply continues normally, the float remains in a seat (20).

Two flap valves (10, 11) are provided, each mounted on each of the hot supply (3) and the cold supply (4). The flap valves (10, 11) are sealed against the collars (22, 23) and are rotatably movable about their respective shafts (16, 17) to open or close the hot and cold supplies (3, 4). Each flap valve is provided with a magnet (12, 13) and another magnet (8) is mounted on a rod (9) which is coupled to the float (7).

The magnets are oriented, in a manner that is described below with reference to Figure (4), to provide a magnetic force that positively drives the flap valves (10, 11) to their open and closed positions. In the arrangement described in Figure 3, the fluid supplied to the domestic appliance has not yet reached the overflow of the domestic appliance, and therefore, an oversupply condition has not occurred. In this configuration, the water can flow through the hot supply (3) and the cold supply (4), and the float is supported against its seat (20). When the float is in this position, the magnets are as shown in Figure 5, with the north pole of the rod magnet (8) located between the south poles of the valve magnets (12, 13), so that the valves (10 and 11) are kept in the open position by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the rod magnet (8) and the valve magnets (12, 13). In an alternative configuration, the magnets can be inverted, so that the south pole of the rod magnet (8) lies between the north poles of the valve magnets (12, 13). When the fluid level in the domestic appliance reaches the overflow of the domestic appliance, and an oversupply condition occurs and the fluid flows through the drain pipe (1). As the fluid flows through the drain pipe, the control device moves to the configuration described in Figure 4. Specifically, the fluid flows through the drain pipe (1), through the pipe (18) and into the chamber ( 5), where it causes the float (7) to move from the position described in Figure 3 to the position described in Figure 4, any displaced air is expelled to the atmosphere through the air inlet (6). As the device moves towards the configuration described in Figure 4, the magnet (8) moves to the position described in Figure 6 and the north pole of the pole magnet (8) moves towards the north poles of the magnet the valve (12, 13). The repulsive forces between the north poles of the pole magnet (8) and the valve magnets (12, 13), and the south poles of the valve magnets (12, 13) cause the flap valves (10, 11) to rotate about the axes (16, 17) and move to the closed position illustrated in Figure 4, where the water supply through the hot supplies and cold (3, 4) are at least substantially interrupted. Advantageously, the fluid flowing through the hot and cold supplies (3, 4) help to drive the flap valves (10, 11) to the closed position, and once in this closed position, the fluid pressure in the supplies it keeps the valves (10, 11) closed against their respective sealing collars (22) and (23). The valves can be configured to completely occlude the hot and cold supplies (3, 4) when moving to their closed positions illustrated in Figure 4. However, while such an arrangement may be appropriate for some applications (such as transportation) of flammable gases), in such a manner, would not be evident to the user of a household appliance equipped with the device (different from the fluid level in the household appliance), that the device has operated, and thus, it is preferable for this application that the valves still allow a small amount of fluid to pass, so that the user immediately becomes aware that the volume of fluid flowing into the domestic appliance has been greatly reduced and, therefore, the control device has operated. In addition to providing a means to alert the user, allowing a minimum of continuous fluid to flow past closed valves also aids in readjusting the device. Generally speaking, it is preferred that the device operates to reduce fluid flow by at least 70% and more preferably by more than 80%. Once the valves have operated to at least substantially interrupt the flow of fluid through the hot and cold supplies (3, 4), the fluid retained in the chamber (5) drains away to the drain (19) and the float (7) returns to the position indicated in Figure 3. As the float moves towards the seat (20), the south pole of the pole magnet (8) moves back between the north poles of the valve magnets (12, 13), but since the valve magnets (12, 13) are now away from the pole magnet (as illustrated in Figure 5), the attractive force between the pole pole and the poles magnet pole The north of the flap valve is insufficient to overcome the fluid pressure behind the flap valves (10, 11) and therefore the flap valves remain closed. This is an important feature of the embodiments of the invention, since by virtue of this arrangement, the control device cycles between the open and closed positions. To reset the device, a user only needs to close the faucets of the domestic appliance and wait a short period of time while the fluid pressures above and below the flap valves (10, 11) are equalized. As the fluid pressures begin to equalize, the flap valves begin to rotate around their respective axes (16, 17) (initially under the action of gravity, and then under the force of attraction between the south / north poles). from the magnet of the pole and the north / south poles of the valve magnets), until the flap valves are in the position indicated in figure 4 and the hot and cold supplies are opened once more. The user, if desired, can then reopen the taps to allow the fluid to flow to the home appliance once more. It is evident from the foregoing that the device of this embodiment provides an effective means to control a fluid flow that is capable of operating to substantially interrupt a fluid supply without requiring an electrical supply. It is also evident that the device of this modality, once activated to substantially interrupt the supply of fluid, remains in that active state until it is readjusted. In the previous mode, the device is configured to be used with a domestic appliance that has two different taps. It will be appreciated, however, that the device can also be used with one of the so-called mixer taps, in which the hot and cold supplies are mixed in the mixer tap and passed to a single tap outlet. It will also be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention, as exemplified in the above embodiment, can equally well be applied to applications where there is usually only a single fluid supply (such as, for example, a cold water tank). Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a device (30) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The device of this embodiment comprises a molded body (31) formed in two sections (as shown in Figure 8), namely an upper section (32) and a lower section (33), with a seal seal (not shown). ) between them. The upper and lower sections may be held together (with the seal in the middle) by screws, rivets, or they may be permanently joined, for example, by ultrasonic welding. For proper operation of the device it is important that it be oriented as shown in Figures 7 and 8 with the upper section (32) further upwards. The device of this embodiment is configured to be used with domestic appliances that provide both hot and cold fluid flows, and for this purpose, comprises a hot fluid flow channel (34) having an inlet (35) and an outlet (36). ), and a cold fluid channel (37) having an inlet (38) and an outlet (39). The device includes a drain inlet (40) and a drain outlet (41), and as with the previous mode, the drain inlet is coupled to the drain of the domestic appliance and the drain outlet is coupled to a drain (not shown). ), either by coupling the outlet to a waste pipe of the household appliance or directly to a drain. In Figure 7, the device is configured to snap-fit to the drain line (such as a conventional rubber or braided hose) to the drain inlet and outlet, while the device of Figure 8 is provided with larger couplings for couplings to conventional pipe, of the type well known to persons with experience in the field of plumbing. It is important to note that the device described in Figures 7 and 8 is relatively thin, and therefore, is very appropriate to be placed behind a bath tub or a sink, where the space may be somewhat limited. Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, the lower section (33) is divided internally into three sections: a first section (42) which forms part of the hot fluid flow channel (34), a second section (43) which it forms part of the cold fluid flow channel (37) and a third section (44) between the first and second sections. The third section (44) defines a gap that is subdivided by an inner wall (45) into two parts (44a) and (44b) that are in fluid communication with each other by means of a first channel (46) (better shown in Figure 13) located in the direction of the drain outlet (41), and a second opening in the direction of the waste inlet (40) formed by a stepped section of the wall (47) (better shown in Figures 15 and 16). The inner wall includes a mounting point (49) (Figures 15 and 16) for a hinge assembly (50) and a channel (51) (which in this case is generally D-shaped) that runs upwards from the outlet waste (41) towards the upper section (32) of the device. Within each part (44a), (44b) of the third section (44), an actuator is provided, in this case, a generally hollow, kidney-shaped float (52) which is mounted to the hinge assembly (50), so that it is able to rotate with respect to it. Each float carries a magnet generally mounted horizontally (53) (better shown in Figures 18 and 19), oriented with the north pole further up. The first and second sections (42, 43) each include a recess (54) (best shown in Figure 19) in which a generally D-shaped hinge valve (55) is suspended by locating pins (56). ) at the ends of each valve in the grooves (not shown) formed in the gap. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, each flapper valve (55) includes a magnet (57) which is secured (for example with glue), in a recess in a surface of the valve that is in contact with the wall between the first and third, and the second and third sections, respectively, of the lower section (33). The magnet of the flap valve is oriented so that its south poles point towards the central hinge (50) (although it will be appreciated that the orientation of the float magnets and the valve magnets can be reversed without affecting the way the which operates the device). An important feature of this embodiment is that by locating the flap valves (55) in the recesses (54) in the first and second sections, the valves do not collide with the hot and cold fluid channels (34, 37) until the device is activated. Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, the upper section (32) includes flanged side portions (58) that close the first and second sections (42, 43) and each flanged portion includes an opening (59) (see Figures). 18 and 19) to allow fluid flow from the first and second sections, outside the hot and cold outputs (36, 39). The upper section (32) is of a reduced wall thickness between the flanges mentioned above to define a depression (60) communicating with the recess of the third section (44), and towards which the float (52) can move when the device is activated. As mentioned above, and as shown in Figure 13, the first and second parts (44a, 44b) of the hollow of the third section are in communication by means of a channel (46) shown in Figure 12 that it is partially closed by a plug (61). The stopper plug works, in the event that oversupply occurs, to ensure that the volume of fluid left by the device through the drain outlet (41) (per unit time), is less than the volume of fluid that enters the device through the drain inlet (40), thereby ensuring that the void defined by the third section (44) is filled with fluid. For this purpose, the sealing plug includes a central through hole (not shown), defined by a peripheral wall (62) substantially closing the channel (46) and including a plurality of cut wall sections (63), which allow a limited drainage of fluid from the hollow of the third section to the drain. The central diameter of the sealing plug is in communication with the D-shaped channel (51) mentioned above, formed on the inner wall (45), and as shown in Figures 12 and 13, there is a space (64) between the upper section (32) and the D-shaped channel (51), so that the fluid can be drained from the recess of the third compartment (when it has reached a sufficient level), flowing over the upper end of the wall defining the channel D-shaped (51), towards the channel (51), through the central through hole of the plug (61) and from there to the outside of the drain outlet (41) towards the drain. The plug (61) includes a handle (65) so that it can be removed from the device (as shown in Figure 13), to allow the user to clean at least part of the gaps in the third section (44a, 44b) of any debris (garbage) that could accumulate in the device in use, and which may otherwise affect the proper operation of the device, by blocking the sections cut from the wall (63) mentioned above. Referring now to Figures 14 to 16, the upper section (32) includes a complementary mounting point (66) for the hinge assembly (50) mentioned above, and the mounting points of the upper and lower section ensure that the assembly Hinge (50) is secured and does not move when the upper and lower sections are fixed together.

The mounting points of the upper and lower section may simply comprise depressions with which the projections (67) (Figure 10) on the top and bottom of the hinge assembly may correspond. The hinge assembly itself comprises a peripheral wall defining a generally rectangular frame having a pair of spaced apart parallel short sides, and a pair of spaced parallel long sides. The short sides of the frame are provided with the projections mentioned above, and the long sides are joined by an axis to which the floats (52) can be held for rotary movement with respect to the frame. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, if the device is configured as shown in Figure 8, then it is preferred that the waste inlet and outlet (and in fact for the hot and cold inlets and outlets) have a stepped cross section, to allow the coupling of the device to a variety of different pipe diameters. This should not be interpreted as an essential feature of the invention, however, since several different couplings are known to persons with experience in the field of plumbing, either of them can be used. Referring now to Figures 17 to 19, the operation of the device will now be described in detail. In its inactive state, as described in Figure 18, the protuberances (68) formed in the base of each of the floats (52) bear against a bottom wall (69) of the third section (44), and each of the flap valves (55) are in their respective recesses (54), so they do not impede the flow of fluid through the hot and cold channels (34, 37). If the faucets of household appliances (not shown) are left open for a sufficient period of time, the fluid flowing into the domestic appliance will eventually reach a point where it flows into the drain of the domestic appliance and from there into the defined hole by the third section (44) by means of the drain inlet (40). With the stopper plug (61) in place, the rate of flow into the hollow of the third section will be greater than the speed of the fluid exiting and the gap will be filled with fluid. As the void is filled with fluid, the floats (52) rise and the magnets of the float (53) move from a resting position where their north poles are adjacent to the south poles of the valve magnets (47). ) and exert a force of attraction in them, through the face the south poles of the valve magnet. As the float magnets move through the face of the valve magnets, a point is reached where the south faces of the float and valve magnets interact, and at this point, the valve magnets are repelled by the magnets of the float, causing the flap valves to move to close (aided by fluid pressure) the hot and cold channels (34, 37) (as described in Figure 19).

As in the above, in the preferred arrangement, the device is constructed to continue allowing a minimum of fluid to flow past the flap valves, when the valves are in their closed position, and this can be achieved by puncturing the flap valves, or by causing the flapper valves not to seal completely against the valve seats (70) formed in the flanges of the upper section ( 58). As in the above, it is preferred that when closing the valves, the speed of the fluid flow is reduced by at least 70% and more preferably by more than 80%. Once the velocity of the fluid flow to the domestic appliance is reduced because the supply has been substantially closed, the velocity of the fluid exiting the gap will be greater than the rate of fluid ingress, and the gap will begin to empty. by means of the cut sections of the wall (63) of the plug (61). As the gap begins to empty, the floats (52) move back to their rest position described in Figure 18, but the valve hinges (55) remain in their closed position and continue to substantially restrict fluid flow to through the hot supply channels When the user of the household appliance realizes that an over-supply condition has occurred, the user must close the faucets of the household appliance to allow the device to reset automatically. When the taps are closed, the fluid pressures above and below the flap valves start to equalize and the flap valves move back to their respective gaps, first under the influence of gravity and subsequently additionally , under the influence of the force of attraction between the magnets of the float and the hinge. This resetting process typically takes less than 30 seconds, and once completed, the device is automatically reset and the user can again open the taps to allow fluid to flow into the home appliance (although they must first make sure that some fluid has left of the household appliance before starting to fill it again). While the foregoing presents the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of different arrangements can be proposed in their place, without departing from the scope of the invention. One such arrangement, a third embodiment of the present invention, is shown in cross section in Figures 20 and 21 of the accompanying drawings. This modality will now be described using the reference numbers previously used to describe the second modality, where it is appropriate to do so. In this embodiment of the invention, the actuator for the device comprises a hollow receptacle (71) that is placed inside the hollow defined by the third section (44) mentioned above. The receptacle is mounted on a plurality of resilient mounts (12), for example, coil springs, and the mounts (72) rest on the floor (69) of the third section, to allow the receptacle to move up and toward down with respect to the floor (69). The receptacle includes a drain (73) that is dimensioned so that the velocity of fluid flow out of the receptacle is less than the velocity of fluid flow to the device. As in the above, the outlet can be covered by a removable plug (61), although in this case, since the control of the exit velocity of the fluid is achieved by means of draining the receptacle (73), there is no need that the plug includes the sections cut from the wall. The receptacle includes a pair of magnets (74) oriented as shown, fixed to the side walls (75) of the receptacle, next to the flap valves (55). If the flap valve magnets (57) are oriented with the south poles pointing towards the recess of the third section, then the magnets fixed to the side walls of the receptacle should face the north poles facing the drain outlet (41). ). Again, as with the second embodiment, the orientation of the valve magnets and the receptacle can be reversed if desired, so that the north poles of the flap valve magnet point toward the receptacle (71) and the south poles of the magnet of the receptacle point towards the drain outlet (41). In the rest position, the elastic mounts (72) are extended, the receptacle magnets (74) are located vertically above the flap valve magnets (57), the receptacle is empty, and the flap valves are open In the case of an oversupply, the fluid enters the receptacle at a faster rate than the one with which it leaves it, and the receptacle begins to fill with fluid. As the receptacle fills, the receptacle becomes heavier and moves downward against the deformation of the elastic assemblies. As the receptacle magnets travel through the face of the hinge magnets, the valves operate to shut off the fluid supply until the device is reset by closing the faucets of the household appliance to allow the fluid pressure above and below the flap valves equal, as in the previous. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate, in cross section, a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which cooperates in exactly the same manner as the device of the second embodiment. As in the previous, the same reference numbers have been used to describe this modality than those of the second modality, whenever it is appropriate to do so. The device of this fourth embodiment is configured for the control of a single fluid supply, and is particularly well suited for the control of a fluid supply for a water tank (such as a tank for a domestic heating system). The device comprises only a single actuator, in this case, a float (52). As with the second embodiment, the float (52) carries a magnet (53) that interacts with a magnet (57) carried by a flap valve (55) to move the valve (55) to close a fluid supply channel when an oversupply condition occurs, and fluid flows to a drain inlet of the device. Although not shown in Figures 22 and 23, the device includes a sealing plug of a construction similar to that of the second embodiment, a plug which is insertable in the drain outlet (41), to ensure that the exit velocity fluid of the device is less than the rate of fluid ingress, by means of the overflow entrance (40), and therefore, ensure that the gap (44) inside the device is filled with fluid when an oversupply condition occurs. Figure 24 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 26 and 27 illustrate the particular components of that embodiment in the open and closed configurations, respectively. Referring to Figure 24, the device of this embodiment comprises a pair of valve assemblies (75) (each of which will be described in greater detail in relation to Figures 26 and 27), and an actuator, which includes a drain inlet. (40), a drain outlet (41) and a vane member (76) generally X-shaped, which rotates about a central axis (77) of a cylindrical housing (78). As shown in Figure 24, a first valve assembly is on the front of the cylindrical housing and a second is behind the housing. At each end of the shaft (77), next to each of the valve assemblies (75), a magnet (79) is provided and the magnets are oriented so that they fall in a plane orthogonal to the plane into which the magnets fall. of the valve assembly. Referring now to Figures 25 and 26, each valve assembly (75) comprises a housing with a fluid inlet (80), a fluid outlet (81) and a flap valve (82) accommodated in a recess (83) on a wall of the housing. The flapper valve is rotatable about an axis (84) from an open position illustrated in Figure 25 to a closed position illustrated in Figure 26, wherein the fluid flow from the outlet is avoided at least substantially. The flap valve carries a magneto (84) oriented to fall in a plane orthogonal to that in which the magnet (79) attached to the shaft (77) falls, and with the rotation of the shaft (77), a repulsive force is generated between the magnet of the shaft (79) and the valve magnet (84), which causes the valve magnet (84) to rotate around the shaft (85) and move to close the valve outlet (81). As in the above, the valve assembly of this mode remains closed until the device is readjusted, for example, by closing a tap to which the valve assembly is connected, to allow fluid pressure above and below the valve. the flapper valve is equalized, and the flap returns to the resting position indicated in Figure 25. In use, a fluid entering the drain of the household appliance to which the device is connected, flows into the drain inlet and strikes a pallet of the member with pallets (76) in the shape of an X. The impact of the fluid on the member with vanes (76) causes the member with vanes to rotate, so that the magnets are repelled and the flapper valve operates to close the outlet of the fluid (81). It is evident from the foregoing that the various embodiments of the invention described herein actually provide a means to control the flow of fluid that does not cycle, and that does not require an electrical supply. It will also be apparent that while certain currently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, it should be noted that those embodiments are described by way of example only, and that modifications and alterations can be made to the particular embodiments described herein, without depart from the scope of the invention, defined by the claims. For example, when the fluid to be transported comprises a gas, it may be necessary or convenient to readjust the device by providing a short jet of gas to the fluid outlet (36, 81), to cause the valve to move from its activated position to your resting position. For this purpose, a fluid feed pipe (and optionally, a relatively high gas pressure supply, such as a gas bottle, for example) can be provided. In another modification, the receptacle can, instead of being elastically deformed from the floor of the chamber, be suspended by elastic deformation means from the roof of the chamber. The receptacle of the third mode can alternately carry only a single magnet (or alternatively, act only on a single valve) and therefore, can be configured as the device of the fourth mode, for the control of a only fluid supply.

Claims (28)

1. CLAIMS 1. An automatic fluid flow control device for a fluid supply, wherein the device is operable without an electrical supply, and comprising a moving actuator of a first position corresponding to a normal supply of fluid to a second position corresponding to an oversupply of fluid, the actuator is configured to exert a magnetic force on a valve in the fluid supply, as the actuator moves from the first to the second position, to close the valve and therefore, interrupt at least substantially the flow in the fluid supply, until the device is readjusted. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a magnet to exert a magnetic force on the valve. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator and the valve each include a magnet, the magnets interact to exert force on the valve that drives the closed valve, as the actuator moves from the first position. to the second position. 4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator and valve each include a magnet, the magnets interact to exert force on the valve that drives the open valve, as the actuator moves from the second position to the first position. The control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the magnets are placed in the first position with different adjacent magnetic poles, and in the second position with adjacent similar magnetic poles. The control device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprises a float located in a chamber, the chamber comprises an inlet for connection to a drain pipe and an outlet for connection to a drain, the arrangement it is such that the fluid can flow into the chamber through the drain inlet, to cause the float to move from the first position to the second position, as the fluid level inside the chamber increases. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the output is configured to be able to pass a smaller volume of fluid per unit of time than the input. 8. The control device according to claim 7, comprising a stopper for the outlet, which cap reduces the volume of liquid that can flow through the outlet per unit of time. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the plug is removable from the outlet. The control device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plug includes a plurality of cut portions of the wall to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The control device according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the float is rotatable between the first and second positions. The control device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is capable of actuating a second valve in a second fluid supply, as it moves from the first to the second position. The control device according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising a second actuator that is capable of actuating a second valve in a second fluid supply, to cause the valve to move from an open position to a closed position , as the second actuator moves from a third position corresponding to the first position, to a fourth position corresponding to the second position. The control device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator comprises a receptacle located in a chamber, the chamber comprises an inlet for connection to a drain pipe and an outlet for connection to a drain, the arrangement is such that the fluid can flow into the chamber through the drain inlet and into the receptacle, to cause the receptacle to move from the first position to the second position, according to the fluid level inside, of the receptacle it increases. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the receptacle comprises a drain to allow the fluid to drain therefrom, and the chamber through the outlet. The control device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the receptacle is elastically deformed away from a wall of the chamber in the first position and is movable against deformation towards the second position. 17. The control device according to claim 16, wherein the receptacle is elastically deformed away from the floor of the chamber, the receptacle compresses the elastic deformation as it moves from the first position to the second position. 18. The control device according to any of claims 14 to 17, when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, the receptacle has a magnet mounted to a wall thereof. The control device according to claim 18, wherein the receptacle includes a second magnet mounted on an opposite wall of the receptacle, the second magnet being capable of actuating a second valve in a second fluid supply, to cause the valve to be move from an open position to a closed position, as the receptacle moves from the first position to the second position. The control device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator comprises a vane member mounted for rotation on an axis located in a chamber, the chamber comprises an inlet for connection to a drain line and an outlet for connection to a drain, the arrangement is such that fluid can flow into the chamber through the drain inlet and against the member with vanes, to cause the vane member to rotate from the first position to the second position to close the valve. The control device according to claim 20, when it depends on any of claims 2 to 4, wherein a vane of the blade member includes a magnet mounted near the axis and the valve. The control device according to claim 21, wherein the vane member includes a second magnet mounted near the axis and a second valve, the rotation of the vane member from the first position to the second position, causes the second valve move to a closed position. 23. A fluid flow control device that is operable automatically, without an electrical supply, the device comprises an actuator which is configured, in the case of an oversupply of fluid, to move to exert a magnetic force on a valve , and therefore, restrict at least substantially the fluid flow until the device is readjusted. 24. A fluid control device for supplying fluid, wherein the device is operable without an electrical supply and comprising: a housing defining a fluid supply channel with a fluid inlet for coupling to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet for coupling to a domestic appliance, the housing further defines a chamber with an inlet for coupling to a drain and an outlet for coupling to a drain; a valve located in the fluid supply and movable channel from a first open position to a second closed position, wherein the fluid flow through the channel is substantially restricted; an actuator provided in the chamber and movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the valve and the actuator are magnetically coupled with one another, so that the movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position, causes the valve to move from the open position to the closed position. 25. A fluid control device for supplying fluid, wherein the device is operable without an electrical supply and comprising: a housing defining first and second fluid supply channels, each with a fluid inlet for the coupling to a fluid supply and a fluid outlet for coupling to a household appliance, the housing further defines a chamber with an inlet for coupling to a drain and an outlet for coupling to a drain; First and second valves located in the first and second fluid supply channels, each of the valves is movable from a first open position to a second closed position, wherein the fluid flow through the channel is substantially restricted; a first actuator provided in the chamber and movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the first valve and the first actuator are magnetically coupled with one another, so that the movement of the first actuator from the first position to the second position causes the first valve to move from the open position to the closed position; and a second actuator provided in the chamber and movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the second valve and the second actuator are magnetically coupled with one another, so that the movement of the second actuator of the first position to the second position causes the second valve to move from the open position to the closed position. 26. The device according to the claim 24, wherein the arrangement is such that the valve remains in the second closed position until the device is readjusted. 27. The device according to the claim 25, wherein the arrangement is such that each of the valves remains in the second closed position until the device is readjusted. 28. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve comprises a flapper valve.