Water filter abstract
A changeover valve is disclosed; this valve has a valve case which
has a water intake to be connected to a water supply device, a water
outlet, a drain port, and two connecting ports to be connected to
the two opposite ports on a water filter; a valve body which comprises
an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, an internal passage way defined
between said inner and outer cylinders, an intake hole communicating
the inner cylinder and the water intake of the valve case, a first
passage way for connecting the inner cylinder to the space outside
the outer cylinder, and a second passage way for connecting the
internal passage way to the space outside said outer cylinder; and
a control knob to rotate said valve body to "filtration",
"rinsing" or "backwashing" position alternatively.
Water from the water supply is filtered through the water filter
and discharged through the water outlet of the valve case for service
when at "filtration" position. Water from the water supply
is guided through the water filter to wash the inner part of the
water filter and then discharged through the drain port on the valve
case when at "rinsing" position. Water from the water
supply is guided through the water filter in a reverse direction
for back-washing the water filter and then discharged out of the
changeover valve through the drain port when at "backwashing"
position.
Water filter claims
What is claimed is:
1. A changeover valve comprising:
a valve case, said valve case having a water intake adapted to
be connected to a water supply device, a water outlet, a drain port,
a first connecting port adapted to be connected to a water inlet
port of a water filter, and a second connecting port adapted to
be connected to the water outlet port of said water filter;
a valve body rotatably disposed inside said valve case, said valve
body comprising an inner cylinder portion, an outer cylinder portion
surrounding around said inner cylinder portion, and internal passage
way defined between said inner cylinder portion and said outer cylinder
portion, an intake hole communicating said inner cylinder portion
and said water intake of said valve case, a first passage way formed
on said outer cylinder portion for connecting said inner cylinder
portion to the space outside said outer cylinder portion, a second
passage way formed on said outer cylinder portion for connecting
said internal passage way to the space outside said outer cylinder
portion;
a control knob securely attached to said valve body for driving
said valve body to rotate, permitting said valve body to be alternatively
disposed at a "filtration" position where water from said
water supply device flows from said water inlet port of said water
filter into said water filter and then flows out of said water filter
through said water outlet port for further discharge through said
water outlet of said valve case, at a "backwashing" position
where water from said water supply flows from the water outlet port
of said water filter into said water filter and then flows out of
said water filter through said water inlet port for further discharge
through said drain port of said valve case, or at a "rinsing"
position where water from said water supply flows from said water
inlet port of said water filter into said water filter and then
flows out of said water filter through said water outlet port for
further discharge through said drain port of said valve case;
wherein said first passage way on said valve body is connected
to said first connecting port of said valve case when said valve
is rotated to said "filtration" or "rinsing"
position, or connected to said second connecting port on said valve
case when said valve body is rotated to said "backwashing"
position; said second passage way on said valve is connected to
said first connecting port and the water outlet port of said valve
case when said valve body is rotated to said "filtration"
position, or connected to said second connecting port and said drain
port of said valve case when said valve body is rotated to said
"backwashing" position, or connected to said first connecting
port and said drain port of said valve case when said valve body
is rotated to said "rinsing" position.
Water filter description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a changeover valve and relates
more particularly to a changeover valve to be connected between
a water filter and a water supply device to control the direction
of the flow of water for filtration through the water filter, or
for rinsing or back-washing the water filter.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a water supply system provided with a water filter, backwashing
has been commonly used to remove dirts from the strainer or filter
element of the water filter. To backwash through a water filter,
a changeover valve (which may also be referred to as a switching
valve) is often used to connect the water supply device such as
a faucet, and the water filter. By means of a changeover valve,
the flow of water from the supply device can be guided to pass through
the water filter in a forward direction for filtration or in a backward
direction through the water filter to remove dirts from the water
filter.
A conventional changeover valve for a water filter commonly comprises
a valve case which has a water intake connected to a water supply
device, a first connecting port and a second connecting port respectively
connected to an inlet port and an outlet port of the water filter,
a water outlet to discharge therethrough the filtrate from said
water filter, and a drain port to carry dirty water out of the valve.
The valve also has a valve body operable by a mechanism in the valve
case to change the position of the valve body and thereby to permit
the flow of water from the water supply to be discharged through
the water outlet or through the drain port. When the valve is rotated
to a filtration position to permit the flow of water to be filtered
through the water filter, the water from the water supply will pass
through the water intake and the first connecting port of the valve,
the inlet port of the water filter, the outlet port of the water
filter, the second connecting port and the water outlet of the valve
case. When the valve is rotated to a backwashing position to permit
the flow of water to flow through the water filter in the backward
direction in order to remove dirts from the strainer or filter element,
the water from the water supply device will pass through the water
intake and the second connecting port of the valve, the water outlet
port of the water filter, the water inlet port of the water filter,
the first connecting port and the drain port of the valve. Such
conventional changeover valve is still not satisfactory in use because
it can not eliminate two problems.
The first problem happens during backwashing. When the water flows
through a water filter in a backward direction during backwashing,
the dirts which are carried in the water tend to be stopped by the
filter element and accumulate at the water intake port of the water
filter. The dirts may then be carried by the water when the valve
body is rotated to the filtration position and discharged with the
filtered water through the water outlet port of the valve.
The second problem happens during filtration. When water passes
through the water filter which has not been operated for a prolonged
period of time, decayed organic matter in the residual water retained
in the water filter may be carried by the filtrate from the water
filter and discharged through the water outlet port of the valve.
Therefore, a water filter must be rinsed both before filtration
and after backwashing. To rinse a water filter, the flow of water
must be guided through the water filter in a forward direction so
that dirts are carried out of the water filter. The changeover valve
which connects the water supply device and the water filter should
therefore have a drain port separated from the water outlet port
thereof to discharge rinsing water so as to prevent possible contamination.
A conventional changeover valve simply has a water outlet port for
the discharge of flow of water out of the valve, therefore the filtered
water may still contain dirts or decayed matter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been accomplished with these circumstances
in mind. According to the present invention, a changeover valve
connecting a water supply device (which may be a faucet) and a water
filter, comprises a valve case, a valve body disposed in said valve
case, and a control knob to control the position of said valve body.
The valve case comprises a water intake to be connected to the water
supply device, a water outlet, a drain port, a first connecting
port connected to the water inlet port of the water filter, and
a second connecting port connected to the water outlet port of the
water filter. The valve body, rotatably disposed in the valve case,
comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder surrounding said
inner cylinder, an internal passage way defined between said inner
and outer cylinders, an intake hole to guide the flow of water from
the water intake of the valve case into said inner cylinder, a first
passage way in the outer cylinder to connect an internal space in
the inner cylinder to the space outside the outer cylinder, and
a second passage way in the outer cylinder to connect said internal
passage way to the space outside the outer cylinder. Rotating the
control knob causes the valve body to be alternatively rotated to
the the "filtration" position, the "backwashing"
position, or the "rinsing" position. When the valve body
is rotated to the "filtration" position, the water is
guided through the water filter in a forward direction and discharged
out of the valve case through the water outlet thereof. When the
valve body is rotated to the "backwashing" position, the
water is guided through the water filter in a reverse direction
and discharged out of the valve case through the drain port thereof.
When the valve body is turned to the "rinsing" position,
the water is guided through the water filter in a forward direction
and discharged out of the valve case through the drain port thereof.
Further, the first passage way of the valve body is connected to
the first connecting port of the valve case when the valve body
is rotated to the "filtration" position. The first passage
way is connected to the second connecting port of the valve case
when the valve body is rotated to the "backwashing" position.
The first passage way is also connected to the first connecting
port when the valve body is rotated to the "rinsing" position.
The second passage way of the valve body is connected to the first
connecting port and the water outlet of the valve case when the
valve body is rotated to the "filtration" position. The
second passage way of the valve body is connected to the second
connecting port and the drain port of the valve case when the valve
body is rotated to "backwashing" position. The second
passage way of the valve body is also connected to the first connecting
port and the drain port of the valve case when the valve body is
rotated to the "rinsing" position.
In the "filtration" position, water flows through the
water intake of the valve case, the first connecting port of the
valve case, the water inlet port of the water filter, the water
filter, the water outlet port of the water filter, the second connecting
port and then through the water outlet of the valve case. In the
"backwashing" position, the water flows through the water
intake and the second connecting port of the valve case, the water
outlet port of the water filter, the water filter, the water inlet
port of the water filter, the first connecting port of the valve
case and then through the drain port of the valve case. In the "rinsing"
position, water flows through the water intake and the first connecting
port of the valve case, the water inlet port of the water filter,
the water filter, the water outlet port of the water filter, the
second connecting port, and the drain port of the valve case.
In general, the present invention provides a changeover valve which
is compact and simple in structure and which provides a rinsing
function to remove dirts from the water filter to which it is connected
so the dirts can be carried out of the valve case through a drain
port separate from the water outlet which is provided to discharge
clean filtered water. Contamination problems can therefore be eliminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described by way of examples
with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1 through 17 illustrate a first embodiment of the changeover
valve of the present invention, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the
changeover valve of the present invention taken in a longitudinal
direction;
FIGS. 2 through 6 are plan views of the first embodiment of the
changeover valve of the present invention taken in different directions
showing the outer appearance of the changeover valve;
FIGS. 7 8 and 9 are longitudinally cross sectional views of the
first embodiment of the changeover valve of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line A--A of FIG.
1;
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along line B--B of FIG.
1;
FIGS. 12 through 17 are cross sectional views of the first embodiment
of the changeover valve of the present invention, showing the several
water flow routes controlled by means of the control knob;
FIGS. 18 through 22 illustrate a second embodiment of the changeover
valve of the present invention, wherein:
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the second embodiment
of the changeover valve;
FIGS. 19 through 22 are cross sectional views of the second embodiment
of the changeover valve showing the water passage ways in different
valve zones;
FIGS. 23 through 46 illustrate a third embodiment of the changeover
valve of the present invention, wherein:
FIG. 23 is longitudinal cross sectional view of the third embodiment
of the changeover valve;
FIGS. 24 through 28 are plan views taken in different directions
showing the outer appearance of the third embodiment of the changeover
valve;
FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view taken along line E--E of FIG.
27;
FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view taken along line D--D of FIG.
27;
FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view taken along line C--C of FIG.
27;
FIGS. 32 through 46 are cross sectional views of the third embodiment
of the changeover valve showing the water passage ways in different
valve zones;
FIGS. 47 through 54 are cross sectional views of a fourth embodiment
of the changeover valve of the present invention showing the water
passage ways in different valve zones;
FIGS. 55 through 58 are cross sectional views of a fifth embodiment
of the changeover valve of the present invention, wherein:
FIG. 55 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the changeover
valve;
FIG. 56 is a cross sectional view taken along line F--F of FIG.
55;
FIG. 57 is a cross sectional view taken along line G--G of FIG.
55;
FIG. 58 is a cross sectional view taken along line H--H of FIG.
55;
FIG. 59 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment
of the changeover valve of the present invention;
FIGS. 60 through 71 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the changeover
valve of the present invention, wherein:
FIGS. 60 through 62 are plan views taken in different directions
showing the outer appearance of the changeover valve;
FIG. 63 is a cross sectional view taken along line I--I of FIG.
62;
FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view taken along line J--J of FIG.
62;
FIG. 65 is a cross sectional view taken along line K--K of FIG.
62; and
FIGS. 66 through 71 are cross sectional views of the changeover
valve showing the water passage ways in different valve zones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 through 17 illustrate a first embodiment of the changeover
valve as constructed in accordance with the present invention. In
this embodiment, the valve is divided axially into two zones each
of which has passage ways distributed in a circumferential direction.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9 the changeover valve has a
valve case 1 a valve body 2 and a control knob 3. Valve case 1
has an open top, and defines therein a valve chamber 4 and a passage
way 5. The valve chamber 4 is formed into a cylindrical shape having
a horizontal axis; one end of valve chamber 4 is open and communicates
with the outside of valve case 1 and an opposite end disposed in
communication with the passage way 5. The passage way 5 is formed
adjacent to the valve chamber 4 so as to connect the open top of
valve case 1 and the open end of valve chamber 4. The open top of
the valve case 1 forms into a water intake 6. A first connecting
port 7 and a second connecting port 8 are respectively formed on
the upper side of the wall of the valve case 1 which surrounds the
valve chamber 4; the two connecting ports are disposed with a space
in between, in axial direction with respect to the valve chamber
respectively. A water outlet 9 and a drain port 10 are formed on
the lower side of the wall of the valve case 1 right below the first
and second connecting port 7 and 8 respectively. The water intake
6 the first and second connecting ports 7 and 8 the water outlet
9 and the drain port 10 respectively communicate with the interior
of the valve chamber 4. Packings 11 are placed in water intake 6
and retained by a socket 13 which is secured in place by a lock
nut 12 which socket 13 has a plurality of screw bolts for fastening
the socket 13 onto water supply pipe 24. A valve body 2 is rotatably
placed in valve chamber 4 with a seal 28 disposed around the valve
body 2.
The valve body 2 comprises an inner cylinder portion 15 an outer
cylinder portion 16 surrounding inner cylinder portion 15 and a
passage way 17 defined between the inner and outer cylinder portions
15 and 16. The valve body 2 further comprises an intake hole 19
for guiding water from the water intake 6 of the valve case 1 to
the inner cylinder portion 15 passage ways formed on the wall of
outer cylinder portion to communicate the inner cylinder portion
15 with the outside of the outer cylinder portion 16 and passage
ways on the outer cylinder portion 16 for connecting the passage
way 17 to the outside of the outer cylinder portion 16. The valve
body 2 is disposed in the valve chamber 4 of the valve case 1 with
an inner end rotatably inserted in a hole of an inner wall of valve
chamber 4 which communicates with the passage way 5 and an opposite
outer end rotatably supported by a supporting ring 18 to which the
control knob 3 is fixedly attached. By rotating the control knob
3 the valve body 2 is caused to rotate, and therefore, the position
of outer cylinder portion 16 relative to valve case 1 is changed
so that the "filtration" position, "backwashing"
position, and "rinsing" position are selected.
As shown in the drawings, the valve body 2 has an intake hole 19
connected to the passage way 5 in the valve case 1 and is divided
into a first valve zone corresponding with the first connecting
port 7 and the water outlet 9 of the valve case 1 and a second
valve zone corresponding with the second connecting port 8 and the
drain port 10. In the first valve zone, as shown in FIG. 11 (the
cross section taken along line B--B of FIG. 1), there are provided
a plurality of passage ways 20A, 20B, 20C, and a plurality of passage
ways 21A, 21B, to guide the water to flow in radial directions.
In the second valve zone, as shown in FIG. 10 (the cross section
taken along line A--A of FIG. 1), there are provided a passage way
20D and a plurality of passage ways 21C, 21D, and 21E. The number
and the relative positions of the passage ways in each valve zone
of the valve body 2 are decided in accordance with the requirements
for performing the above described functions. Further, the valve
body 2 is sealed with O-ring 23.
The changeover valve of the present invention is applicable for
home use as well as for use in industrial or commercial utilities.
When in use, the socket 13 at the water intake 6 of the valve case
1 is connected to a water supply pipe 24 and secured in position
by fastening tight the screw bolts 14 as shown in FIG. 2 the first
connecting port 7 is connected to the water inlet port 22a of the
water filter 22 by means of a hose, and the second connecting port
8 is connected to the water outlet port 22b of the water filter
22. The water outlet 9 of the valve case 1 may be attached with
a hose and connected to a sink.
The operation of the aforesaid embodiment is outlined hereinafter
with reference to FIGS. 10 through 17. By rotating the control knob
3 the valve body can be alternatively changed to "primeval
water", "filtration", "rinsing" "backwashing"
position.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 and seeing FIG. 1 again, when the
valve body 2 is rotated to the "primeval water" position,
water is guided through the water outlet 9 of valve case 1 without
passing through the water filter 22. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional
view of the valve case 1 and the valve body 2 at the second valve
zone, and FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the valve case 1
and the valve body 2 at the first valve zone. In the first valve
zone, the passage way 20A of the valve body 2 is connected to the
water outlet 9 of the valve case 1 and disconnected from the first
connecting port 7. In the second valve zone, the passage way 21C
is connected to the second connecting port 8 of the valve case 1
and disconnected from the drain port 10. Therefore, water from the
water supply pipe 24 flows through the water intake 6 into the water
passage way 5 of the valve case 1 and further into the inner cylinder
portion 15 of the valve body 2 through the intake hole 19 and then
passes through the water passage way 20A of the valve body 2 for
discharging out of the valve case 1 through the water outlet 9.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 and seeing FIG. 7 again, when the
valve body is rotated to the "filtration" position, water
is guided through the water filter 22 for filtration. FIG. 12 is
a cross sectional view of the valve case 1 and the valve body 2
at the second valve zone, and FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view
of the valve case and the valve body 2 at the first valve zone.
In the first valve zone, the passage way 21A of the valve body 2
is connected to the water outlet 9 of the valve case 1 and the passage
way 20B of the valve body 2 is connected to the first connecting
port 7 of the valve case 1. In the second valve zone, the passage
way 21D of the valve body 2 is connected to the second connecting
port 8 of the valve case 1 and disconnected from the drain port
10. Therefore, water from the water supply pipe 24 passes through
the water intake 6 and the water passage way 5 of the valve case
1 the intake hole 19 and the inner cylinder portion 15 of the valve
body 2 and then passes through the passage way 20B and the first
connecting port 7 into the water filter 22 via the water inlet port
22a. While passing through the water filter 22 water is filtered
by the filter element in the water filter 22 and then discharged
out of the water outlet port 22b into the second connecting port
8 of the valve case 1 from which water is guided through the passage
way 21D into the passage way 17 and then guided into the water passage
way 21A for discharge out of the valve case 1 through the water
outlet 9.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 and seeing FIG. 8 again, when the
valve body is rotated to the "rinsing" mode, water is
also guided through the water filter 22 for filtration. FIG. 14
is a cross sectional view of the valve case 1 and the valve body
2 at the second valve zone, and FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view
of the valve case 1 and the valve body 2 at the first valve zone.
In the first zone, the passage way 20C of the valve body 2 is connected
to he first connecting port 7 of the valve case 1 and is disconnected
from the water outlet 9. In the second valve zone, the passage way
21E of the valve body 2 is connected to the second connecting port
8 of the valve case 1 and therefore it is connected to the drain
port 10 via the passage way 21C. Therefore, the water from the water
supply pipe 24 passes through the water intake 6 of the valve case
1 the passage way 5 the intake hole 19 the inner cylinder portion
15 the passage way 20C, the first connecting port 7 the water
inlet port 22a of the water filter 22 the water outlet port 22b
of the water filter 22 the second connecting port 8 of the valve
case 1 the passage way 21E and the passage way 17 into the passage
way 21C and then flows out of the valve case 1 through the drain
port 10. While water is guided to pass through the water filter
22 the dirts accumulated at the water inlet port 22a are carried
out of the water filter 22 and discharged through the drain port
10 of the valve case 1.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 and seeing FIG. 9 again, when the
valve is changed to the "backwashing" position, water
is guided to flow backwards through water filter 22 and then guided
to discharge out of the drain port 10. FIG. 16 is a cross sectional
view of the valve case 1 and the valve body 2 at the second valve
zone, and FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the valve case 1
and the valve body 2 at the first valve zone. In the first valve
zone, the passage way 21B of the valve body 2 is connected to the
first connecting port 7 of the valve case 1 and is disconnected
from the water outlet 9. In the second valve zone, the passage way
20D of the valve body 2 is connected to the second connecting port
8 of the valve case 1 and therefore it is connected to the drain
port 10 via the passage way 21D. Therefore, the water from the water
supply pipe 24 passes through the water intake 6 of the valve case
1 the passage way 5 the water intake hole 19 of the valve body
2 the inner cylinder portion 15 the passage way 20D, the second
connecting port 8 of the valve case 1 the water outlet port 22b,
the water filter 22 the water inlet port 22a, the fist connecting
port 7 of the valve case 1 the passage way 21B of the valve body
2 and the passage way 17 into the passage way 21D of the valve body
2 for further discharge out of the valve case 1 through the drain
port 10. By means of this arrangement, dirts adhered to the filter
element in the water filter 22 can be carried out of the water filter
22 and discharged through the drain port 10. After the operation
of "backwashing", the operation of "rinsing"
is performed so that any dirts can be carried out of the valve case
1 through the drain port 10 without passing through the water outlet
9. Therefore, the water outlet 9 will not be contaminated. And,
the water passing through the filter in a filtration operation immediately
after the backwashing operation will not contain any dirts.
Further, in case the water filter 22 was suspended from use for
a prolonged time period, it must be "rinsed" before use;
i.e., any decayed water inside the water filter 22 must be cleaned
before the operation of "filtration". By means of the
"rinsing" operation, the water filter 22 can be easily
cleaned thoroughly.
Referring to FIGS. 18 through 22 therein illustrated is a second
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the changeover
valve is used for a shower. FIG. 18 illustrates the internal structure
of the changeover valve of the second embodiment. Same numerals
are used if designated for the same parts as indicated in the first
embodiment. In this embodiment, the valve case 1 has a water outlet
27 formed thereon at the bottom and disposed in communication with
the valve chamber 4 and a circular shower cap 25 attached thereto
covering over the water outlet 27 which circular shower cap 25
has a plurality of small holes 26 made thereon for producing fine
streams of water. In this embodiment, the changeover valve provides
a "shower" function in addition to the functions of "primeval
water", "filtration", "backwashing" and
"rinsing". FIGS. 19 and 20 show that the changeover valve
is set in the "shower" position to perform the shower
function. FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the valve case 1
and the valve body 2 at the second valve zone. FIG. 20 is a cross
sectional view of the valve case 1 and the valve body 2 at the first
valve zone. In the first valve zone, the first connecting port 7
of the valve case 1 is not connected to the water outlet 9. In the
second valve zone, the second connecting port 8 of the valve case
1 is not connected to the drain port 10 but connected to the water
outlet 27 through the passage way 20D. Therefore, flow of water
passes through the passage way 20D into the water outlet 27 for
producing fine streams of water through the small holes 26 on the
circular shower cap 25.
FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate that the valve body 2 is rotated to
a "stop" position to stop the flow of water from passing
through the valve body. When the valve body 2 is maintained at the
"stop" position, all the passage ways in the valve body
2 is blocked up by the blocking member 28 and therefore, no water
is allowed to pass through the valve body 2.
Referring to FIGS. 23 through 46 therein illustrated is a third
embodiment of the present invention in which the changeover valve
is divided into three valve zones along its horizontal axis. FIGS.
23 through 28 show the structure of the changeover valve of the
third embodiment. In this embodiment, the changeover valve also
has a shower function. The numerals corresponding to that in FIGS.
1 through 22 indicate the same parts. In the valve case 1 drain
port 10 is disposed between the first connecting port 7 and the
second connecting port 8 and aligned therewith into one row. The
water outlet 27 for shower is made on the circle where the first
connecting port 7 is allocated. The valve body 2 is divided into
three valve zones along its horizontal axis, or in axial direction,
namely, a first valve zone, a second valve zone and a third valve
zone. In the first valve zone corresponding to the first connecting
port 7 of the valve case 1 and the water outlet 27 for shower as
shown in FIG. 31 (a cross section taken on line C--C of FIG. 27),
there are provided passage ways 29A, 29B, 29C, and a passage way
30A distributed through the circumference of the valve body 2. In
the second valve zone corresponding to the water outlet 9 and the
drain port 10 as shown in FIG. 30 (a cross section taken on line
D--D of FIG. 27), there are provided a passage way 29D and passage
ways 30B, 30C, 30D. In the third valve zone corresponding to the
second connecting port 8 as shown in FIG. 29 (a cross section taken
on line E--E of FIG. 27), there are provided a passage way 29E and
passage ways 30E, 30F.
FIGS. 29 through 46 illustrate the operation of the third embodiment
of changeover valve in various operating positions. FIGS. 29 through
31 show the operation of the changeover valve in the "primeval
water" position, wherein FIG. 29 shows the cross sectional
view of the third valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 30 shows
the cross sectional view of the second valve zone of the valve body
2; FIG. 31 shows the cross sectional view of the first valve zone.
FIGS. 32 through 34 show the cross sectional views of the changeover
valve of the third embodiment in operation at the "shower"
position, wherein FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view of the third
valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 33 is a cross sectional view
of the second valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 34 is a cross
sectional view of the first valve zone of the valve body 2.
FIGS. 35 through 37 show the cross sectional views of the changeover
valve of the third embodiment in operation at the "filtration"
position, wherein FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of the third
valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view
of the second valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 37 is a cross
sectional view of the first valve zone of the valve body 2.
FIGS. 38 through 40 show the cross sectional views of the changeover
valve of the third embodiment in operation at the "rinsing"
position, wherein FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view of the third
valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view
of the second valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 40 is a cross
sectional view of the first valve zone of the valve body 2.
FIGS. 41 through 43 show cross sectional views of the changeover
valve of the third embodiment in operation at the "backwashing"
position, wherein FIG. 41 is a cross sectional view of the third
valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view
of the second valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 43 is a cross
sectional view of the first valve zone of the valve body 2.
FIGS. 44 through 46 show cross sectional views of the changeover
valve of the third embodiment in operation at the "stop"
position wherein FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view of the third
valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view
of the second valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 46 is a cross
sectional view of the first valve zone of the valve body 2.
The operational procedure of the third embodiment of changeover
valve under each operational position is similar to the first and
second embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, no detailed
description in operational procedure for the third embodiment is
required.
Referring to FIGS. 47 through 53 therein illustrated is a fourth
embodiment of changeover valve as constructed according to the present
invention. In this embodiment, "rinsing" operation is
performed before the "filtration" operation when the valve
body 2 is rotated in one direction. As illustrated in the drawings,
the valve case 1 has a first connecting port 7 and a second connecting
port 8 at one side of valve case 1 in axial direction, a drain port
10 and a water outlet 9 disposed below the first connecting port
7; the valve body 2 is divided into two valve zones, namely a first
valve zone corresponding to the first connecting port 7 the drain
port 10 and the water outlet 9 on the valve case 1 and a second
valve zone corresponding to the second connecting port 8 and the
water outlet 27 for shower. In the first valve zone, there are provided
passage ways 31A, 31B and passage ways 32A, 32B respectively distributed
through the circumference of the valve body 2. In the second valve
zone, there are provided passage ways 31C, 31D and passage ways
32C, 32D respectively distributed through circumference of the valve
body 2.
FIGS. 47 through 54 illustrate the cross sectional views of the
changeover valve of the fourth embodiment in operation at various
operational position. FIGS. 47 and 48 are cross sectional views
of the valve in operation at the "backwashing" position,
wherein FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view of the second valve zone
of the valve body 2; FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view of the first
valve zone of the valve body 2. FIGS. 49 and 50 are cross sectional
views of the valve in operation under the "primeval water"
position, wherein FIG. 49 is a cross sectional view of the second
valve zone of the valve body 2; FIG. 50 is a cross sectional view
of the first valve zone of valve body 2. FIGS. 51 and 52 are cross
sectional views of the valve in operation under "rinsing"
position, wherein FIG. 51 is a cross sectional view of the valve
body 2; FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view of the first valve zone
of the valve body 2. FIGS. 53 and 54 are cross sectional views of
the valve in operation at the "filtration" position, wherein
FIG. 53 is a cross sectional view of the second valve zone of the
valve body 2; FIG. 54 is a cross sectional view of the first valve
zone of the valve body 2.
Referring to FIGS. 55 through 58 therein illustrated is a fifth
embodiment of changeover over valve as constructed according to
the present invention. In this embodiment, water from a water supply
device is guided into the valve from the top above the valve chamber,
and the valve case 1 does not have the passage way 5. There is a
passage way 33 made on the wall of the valve chamber 4 at the top
connecting with the water intake 6 on the valve case 1 for guiding
water into the inner cylinder portion 15 of the valve body 2. The
valve body 2 does not provide any shower function. The numerals
for the parts similar to that in FIGS. 1 and 22 remain unchanged.
As indicated in FIG. 55 the first and second connecting ports
7 8 are arranged on the valve case 1 in a row; the drain port 10
is made on the circle where the first connecting port 7 is allocated;
the water outlet 9 is made on the valve case 1 at the bottom between
the first and second connecting ports 7 8. The valve body 2 is
divided into three valve zones, namely, a first valve zone having
passage ways 34A, 34B and passage ways 35A, 35B, 35C distributed
through the circumference thereof corresponding to the first connecting
port 7 and the drain port 10 on the valve case 1 a second valve
zone having passage ways 34C through 34G and passage way 35D distributed
through the circumference thereof corresponding to the water outlet
9 on the valve case 1 and a third valve zone having passage way
34H and passage ways 35E, 35F distributed through the circumference
thereof corresponding to the second connecting port 8 on the valve
case 1.
FIGS. 56 through 58 show cross sectional views of the changeover
valve of the fifth embodiment in operation at the "rinsing"
position. FIG. 56 is a cross section taken on the third valve zone
(along line F--F of FIG. 55) of the valve body 2. FIG. 57 is a cross
section taken on the second valve zone (along line G--G of FIG.
55) of the valve body 2. FIG. 58 is a cross section taken on the
first valve zone (along line H--H of FIG. 55) of the valve body
2.
FIG. 59 shows a sixth embodiment of the changeover valve of this
invention. Similar to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
water is taken in through a water intake above the valve chamber
4. In this embodiment, the valve chamber 4 comprises a hole 3b connecting
with the passage way 5 on the valve case 1 and the valve body 2
has a passage way 37 connecting with the passage way 36.
Referring to FIGS. 60 through 71 therein illustrated is a seventh
embodiment of changeover valve as constructed according to the present
invention. This embodiment is most suitable for use in a sink in
the kitchen. In this embodiment, the valve body is divided into
two valve zones, namely, a first valve zone (the cross section taken
on line J--J of FIG. 62) and a second valve zone (the cross section
taken on line K--K of FIG. 62). The structure of the seventh embodiment
of changeover valve is outlined hereinafer with reference to FIGS.
60 through 65. In the drawings, numerals 41 42 and 43 designate
the valve case, the valve body and the control knob respectively.
The valve case 41 defines therein a cylindrical valve chamber 44
having a horizontal, central axis. A water intake 45 for the second
valve zone is made on the lower side of the wall surrounding the
valve chamber 44. A first connecting port 46 and a second connecting
port 47 are formed spatially in the valve chamber 44 in peripheral
direction. A water outlet 48 is made on the wall of the valve case
1 at the top, and a drain port 49 is made on the wall of the valve
case 1 at one side. The water intake 45 the first and second connecting
ports 46 47 the water outlet 48 and the drain port 49 are respectively
connected to the internal space of the valve chamber 44. The water
intake 45 is connected to a water supply pipe 50 of a water supply
device. Connecting pipes 51 52 are respectively connected to the
first and second connecting ports 46 47. A water outlet pipe 53
and a drain pipe 54 are respectively attached to the water outlet
48 and the drain port 49. Further, there is provided a seal member
61 along the inner peripheral wall of the valve chamber 44 to seal
the valve body 42 from the valve chamber 44. The valve body 42 comprises
an inner cylinder portion 55 surrounded with an outer cylinder portion
56 a passage way 57 defined within said inner and outer cylinder
portion 55 56 a water intake 58 for guiding water from the water
intake 45 of the valve case 41 into the inner cylinder portion 55
passage way 59 for connecting the inner cylinder portion 55 with
the outside, and passage ways 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D for connecting
the outer cylinder portion 56 with the outside. The valve body 42
is rotatably supported by a supporting ring 62 to which a control
knob 43 is securely attached. Therefore, by rotating the control
knob 43 the valve 42 is caused to rotate inside the valve chamber
44. By means of rotating the control knob 43 the valve 42 can be
selectively rotated to "filtration", "rinsing"
or "backwashing" position. In the drawings, the numeral
63 designates a mounting member such as a fastening nut.
When the control knob 43 is rotated, the valve body will be rotated
to pass through the positions of "filtration", "rinsing",
"backwashing" and "stop". FIGS. 64 and 65 show
the water flowing route at "filtration" position, wherein
FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view of the valve case 41 and the valve
body 42 taken through the first valve zone; FIG. 65 is a cross sectional
view of the valve case 41 and the valve body 42 taken through the
second valve zone. At the "filtration" position, water
from the water supply pipe 50 passes through the water intake 45
of the valve case 41 the water intake 58 of the valve body 42
the inner cylinder portion 55 the first connecting port 46 of the
valve case 41 the connecting pipe 51 the water inlet port 22a
of the water filter 22 the water filter 22 the water outlet port
22b of the water filter 22 the water filter 22 the water outlet
port 22b of the water filter 22 the connecting pipe 52 the second
connecting port 47 of the valve case 41 the passage way 60B on
the valve 42 the passage way 57 and the passage way 60C, and then
through the water outlet pipe 53 via the water outlet 48. FIGS.
66 and 67 show the water flowing route with the valve body at the
"rinsing" position, wherein FIG. 66 is a cross sectional
view of the valve case 41 and the valve body 42 taken through the
first valve zone; FIG. 67 is a cross sectional view of the valve
case 41 and the valve body 42 taken through the second valve zone.
At the "rinsing" position, water from the water supply
pipe 50 passes through the water intake 45 of the valve case 41
the water intake 48 of the valve 42 the inner cylinder portion
55 the first connecting port 46 of the valve case 41 the connecting
pipe 51 the water inlet port 22a of the water filter 22 the water
filter 22 the water outlet port 22b of the water filter 22 the
connecting pipe 52 the second connecting port 47 of the valve case
41 the passage way 60A of the valve body 42 the passage way 57
and the passage way 60B, and then through the drain pipe 54 via
the drain port 49.
FIGS. 68 and 69 show the water flowing route with the valve body
at the "backwashing" position, wherein FIG. 68 is a cross
sectional view of the valve case 41 and the valve body 42 taken
through first valve zone; FIG. 69 is a cross sectional view of the
valve case 41 and the valve body 42 taken through the second valve
zone. At the "backwashing" position, water from the water
supply pipe 50 passes through the water intake 45 of the valve case
41 the water intake 48 of the valve 42 the inner cylinder portion
55 the second connecting port 47 on the valve case 41 the connecting
pipe 52 the water outlet port 22b of the water filter 22 the water
filter 22 the water inlet port 22a of the water filter 22 the
connecting pipe 51 the first connecting port 46 on the valve case
41 the passage way 60D on the valve body 42 the passage way 57
and the passage way 60A, and then the drain pipe 54 via the drain
port 49.
FIGS. 70 and 71 show that the valve body is at "stop"
position, wherein FIG. 70 is a cross sectional view of the valve
case 41 and the valve body 42 taken through the first valve zone;
FIG. 71 is a cross sectional view of the valve case 41 and the valve
body 42 taken through the second valve zone. When the valve body
is rotated to the "stop" position, water is stopped from
passing therethrough.
As indicated, the present invention is to provide a changeover
valve which is compact and simple in structure and which can be
selectively rotated to various positions including "primeval
water", "rinsing" and "backwashing", to
perform the desired operation. |