Mixing valve

• US 9,650,769 B2
• Filed: 03/13/2013
• Issued: 05/16/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kohler MIRA Limited (Kohler Company)
• Original Assignee: Kohler MIRA Limited (Kohler Company)
• Inventors: Peel, Kevin T.
• Primary Examiner(s): JULES, FRANTZ F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shaikh, Meraj A
• Application Number:
  US13/799,834
• Publication Number:
  US 20130341418A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,525 Days
• Field of Search: 137597, 137599, 137896, 137625, 137898, 137341, 137606
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/18 Roses; Shower heads with means for adding soap or the like E03C1/046; jet regulators E03C1/08
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/24 incorporating means for heating the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. electrically
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 1/24 Applying particulate materials
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/006 Arrangements or methods for cleaning or refurbishing water conduits
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/074 Arrangement of water treatment devices
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/075 Arrangement of devices for control of pressure or flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/078 Combined units with different devices; Arrangement of different devices with respect to each other
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/02 Plumbing installations for fresh water
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/04 Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths valves, faucets, mixing valves, taps F16K
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/0404 Constructional or functional features of the spout
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/0409 Shower handles
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/044 having a heating or cooling apparatus in the supply line water heaters, e.g. with continuous flow, F24H
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/055 Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 1/44 Details of seats or valve members of double-seat valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/22 with an actuating member for each valve, e.g. interconnected to form multiple-way valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/24 with an electromagnetically-operated valve, e.g. for washing machines
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 19/00 Arrangements of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluids multiple-way valves F16K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 19/006 Specially adapted for faucets
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 27/0263 multiple way valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/04 using a motor
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 49/002 : Electric heating means
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 1/00 : Pipe-line systems conveying articles or materials through a pipe- line by means of a fluid carrier B65G51/00, B65G53/00; liquids B67D; special devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers into vehicles or boats or vice versa, e.g. loading or unloading vehicles or portable containers B67D7/00; conveying material which has been excavated by a dredger or soil shifter through a pipe-line E02F7/10; sewer pipe-line systems E03F3/00; thermal insulation of pipe-lines F16L59/00; central heating systems F24D
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 11/13 : characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 11/16 : Controlling mixing ratio of fluids having different temperatures, e.g. by sensing the temperature of a mixture of fluids having different viscosities
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1393 : characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1858 : by varying the mixing ratio of fluids having different temperatures
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/19 : characterised by the use of electric means G05D23/1393 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1917 : using digital means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0617 : specially adapted for fluid materials
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 999/99 : dummy group
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 : Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0329 : Mixing of plural fluids of diverse characteristics or conditions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0391 : Affecting flow by the addition of material or energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0424 : Liquid cleaning or flushing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6606 : With electric heating element
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7759 : Responsive to change in rate of fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8376 : Combined
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8593 : Systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86389 : Programmer or timer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87668 : Single actuator operates plural flow control means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87684 : Valve in each inlet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87692 : With common valve operator

Abstract

A mixing valve includes a first inlet for receiving a first fluid, a second inlet for receiving a second fluid, and a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet for outputting the first fluid or the second fluid or a mixture thereof. The mixing valve includes a first flow control valve for controlling the flow of the first fluid into the mixing chamber and a second flow control valve, separate from the first flow control valve, for controlling the flow of the second fluid into the mixing chamber. At least one of the first or second flow control valve includes at least two separate outlets into the mixing chamber.

Claims

1. A mixing valve comprising:

a first inlet chamber having a first outlet, a second outlet, and an inlet between the first and second outlets for receiving a first fluid;

a second inlet chamber having a first outlet, a second outlet, and an inlet between the first and second outlets for receiving a second fluid configured at a different temperature than the first fluid;

a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet for outputting the first fluid or the second fluid or a mixture thereof;

a first flow control valve for controlling the flow of only the first fluid from the first inlet chamber into the mixing chamber through the first and second outlets of the first inlet chamber, the first flow control valve comprising;

a first valve member that engages a first valve seat associated with the first outlet of the first inlet chamber in a closed position of the first flow control valve; and

a second valve member that engages a second valve seat associated with the second outlet of the first inlet chamber in the closed position of the first flow control valve;

wherein at least one of the first and second valve members of the first flow control valve is disposed in the first inlet chamber in an open position of the first flow control valve; and

a second flow control valve, separate from the first flow control valve, for controlling the flow of only the second fluid from the second inlet chamber into the mixing chamber through the first and second outlets of the second inlet chamber, the second flow control valve comprising;

a first valve member that engages a first valve seat associated with the first outlet of the second inlet chamber in a closed position of the second flow control valve; and

a second valve member that engages a second valve seat associated with the second outlet of the second inlet chamber in the closed position of the second flow control valve;

wherein at least one of the first and second valve members of the second flow control valve is disposed in the second inlet chamber in an open position of the second flow control valve.

2. The mixing valve of claim 1, wherein the two separate valve outlets of each inlet chamber are formed at substantially opposite ends of such inlet chamber.

3. The mixing valve of claim 2, wherein the first valve member of each flow control valve is received in the associated inlet chamber in the open position of the associated flow control valve and the associated second valve member is received in the mixing chamber in the open position of the flow control valve.

4. The mixing valve of claim 2, wherein each flow control valve includes a valve member assembly including the first valve member and the second valve member.

5. The mixing valve of claim 4, wherein each first valve member is arranged to be urged closed by fluid entering the associated inlet chamber through the associated inlet and the associated second valve member is arranged to be urged open by fluid entering the inlet chamber through the inlet.

6. The mixing valve of claim 5, wherein the first and second valve members of each flow control valve are connected to a spool coupled to an actuator which controls the position of the valve members relative to their respective valve seats.

7. The mixing valve of claim 6, wherein the actuator is an electrically powered motor.

8. The mixing valve of claim 7, wherein the motor is a stepper motor.

9. The mixing valve of claim 4, wherein each valve member assembly is balanced such that fluid flowing through the associated flow control valve exerts substantially no net force on the valve member assembly.

10. The mixing valve of claim 1, wherein the first and second outlets of each inlet chamber are of similar size.

11. The mixing valve of claim 1, wherein the at least two separate outlets are axially aligned.

12. The mixing valve of claim 4, wherein each valve seat is located within the associated valve outlet.

13. The mixing valve of claim 12, wherein each valve seat includes a cylindrical bore portion in which the associated valve member is slidably received in the closed position of the associated flow control valve.

14. The mixing valve of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second valve seats of each inlet chamber is located at one end of the associated valve outlet.

15. The mixing valve of claim 4, wherein each valve seat includes an end face against which the associated valve member seats in the closed position of the associated flow control valve.

16. The mixing valve of claim 1, wherein the mixing valve includes a housing that houses the first and second flow control valves and includes apertures that form the inlet of the first inlet chamber, the inlet of the second inlet chamber, and the fluid outlet of the mixing chamber.

17. The mixing valve of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of metal or an alloy and includes an electrically powered heating device configured to thermally disinfect the mixing valve.

18. The mixing valve of claim 17, further comprising a controller configured to prevent discharge of water from the mixing valve when the electrically powered heating device is active.

19. The mixing valve of claim 1, wherein the first and second flow control valves are configured to be connected to supplies of hot and cold water, respectively, and the mixing valve further comprises a controller for controlling the mixing valve in response to at least one of water temperature and flow rate.

20. The mixing valve of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to monitor at least one of the temperature or flow rate of the outlet water and a controller configured to control at least one of a user-selected outlet water temperature or flow rate.

21. The mixing valve of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to monitor at least one of the temperature of supplies of hot and cold water or the flow rate of the outlet water or flow rate of the outlet water and a controller configured to control at least one of a user-selected outlet water temperature or flow rate.

22. A mixing valve comprising:

a mixing chamber;

a first flow control valve having two outlets for controlling the flow of a first fluid from a first inlet into the mixing chamber, wherein the first inlet is located between the two outlets of the first flow control valve;

a second flow control valve having two outlets for controlling the flow of a second fluid configured at a different temperature than the first fluid from a second inlet into the mixing chamber, wherein the second inlet is located between the two outlets of the second flow control valve;

wherein each flow control valve includes a valve member assembly including a first valve member adapted to engage with a first valve seat associated with a first of the two valve outlets in a closed position of the flow control valve and a second valve member adapted to engage with a second, separate, valve seat associated with a second of the two valve outlets in the closed position of the flow control valve;

a first inlet chamber comprising the first inlet and the first and second valve seats associated with the valve member assembly of the first flow control valve, such that at least one valve member of the valve member assembly of the first flow control valve is disposed in the first inlet chamber in an open position of the first flow control valve; and

a second inlet chamber comprising the second inlet and the first and second valve seats associated with the valve member assembly of the second flow control valve, such that at least one valve member of the valve member assembly of the second flow control valve is disposed in the second inlet chamber in an open position of the second flow control valve.

23. The mixing valve of claim 22, wherein the first valve member of each flow control valve is configured to be urged closed and the associated second valve member is configured to be urged open by the fluid from the associated inlet.

24. The mixing valve of claim 22, wherein the first and second valve members of each flow control valve are connected to a spool coupled to an actuator which controls the position of the valve members relative to their respective valve seats.

25. The mixing valve of claim 24, wherein the actuator is an electrically powered stepper motor.

26. The mixing valve of claim 22, wherein each valve member assembly is balanced such that fluid flowing through the associated flow control valve exerts substantially no net force on the valve member assembly.

27. The mixing valve of claim 22, wherein the two outlets of each of the flow control valves are of similar size.

28. The mixing valve of claim 22, wherein the two outlets of each of the flow control valves are axially aligned.

29. The mixing valve of claim 22, wherein the mixing valve includes a housing that houses the first and second flow control valves and is made of metal or an alloy and the mixing valve further comprises an electric heating element configured to thermally disinfect the mixing valve.

30. A mixing valve for a plumbing fixture comprising:

a first inlet chamber having a first inlet for receiving a first fluid;

a second inlet chamber having a second inlet, separate from the first inlet, for receiving a second fluid;

a mixing chamber;

a first flow control valve having two outlets for controlling the flow of the first fluid from the first inlet chamber into the mixing chamber, wherein the first inlet is located between the two outlets of the first flow control valve; and

a second flow control valve having two outlets for controlling the flow of the second fluid from the second inlet chamber into the mixing chamber, wherein the second inlet is located between the two outlets of the second flow control valve; and

wherein the first flow control valve controls the flow of the first fluid separate from the second fluid, and the second flow control valve controls the flow of the second fluid separate from the first fluid;

wherein each flow control valve comprises a first valve member that engages with a first valve seat associated with a first of the two outlets in a closed position of the flow control valve, and a second valve member that engages with a second, separate valve seat associated with a second of the two outlets in the closed position of the flow control valve; and

wherein at least one of the first and second valve members of each flow control valve is disposed in the associated inlet chamber in an open position of the flow control valve.

31. The mixing valve of claim 30, wherein each flow control valve includes a valve member assembly including the associated first valve member and second valve member.

32. The mixing valve of claim 31, wherein the first valve member of each flow control valve is configured to be urged closed and the second valve member of the associated flow control valve is configured to be urged open by the associated fluid from the associated inlet.

33. The mixing valve of claim 31, wherein the first and second valve members of each flow control valve are connected to a spool coupled to an actuator which controls the position of the valve members relative to their respective valve seats.

34. The mixing valve of claim 33, wherein the actuator is an electrically powered motor.

35. The mixing valve of claim 30, wherein the first fluid is water at a first temperature and the second fluid is water at a second temperature that is different than the first temperature.

36. The mixing valve of claim 31, wherein each valve member assembly is balanced such that fluid flowing through the associated flow control valve exerts substantially no net force on the valve member assembly.

37. The mixing valve of claim 30, wherein the two outlets of each of the flow control valves are of similar size.

38. The mixing valve of claim 30, wherein the two outlets of each of the flow control valves are axially aligned.

39. The mixing valve of claim 30, wherein the mixing valve includes a housing that houses the first and second flow control valves and is made of metal or an alloy and the mixing valve further comprises an electric heating element configured to thermally disinfect the mixing valve.

40. The mixing valve of claim 39, wherein the electric heating element extends through a portion of the housing.