초록 ▼

An improved float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water prod

An improved float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float carried on a float arm responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. An over-center switch provides snap-action closure of the primary valve in response to rising water level, and the primary float is mounted on the float arm for a limited range of lost motion to accommodate this snap-action valve closure. A secondary banjo valve is mounted along the flow path at a location above the primary valve, and, in the event of primary valve malfunction, is closed by a secondary float carried on a float arm and responsive to rising reservoir water level. In a preferred form, the secondary valve remains closed upon subsequent descent of the water level, and is manually re-opened by depression of a reset button.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] A float valve assembly for regulating water inflow to a water purification system having a purification module and a reservoir for storing produced purified water, said float valve assembly comprising:a valve unit including a housing defining a flow path having an inlet

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] A float valve assembly for regulating water inflow to a water purification system having a purification module and a reservoir for storing produced purified water, said float valve assembly comprising:a valve unit including a housing defining a flow path having an inlet adapted for connection to a water source and an outlet adapted for connection to a purification module, and a primary valve mounted along said flow path, said primary valve being movable between open and closed positions respectively permitting and preventing water flow through said flow path to the purification module;an elongated float arm having one end coupled to said primary valve;a primary float;means for connecting said primary float generally to an opposite end of said float arm to permit a limited range of vertical lost motion therebetween;said primary float being responsive to the level of water within a reservoir for lifting said float arm for moving said primary valve from said open position toward said closed position when the water level rises to a first predetermined level, and for lowering said float arm for moving said primary valve from said closed position toward said open position when the water level falls below said first predetermined level; andswitch means responsive to the water level rising within the reservoir substantially to said first predetermined level for positively displacing said float arm to move said primary valve to said closed position;said switch means comprising a magnetic switch unit including a first magnet carried by said float arm for vertical displacement in close proximity with at least one second magnet, said first and second magnets being oriented with like poles presented toward each other to generate magnetic repulsion forces resisting on-center alignment of said first and second magnets, said primary float lifting said float arm to displace said first magnet toward on-center alignment with said second magnet in response to rising water level within the reservoir, said primary float lifting said float arm with a sufficient force when the water level rises substantially to said first predetermined level to displace said first magnet over-center relative to said second magnet substantially with a snap action to move said primary valve positively to said closed position, said opposite end of said float arm being substantially free to displace vertically upwardly relative to said primary float within said limited range of lost motion upon said snap action movement of said primary valve to said closed position.