Control valve assembly for fluid treatment device

Abstract

A control valve assembly for a fluid treatment system is provided that includes a housing having a top and a bottom secured to the top, the housing including an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are secured in the housing. The first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet and the second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided that includes a shaft having a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control a flow of fluid in the control valve assembly.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application is a re-divisional application of divisional application 202210350975.1 of Chinese invention patent application 201810167229.2 filed on February 28, 2018, and claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 464,962 filed on February 28, 2017, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to fluid treatment systems, such as water treatment systems including water softeners, and more particularly to control valves for water softening systems. It should be appreciated that many aspects of the present invention may be applied to other types of fluid treatment systems, such as filtration systems or deionization systems. Background Art

[0004] Control valve assemblies for fluid handling systems such as water softeners typically use pistons equipped with radial annular seals to control the flow of fluid through the control valve assembly. This control is utilized to periodically seal certain flow paths and open other flow paths under the control of a timer portion of the control valve. As is known in the art, such water softeners cycle between maintenance, backflow, brine flushing, slow flushing, fast flushing, brine re-injection, and other operations known to designers of such equipment. The operation of such valves is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,302,631, 6,644,349, and 6,176,258, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] There continues to be a need and desire for improved control valve assemblies for fluid handling devices that are easier to manufacture, assemble, install, and maintain. Summary of the invention

[0006] The above needs are met by the control valve assembly of the present invention, which is particularly suitable for use in a water softener. Features included in the control valve of the present invention include a two-part housing fastened together using fasteners, which provides a configuration that is easier to assemble for installation and easier to disassemble for maintenance and repair. In addition, unlike some conventional components that have machined parts and / or require tools for installation, this design uses molded components that are less expensive, easier to replace, and require only minimal tools.

[0007] Another feature is a mixing valve integrally formed in the housing. Such a mixing valve can be installed faster and easier because it eliminates the need for a complex central mixing valve connected to the control valve assembly.

[0008] Another feature is a single piston extending through the housing. The piston's cylinder is formed from multiple modular chambers. This construction allows only one piston to be used, reducing the number of moving parts. In addition, the modular chambers make the control valve assembly easier to assemble, install, and maintain. The modular chambers allow the use of molded components.

[0009] Another feature is that the modular exhaust assembly is fastened to the housing. This feature again enables the control valve assembly to be easier to assemble, easier to separate for maintenance, and does not require complex components. In addition, the use of modular components makes maintenance and repair easier.

[0010] Another feature is the flow meter located within the valve body. This design uses molded components that are less expensive than traditional flow meters that typically have machined components.

[0011] Another feature is that the cavity for the brine valve assembly injector is integrally formed in the housing. A removable cover is used to enable access to the injector. This configuration provides a control valve assembly that is easier to assemble and disassemble for maintenance.

[0012] Finally, another feature is that the brine valve assembly is associated with a drive cam that is rotated by a motor. The rotation of the motor can move the brine piston to control the fluid flow. The position of the drive cam will control the opening or closing of the brine valve based on the position of the brine piston. In the valve of the present invention, the brine piston cam is integrally formed with the main piston cam assembly including the photoelectric sensor.

[0013] More specifically, a control valve assembly for a fluid handling system is provided, comprising a housing having a top and a bottom fastened to the top, the housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are fastened in the housing. The first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet, and the second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided, the piston comprising a shaft having a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of the fluid in the control valve assembly.

[0014] In another embodiment, a control valve assembly for a fluid handling system is provided, comprising a housing having a top and a bottom fastened to the top, the housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. At least two chambers are fastened in the housing. The first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet, and the second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber, the piston comprising a shaft having a plurality of sealing rings. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of fluid in the control valve assembly. A mixing valve is also provided, the mixing valve comprising a channel integrally formed with the top of the housing.

[0015] In another embodiment, a control valve assembly for a fluid handling system is provided, comprising a housing having a top and a bottom secured to the top and forming a cavity having a first end and a second end and defining an axis extending between the first end and the second end. The housing also includes an inlet and an outlet. At least two chambers are disposed in the housing. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet. A piston extends through the at least two chambers in the housing and is configured to reciprocate along a longitudinal axis to control the flow of fluid through the first chamber and the second chamber in the control valve assembly. A brine valve assembly is provided, comprising a brine piston configured to selectively open and close the brine valve assembly. A main piston drive cam is provided and configured to move the piston. The brine cam is integrally connected to the drive cam. Additional features, aspects, embodiments and details of the invention are described in the detailed description below, all of which may be combined in any manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of the control valve of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top side perspective view of a control valve shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A view of the discharge end of the control valve shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the control valve shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A vertical cross section of a control valve shown in;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another top perspective view of the control valve shown in;

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Another side perspective view of the control valve shown in;

[0023] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a control valve assembly of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a motor piston and a modular chamber of a control valve assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An assembled perspective view of the components;

[0026] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A top rear perspective view of the mixing valve and the top of the housing shown in FIG.

[0027] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 a top perspective view of the components after assembly;

[0028] Fig.13A is a top view of the top of the housing of the control valve assembly of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 13B It is along Fig.13A A section taken along line BB of the

[0030] Fig.14 is a top view of the top of the housing of the control valve assembly of the present invention;

[0031] Fig.14A It is along Fig.14 A section taken along line AA of the

[0032] Fig. 14B yes Fig.14 A bottom view of the top of the shell;

[0033] Fig.15 is an exploded view of the motor and piston drive assembly of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 An assembled perspective view of the components;

[0035] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of the opposite side of the assembly after assembly;

[0036] Fig.18 is a cutaway view of a brine valve assembly and an injector assembly;

[0037] Fig.19 is a partial top rear perspective view of a drive cam in a control valve assembly of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 A partial cutaway view of

[0039] Fig.21 yes Fig.17 A top view of the drive cam shown in FIG.

[0040] Fig. 22 is a vertical cross-section of the control valve assembly of the present invention in a first operating mode;

[0041] Fig.23 is a vertical cross-section of the control valve assembly of the present invention in a second operating mode;

[0042] Fig.23A is another partial cross-section of the control valve assembly of the present invention in a second operating mode;

[0043] Fig.24 is a vertical cross-section of the control valve assembly of the present invention in a third operating mode;

[0044] Fig.25 is a vertical cross-section of the control valve assembly of the present invention in a fourth operating mode;

[0045] Fig.25A Another partial cross-section of the control valve assembly of the present invention is shown in a fourth operating mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] See now Figures 1 to 8 , a control valve assembly for a fluid handling system is generally indicated at 10. Preferably, the fluid handling system used with the control valve assembly 10 is a water softening system, which includes a resin tank and a brine tank (neither of which is shown but is well known in the art); however, other fluid handling systems are contemplated for use with the control valve assembly 10 of the present invention. Also, in this discussion, "fluid" is intended to mean any type of flowing liquid, but preferably refers to water.

[0047] The control valve assembly 10 includes a housing 12, a motor assembly 14, and a discharge port assembly 16. The housing also includes an inlet 18 configured to receive untreated fluid and an outlet 20 configured to allow treated fluid to flow out of the control valve assembly 10.

[0048] The bypass valve 22 is releasably connected to the housing 12 via two clamps 24a, 24b. Preferably, one clamp 24a is associated with the inlet 18 and the second clamp 24b is associated with the outlet 20. The preferred design of the clamps 24a, 24b is disclosed in detail in U.S. Application Serial No. 15 / 282,452 filed on September 30, 2016 (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0114903), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0049] As is known in the art, the bypass valve 22 includes an inlet 26 and an outlet 28. The inlet 26 is typically connected to a fluid source, such as raw water or standard tap water. The outlet 28 is fastened to, for example, a water pipe or a pipeline to provide fluid to the downstream of the fluid treatment system. Also included in the bypass valve 22 is an actuating mechanism 30, such as a manually operated plunger, to selectively control whether the fluid passes through the fluid treatment system or bypasses the fluid treatment system when treatment is not required. Such bypass valves 22 are known in the art.

[0050] See now Figure 8 , the control valve assembly 10 also includes a flow meter 32. The flow meter 32 is preferably disposed directly in the outlet 20 of the control valve assembly 10. Although other configurations are contemplated, a feature of the control valve assembly of the present invention is that the flow meter 32 does not need to be located in a dedicated portion of the housing 12, but is located in the existing outlet 20.

[0051] In addition, the housing 12 of the control valve assembly 10 includes a top portion 34 and a bottom portion 36. After assembly, the top portion 34 and the bottom portion 36 are secured in a sealing engagement via, for example, threaded fasteners 38. The housing 12, and more specifically, the top portion 34 and the bottom portion 36 define a cavity 40 that includes an axis A1 ( Figure 8 ). In the depicted embodiment, the motor assembly 14 is secured to the housing 12 at a first end 42 and the exhaust port assembly 16 is secured to the housing 12 at a second end 44. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0052] See now Figure 8-10 , the piston 46 extends through the housing 12. As will be discussed in more detail below, the piston 46 is configured to reciprocate in a direction parallel to or along the axis A1 of the cavity 40 to provide various fluid flow paths through the control valve assembly 10.

[0053] In the housing 12, a plurality of modular chambers 48, 50, 52 are preferably arranged in the cavity 40. The various chambers are configured to receive and direct fluids, as will be discussed in more detail below. In the depicted embodiment, there are three modular chambers 48, 50, 52. Although any number of modular chambers is contemplated, preferably there are at least two chambers.

[0054] See now Figure 5 , 8 , 9 and 10, when assembled, as discussed below, the modular chambers 48, 50, 52 form a cylinder 51 having an axial bore 56 for the piston 46 (discussed below). Fig. 9 and 10 As shown in FIG, O-rings 53 or other similar gaskets or seals are used between chambers 48, 50, 52 and between other elements of the control valve assembly 10 to provide a sealing engagement as is known in the art. It should be noted that the O-rings 53 are each located in an associated groove in a corresponding modular chamber 48, 50, 52, respectively, so that when these chambers are removed from the housing 12, the O-rings 53 are replaced along with the corresponding chambers, wherein the removal of the chambers can be easily accomplished without the use of tools once the housing is opened.

[0055] The modular chambers 48, 50, 52 engage slots 54a and pins 54b located on adjacent chambers to form cylinders 51. The modular chambers 48, 50, 52 also engage pins 54b on the motor assembly 14 and the exhaust port assembly 16 (specifically, the exhaust port module 86 discussed below) to form a subassembly. Once the subassembly is formed, it is inserted into the housing 12, where the chambers 48, 50, 52 include engagement portions 54c, 54d configured to engage one of the housing top and bottom 34, 36.

[0056] The modular chambers 48, 50, 52 include a plurality of axial bores 56 arranged along the axis A1 of the cavity 40. These bores 56 are configured to be selectively sealed by sealing rings 58, such as O-rings, disposed on the shaft 57 of the piston 46. The position of the piston 46, and therefore the position of the sealing rings 58, provides various fluid flow paths through the modular chambers 48, 50, 52 and the control valve assembly 10, depending on which bores 56 are open and which bores 56 are closed by the various sealing rings 58. At least one sealing ring 58 is associated with the exhaust port assembly 16.

[0057] The lateral flow holes 60 are constructed and arranged to define a path for fluid to flow into and out of the chambers 48, 50, 52 in a direction orthogonal to the axis A1 of the cavity 40 and the longitudinal axis A2 of the piston 46. In a preferred embodiment, the axes A1 and A2 are co-linear, but various variations are contemplated. One of these lateral flow holes 60 is preferably associated with the inlet 18, and another of these lateral flow holes 60 is preferably associated with the outlet 20. In addition, some of these holes 60 allow fluid to flow out of the chambers 48, 50, 52 and into channels integrally formed in the housing 12.

[0058] See now Figure 11-14B In some operating modes of a treatment system, particularly a water softener, it is sometimes desirable to mix raw or untreated fluid entering the control valve assembly 10 with fluid or treated fluid exiting the control valve assembly 10. Therefore, the control valve assembly 10 preferably includes a mixing valve 62. The mixing valve 62 is configured to provide selective fluid communication between the various chambers 48, 50, 52. Preferably, the mixing valve 62 is integral with the housing 12, and most preferably, integral with the top 34 of the housing 12.

[0059] like Fig.11 and 12, the mixing valve 62 includes a passage 64 in the top 34 of the housing 12 and a shaft or spindle 66 extending through the passage 64. The passage 64 defines a longitudinal axis A3 arranged parallel to the axis A1 of the cavity 40. The shaft 66 extends through the passage 64 and is displaceable along the longitudinal axis A3 of the passage 64. The threaded portion 68 on the shaft 66 is configured to complement the inner surface 69 of the knurled wheel 70. The cap 72 extends over the knurled wheel 70 and is movably fastened to the hole 74 on the top 34 of the housing 12 via a post 76. As will be appreciated, rotation of the knurled wheel 70 will displace the shaft 66 along the longitudinal axis A3 of the passage 64. A removable stop 78 prevents the shaft 66 from being accidentally withdrawn from the passage 64.

[0060] like Fig.10 , 13A , 13B, 14 and 14A, the passage 64 includes two holes 80a, 80b on the top 34 of the housing 12, and the two holes 80a, 80b are arranged to communicate with the mixing valve ports 82a, 82b in the chambers 48, 52, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 More specifically, when the valve 10 of the present invention is assembled, the first hole 80a is connected to the mixing valve port 82a on the first chamber 48, and the second hole 80b is connected to the mixing valve port 82b on the third chamber 52.

[0061] In the depicted embodiment, the first chamber 48 is coupled to the inlet 18 and the third chamber 52 is coupled to the outlet 20. Depending on the position of the shaft 66 of the mixing valve 62, a selectable amount of fluid bypasses the process and flows through the first mixing valve port 82a, through the passage 64, into the third chamber 52 via the second mixing valve port 82b, and out of the control valve assembly 10 through the outlet 20.

[0062] See now Figure 8 In some operating modes, fluid is exhausted from the control valve assembly 10 via the exhaust port assembly 16. As shown, the exhaust port assembly 16 includes an exhaust port 84 secured to an exhaust port module 86 via a clip 88 having the same structure as the clips 24a, 24b discussed above. The exhaust port module 86 includes a flange 90 configured to be received in an associated slot on the housing 12. Preferably, the exhaust port assembly 16 includes a flow restrictor 92 disposed in the exhaust port module 86.

[0063] See now Figure 18-21 In various operating modes of the control valve assembly 10, fluid is directed into or out of a brine tank (not shown). Therefore, the control valve assembly 10 preferably also includes a brine valve assembly 94. The brine valve assembly 94 includes a brine valve 96.

[0064] The injector 98 and the brine valve assembly 94 are at least partially disposed in an injector cavity 100 that is integrally formed in the housing 12. A nozzle 102 and a distributor 104 are disposed on top of the injector 98. A cover 106 covering the injector 98, the nozzle 102, and the distributor 104 is secured to the housing 12. The cover 106 is preferably a separate component, but optionally it is integrally formed with the top 34 of the housing 12.

[0065] The brine valve 96 includes a brine valve housing 110 having a port 112 and a brine piston 114 extending through the brine valve housing 110. A first end 116 of the brine piston 114 extends into the housing 12 of the control valve assembly 10. A second, opposite end 118 of the brine piston 114 protrudes from the brine valve housing 110. A biasing element 120, such as a coil spring, is provided to bias the brine piston 114. As will be described in more detail below, the brine piston 114 is disposed along a longitudinal axis A4 (A4) parallel to the axis A1 of the cavity 40. Fig.18 ) direction is shiftable.

[0066] Go to Figure 19-21 , the position of the brine piston 114 is controlled by a brine cam 122 driven by a motor (not shown) of the motor assembly 14. The brine cam 122 is formed by a wall 124 extending outwardly away from a first surface 126 of a disk 128 of a main piston drive cam 129 disposed on a shaft 130 driven by a motor (not shown). Therefore, the brine cam 122 and the main piston drive cam 129 are preferably a single element. The wall 124 extends completely around the disk 128, i.e., around the shaft 130 for 360 degrees of rotation, and includes a flat portion 132 having a constant distance from the shaft 130 (or the point of rotation). The wall 124 also includes a ramp or protrusion 134 formed by increasing or decreasing the distance from the shaft 130 (or the point of rotation). When the disk 128 rotates, the second end 118 of the brine piston 114 will follow the wall 124 and be biased toward the cam by the biasing element 120. The brine piston 114 will reciprocate within the brine valve housing 110 depending on which of the various flat portions 132 and ramp portions 134 of the wall 124 is contacted by the brine piston 114 .

[0067] See now Fig.21, also includes a second surface 136 of the disk 128 on the main piston drive cam 129, which includes a second wall 138 having one or more gaps 140. The gaps 140 preferably have different circumferential or peripheral widths. More specifically, a photoelectric sensor 142 is disposed on the motor assembly 14 and is configured to generate an electrical signal based on the presence of the second wall 138, the presence of the gaps 140, or the presence of both. Because the second wall 138 is on the disk with the brine cam 122, the presence of the second wall 138 or the presence of the gaps 140 will at least represent the rotational position of the disk 128 (or shaft 130) and the rotational position of the brine cam 122. Preferably, the electrical signal generated by the photoelectric sensor 142 is transmitted to a controller (not shown) via facilities known in the art, which controls a motor (not shown) that drives the piston 46 in the housing 12.

[0068] Go to Fig. 22 , the piston 46 is driven by a motor (not shown) in the motor assembly 14 via a scotch yoke 144. The scotch yoke 144 includes a slotted portion 146 on one end of the piston 46. A drive member 148 rotated by the motor via a gear (not shown) is disposed within the slotted portion 146. When the motor rotates about an axis orthogonal to the axis A1 of the cavity 40, the position of the drive member 148 will change. The movement of the drive member 148 will be transmitted to the piston 46, which moves in a direction along its longitudinal axis A2. As mentioned above, the sealing ring 58 disposed along the piston will interact with the various holes 56 of the chambers 48, 50, 52 and the exhaust port 84 to define different fluid flow paths through the control valve assembly 10.

[0069] It will be briefly described in Figure 22-25 An exemplary operating mode or cycle is shown in FIG. Fig. 22 In the embodiment of the present invention, when the brine cam 122 is positioned for the service mode of operation, the brine piston 114 is positioned to close the brine valve 96. Fig.18 As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1 , raw or untreated fluid (light arrows) is received into the control valve assembly 10 via the inlet 18, flows through the modular chambers 48, 50, 52, and flows out of the control valve assembly 10 through the tank distributor 150 into a tank (not shown) for treatment. Treated fluid (dark arrows) isolated from the untreated fluid returns to the control valve assembly 10 via the tank distributor 150. The treated fluid flows out of the control valve assembly 10 through the outlet 20. Although not shown, a desired amount of untreated or raw fluid can be mixed with the treated fluid using a mixing valve 62.

[0070] Now go to Fig.23 and 23AWhen the brine cam 122 is positioned for the brine treatment or slow flush mode of operation, the brine cam 122 displaces the brine piston 114 to open the brine valve 96, thereby allowing brine fluid to be drawn from a separate brine tank (not shown) into the control valve assembly 10. Based on the position of the brine cam 122 and the photoelectric sensor 142 (operated in conjunction with the main piston drive cam 129), the brine cam 122 is automatically activated. Figures 19 to 21 ), an appropriate signal based on the presence of the second wall 138 or the gap 140 is sent to the motor to position the piston 46 to provide the desired fluid flow path through the control valve assembly 10.

[0071] If Fig.23 and 23A As shown by the arrows in FIG. 1 , brine from a remote brine tank is received into the control valve assembly 10 via the inlet 18 and flows out of the first chamber 48, through the second chamber 50, and to the third chamber 52. Used processed fluid from a process tank (not shown) flows out of the control valve assembly 10 through the discharge port assembly 16. Fig.23 In FIG. 1 , the specific path of brine entering the control valve assembly 10 is shown. Specifically, in the brine valve assembly 94, the brine flows through the nozzle 102 and the injector 98. As is known, when the untreated fluid flows through the injector 98, the passing fluid will be discharged through the port 112 of the brine valve 96 (see FIG. Fig.19 ) Brine fluid is pumped from a brine tank (not shown). A mixture of brine fluid and untreated fluid flows through a tank distributor 150 into a treatment tank.

[0072] Treated fluid (meaning fluid other than the untreated fluid / brine fluid mixture) remaining in the process tank from a previous service mode returns from the process tank to the control valve assembly 10 through the tank distributor 150 and flows out of the control valve assembly 10 through the exhaust port assembly 16.

[0073] Now go to Fig.24 When the brine cam 122 is positioned for the fast flush mode of operation, the brine piston 114 is positioned to close the brine valve 96. Again based on the position of the brine cam 122, the photoelectric sensor 142 ( Figures 19 to 21 ) sends another signal to the motor based on the presence of the second wall 138 or the gap 140 to position the piston 46 to provide the desired fluid flow path through the control valve assembly 10.

[0074] As in Fig.24As indicated by arrows in the figure, the fluid flow path through the control valve assembly 10 in the fast flush mode of operation is similar to the brine treatment or slow flush mode of operation described above. Specifically, raw or untreated fluid is received by the control valve assembly 10 via the inlet 18. The raw or untreated fluid flows from the first chamber 48, through the second chamber 50, and to the third chamber 52. A portion of the untreated or raw fluid flows from the control valve assembly 10 through the exhaust port assembly 16 to flush the brine from the treatment tank.

[0075] In the fast flush mode of operation, a second portion of the untreated or raw fluid flows directly into the treatment tank through the tank distributor 150. Treated fluid (meaning fluid other than untreated fluid) returns to the control valve assembly through the tank distributor 150 and flows out of the control valve assembly 10 through the exhaust port assembly 16.

[0076] Go to Fig.25 and 25A When the brine cam 122 is positioned for the injection mode of operation, the brine cam 122 displaces the brine piston 114 to open the brine valve 96, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the control valve assembly 10 and through the port 112 (see Fig.19 ) flows into the brine tank. Based on the positions of the brine cam 122 and the main piston drive cam 129, the photoelectric sensor 142 ( Figure 19-21 ) sends another signal to the motor based on the presence of the second wall 138 or gap 140 on the main piston drive cam to position the piston 46 to provide the desired fluid flow path through the control valve assembly 10.

[0077] As in Fig.25 and 25A As shown by the arrows in , raw or untreated fluid is received into the control valve assembly 10 via the inlet 18 and flows from the control valve assembly 10 to the treatment tank through the tank distributor 150. The treated fluid, which is isolated from the untreated fluid (meaning it is different from the untreated fluid), is returned to the control valve assembly 10 via the tank distributor 150. A first portion of the treated fluid from the third chamber 52 flows out of the control valve assembly 10 through the outlet 20. A second portion of the treated fluid flows to the brine valve assembly 94.

[0078] As in Fig.25A As seen in FIG. 1 , fluid flows downstream through distributor 104, nozzle 102, and injector 98 and also flows upstream through the injector (based on the orientation of the drawing). Fluid flows through port 112 ( Fig.19 ) flows out of the brine valve assembly 94 and the control valve assembly 10 and flows to the brine tank to fill the brine tank.

[0079] After the brine cam 122 rotates, the brine piston 114 will close the brine valve 96, and the piston 46 will be displaced based on the signal generated by the photoelectric sensor 142, and the control valve can return to, for example, a service mode of operation.

[0080] Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate and understand that various clips, fasteners, connectors, interfaces, sealing elements, O-rings, and other elements (some of which are shown in the figures) are not discussed in detail because their details are believed to be well known within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art and their description is not necessary to implement or understand the embodiments of the present invention.

[0081] Although at least one exemplary embodiment of a control valve assembly is presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a large number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, application, or configuration of the control valve assembly in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient way to implement the exemplary embodiments of the control valve assembly, and it should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and configuration of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the control valve assembly recited in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A control valve assembly for a fluid processing system, comprising: a housing having a top and a bottom secured to the top and forming a cavity having a first end and a second end, the cavity defining an axis extending between the first end and the second end, the housing including an inlet and an outlet; at least two chambers in the housing, a first chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and a second chamber in fluid communication with the outlet; a piston extending through the at least two chambers in the housing and configured to be displaced along a longitudinal axis to control flow of a fluid in the control valve assembly through the first chamber and the second chamber; a brine valve assembly including an ejector and a brine piston, the ejector being disposed in an ejector cavity integrally formed in the housing, the brine piston being configured to selectively open and close the brine valve assembly; as well as a brine cam configured to drive the brine piston, wherein the at least two chambers form a cylinder after assembly, the cylinder having an axial bore for the piston, and wherein the chamber is removable from the housing when the housing is opened.

2. The control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the brine cam includes a wall extending outwardly away from a first surface of a main piston drive cam, the main piston drive cam including a disk disposed on a shaft driven by a motor.

3. The control valve assembly of claim 2, wherein a second surface of the disk opposite the first surface includes a second wall having at least one gap, and further comprising: A photosensor is configured to generate an electrical signal based on the presence of the second wall, the presence of the gap, or both.

4. The control valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the shaft extends orthogonally away from a longitudinal axis of the piston extending through the housing.

5. The control valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a main piston drive cam configured to drive the piston; as well as A brine cam is integrally coupled to the main piston drive cam and is configured to drive a second component of the control valve assembly.

6. The control valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the brine cam includes a wall extending outwardly away from a first surface of a main piston drive cam, the main piston drive cam including a disk disposed on a shaft driven by a motor.

7. The control valve assembly of claim 6, further comprising a second surface of the disk opposite the first surface, the second surface comprising a second wall having at least one gap.

8. The control valve assembly of claim 7, further comprising a photoelectric sensor configured to generate an electrical signal based on the presence of the second wall, the presence of the gap, or both.

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