Automatic water filling device for drinking trough

Abstract

An automatic liquid filling device (2) for a drinking trough (9) comprising a base body (1), a dispensing orifice with a valve seat SC, a rocker arm B equipped with a valve 5 for closing the water dispensing orifice via the valve, a float F, a control lever (LC) pivotally mounted on the base body about a second axis (A2), comprising an arm connected at its end to the float and the control lever being equipped with a push roller (GP) adapted to push on a thrust surface (SP) of the rocker arm to close the valve, wherein, in the closed position, a first plane (P1) passing through the second axis and a thrust line (LP) has a first angle (θ1) with respect to a second plane (P2) defined as the local plane of the thrust surface, between 75° and 90°. (See diagram: Fig. 4)

Description

Title of the invention: Automatic water filling device for drinking trough

[0001] The present invention relates to automatic liquid filling devices for a drinking trough. A drinking trough is a water reservoir with free access from the top to allow an animal to drink.

[0002] Such drinking troughs are used in particular for watering animals in order to maintain a generally constant water level available to them. Such troughs use an automatic filling device, also known in the trade as an automatic valve. We are interested in the configuration where the automatic filling device is arranged essentially inside the reservoir.

[0003] An automatic filling device allows water to flow from a water inlet until the regulated level is reached. It must therefore be closed when the regulated level is reached and, conversely, open when the water level is below the regulated level. An automatic filling device typically uses a float in its control mechanism.

[0004] In known solutions, a float is fixed to the end of a relatively long lever arm, which results in a fairly large bulk.

[0005] The inventors sought to make the solution more compact. Incidentally, the inventors sought a compact solution that could adapt to different drinking trough configurations. Furthermore, the inventors sought a solution suitable for several filling rates.

[0006] To this end, an automatic liquid filling device for a drinking trough is proposed, comprising: - a base body, - a water inlet, having a water distribution orifice equipped with a valve seat, - a rocker arm equipped with a valve element, adapted to bear on the valve seat to close the water distribution orifice, the rocker arm being rotatably mounted on the base body around a first axis, - a float, - a control lever mounted pivoting on the base body around a second axis, comprising an arm connected at its end to the float and the control lever being equipped with a push roller, capable of pushing on a push surface of the rocker to close the valve, in which, in the closed position, the arrangement is such that a first plane, defined as a plane passing on one side through the second axis and on the other side through a line of thrust between the push roller and the thrust surface, presents a first angle with respect to a second plane defined as the local plane of the thrust surface, and said first angle is between 75° and 90°, preferably between 80° and 89°.

[0007] Advantageously, this configuration allows for a sufficiently strong closing force on the valve to prevent any leakage, notwithstanding the relatively moderate volume of the float, as the control lever provides a force amplification effect, and the push roller generates an efficient, low-friction cam effect for closure. A rolling cam effect is provided by the push roller.

[0008] Advantageously, two rotating moving elements are used, namely the rocker and the control lever, one cooperating with the other via a roller, to optimize the forces and strokes and make the device as compact as possible.

[0009] This results in a robust, but also reversible, locking position. Indeed, the weight of the float alone allows the control lever to move back and away from the closed position, easily thanks to the presence of the push roller which rolls on the push surface.

[0010] It is noted that the closure can be achieved by creating a pre-stress of a valve seal, this pre-stress being defined solely by a chain of dimensions controlled by the geometric configuration imposed by the base body, the lever and the roller.

[0011] Expressed in another way, the configuration proposes a knee-joint effect at the level of the push roller, with a pushing force directed slightly below a perpendicular to the local plane of the pushing surface.

[0012] It is noted that the angular value range just below 90° prevents the knee joint from locking and prevents the valve from reopening when the water level drops.

[0013] It is noted that the push roller is mounted pivotally on the control lever around a third axis.

[0014] Under the term "float", several solutions can be considered, for example a hollow body float or a solid body float with a density less than 1.

[0015] According to one embodiment, in the closed position, the arrangement is such that the first plane also passes substantially through the center of the valve seat (or of the valve-forming element).

[0016] The closing prestress is then defined by a short chain of dimensions (second axis, small lever arm with third axis and roller, and thickness of the rocker at the location of the element forming the valve).

[0017] According to one embodiment, the thrust surface is parallel to the valve seat. This provides a simple and easy-to-manufacture solution for the relevant part of the proposed solution. The critical dimension chain for the closed position is simplified.

[0018] According to one embodiment, at least one first opening stop is provided, limiting the angular movement of the control lever from the closed position. This opening stop determines a water inlet flow rate for a given inlet pipe pressure, for example, for a target flow rate of 50 liters / hour.

[0019] In one embodiment, a second opening stop and a third opening stop are provided, defining two other maximum water inlet flow rates. In one embodiment, each stop is formed by a pin inserted into an orifice. For example, three orifices are provided, each corresponding to a prescribed maximum water flow rate.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a basic stop is provided for the control lever, this basic stop allowing a closing position to be defined for the control lever, which corresponds to the closed position of the valve.

[0021] It is noted that the base stop is located at a considerable distance from the pivot axis (second axis), which allows for significant precision regarding the desired angular position for the closing position of the automatic tap.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a manual closing control is provided, movable between an inactive position and an active position, acting directly on the rocker, independently of the position of the control lever and the float, so as to allow a user to cause a permanent closure of the valve and thus inhibit the automatic filling function, when the manual closing control is brought into the active position.

[0023] This manual closing control forms a classic shut-off valve function. This function allows the drinking trough in question to be taken out of service.

[0024] It is noted that the manual closing control acting directly on the rocker, the chain of dimensions involved in determining the position of the rocker is short and well controlled, and the same is true for the prestress generated in the element forming the valve in the closed position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the footprint of the automatic filling device in X is less than 140 mm, the footprint in Y is less than 140 mm, X and Y being the two horizontal directions of the device.

[0026] This forms a very compact solution for the automatic filling device.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the float comprises two lateral cheeks and a central valley-shaped portion. Thus, the two lateral cheeks can rise on either side of the base body, so as to form a compact solution along the vertical Z.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the control lever is connected to the float by a connecting rod of adjustable length. In practice, this may be a connecting rod of adjustable length, or it may be the point at which the float is attached to the connecting rod whose position is adjustable, which effectively amounts to a connecting rod of adjustable length.

[0029] Accordingly, we have a possible adjustment of the setpoint water level, the setpoint water level being a direct consequence of the connecting rod length. The setpoint water level is high when the connecting rod is short, and conversely, the setpoint water level is low when the connecting rod is long.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the articulation between the connecting rod and the float is a pivot joint or ball joint. This articulation allows guided vertical movement for the float, notwithstanding the arc-shaped movement of the fourth axis that connects the long arm of the control lever to the connecting rod.

[0031] It is not excluded, however, to have a rigid connection between the connecting rod and the float.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the float is guided in a rising and falling movement by guiding elements, according to a general translational movement along the vertical axis Z under the base body.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a lever arm ratio is provided defined as the ratio between a first lever arm BL1 separating the second axis from the fourth axis, and a second lever arm BL2 defined as the distance between the second axis and the radially external peripheral rim of the push roller, the lever arm ratio BL1 / BL2 being between 2 and 4, and preferably between 2.5 and 3.

[0034] Such a lever arm ratio optimizes the management of forces and strokes in the automatic filling device, as will be seen in more detail later.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a drinking trough comprising an automatic filling device as defined above.

[0036] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig. 1] illustrates an elevation and cross-sectional view of a drinking trough equipped with an automatic filling tap according to an example conforming to the present invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates a top view of a drinking trough equipped with a tap automatic filling according to the example of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] schematically shows an example of the mechanism of the device automatic filling illustrating the closing and opening positions and the kinematics of the control lever and the rocker according to a first embodiment; - [Fig.4] schematically shows the example of the mechanism of the automatic filling device of [Fig.3], in the closed position; - [Fig.5] schematically shows the example of the mechanism of the automatic filling device of [Fig.3], in the open position; - [Fig.6] schematically shows the example of the mechanism of the automatic filling device of [Fig.3], in the position of forced closure by the manual control lever; - [Fig.7] shows a specific perspective view of an example of a rocker switch; - [Fig.8] shows a specific perspective view of an example of a control lever; - [Fig.9] shows a schematic 3 / 4 front view of the automatic filling device according to the first embodiment in the closed position; - [Fig. 10] is analogous to [Fig. 9], viewed from another point of view, in the closed position; - [Fig. 11] shows a schematic 3 / 4 front view of the automatic filling device according to the first embodiment in the open position; - [Fig. 12] shows a specific perspective view from below of the base body alone in the example of realization of figures 9 to 12; - [Fig. 13] schematically shows another example of the mechanism of the automatic filling device according to a second embodiment.

[0037] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0038] Here we use an orthogonal spatial frame such that the Z direction is the local vertical, the X direction corresponds to a longitudinal direction for the arrival of water in the drinking trough and the Y direction corresponds to a so-called 'transverse' or 'lateral' direction, perpendicular to the X direction. The orthogonal spatial frame in question is generally visible in the figures.

[0039] In the illustrated examples, the pivot assemblies all include an axis parallel to the transverse direction Y.

[0040] Figures 1 and 2 show a small-volume drinking trough 9, of the type used in livestock housing. The drinking trough is equipped with an automatic filling device generally identified by reference numeral 2.

[0041] Of course, the automatic filling device 2 can be suitable for larger volume drinking troughs.

[0042] The drinking trough comprises a main body in the shape of a bowl, 90° or a robust concave body, with a wide opening at the top to allow access for the muzzles of animals coming to drink at this point. The animals in question may be cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, equines, and so on.

[0043] A protective plate 94 is provided to mechanically protect the automatic filling device 2 from various and varied aggressions from animals, but also from any object that could fall on or impact the drinking trough.

[0044] The protective plate 94 comprises a horizontal portion which covers the automatic filling device 2 and a vertical portion which forms a separation between the drawing area used by the animals and the area which contains the automatic filling device 2.

[0045] A drainage device (not shown in the figures) may be provided to empty the water present in the bowl 90.

[0046] In the horizontal portion of the protective plate, there is an opening 96 which allows access for at least one finger of a user in order to change the position of a manual closing control which will be discussed later in this document.

[0047] The protective plate 94 and the main body 90 are each made of material which can be chosen from metallic materials, synthetic materials, plastic materials etc.

[0048] The dimension of the automatic filling device 2 along the X axis, denoted L2, is advantageously less than 140 mm.

[0049] The width W2 (along Y) is also advantageously less than 140 mm.

[0050] The height H2 depends on the position of the float; a dimension of can be chosen the order of 240 mm for the lowest position of the float.

[0051] The automatic filling device 2 comprises a basic body, noted 1, visible in particular in figures 9 to 12.

[0052] The base body 1 includes shaft bearings for the moving elements of the mechanism, which will be described in detail below. Further descriptive elements will be given in relation to [Fig. 12] later. The base body 1 is made by molding in plastic.

[0053] The automatic filling device 2 receives a water inlet 92 which connects to the base body 1. The water inlet 92 is along the axis XI.

[0054] It should be noted, however, that the water inlet can be arranged on the side of the tank or even underneath the tank. In the illustrated example, it enters the automatic tap horizontally along axis XI.

[0055] In the first embodiment, a 90° elbow is provided so that the water distribution orifice is directed downwards.

[0056] The water inlet pressure can typically be between 2 and 5 bars. According to one embodiment, the pressure in the water inlet pipe can be close to 3 bars.

[0057] A water distribution orifice equipped with a valve seat SC is provided. The center of the valve seat is marked CC.

[0058] The automatic filling device 2 includes a rocker arm B equipped with a valve element 5, also simply called a 'valve'. The valve element 5 is adapted to bear against the valve seat SC to close the water dispensing orifice. The valve element 5 is in the form of a thick disc whose diameter exceeds the diameter of the valve seat SC. The valve element 5 is, for example, made of an elastomeric material.

[0059] The rocker B is mounted for rotation on the base body about a first axis Al. The first axis Al is parallel to the transverse direction Y. A shaft is housed in two aligned bearings 71 formed in the base body 1, located on either side of the rocker body B. The shaft is formed like a pin CH1; it can be rotationally fixed to the rocker or it can be fixed relative to the base body.

[0060] An example of a rocker arm B is shown in [Fig. 7]. It can be seen that it is designed as a very robust beam with respect to the torque forces around the axis Al. Its cross-section is at its maximum at the axis of rotation and decreases towards the first end where the flapping element is located and the second end where the manual closing control 4 is supported.

[0061] The rocker B includes a cylindrical housing 50 to receive without play the element forming the valve 5 (cf. [Fig.7]).

[0062] The rocker B is for example made of polymer plastic material, for example polyamide.

[0063] The automatic filling device 2 comprises a control lever LC pivotally mounted on the base body about a second axis A2. The second axis A2 is parallel to the transverse direction Y. A shaft is received in two aligned bearings 72 of the base body 1, located on either side of the control lever body LC. The shaft is formed as a pin CH2, which can be rotationally fixed to the control lever or fixed relative to the base body 1.

[0064] The control lever LC cooperates with the aforementioned rocker via a roller mounted pivoting on the control lever about a third axis A3. The third axis A3 is parallel to the transverse direction Y. A shaft received in two aligned bearings provided in the control lever LC, located on either side of the roller.

[0065] In view of its functions, the roller is called a push roller and is denoted GP.

[0066] The outer surface of the push roller is cylindrical. The push roller GP has an outer radius R3. In one embodiment, R3 may be between 7 mm and 15 mm. The length of the push roller along the axis A3 may be, for example, between 10 and 20 mm; the numerical values ​​given above are not considered limiting within the meaning of the present invention.

[0067] The LC control lever includes a long arm 20 connected to a connecting rod 11, itself connected to a float F.

[0068] More specifically, the long arm 20 of the control lever is connected at its opposite end to the second axis A2 to the connecting rod 11, by means of a pivot joint at the location of a fourth axis A4. In the illustrated example, the pivot joint of the fourth axis A4 is formed by a cylindrical pin inserted in a cylindrical bearing provided in the end area of ​​the long arm 20 of the control lever LC.

[0069] The connecting rod 11 is an element with adjustable length. In the illustrated example, adjustment notches are provided in position, defined in advance, which can be locked by means of a knurled knob 58.

[0070] The attachment point of the float to the connecting rod is thus adjusted; the length of connecting rod that protrudes downwards is then of no use, and the useful length of connecting rod corresponds to the distance between the pivot axis A4 and the axis of the wheel 58.

[0071] It is noted that any other means of length adjustment could be adopted, with discrete or continuous steps.

[0072] A person skilled in the art recognizes that adjusting the length of the connecting rod allows the setpoint level of water inside the drinking trough to be adjusted, as already mentioned above.

[0073] The connecting rod 11 is connected to the float F by means of a pivot joint at the location of a fifth axis A5.

[0074] The joint at this location could also be a ball joint.

[0075] The articulation of the fifth axis A5 offers a degree of freedom which allows for vertical guidance of the float while the fourth axis A4 describes an arc of a circle.

[0076] According to another embodiment (shown here), the float could be fixedly connected to the distal end of the long arm of the control lever.

[0077] Here, the float is guided in a substantially vertical movement by means of slides 18. These slides can be specific elements or existing elements, namely the wall of the bowl on one or more sides and the protective plate on the other side.

[0078] Any means for guiding the float substantially vertically may be considered within the meaning of the present invention.

[0079] The structure and configuration of the float F will be described later.

[0080] It should be noted, however, that the float is located below the basic body of the device. This spatial arrangement is particularly beneficial for the device's compactness along the horizontal X and Y directions.

[0081] The push roller GP is able to push on the rocker B to close the valve.

[0082] It is noted that when the push roller GP is in contact with the rocker arm, one can define a contact line also called the thrust line, denoted LP, between the push roller and a surface of the rocker, called here the thrust surface SP.

[0083] According to the example illustrated here, the thrust surface SP is parallel to the valve seat SC, but it could be otherwise (cf. [Fig. 13]).

[0084] Starting from the definition of the thrust line, we then define a first plane PI which passes on one side through the second axis A2 and on the other side through the thrust line LP between the push roller GP and the rocker B.

[0085] It is noted that the first plane PI includes the transverse direction Y.

[0086] Moreover, locally, the thrust surface SP is flat and extends along a second plane P2 which also includes the transverse direction Y.

[0087] As can be seen in figures 5 and 7, the first plane PI intersects the second plane P2 at the location of the thrust line LP.

[0088] The first angle, denoted 0, is the angle that exists between the first plane PI and the second plane P2.

[0089] Advantageously, according to the present invention, in the closed position of the valve, the first angle, then denoted 01, takes on a particular value close to a right angle. Generally, the geometric configuration of the system is chosen so that the first angle 01 is between 75° and 90°.

[0090] According to a particular example, preferably, the geometric configuration of the system is designed so that the first angle 01 is between 80° and 89°.

[0091] A basic angular stop is provided for the stroke of the control lever. More specifically, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4, on the side of the distal end of the long arm 20 of the control lever, a bearing 59 comes to rest on a stop 19 formed in the basic body 1 of the device.

[0092] It is noted that according to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the stop 19 could be an adjustable stop, namely for example a threaded stud received in a tapped hole in the base body of the device.

[0093] It should be noted that the basic angular stop is located at a significant distance from the rotation axis A2 of the control lever LC, namely, in practice, several centimeters. Consequently, the angular position of the control lever corresponding to the closed position of the valve can be precisely defined, and thus the specific value 01 of the first angle can be controlled.

[0094] Thanks to the geometric arrangement of closure, there is almost an alignment between the second axis A2, the third axis A3 and the center CC of the valve seat CC (see figures 4 and 13).

[0095] It is therefore apparent that the buoyancy force of the float plays virtually no role in the force that keeps the valve closed. The force that maintains closure is solely dictated by the cam effect provided by the alignment of the push roller GP (in particular its axis A3) interposed between the center CC of the valve seat and the axis of rotation A2 of the control lever.

[0096] However, if the float descends, the first angle 0 will decrease and the control lever will lower and move away from the closed position.

[0097] As already mentioned, the absence of blockage of the knee joint function is ensured by selecting 01 < 90°. The rolling effect of the roller ensures a return of the LC control lever under the sole weight of the float partially out of the water.

[0098] The automatic filling device 2 includes a float F, with an average density less than 1, whose buoyancy force is used to close the water inlet valve.

[0099] The float comprises two lateral cheeks Fl and F2 and a central portion F0 in the shape of a valley.

[0100] As can be seen in Figures 9 to 11, each of the left and right lateral cheeks is larger than the central portion. In particular, their apex is higher than the upper area of ​​the central part, which in fact forms a valley between the two apexes of the lateral cheeks.

[0101] This is particularly visible in [Fig. 10] where, in the high water level position, i.e., with the connecting rod set to its minimum length, the side plates frame the basic body of the device. This design allows for a particularly compact form along the vertical Z-axis.

[0102] The volume of the float F can be a few liters. In a particular example, a value between 0.5 liters and 2 liters is chosen for the volume of the float. For example, the volume of the float can be close to 1 liter, which allows for a very compact system.

[0103] On the side of the maximum opening allowing the target water flow to pass through, at least a first opening stop marked BT1 is provided limiting the angular movement of the control lever from the closed position.

[0104] It follows that the angular stroke available for the control lever is limited on the one hand by the base stop 19 corresponding to the closed position and on the other hand by the opening stop corresponding to the maximum target water flow.

[0105] It is noted that this maximum angular stroke can be on the order of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. On the other hand, it is noted that the angular stroke of the rocker B is much smaller, it is generally less than ten degrees.

[0106] In addition, a second opening stop BT2 and a third opening stop BT3 are optionally provided, defining two other maximum water inlet flow rates. In one embodiment, each stop is formed by a pin inserted into an orifice.

[0107] In the example illustrated in figures 3 and 9 to 11, three orifices are arranged, to house a peg in one of the 3, each position corresponding to a prescribed maximum water flow.

[0108] For example, the maximum prescribed water flow rates may be respectively 25 l / h, 50 l / h and 100 l / h.

[0109] In addition, a manual closing control, noted as 4, is provided, which allows the water supply to be blocked regardless of the position of the float, i.e. in practice inhibiting the drinking trough in question.

[0110] The manual closing control 4 acts directly on the rocker B, independently of the position of the control lever and the float, so as to allow a user to cause a permanent closure of the valve and thus inhibit the automatic filling function.

[0111] The manual closing control 4 includes an operating area, designated 41, accessible from outside the drinking trough as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The operating area 41 may include a raised section that can be operated by a user's finger.

[0112] In the example illustrated in figures 1 to 12, the manual closing control 4 is mounted pivotally relative to the base body 1 around a pivot axis A6.

[0113] In Figures 3 to 5, the manual closing control is in the inactive position; it does not interfere with the movement of the rocker arm. Conversely, in [Fig. 6], the manual closing control is in the active position, meaning that it forces the valve to close.

[0114] In the active position, the lower end 45 of the manual closing control pushes on the upper surface of the rocker, in an area opposite to the valve seat relative to the axis of rotation of the rocker Al.

[0115] It is noted that the respective lengths of the lever arms on each side with respect to the axis Al are not far apart.

[0116] A sufficiently stiff spring 43 can be provided to apply pressure to the lower end in the opposite direction to the axis of rotation A6 of the manual closing control. This ensures proper closure of the valve and the desired level of preload in the valve element 5.

[0117] A ramp 44 may also be provided which produces a cam effect capable of causing the lower end 45 of the manual closing control to move back against the spring 43, when it is moved from the active position to its inactive position, so as to move the manual closing control away from the rocker.

[0118] More generally, the manual closing control is movable between an inactive position and an active position. Indeed, as can be seen in the second embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 13], the manual closing control 4 can be mounted with a translational movement.

[0119] According to this configuration, one or two ramp zones 48 are provided on the manual closing control which cooperate with one or two pins 47 provided in the sides of the base body, in order to force the closure of the rocker B' or conversely to release the rotation of the rocker.

[0120] It is noted that on [Fig. 13], the rocker has a different shape and the seat SC of the valve is in a vertical plane YZ, while the thrust surface SP is in a horizontal plane XY.

[0121] Returning to the embodiment shown in figures 9 to 12, we are interested in the respective lever arms in the closing and opening kinematics of the valve.

[0122] A first lever arm BL1 is defined separating the second axis A2 from the fourth axis A4, this first lever arm transmits the flotation force of the float F to the control lever LC.

[0123] A second lever arm BL2 is defined as the distance between the second axis A2 and the radially outer peripheral rim of the push roller, namely BL2 = distance (A2-A3) + radius R3. This second lever arm BL2 transmits the force from the control lever to the rocker B via the rolling cam effect provided by the push roller.

[0124] The two lever arms in question are visible in particular in [Fig.4].

[0125] Advantageously according to the present invention, it is proposed that the arm ratio of BL1 / BL2 lever should be between 2 and 4.

[0126] According to a particular example, the leverage ratio BL1 / BL2 is between 2.5 and 3.

[0127] We thus have an amplification provided by the respective lever arms, float dimensioned as precisely as possible and generally arranged under the base body.

[0128] Turning towards [Fig. 12], the basic body 1 of the device includes an upper portion 24 which notably receives the water inlet, the upper portion being extended downwards by two lateral flanges 21, 22 opposite each other, and which together delimit an interior space forming a housing for the control lever and the rocker.

[0129] Bearings for the pivot joints of axis Al, A2 and A6 are provided in the two lateral flanges 21,22.

[0130] Furthermore, the holes for the maximum opening stops BT1, BT2 and BT3 are also provided in the two side flanges, to receive a stop pin ABT1 (see [Fig. 11]).

[0131] In addition, arc-shaped lights 25 are provided in each of the side sides to allow passage of the pin of the axis joint A3 mounted on the control lever and serving as an axis for the push roller.

[0132] Of course, the basic body of the device could have a completely different configuration, provided that it can allow the correct positioning of the critical axes Al and A2 for the cooperation between the control lever and the rocker.

Claims

Demands

1. An automatic liquid filling device (2) for a drinking trough (9) comprising: - a base body (1), - a water inlet (92), having a water distribution orifice equipped with a valve seat SC, - a rocker (B) equipped with a valve-forming element (5), adapted to bear on the valve seat to close the water distribution orifice, the rocker B being rotatably mounted on the base body about a first axis (A1), - a float (F), - a control lever (LC) pivotally mounted on the base body about a second axis (A2), comprising an arm connected at its end to the float and the control lever being equipped with a push roller (GP), adapted to push on a thrust surface (SP) of the rocker to close the valve, wherein, in the closed position, the arrangement is such that a first plane (PI),defined as a plane passing on one side through the second axis (A2) and on the other side through a thrust line (LP) between the push roller (GP) and the thrust surface, has a first angle (01) with respect to a second plane (P2) defined as the local plane of the thrust surface (SP), and said first angle (01) is between 75° and 90°, and preferably between 80° and 89°.

2. Automatic filling device according to claim 1, wherein, in the closed position, the arrangement is such that the first plane (PI) further passes substantially through the center (CC) of the valve seat.

3. Automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one first opening stop (BT1) is provided, limiting the angular movement of the control lever from the closed position.

4. An automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a manual closing control (4) is provided, movable between an inactive position and an active position, acting directly on the rocker (B), independently of the position of the control lever and the float, so as to allow to a user to cause a permanent closure of the valve and thus inhibit the automatic filling function, when the manual closing control is brought to the active position.

5. Automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the X-height (L2) is less than 140 mm, the Y-height (W2) is less than 140 mm, X and Y being the two horizontal directions of the device.

6. Automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the float comprises two lateral cheeks (F1,F2) and a central portion (FO) in the shape of a valley.

7. Automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control lever (LC) is connected to the float by a connecting rod (11), said connecting rod being a connecting rod with adjustable length.

8. Automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the float (F) is guided in a general up and down movement by guide elements (18), according to a general translational movement about the vertical axis (Z) under the base body (1).

9. Automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a lever arm ratio is provided, defined as the ratio between a first lever arm BL1 separating the second axis (A2) from the fourth axis (A4), and a second lever arm BL2 defined as the distance between the second axis (A2) and the radially outer peripheral rim of the push roller, the lever arm ratio BL1 / BL2 being between 2 and 4, preferably between 2.5 and 3.

10. Watering trough comprising an automatic filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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