Fluid control valve and support assembly

Abstract

A solenoid actuated water control valve incorporates a molded plastic valve body which includes an inlet portion defining an inlet chamber and having a plurality of parallel spaced holes for receiving a set of screws. A drawn sheet metal tubular fitting has a tubular threaded portion integrally connected to a radial flange portion. In one embodiment, the flange portion corresponds generally to the shape of the inlet portion and has corresponding holes for receiving the screws. The screws also extend through corresponding holes within a support bracket which, in one embodiment, has an opening for receiving the tubular portion of the fitting so that torque applied to the fitting is transferred through the screws to the support bracket. In another embodiment, the drawn sheet metal fitting has a circular flange portion with pressed-in flat surfaces which engage mating flat surfaces defining the opening within the support bracket. In a further embodiment, the flange portion of the fitting has peripherally spaced recesses and outwardly projecting thinner ears which interfit and mate with corresponding ears and recesses spaced around the bracket opening. The ears and recesses are pressed into the fitting by the corresponding ears and recesses within the bracket, and in each embodiment, the fitting may be formed so that the tubular portion projects into the inlet portion of the valve body.