U.S. patent application number 17/413987 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for plumbing fitting.
This patent application is currently assigned to PEGLER YORKSHIRE GROUP LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is PEGLER YORKSHIRE GROUP LIMITED. Invention is credited to Samuel WHITE.
Application Number | 20220056676 17/413987 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220056676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WHITE; Samuel |
February 24, 2022 |
PLUMBING FITTING
Abstract
A plumbing fitting with an outer body having a flow path
extending therethrough, an inner body disposed in, and axially
movable along an axis relative to the outer body, and sealing
configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the plumbing fitting is
disclosed. The inner body has tracks and the outer body has
projections that are movable. Each track has a primary, outer
portion, a secondary central portion and a tertiary outer portion.
The angle of inclination of the secondary central portion is
greater than the angle of inclination of the primary outer portion
and of the tertiary outer portion. The angle of inclination is
relative to the axis of axial movement. The plumbing fitting is
movable between a first sealing configuration in which the
projections are arranged in the primary outer portions, and a
second sealing configuration in which the projections are arranged
in the tertiary outer portions.
Inventors: |
WHITE; Samuel;
(Nottinghamshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PEGLER YORKSHIRE GROUP LIMITED |
Doncaster, South Yorkshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
PEGLER YORKSHIRE GROUP
LIMITED
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
UK
|
Appl. No.: |
17/413987 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
December 9, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2019/053462 |
371 Date: |
June 15, 2021 |
International
Class: |
E03B 7/07 20060101
E03B007/07; F16K 31/528 20060101 F16K031/528; F16K 43/00 20060101
F16K043/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2018 |
GB |
1820706.8 |
Claims
1. A plumbing fitting comprising: an outer body having a flow path
extending therethrough; an inner body disposed in, and axially
movable along an axis relative to, the outer body; sealing means
configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the plumbing fitting;
the outer body or the inner body further comprising a track, the
other of the outer body or the inner body further comprising a
projection, the projection being movable in the track; wherein the
track has at least a primary, outer, portion, a secondary, central,
portion and a tertiary, outer, portion, and the angle of
inclination of the secondary, central, portion is greater than the
angle of inclination of the primary, outer, portion and of the
tertiary, outer, portion, respectively, the angle of inclination
being relative to the axis of axial movement; and wherein the
plumbing fitting is movable between a first sealing configuration
in which the projection is arranged in the primary, outer, portion,
and a second sealing configuration in which the projection is
arranged in the tertiary, outer, portion; wherein the inner body
comprises an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture.
2. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer
body or the inner body comprises more than one track, and the other
of the outer body or the inner body comprises more than one
projection and each projection corresponds with a respective
track.
3. (canceled)
4. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner
body comprises the or each track, and the outer body comprises the
or each projection.
5. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more
of the primary portion, secondary portion and tertiary portion are
substantially straight.
6. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the track
comprises one or more notches into which a projection is releasably
engageable to thereby secure in position the inner body relative to
the outer body.
7. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the change in
inclination of the or each track on moving between the primary,
outer, portion, and/or the secondary, central, portion, and/or the
tertiary, outer, portion is gradual.
8. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the change in
inclination of the or each track on moving between the primary,
outer, portion, and/or the secondary, central, portion, and/or the
tertiary, outer, portion is abrupt.
9-10. (canceled)
11. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the
plumbing fitting is arranged between the first sealing
configuration and the second sealing configuration, the or each
projection is arranged in the or each respective secondary,
central, portion.
12. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the first
and/or second sealing configuration, the sealing means engage with
one or more sealing surfaces of the inner body and/or the outer
body; and wherein when the plumbing fitting is arranged between the
first sealing configuration and the second sealing configuration,
the sealing means is disengaged from one or more sealing surfaces
of the inner body and/or the outer body.
13-14. (canceled)
15. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the outer
body comprises a cavity in which the inner body is disposed, a
closed base, an inlet connector having an inlet bore, and an outlet
connector having an outlet bore.
16. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner
body comprises a closed base.
17. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner
body is adapted to releasably receive a mechanism.
18. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein a mechanism
forms the inner body.
19. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing
means comprises one or more first sealing members, one or more
second sealing members and/or one or more third sealing
members.
20. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 19 wherein the sealing
means comprises one or more first sealing members, one or more
second sealing members and/or one or more third sealing members;
and wherein in the first sealing configuration and/or the second
sealing configuration, the or each first sealing member is adapted
to prevent fluid from the inlet bore escaping around the inner
body, out of the body cavity opening.
21. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 19 wherein the sealing
means comprises one or more first sealing members, one or more
second sealing members and/or one or more third sealing members;
and wherein in the first sealing configuration, the or each second
sealing member is adapted to prevent fluid from escaping from the
inlet bore to the outlet bore around the inner body.
22. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 11 wherein the sealing
means comprises one or more first sealing members, one or more
second sealing members and/or one or more third sealing members;
and wherein in the second sealing configuration, the or each second
sealing member is adapted to prevent fluid from the inlet aperture
escaping around the inner body, out of the body cavity opening.
23. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 11 wherein the sealing
means comprises one or more first sealing members, one or more
second sealing members and/or one or more third sealing members;
and wherein in the first sealing configuration, the or each third
sealing member is adapted to prevent fluid from entering between
the inner body base and the outer body base.
24. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 11 wherein the sealing
means comprises one or more first sealing members, one or more
second sealing members and/or one or more third sealing members;
and wherein in the second sealing configuration, the or each third
sealing member is adapted to prevent fluid between the inner body
base and the outer body base from escaping around the inner body,
out of the body cavity opening.
25. The plumbing fitting as claimed in claim 12 wherein the
mechanism is a pressure independent control valve.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a plumbing fitting, and to
a plumbing system comprising the plumbing fitting. In particular,
but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a plumbing
fitting for use in a domestic plumbing system.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] A plumbing system is one that conveys fluid to, through and
from buildings using pipes, fixtures and other components.
[0003] Plumbing fittings are used in a plumbing system to perform
various functions. An example of a known plumbing fitting is a
pressure independent control valve (PICV), which has a mechanism
adapted to regulate and control fluid flow and pressure, and to
control pressure differential across the valve. Most plumbing
systems include a variety of plumbing fittings, each configured for
a specific function.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
plumbing fitting having improvements over those of the prior
art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a plumbing fitting comprising: an outer body having a
flow path extending therethrough; an inner body disposed in, and
axially movable along an axis relative to, the outer body; sealing
means configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the plumbing
fitting; the outer body or the inner body further comprising a
track, the other of the outer body or the inner body further
comprising a projection, the projection being movable in the track;
wherein the track has at least a primary, outer, portion, a
secondary, central, portion and a tertiary, outer, portion, and the
angle of inclination of the secondary, central, portion is greater
than the angle of inclination of the primary, outer, portion and of
the tertiary, outer, portion, respectively, the angle of
inclination being relative to the axis of axial movement; and
wherein the plumbing fitting is movable between a first sealing
configuration in which the projection is arranged in the primary,
outer, portion, and a second sealing configuration in which the
projection is arranged in the tertiary, outer, portion.
[0006] The sealing means, which is configured to prevent
inadvertent leakage of fluid from the fitting, can be provided
between the inner body and the outer body. As a result, the sealing
means provides a resistive force against movement of the inner body
relative to the outer body, e.g. movement between the different
configurations. The resistive force is particularly noticeable when
the fitting has not been reconfigured for an extended period of
time, which can result in the fitting becoming stuck in place, e.g.
by swelling, hardening or degradation of the sealing means.
Embodiments of the present invention address this problem by the
provision of, at least, a mechanically advantageous track and
projection arrangement, which can help to overcome the resistive
force of the sealing means. The track and projection arrangement
makes it is easier for a user to move, in a gradual and controlled
manner, the inner body relative to the outer body, against the
resistive force of the sealing means. In this way, a user can
reconfigure the fitting with a reduced risk of damaging the fitting
and of injuring themselves, e.g. by breaking the fitting by
applying excessive and uncontrolled force thereto. Moreover, the
steeper central portion enables the inner body to be moved axially
by a suitable distance (greater than by movement via the less steep
primary and tertiary portions), whilst the inner body is already in
motion, when the inner body is between the sealing configurations
and is not working to compress the seals, so can be more easily
moved. As such embodiments of the present plumbing fitting are
practical, convenient, straightforward to use and can be used in
various configurations.
[0007] The inner body is disposed in, and movable along an axis
relative to, the outer body. This axis is referred to herein as
`the axis of axial movement`. The axis of axial movement may also
be an axis of rotation, about which the inner body may be rotated
to effect axial movement between the first sealing configuration
and second sealing configuration, as a result of the guiding of the
inner body relative to the outer body caused by the interaction
between the projection and the track.
[0008] The outer body or the inner body may comprise one or more
tracks. The outer body or the inner body may comprise at least two,
three or four tracks. The outer body or the inner body may comprise
two tracks. The other of the outer body or the inner body may
comprise one or more projections. The other of the outer body or
the inner body may comprise at least two, three or four
projections. The other of the outer body or the inner body may
comprise two projections. The or each projection may correspond
with a respective track.
[0009] In some embodiments the inner body may comprise the or each
track, and the outer body may comprise the or each projection.
[0010] In alternative embodiments the outer body may comprise the
or each track, and the inner body may comprise the or each
projection.
[0011] The or each projection may comprise any suitable material.
The or each track may comprise any suitable material. Suitable
materials will be known to a person skilled in the art.
[0012] The or each projection may be provided by a screw, such as a
grub screw. The or each projection may be in the form of a
ball-bearing tipped screw, such as a grub screw with a ball bearing
tip as the projection.
[0013] The or each track may be substantially S-shaped. The or each
track may be substantially shaped as a sigmoid curve. The or each
track may be substantially shaped as a logistic curve.
[0014] The or each track has at least a primary, outer, portion, a
secondary, central, portion and a tertiary, outer, portion. That is
to say, the track may comprise other portions, e.g. in between
and/or at the end of the primary, outer, portion, and/or the
secondary, central, portion and/or the tertiary, outer,
portion.
[0015] In some embodiments, the or each track may consist of the
primary, outer, portion, the secondary, central, portion and the
tertiary, outer, portion.
[0016] The or each track may comprise one or more notches into
which a projection is releasably engageable to thereby secure in
position the inner body relative to the outer body. The or each
notch may be provided towards or at one or both respective end
points of one or more or each track. This is especially preferable
where the projection is provided by a screw, because the screw can
be screwed into the notch to secure the inner body relative to the
outer body, and unscrewed to allow movement of the screw in the
track and thus movement of the inner body relative to the outer
body.
[0017] One or more of the or each primary, outer, portion;
secondary, central, portion; and tertiary, outer, portion may be
straight. One or more of the or each primary, outer, portion;
secondary, central, portion; and tertiary, outer, portion may be
curved.
[0018] The change in inclination of the or each track on moving
between the primary, outer, portion, and/or the secondary, central,
portion, and/or the tertiary, outer, portion may be gradual.
[0019] The change in inclination of the or each track on moving
between the primary, outer, portion, and/or the secondary, central,
portion, and/or the tertiary, outer, portion may be abrupt.
[0020] The outer body may be a manifold. The outer body may
comprise two or more connectors, each having a bore therethrough.
Each connector may be adapted to connect to a pipe of a plumbing
system. Each connector may be disposed on an outside of the outer
body. There may be an inlet connector having an inlet bore. There
may be an outlet connector having an outlet bore.
[0021] The outer body may comprise a cavity in which the inner body
is disposed. The outer body may comprise a closed base. The cavity
may be accessible through an opening provided on the outer body.
The outer body may comprise at one end an opening to the cavity,
and at the opposite end the closed base.
[0022] The flow path may extend between the inlet bore and the
outlet bore. The flow path may be adapted to convey a liquid
through the plumbing fitting. The flow path may be adapted to
convey a liquid at non-ambient or elevated pressures.
[0023] The inner body may be movable between the first sealing
configuration and the second sealing configuration manually,
mechanically and/or electronically.
[0024] The inner body may be adapted to releasably receive a
mechanism. The inner body may comprise a cavity adapted to
releasably receive the mechanism. The inner body may comprise a
closed base. The inner body may comprise at one end an opening to
the cavity, and at the opposite end the closed base. For example,
the inner body cavity may comprise a screw thread. The screw thread
may correspond to a screw thread on the mechanism.
[0025] The inner body may be a receptacle. The inner body may be a
housing arranged to releasably house the mechanism. The housing may
be arranged to releasably enclose a proportion of the mechanism
within it. The housing may be arranged to releasably enclose at
least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the volume of the
mechanism within it.
[0026] In some embodiments the inner body and the mechanism may be
formed of separate units.
[0027] In some embodiments the inner body may form the
mechanism.
[0028] The inner body may comprise two or more apertures. The
apertures may comprise an inlet aperture and an outlet
aperture.
[0029] In the first sealing configuration the inlet aperture may
align with the inlet bore. In the first sealing configuration the
outlet aperture may align with the outlet bore.
[0030] In use, in the first sealing configuration fluid may flow
into the inlet bore in the inlet connector, then through the inlet
aperture and the mechanism, then through the outlet aperture, then
through the outlet bore in the outlet connector.
[0031] In the second sealing configuration the inlet aperture may
be displaced from the inlet bore. In the second sealing
configuration the inlet aperture may be rotationally displaced from
the inlet bore, e.g. about the axis of axial movement. In the
second sealing configuration the inlet aperture may be
translationally displaced from the inlet bore, e.g. along the axis
of axial movement.
[0032] In the second sealing configuration the outlet aperture may
be displaced from the outlet bore. In the second sealing
configuration the outlet aperture may be rotationally displaced
from the outlet bore, e.g. about the axis of axial movement. In the
second sealing configuration the outlet aperture may be
translationally displaced from the outlet bore, e.g. along the axis
of axial movement.
[0033] In the second sealing configuration the flow path through
the body may be directed around the inner body.
[0034] The inner body may comprise a flow directing means around
which fluid can flow in the second sealing configuration. The flow
directing means may be adapted to optimise fluid flow through the
flow path in the second sealing configuration. The flow directing
means may be adapted to optimise fluid flow around the inner body
in the second sealing position. The flow directing means may be
displaced from the inlet bore in the first sealing configuration.
The flow directing means may be rotationally displaced from the
inlet bore in the first sealing configuration, e.g. about the axis
of axial movement. The flow directing means may be translationally
displaced from the inlet bore in the first sealing configuration,
e.g. along the axis of axial movement. The flow directing means may
align with the inlet bore in the second sealing configuration. The
flow directing means may be provided between the inlet aperture and
the base of the inner body. The flow directing means may comprise a
window and a channel. The window may be in fluid communication with
the channel. The channel may extend through the base of the inner
body. The channel may be isolated from, where present, the
mechanism.
[0035] In use, in the second sealing configuration, fluid may flow
through the inlet bore in the inlet connector, then through the
flow directing means (e.g. isolated from the mechanism), then
through the outlet bore in the outlet connector.
[0036] In alternative embodiments the inner body may comprise two
or more secondary apertures. The secondary apertures may be
provided at respective ends of a bypass path. The bypass path may
extend through the inner body but may be isolated from, where
present, the mechanism. The secondary apertures may comprise a
secondary inlet aperture and a secondary outlet aperture.
[0037] In such alternative embodiments, in use, in the first
sealing configuration fluid may flow through the inlet bore in the
inlet connector, then through the inlet aperture and the mechanism,
then through the outlet aperture, then through the outlet bore in
the outlet connector.
[0038] In such alternative embodiments, in use, in the second
sealing configuration fluid may flow through the inlet bore in the
inlet connector, then through the secondary inlet aperture, then
through the secondary outlet aperture, then through the outlet bore
in the outlet connector.
[0039] The sealing means may be provided between the outer body and
the inner body. The sealing means may be provided on the inner body
and/or on the outer body. The sealing means may be provided on an
outer surface of the inner body and/or on an inner surface of the
outer body (e.g. a surface of the outer body cavity). The sealing
means may comprise one or more sealing members. There may be one or
more first sealing members, one or more second sealing members
and/or one or more third sealing members. The or each sealing
member may be a sealing ring.
[0040] The or each first sealing member may be arranged
substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the inner body. The or each first sealing
member may be arranged substantially parallel or substantially
perpendicular to the axis of axial movement. The or each first
sealing member may be provided between the inlet bore and the
annular lip.
[0041] In the first sealing configuration the or each first sealing
member may be adapted to prevent fluid from the inlet bore escaping
around the inner body, out of the body cavity opening. In the first
sealing configuration the first sealing member may be positioned
between the annular rim and the inlet aperture.
[0042] In the second sealing configuration the or each first
sealing member may be adapted to prevent fluid from the inlet bore
escaping around the inner body, out of the body cavity opening. In
the second sealing configuration the or each first sealing member
may be positioned between the annular rim and the inlet aperture,
towards the inlet aperture.
[0043] The or each second sealing member may be arranged
substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the inner body. The or each second sealing
member may be arranged substantially parallel or substantially
perpendicular to the axis of axial movement. The or each second
sealing member may be provided between the inlet aperture and the
outlet aperture. The or each second sealing member may be provided
between the inlet aperture and the flow directing means.
[0044] In the first sealing configuration the or each second
sealing member may be adapted to prevent fluid from escaping from
the inlet bore to the outlet bore around the inner body, instead of
following the intended route through the mechanism. In the first
sealing configuration the or each second sealing member may be
positioned between the inlet bore and the outlet bore.
[0045] In the second sealing configuration the or each second
sealing member may be adapted to prevent fluid from the inlet
aperture escaping around the inner body, out ofthe body cavity
opening. In the second sealing configuration the or each second
sealing member may be positioned between the body cavity opening
and the inlet bore.
[0046] The or each third sealing member may be arranged
substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the inner body. The or each third sealing
member may be arranged substantially parallel or substantially
perpendicular to the axis of axial movement. The or each third
sealing member may be provided between the outlet aperture and the
inner body base. The or each third sealing member may be provided
towards or at the inner body base.
[0047] In the first sealing configuration, the or each third
sealing member may be adapted to prevent fluid from entering
between the inner body base and the outer body base. In the first
sealing configuration, the or each third sealing member may be
arranged between the outlet bore and the outer body base.
[0048] In the second sealing configuration, the or each third
sealing member may be adapted to prevent fluid between the inner
body base and the outer body base from escaping around the inner
body, out of the body cavity opening. In the second sealing
configuration, the or each third sealing member may be arranged
between the inlet bore and the outlet bore.
[0049] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any other
suitable sealing means, in any suitable configuration, may be
used.
[0050] In the first sealing configuration the or each projection
may be arranged in the or each respective primary, outer, portion.
In the first sealing configuration the or each projection may be
arranged towards or at a closed end of the or each respective
primary, outer, portion. In the second sealing configuration the or
each projection may be arranged in the or each respective tertiary,
outer, portion. In the second sealing configuration the or each
projection may be arranged towards or at a closed end of the or
each respective tertiary, outer, portion. When the plumbing fitting
is arranged between the first sealing configuration and the second
sealing configuration, the or each projection may be arranged in
the or each respective secondary, central, portion.
[0051] In the first sealing configuration, the sealing means may
engage with one or more sealing surfaces of the inner body and/or
the outer body. In the second sealing configuration, the sealing
means may engage with one or more sealing surfaces of the inner
body and/or the outer body.
[0052] When the plumbing fitting is arranged between the first
sealing configuration and the second sealing configuration, the
sealing means may be disengaged from one or more sealing surfaces
of the inner body and/or outer body. In this arrangement, the inner
body can be moved relative to the outer body with ease, since the
resistive force provided by the sealing means is reduced (relative
to when the sealing surfaces are engaged).
[0053] The plumbing fitting may comprise a lock configured to
releasably lock the inner body to the outer body in the first
sealing configuration. In this way, the lock may prevent the inner
body from inadvertently ejecting from the outer body. This could
otherwise occur, e.g. due to a pressure surge. The lock may
comprise one or more first locking portions adapted to interlock
with one or more second locking portions. The or each first locking
portion may be provided on the outer body. The or each second
locking portion may be provided on the inner body. Any other
suitable lock may be used, as will be known to a person skilled in
the art. Non-limiting examples of other suitable locks include
clips and other suitable fastening means.
[0054] The plumbing fitting may comprise the mechanism. The
mechanism may be releasably mounted in the inner body. The
mechanism may be releasably mounted in the cavity provided in the
inner body. The mechanism may be releasably mounted in the inner
body by securing means. The securing means may comprise a screw and
thread connection, twist connection or push-fit connection. Any
other suitable securing means may be used, as will be known to a
person skilled in the art. The mechanism may be manually,
mechanically and/or electronically releasable from the inner body.
Alternatively, the mechanism may form the inner body.
[0055] The mechanism may be a valve, filter, measurement device or
combination thereof. The mechanism may be selected from an
anti-back-flow valve, commissioning valve, control valve,
serviceable valve, metering valve, balancing valve, regulating
valve, mixing valve, thermostatic valve, safety valve, isolation
valve, dosing valve, service valve, filtration device, measuring
device and combination thereof. In particular, the mechanism may be
a pressure independent control valve (PICV).
[0056] The second sealing configuration may be a flushing position,
servicing position, maintenance position, bypass position and/or
mechanism replacement position.
[0057] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a plumbing system comprising a plurality of pipes
connected to one or more plumbing fittings according to the first
aspect of the present invention.
[0058] Non-limiting examples of plumbing systems include water
supply systems (e.g. water supply systems for internal use in
domestic or industrial buildings), drain-waste vent systems, sewage
systems, septic systems, greywater recovery systems, treatment
systems, hydronic systems, domestic heating systems and industrial
heating systems.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood,
an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional side view of a plumbing
fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the plumbing fitting is configured in the first sealing
configuration;
[0061] FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional side view of the plumbing
fitting of FIG. 1, wherein the plumbing fitting is configured in
the second sealing configuration;
[0062] FIG. 3 shows an isometric side view of a receptacle of the
plumbing fitting of FIG. 1, showing the first track at the inlet
side of the receptacle; and
[0063] FIG. 4 shows an isometric side view of the receptacle of the
plumbing fitting of FIG. 1, showing the second track at the outlet
side of the receptacle.
[0064] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a plumbing fitting 1
comprises an outer body 2 having a flow path 3 extending
therethrough; an inner body in the form of a receptacle 4 disposed
in the outer body 2; and a functional mechanism 5 releasably
received in the receptacle 4.
[0065] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the
mechanism may be any suitable mechanism, as desired or required in
order to carry out a particular function. For example, the
mechanism may be a valve, filter or measurement device; such as an
anti-back-flow valve, commissioning valve, control valve,
serviceable valve, metering valve, balancing valve, regulating
valve, mixing valve, thermostatic valve, safety valve, isolation
valve, dosing valve, service valve, filtration device or measuring
device. In this particular embodiment, the mechanism 5 is that of a
pressure independent control valve (PICV).
[0066] The outer body 2 has a connector inlet 6 and a connector
outlet 7 disposed on opposing, outer sides thereof, arranged
co-axially, with their axes at around 45 degrees to the
longitudinal axis of the outer body 2, the receptacle 4 and the
mechanism 5. The connectors 6, 7 are adapted to connect to pipes of
a plumbing system (not shown). The flow path 3 extends through and
between the connectors 6, 7, via an inlet bore in the inlet
connector 6 to an outlet bore in the outlet connector 7. The outer
body 2 has at one end an opening to a cavity, the opening defined
by an annular lip 10; and at an opposite end a closed base 11. The
outer body cavity is adapted to receive the receptacle 4, to
thereby provide a secure fit between the outer body 2 and the
receptacle 4.
[0067] The outer body 2 comprises a first projection 14 and a
second projection 15 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The first
projection 14 and the second projection 15 are substantially
identical in form and are provided coaxially in opposing
circumferential sides of the outer body 2, with their axes
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer
body 2, the receptacle 4 and the mechanism 5.
[0068] Each projection 14, 15 is a grub screw with a ball bearing
tip, the screw having a thread that engages with a corresponding
thread on the outer body 2, such that the projection can be
extended into, and retracted from, the outer body cavity. A person
skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of projections
may be used.
[0069] The receptacle 4 has an inlet aperture 12 and an outlet
aperture 13 disposed on opposing, outer sides thereof. The inner
diameters of the inlet aperture 12 and the outlet aperture 13 are
substantially the same as the inner diameters of the inlet bore and
the outlet bore. However, a person skilled in the art will
appreciate that the diameters may vary and is capable of selecting
suitable diameters. The receptacle 4 has a substantially
cylindrical form, with at one end an opening to a cavity for
releasably receiving the mechanism 5 and at an opposite end a
closed base 16. An annular rim 17 defines the receptacle cavity
opening, and is provided with a textured surface to facilitate
functioning of the annular rim 17 as gripping means.
[0070] The receptacle 4 comprises a first track 25 (as shown in
FIG. 3) and a second track 25' (as shown in FIG. 4) recessed into
the outer circumferential surface thereof. The first track 25 and
the second track 25' are substantially identical in form and are
provided coaxially at opposing circumferential surface sides of the
receptacle 4. Each of the first track 25 and the second track 25'
traces an arc of the circumferential surface of the receptacle 4,
the arc having a central angle of approximately 90 degrees. A
person skilled in the art will appreciate that the central angle
may be more or less than 90 degrees, as applicable. The first track
25 and the second track 25' are superimposable on each other by
rotation about the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 4.
[0071] Each track 25, 25' is provided with a substantially straight
primary, outer, portion, 25a, 25a', a substantially straight
secondary, central, portion, 25b, 25b', and a substantially
straight tertiary, outer portion, 25c, 25c'. A person skilled in
the art will appreciate that any one or more of the portions may be
curved or substantially straight, as desired or required for a
given application. In each track 25, 25' one end of the primary,
outer, portion, 25a, 25a', is closed and the opposite end of the
primary, outer, portion, 25a, 25a', continuously adjoins one end of
the secondary, central, portion, 25b, 25b'; the opposite end of the
secondary, central, portion, 25b, 25b', continuously adjoins one
end of the tertiary, outer, portion, 25c, 25c'; and the opposite
end of the tertiary, outer, portion, 25c, 25c', is closed. At the
closed end of each of the primary, outer, portion, 25a, 25a', and
the tertiary, outer, portion, 25c, 25c', is provided a notch 21,
21', 22, 22', for receiving a respective grub screw 14, 15. Each
notch extends deeper into the receptacle 4 than the remainder of
the track 25, 25'.
[0072] The angle of inclination of each secondary, central,
portion, 25b, 25b', is greater than the angle of inclination of
each primary, outer, portion, 25a, 25a', and of each tertiary,
outer, portion, 25c, 25c', respectively, the angle of inclination
being relative to the axis of rotation of the receptacle 4, which
is also its axis of axial movement (i.e. defined by the axial
translation of the receptacle 4 relative to the outer body 2 on
moving between the first sealing configuration, and the second
sealing configuration, shown as axis Z in FIGS. 1 and 2). Each
track 25, 25' is roughly shaped as a sigmoid curve, where the
respective ends of the curve are inclined (i.e. they do not
plateau).
[0073] The change in inclination of each track 25, 25' on moving
between each primary, outer, portion 25a, 25a', and each secondary,
central, portion 25b, 25b', and each tertiary, outer, portion 25c,
25c', is gradual. However, a person skilled in the art will
appreciate that one or more change inclination may be abrupt and
one or more change inclination may be gradual.
[0074] Each grub screw 14, 15 projects into a respective track 25,
25'. Twisting the receptacle 4 relative to the outer body 2 causes
each grub screw 14, 15 to follow its respective track 25, 25', to
thereby rotationally (about axis Z) and translationally (along axis
Z) move the receptacle 4 relative to the outer body 2. The
rotational movement is caused by rotation of the receptacle 4 about
axis Z relative to the outer body 2. The translational movement is
caused by the interaction between the grub screws 14, 15 and the
tracks 25, 25', in which the receptacle 4 is required to translate
along axis Z to allow the grub screws 14, 15 to follow the inclined
tracks 25, 25'.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the receptacle 4 has sealing means
adapted to prevent inadvertent leakage of fluid between the outer
body 2 and the receptacle 4. The sealing means comprises an upper
sealing member 8a, a middle sealing member 8b, and a lower sealing
member 8c. Each of the sealing members 8a, 8b, 8c is in the form of
a sealing ring.
[0076] The upper ring 8a is provided within a recess on an inner
circumferential surface of the outer body, towards the outer body
cavity opening, between the inlet bore and the annular lip 10. The
upper ring 8a is arranged substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the receptacle 4.
[0077] The middle ring 8b is provided within a recess on an outer
circumferential surface of the receptacle 4, about half-way between
the annular rim 17 and the receptacle base 16, below the inlet
aperture and above the flow directing means 18. The middle ring 8b
is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the receptacle 4.
[0078] The lower ring 8c is provided within a recess on an outer
circumferential surface of the receptacle 4, adjacent to the
receptacle base 16, and is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the receptacle 4.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, flow directing means 18 is
provided on the outer circumferential surface of the receptacle 4.
The flow directing means 18 is adapted to optimise fluid flow
through the flow path 3 in the second sealing configuration. The
flow directing means 18 comprises a rectangular window section 19
leading to a channel 20, which channel 20 extends parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the receptacle 4, towards and through the
receptacle base 16.
[0080] The receptacle 4 can be moved between a first sealing
configuration (as shown in FIG. 1) in which the flow path 3 extends
through the receptacle 4 and the mechanism 5, and a second sealing
configuration (as shown in FIG. 2) in which the flow path 3
bypasses the mechanism 5 whereby in the second sealing
configuration, the mechanism 5 can be released from the receptacle
4 whilst a fluid flows through the flow path 3.
[0081] In the first sealing configuration, the grub screw 14 is
arranged in the primary, outer, portion, 25a (adjacent to the notch
21), and the grub screw 15 is arranged in the primary, outer,
portion, 25a' (adjacent to the notch 21'). Here, the annular lip 10
is flush with the annular rim 17, the inlet bore aligns with the
receptacle inlet 12, and the outlet bore aligns with the receptacle
outlet 13.
[0082] In the second sealing configuration, the grub screw 14 is
arranged in the tertiary, outer, portion, 25c (adjacent to the
notch 22), and the grub screw 15 is arranged in the tertiary,
outer, portion, 25c' (adjacent to the notch 22'). Here, the annular
rim 17 is spaced from the annular lip 10; the receptacle inlet 12
is rotationally (about axis Z) and axially (along axis Z) displaced
from the inlet bore, and is in alignment with the window section
19; and the receptacle outlet 13 is rotationally (about axis Z) and
axially (along axis Z) displaced from the outlet bore.
[0083] In the first sealing configuration, the upper ring 8a
engages with a sealing surface on the outer circumferential surface
of the receptacle 4 and is positioned between the annular rim 17
and the receptacle inlet 12. Here, the upper ring 8a is adapted to
prevent fluid from the inlet bore escaping around the receptacle 4,
out of the body cavity opening.
[0084] In the second sealing configuration, the upper ring 8a
engages with a sealing surface on the outer circumferential surface
of the receptacle 4 and is positioned between the annular rim 17
and the receptacle inlet 12, but closer towards the receptacle
inlet 12 than in the first sealing configuration. Here, the upper
ring 8a again is adapted to prevent fluid from the inlet bore
escaping around the receptacle 4, out of the body cavity
opening.
[0085] In the first sealing configuration, the middle ring 8b
engages with a sealing surface on the inner circumferential surface
of the outer body 2 and is positioned between the inlet bore and
the outlet bore. Here, the middle ring 8b is adapted to prevent
fluid from escaping from the inlet bore to the outlet bore around
the receptacle 4, instead of following the intended route through
the mechanism 5.
[0086] In the second sealing configuration, the middle ring 8b
engages with a sealing surface on the inner circumferential surface
of the outer body 2 and is positioned between the inlet bore 6 and
the annular lip 10 at the outer body cavity opening. Here, the
middle ring 8b is adapted to prevent fluid from the inlet aperture
12 escaping around the receptacle 4, out of the body cavity
opening.
[0087] In the first sealing configuration, the lower ring 8c
engages with a sealing surface on the inner circumferential surface
of the outer body 2 and is positioned adjacent to the outer body
base 11, i.e. between the inlet bore and the outer body base 11.
Here, the lower ring 8c is adapted to prevent fluid from entering
between the outer body base 11 and the receptacle base 16.
[0088] In the second sealing configuration, the lower ring 8c
engages with a sealing surface on the inner circumferential surface
of the outer body 2 and is positioned between the inlet bore and
the outlet bore. Here, the lower ring 8c is adapted to prevent
fluid between the inner body base 16 and the outer body 11 base
(which fluid is bypassing the receptacle 4 and the mechanism 5)
escaping around the receptacle 4, out of the body cavity
opening.
[0089] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any
suitable number of sealing rings, in any suitable configuration,
may be used, as desired or required for a given application.
[0090] When the receptacle 4 is arranged between the first sealing
configuration and the second sealing configuration, the screws 14,
15 are arranged in the secondary, central, portion 25b, 25b'. Here,
the rings 8a, 8b and 8c are disengaged from the respective sealing
surfaces. In this way, it is easy to move the receptacle 4 relative
to the outer body 2 when the plumbing fitting is arranged between
the first sealing configuration and the second sealing
configuration, since the resistive force of the rings 8a, 8b, 8c is
reduced relative to when the rings 8a, 8b, 8c are engaged. A person
skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the rings
8a, 8b, 8c may be partially or fully disengaged to provide this
advantageous effect.
[0091] The plumbing fitting 1 comprises a screw and thread
arrangement (not shown) adapted to releasably secure the mechanism
5 to the receptacle 4. In this way, the mechanism 5 can be released
from the receptacle 4 in the second sealing configuration. When the
mechanism 5 is secured within the receptacle 4, the plumbing
fitting 1 can be moved from the second sealing configuration to the
first sealing configuration.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receptacle 4 comprises a
number of internal sealing surfaces arranged to receive sealing
rings 24 of the mechanism 5. The mechanism sealing rings 24 are
operable to prevent leakage of fluid between the mechanism 5 and
the receptacle cavity.
[0093] In some embodiments the plumbing fitting 1 is provided with
a twist lock (not shown) comprising first lock portions provided on
the outer body 2; and corresponding second lock portions provided
on the receptacle 4. The second lock portions can be adapted to
interlock with the first lock portions. Thus, in the first sealing
configuration, upon twisting the receptacle 4 relative to the outer
body 2, such that the first lock portions can interlock with the
second lock portions, the receptacle 4 can be secured to the outer
body 2. By the reverse process, the twist lock can be released by
untwisting the receptacle 4 from the outer body 2, such that the
first lock portions can be released from the second lock portions.
Other twist lock mechanisms may be used, as will be appreciated by
a person skilled in the art.
[0094] To move the plumbing fitting 1 between the first sealing
configuration and the second sealing configuration, the receptacle
4 is twisted by a quarter-turn (i.e. by approximately 90 degrees)
relative to the outer body 2. This can be conveniently performed by
hand, by gripping the textured surface of the annular rim 17 and
twisting the receptacle 4 relative to the outer body 2. Movement of
the receptacle 4 relative to the outer body 2 is confined by
movement of the grub screws 14, 15 within the tracks 25, 25', which
have respective closed end points. As such it is straightforward
for a user to determine whether or not the plumbing fitting 1 is
correctly configured in the first sealing configuration, or the
second sealing configuration.
[0095] On moving the plumbing fitting 1 between the first sealing
configuration, and the second sealing configuration, the grub screw
14 moves within the track 25 (i.e. from 25a towards 25c or
vice-versa) and the grub screw 15 moves within track 25' (i.e. from
25a' towards 25c' or vice-versa), causing the receptacle 4 to
translate axially (along axis Z), and rotate (about axis Z),
relative to the outer body 2. The angle of inclination of the
primary, outer, portion 25a, 25a' and the tertiary, outer portion
25c, 25c', which is less than that of the secondary, central,
portion 25b, 25b', provides a mechanical advantage which helps to
overcome the resistive force of the sealing rings 8, 9, as they are
brought into and out of engagement with the sealing surfaces of the
inner circumferential surface of the outer body. That is to say,
the primary, outer, portion 25a, 25a' and the tertiary, outer
portion 25c, 25c', are so shaped as to aid user in overcoming the
resistive force provided by the sealing rings 8, 9, such that
plumbing fitting 1 can be easily moved between the first sealing
configuration, and the second sealing configuration. This is
especially useful where the plumbing fitting 1 has not been used
for an extended period of time, which can result in it being
particularly difficult to move the receptacle 4 relative to the
outer body 2. The angle of inclination of the secondary, central,
portion 25b, 25b' also provides a mechanical advantage, albeit to a
lesser extent than the portions 25a, 25a', 25c, 25c', but primarily
functions to permit accelerated movement (through a greater axial
distance) of the receptacle 4 relative to the outer body 2, once
the receptacle 2 is set in motion and the sealing rings 8a, 8b, 8c
are no longer in engagement with their corresponding internal
sealing surfaces. That is to say, to translate the receptacle 4
along the Z axis relative to the outer body 2, less rotational
movement of the receptacle 4 about the Z axis relative to the outer
body 2 is required to axially move the receptacle 4 relative to the
outer body 2 by a set distance, when the projection 14, 15 is moved
within the steeper inclination of the secondary, central, portion
25b, 25b', relative to when the projection 14, 15 is moved within
the less inclined primary, outer, portion 25a, 25a' and tertiary,
outer portion 25c, 25c'.
[0096] In this way, by virtue of the primary, outer, portion 25a,
25a' and the tertiary, outer portion 25c, 25c' it is easy to move
the plumbing fitting 1 between the different configurations against
the resistive force of the sealing rings 8, 9; and by virtue of the
secondary, central, portion 25b, 25b', the receptacle 4 can be
axially translated by the required distance, in a time-efficient
manner (more twisting is required to move between the different
configurations when the angle of inclination is low).
[0097] The plumbing fitting 1 can be releasably secured in the
first sealing configuration, or in the second sealing configuration
by screwing each grub screw 14, 15 into the respective notch 21,
21', 22, 22' (as applicable).
[0098] In the first sealing configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the
flow directing means 18 is translationally and rotationally
displaced from the inlet bore 6. That is to say, in the first
sealing configuration, the flow directing means 18 is arranged
between the inlet bore 6 and the outer body base 11, and is rotated
by approximately 90 degrees about the axis Z, away from the inlet
bore 6.
[0099] In the second sealing configuration, the window section 19
is in alignment with the inlet bore 6, such that fluid can be
directed into the plumbing fitting 1 at the inlet 6, through the
channel via the rectangular window section 19, under the receptacle
4, and out of the plumbing fitting 1 at the outlet 7.
[0100] In use, in the first sealing configuration, fluid can flow
via the flow path 3, into the inlet bore in the inlet connector 6,
then through the inlet aperture 12 and the mechanism 5, then
through the outlet aperture 13, then through the outlet bore in the
outlet connector 7. In this way, the mechanism 5 can perform its
predetermined function (e.g. in the case of a pressure independent
control valve (PICV) mechanism, to control and regulate flow, and
to control the pressure differential across the PICV).
[0101] In use, in the second sealing configuration, fluid can flow
via the flow path 3 through the inlet bore in the inlet connector
6, then through the window section 19 and channel 20, between the
outer body base 11 and the receptacle base 16, then through the
outlet bore in the outlet connector 7. Hence, fluid cannot enter
the inlet 12 or the outlet 13, which are rotationally (about the Z
axis) and translationally (along the Z axis) displaced from the
inlet and outlet bores, and are sealed off by the sealing rings 8,
9. In this way, in the second sealing configuration the mechanism 5
can be accessed for maintenance or repair, as desired or required,
whilst fluid flows through the flow path 3, without
isolating/disconnecting the plumbing fitting 1 from the system to
which it is attached.
[0102] Most regulating valves rely on the user removing the working
components prior to flushing/cleaning the system. This involves
draining the system in order to remove the sensitive components. If
these components are not removed then flushing through them can
clog the small orifices with debris or damage the workings. The
system described allows the user to withdraw the regulating
mechanism to a flushing position which is isolated from the flow.
This protects the regulating mechanism from damage during flushing.
The system does not need to be drained therefore simplifying and
speeding up the process.
[0103] The above embodiment is described by way of example only.
Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of
the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
whilst in the above embodiment the inner body is provided as a
receptacle with a mechanism therein, the inner body may be the
mechanism itself
* * * * *