Fluid control by means of isolation valve assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to fluid control and management, in particular to valves and regulators for controlling the flow of liquids, such as water. We describe an isolation valve assembly that includes a first isolation valve detachably fluidly coupled to a second isolation valve. The first isolation valve includes a first valve body, and the second isolation valve includes a second valve body detachably attached to the first valve body. The first valve body and the second valve body each include a respective valve including a valve plug and a valve seat against which the valve plug presses when the first valve body and the second valve body are in the open configuration to prevent fluid flow through the valve body. At least one of the valve plugs includes an axial actuator rod arranged such that when the second valve body is attached to the first valve body, the axial actuator rod presses against the other valve plug to open both valves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid control and management. In particular, the present invention relates to valves and regulators for controlling the flow of liquids, such as water. Background Art

[0002] In our earlier application, WO 2015 / 193666, we described a valve, specifically a faucet or tap. The faucet consists of two parts: a base portion and a faucet body. The base portion has a check valve that is biased into a closed position by water pressure; the faucet body is of generally conventional construction, including a conventional valve and a valve actuator in the form of a stem. The faucet body is detachable relative to the base portion. The faucet body has a first configuration, in which, in the assembled faucet, the faucet body's conventional valve presses against the valve actuator, which in turn presses against the check valve, pushing it into an open configuration and allowing water to flow. The faucet body has a second configuration, in which the faucet body's valve contacts the valve actuator only to an extent insufficient to open the check valve; and a third configuration, in which the faucet body's valve is spaced apart from the valve actuator. In the third configuration, the faucet body can be removed from the base without risking water flow. The faucet body can then be replaced or repaired without shutting off the water supply.

[0003] WO 2015 / 193666 also describes that the valve is suitable for other purposes, such as radiator valves and any other field where it is necessary to control the flow of fluid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the broadest sense, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an isolation valve assembly comprising a first isolation valve removably fluidically coupled to a second isolation valve, wherein the first isolation valve comprises a first valve body and the second isolation valve comprises a second valve body removably attached to the first valve body; wherein the first valve body and the second valve body each comprise a respective valve, the valve comprising a valve plug and a valve seat, the valve plug pressing against the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the valve bodies when the first valve body and the second valve body are in a disconnected configuration; and wherein at least one of the valve plugs comprises an axial actuator rod arranged such that when the second valve body is attached to the first valve body, the axial actuator rod presses against the other valve plug to open both valves.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, only one of the valve plugs comprises an axial actuator stem.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, each of the first valve body and the second valve body comprises biasing means to bias the valve plug into a closed position against its respective valve seat.

[0007] Optionally, the biasing means comprises a compression spring.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the isolation valve assembly further includes a coupling device for coupling the valve to a fluid line.

[0009] Optionally, the coupling means comprises a compression fitting and / or a push-fit connector.

[0010] Advantageously, each valve plug comprises a valve guide for guided axial movement within the respective valve body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first valve body is attachable to the second valve body by a threaded coupling or a bayonet-type coupling.

[0012] In some examples, each valve plug further includes a retaining device to retain the valve plug within the valve body.

[0013] Optionally, the isolation valve assembly further comprises at least one cover associated with the first valve body and / or the second valve body, wherein the or each cover provides a cover to prevent access to the respective valve plug when the isolation valve is in the off configuration.

[0014] In certain embodiments, at least one of the first valve body and the second valve body includes a valve body having an adjustment arrangement that allows for adjustment of an axial length of the valve body.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment device includes: i) a cylindrical first valve body part, which includes an annular pawl arranged on the threaded inner surface of the first valve body part, the annular pawl dividing the threaded surface into a proximal threaded portion and a distal threaded portion; ii) a second valve body part, which has a threaded outer surface, the threads of the threaded outer surface cooperating with the distal threads of the first valve body part so that the second valve body part can be rotationally moved within the first valve body part to provide axial length adjustment of the second valve body; and iii) a cylindrical valve housing part, which supports the valve plug of the second valve and includes a recess on its outer surface, the annular pawl cooperating with the recess to maintain the relative axial positioning between the valve housing part and the first valve body part; wherein adjacent outer surfaces of the valve housing parts are not threaded so that the corresponding surfaces can slide on each other during operation.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a radiator valve assembly comprising a radiator valve body having an inlet and an outlet, and comprising a radiator valve adjustable between a closed position and at least one open position, wherein the closed position prevents fluid from flowing through the valve body and the open position allows fluid to flow through the valve body; wherein the radiator valve further comprises at least one isolation valve assembly as described above.

[0017] Optionally, the isolation valve assembly is provided between the adjustable radiator valve and the radiator, or is incorporated into a radiator connection tail or coupler.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a connector for connecting two pipes or pipelines, wherein the connector comprises a first connector portion capable of being attached to a first pipe or pipeline and a second connector portion capable of being attached to a second pipe or pipeline, wherein the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connectable to complete the connection between the first pipe or pipeline and the second pipe or pipeline; wherein the second connector portion comprises an adjustment arrangement allowing adjustment of the axial length of the connector; wherein the adjustment arrangement comprises: i) a cylindrical first body portion comprising an annular pawl provided on a threaded inner surface of the first body portion, the annular pawl engaging the threaded surface; The connector comprises a first main body portion and a second main body portion, wherein the first main body portion is divided into a proximal threaded portion and a distal threaded portion; ii) a second main body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of the threaded outer surface cooperating with the distal threads of the first main body portion so that the second main body portion can be rotationally moved within the first main body portion to provide axial length adjustment of the second connector portion; and iii) a cylindrical portion comprising a recess on its outer surface, the annular pawl engaging into the recess to maintain relative axial positioning between the cylindrical portion and the first main body portion; wherein adjacent outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion and the second main body portion are not threaded so that the corresponding surfaces can slide on each other during operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of an isolation valve according to the present invention in an uncoupled configuration; Figure 2 Is in a connected configuration Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is with Figure 1 corresponding cross-sectional views; Figure 4 is with Figure 2 corresponding cross-sectional views; Figure 5 It shows that Figure 1 A perspective view of the isolating valve connected to the radiator valve; and Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an isolation valve according to the present invention in an uncoupled configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , shows a first embodiment of an isolation connector or valve assembly 10 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The valve assembly 10 has a first valve and a second valve, the first valve including a first valve body 11, and the second valve including a second valve body 12, the second valve body 12 being coupleable to the first valve body to form an isolation connector in a configuration that allows fluid to flow through the valve 10, and removable therefrom to prevent fluid from flowing from both valve bodies.

[0021] The first valve body 11 comprises a tube or conduit 13 having a first coupling member 14 at its proximal end and, in the embodiment shown, a compression fitting 15 at its distal end for operative coupling to a conduit (not shown) of a fluid service in which the isolation valve is intended to be used.

[0022] The second valve body 12 includes a tube or conduit 20 having a second coupling component 21 at its proximal end, as described further below. The conduit 20 forms a tail portion for operable connection to another portion of a fluid service pipeline or connector (not shown), for example, via a compression fitting including an olive ring and a compression nut (not shown), an end-feed weld fitting, or a push-fit connector. In some examples, the tail portion is threaded for coupling to another component of the fluid service.

[0023] The pipes 13, 20 are shown as being straight and of short length. It will be appreciated that each may alternatively be formed into an elbow, such as a 90° elbow, or have any other configuration and length that may be useful for achieving a particular function or installation, as will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The first coupling member 14 and the second coupling member 21 are generally cylindrical and form a mating pair at their respective proximal ends. In the embodiment shown, the second coupling member 14 has an internally threaded surface 23 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), the inner thread surface and the corresponding thread outer surface 24 on the first coupling component 21 ( Figure 4 )Cooperate. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are shown in an uncoupled configuration. Figure 2 and Figure 4 Two valve bodies are shown in a coupled configuration.

[0025] The isolating connector and valve assembly of the present invention are bidirectional. That is, they can be coupled to a fluid facility in any orientation. However, for the purpose of the following explanation, the flow direction shown by arrow A will be assumed.

[0026] The first valve body 11 has a distal inlet 30 and a proximal outlet 31 associated with the first coupling member 14, which together with the conduit 13 define a first fluid flow path. Located within the first fluid flow path is a first valve, which includes a first valve plug 35 that, in use, presses against a valve seat 34, thereby closing the flow of fluid through the first valve body 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve seat 34 and the valve plug 35 have generally conical or frustoconical sealing surfaces. Other arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The valve plug 35 is formed with a distal valve guide 40 which is constrained within an axial sleeve 41 for use in Figure 3 The fluid closed position shown (wherein the flow of fluid through the first valve body is prevented) and the ... Figure 4 The valve stem 40 and thus the valve plug 35 are biased to the closed position by a compression spring 42 .

[0028] The valve plug 35 is also formed proximally with an axial actuator stem 43, the function and operation of which will be described below.

[0029] The second valve body 12 is of generally similar construction and has a proximal inlet 43 and a distal outlet 44 associated with the second coupling part 21, which together with the conduit 20 define a second fluid flow path. Located within the second fluid flow path is a second valve including a second valve plug 45 which, in use, presses against a valve seat 50, thereby closing the flow of fluid through the second connector part 12.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve seat 50 and the valve plug 45 have generally conical or frusto-conical sealing surfaces.

[0031] The second valve plug 45 is formed with a distal valve guide 51 which is constrained within an axially aligned bore 52 for the valve plug 45 to be positioned in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. Figure 3 The fluid closed position shown (wherein the flow of fluid through the first connector part is prevented) and the ... Figure 4 The valve guide 51 and therefore the second valve plug 45 are biased to the closed position by a compression spring 53 .

[0032] The first and second valve bodies 11, 12 also include such bearing surfaces as are necessary for the function of the components and include apertures in such surfaces to allow fluid to flow through the valve 10 when assembled.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, when the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are detached from each other, both valves are biased by their respective compression springs 42 , 53 to their respective closed positions.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve assembly may include an O-ring seal 46 or other suitable sealing device to ensure that no fluid leaks between the component surfaces. The sealing device can be made of any material suitable for the application and fluid environment in which the valve assembly is used. Such materials may include rubber (e.g., vulcanized rubber, butyl or nitrile rubber, EDPM, neoprene, silicone rubber, or PTFE and similar polymers), or a metal ring (such as copper, nickel, or indium).

[0035] When the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are put together, a Figure 4 In the fully assembled configuration shown, it can be seen that the axial actuator stem 43 of the first valve contacts and then presses against the valve plug 45 of the second valve, thereby compressing the two compression springs 42, 53. The components of the valve 10 are selected so that when fully assembled, both valves are opened by the interaction between the axial actuator stem of the first valve and the valve plug of the second valve. Several factors affect the reliable provision of this feature, including the balance between the spring strengths of the two compression springs 42, 53; the length of the guide rods 40, 51; and the compressed length of the compression springs 42, 53.

[0036] After the first and second valve bodies 11, 12 are disconnected, as the bodies move apart, the biasing force of the respective springs 42, 53 will supplement the force associated with the pressure of the fluid in the fluid line in which the isolation valve is installed and serve to close the respective first and second valves.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the second valve plug 45 is provided with a cup 54 in its proximal face to provide a secure surface against which the axial actuator stem 43 can ride and press.

[0038] It will be appreciated that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, the axial actuator stem may be provided on either the first valve plug 35 or the second valve plug 45. In certain embodiments, both valves may include an axial actuator stem portion. However, it should be noted that particular reference to Figure 3 , Figure 3The arrangement has the advantage that the axial actuator rod 43 is protected from accidental contact of the majority of the body of the male coupling member 14 with the rod 43, thereby causing the valves 34, 35 to open; and the valve plug 45 of the second valve is also protected from accidental opening due to impact or contact with external objects, since there is no axial actuator rod or rod portion protruding from the second valve body 11. Therefore, the arrangement shown in the figures represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the valve assembly further includes a cap (not shown) attachable to at least one or both valve bodies to provide additional protection against accidental contact with the valve plugs when the valve assembly is in the disassembled configuration. Each cap is dimensioned to block external access to the respective valve plug without providing a surface that could contact the valve plug or the axial actuator stem or stem portion. Suitably, each cap is an injection-molded plastic cap suitable for manual attachment to the respective valve body without the need for any tools.

[0040] In further alternative embodiments, for example, rather than each end of the valve body including a compression fitting 15, 22, each end may include a push-fit connector, a weld ring connector, or a threaded connection.

[0041] Figure 5 Show Figures 1 to 4 The assembled isolation valve assembly 10 is coupled to a conventional radiator valve 55 via a fitting 22, typically a compression fitting using a compressible copper olive, which couples to the conventional threaded tail of the radiator valve 55. Modern radiator valves 55 are typically bidirectional, allowing them to be connected to either the flow or return circuit of a heating system. For illustrative purposes only, the radiator valve 55 can be considered to include an inlet 56 coupled to the flow circuit of the heating system and an outlet 57 connectable to a radiator (not shown). The body of the radiator valve 55 includes a valve operable by a manually or electrically adjustable valve head 58, which can be either a lock-shield or thermostatic type.

[0042] An isolation valve assembly according to the invention can be associated with each radiator valve so that, for example, if it is desired to remove the radiator for decoration, or for example it is desired to replace the valve 55, the first valve part and the second valve part of the isolation valve assembly according to the invention can be detached from each other, so that the first valve and the second valve are closed under the operation of the compression spring and the radiator or the valve can be removed without having to drain the radiator or the entire heating circuit.

[0043] It will be appreciated that after disconnecting the first and second valves of the isolation valve assembly, the first valve body 11 will remain attached to the pipes of the heating circuit and the second valve body will be attached to the radiator valve. The radiator can then be lifted vertically from its bracket and removed from the wall without first draining the water, with both radiator valves still attached to the radiator.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a radiator valve is provided that includes an isolation valve assembly as described above, positioned between a radiator valve (e.g., a thermostatic control valve) and the radiator. In some examples, the threads 13 of the first valve body form the threads of the radiator connection tail, allowing the first valve body to be screwed into the radiator body. In other examples, the isolation valve is integrated into the radiator valve assembly. After the first and second valves of the isolation valve assembly are disconnected, the radiator valve remains attached to the heating system piping.

[0045] In some installations, the piping in which the isolation valve is to be used is fixed in position, so that there is not enough movement available to separate the first and second valve bodies. This is addressed by the third aspect of the present invention and embodiments combining the first and / or second and third aspects. Figure 6 A second embodiment of an isolation valve according to the invention is shown, which also comprises an axially adjustable sleeve providing a sliding joint or connection. Figure 6 The characteristics of the isolation valve are usually the same as Figures 1 to 5 Where features of the isolation valve correspond, the same reference numerals are used with the addition of 100, and these will not be described in further detail except to facilitate understanding of the second embodiment. For example, valve assembly 110 includes a first valve including a first valve body 111 and a second valve including a second valve body 112 that is coupleable to the first valve body.

[0046] As described above with respect to the first embodiment, the first valve body 111 and the second valve body 112 may be coupled via the first coupling member 114 and the second coupling member 121. However, in Figure 6 In the embodiment, the second valve body 112 is formed of two valve body parts that cooperate with each other to allow the length of the second valve body to be axially adjustable.

[0047] The internally threaded cylinder defines the first valve body portion 101 and includes an annular pawl 105, which is provided on the inner surface of the first valve body portion 102 and divides the threaded surface into a proximal thread 123 and a distal thread 103, wherein the proximal thread is at the end of the cylinder near the valve plug 145 for engaging with the thread of the first coupling member 114, and the distal thread 103 is at the end of the first valve body portion 101 away from the valve plug.

[0048] The externally threaded cylindrical body defines the second valve body portion 102, whose threads 104 cooperate with the distal threads 103 of the first valve body portion 101. Thus, the second valve body portion 102 is rotatably movable within the first valve body portion 101 to provide axial length adjustment for the second valve body 112 between its inlet and outlet.

[0049] The valve plug 145 and its associated features, as described above with respect to the first embodiment, are supported within the cylindrical valve housing portion 106. The valve housing portion 106 has a recess 107 on its outer surface into which the annular detent 105 is grooved to maintain relative axial positioning between the valve housing portion 108 and the first valve body portion 101.

[0050] The inner surface of the second valve body portion 102 and the adjacent outer surface of the valve housing portion 106 are unthreaded so that, in use, the respective surfaces can slide over one another. One or more O-ring seals 108 are provided as required.

[0051] The first valve body portion 101 is provided with a flat surface 109 to provide a surface for engaging with a wrench.

[0052] In the example shown, the inlet / outlet 144 is provided with a threaded outer surface 120 to which an olive ring and a compression nut can be attached to form a compression fitting for an external pipe to be used with the isolation valve. As mentioned above, other connection methods are also suitable, such as welded joints, push-fit connections, etc.

[0053] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated configuration, the first valve body 111 and the second valve body 112 are shown in a detached or disassembled configuration. To move the valve bodies to the coupled configuration, the first valve body portion 101 is rotated relative to the second valve body portion 102 along the corresponding threads 103, 104. Engagement of the detent 105 with the recess 107 of the valve housing portion 106 causes the valve housing portion 106 to move axially in conjunction with the first valve body portion, away from the inlet / outlet 144 and toward the first valve body 111. The inner proximal threads 123 of the first valve body portion engage the outer threads 124 of the first valve body 111, and engagement continues until the first valve body 111 is fully received within the second valve body 112 and the valve plug is opened as described above with respect to the first embodiment, allowing fluid to flow between the two valve bodies.

[0054] Disassembly is the reverse of assembly procedure.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the isolation valve 10 , 110 may include a locking screw or a bayonet nut or a grub screw to lock the first valve body 11 , 111 and the second valve body 12 , 112 together, thereby reducing the risk of unintentional disassembly.

[0056] Despite Figure 5 While shown as a radiator valve, it will be appreciated that the advantages of the isolation valve of the present invention can be realized by incorporating the isolation valve of the present invention into any fluid flow line, whether for liquids or gases, such as showers, faucets or taps, zone valves, diverter valves, and the like, and whether operating at atmospheric pressure, high pressure, or low pressure. The isolation valve of the present invention is particularly useful as a means of isolating and allowing easy separation of components in situations involving electrically powered equipment, which may have higher maintenance requirements or be more susceptible to failure. For example, the isolation valve of the present invention is particularly useful in installations where electrical equipment forms part of a flowing fluid environment, such as an electric shower, allowing the detachment of pump units and valves for smart showers, electric heating or boiling water appliances, shower drain pumps, sump pumps, and water filtration devices, particularly in hard water areas, where the potential for failure or the need for regular maintenance is greater.

[0057] It will also be understood that, typically, the isolation valve assemblies of the present invention will be used in pairs on either side of a potentially removable or replaceable component, and that a series of multiple isolation valves may be used in any given installation associated with multiple components of a system.

Claims

1. An isolation valve assembly comprising a first isolation valve detachably fluidically coupled to a second isolation valve, wherein the first isolation valve comprises a first valve body, and the second isolation valve comprises a second valve body detachably attached to the first valve body; wherein the first valve body and the second valve body each comprise a respective valve, the valve comprising a valve plug and a valve seat, the valve plug pressing against the valve seat to prevent fluid from flowing through the valve bodies when the first valve body and the second valve body are in a disconnected configuration; and wherein at least one of the valve plugs comprises an axial actuator rod, the axial actuator rod being arranged such that when the second valve body is attached to the first valve body, the axial actuator rod presses against the other valve plug to open both valves. 2 . The isolation valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein only one of the valve plugs includes an axial actuator stem.

3. An isolation valve assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first valve body and the second valve body includes biasing means to bias the valve plug into a closed position against its respective valve seat. The isolation valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the biasing device comprises a compression spring.

5. An isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising coupling means for coupling the valve to a fluid line.

6. The isolation valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the coupling means comprises a compression fitting and / or a push-fit connector.

7. An isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each valve plug includes a valve guide for guided axial movement within the respective valve body.

8. An isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first valve body is attachable to the second valve body by a threaded coupling or a bayonet-type coupling.

9. An isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each valve plug further comprises retaining means to retain the valve plug within the valve body.

10. An isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one cover associated with the first valve body and / or the second valve body, wherein the or each cover provides a cover to prevent access to the respective valve plug when the isolation valve is in the disconnected configuration.

11. An isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first valve body and the second valve body comprises a valve body having an adjustment arrangement allowing adjustment of an axial length of the valve body.

12. The isolation valve assembly of claim 11, wherein the second valve body comprises: i) a cylindrical first valve body portion including an annular detent disposed on a threaded inner surface of the first valve body portion, the annular detent dividing the threaded surface into a proximal threaded portion and a distal threaded portion; ii) a second valve body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of the threaded outer surface cooperating with the distal threads of the first valve body portion such that the second valve body portion is rotatably movable within the first valve body portion to provide axial length adjustment of the second valve body; iii) a cylindrical valve housing portion supporting the valve plug of the second valve and comprising a recess on an outer surface thereof into which the annular detent engages to maintain relative axial positioning between the valve housing portion and the first valve body portion; Adjacent outer surfaces of the valve housing portion and the second valve body are free of threads, such that the respective surfaces can slide over each other during operation.

13. A radiator valve assembly comprising a radiator valve body having an inlet and an outlet, and comprising a radiator valve adjustable between a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve body and at least one open position in which fluid is allowed to flow through the valve body; wherein the radiator valve further comprises an isolation valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The radiator valve of claim 13, wherein the isolation valve assembly is provided between the adjustable radiator valve and the radiator, or is incorporated into a radiator connection tail or coupler.

15. A connector for connecting two pipes or pipelines, wherein the connector comprises a first connector portion capable of being attached to a first pipe or pipeline and a second connector portion capable of being attached to a second pipe or pipeline, wherein the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connectable to complete the connection between the first pipe or pipeline and the second pipe or pipeline; wherein the second connector portion comprises an adjustment arrangement allowing adjustment of the axial length of the connector; The adjustment arrangement comprises: i) a cylindrical first body portion including an annular detent disposed on a threaded inner surface of the first body portion, the annular detent dividing the threaded surface into a proximal threaded portion and a distal threaded portion; ii) a second body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of the threaded outer surface cooperating with the distal threads of the first body portion such that the second body portion is rotationally movable within the first body portion to provide axial length adjustment of the second connector portion; and iii) a cylindrical portion including a recess on an outer surface thereof into which the annular detent engages to maintain relative axial positioning between the cylindrical portion and the first body portion; wherein adjacent outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion and the second body portion are unthreaded so that the respective surfaces can slide over each other in operation.

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