Fluid Control

Abstract

The present invention relates to fluid control and management, and more particularly to valves and regulators for controlling the flow of liquids, such as water. We have described an isolation valve assembly including a first isolation valve removably fluidly connectable to a second isolation valve. The first isolation valve includes a first valve body, and the second isolation valve includes a second valve body removably attachable to the first valve body. The first and second valve bodies each include a respective valve including a valve plug and a valve seat against which the valve plug abuts to prevent fluid flow through the valve bodies when the first and second valve bodies are in an uncoupled configuration. At least one of the valve plugs includes an axial actuator stem configured to abut against the other valve plug to open both valves when the second valve body is attached to the first valve body.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In our previous application (WO 2015 / 193666), we described a valve, particularly a faucet or tap. The faucet is comprised of two parts: a base portion having a check valve biased to a closed position under water pressure; and a faucet body having a generally conventional structure, including a conventional valve and further including a valve actuator in the form of a stem. The faucet body is removable from the base portion. In the assembled faucet, the faucet body has a first configuration in which the conventional valve of the faucet body abuts the valve actuator, which correspondingly abuts the check valve, biasing it to an open position and allowing water to flow. The faucet body has a second configuration in which the valve of the faucet body contacts the valve actuator to an extent insufficient to open the check valve, and a third configuration in which the valve of the faucet body is spaced from the valve actuator. In the third configuration, the faucet body is removable from the base portion without risk of water flow. The faucet body can then be replaced or repaired without having to shut off the water supply.

[0003] WO 2015 / 193666 also states that the valve is suitable for use for other purposes, such as a radiator valve or other areas requiring control over the flow of fluids. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In its broadest sense, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an isolation valve assembly comprising a first isolation valve removably fluidly connectable to a second isolation valve; the first isolation valve comprises a first valve body, and the second isolation valve comprises a second valve body removably attachable 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 abuts to prevent fluid flow through the valve bodies when the first valve body and the second valve body are in a disconnected configuration; At least one of the valve plugs includes an axial actuator stem configured such that when the second valve body is attached to the first valve body, the axial actuator stem abuts the other valve plug to open both valves.

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

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second valve bodies each include biasing means for biasing the valve plug against the respective valve seat in a closed position.

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

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

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

[0010] Conveniently, each valve plug includes a valve guide stem for guided axial movement within the respective valve body.

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

[0012] In certain examples, each valve plug further comprises a retaining means for retaining the valve plug within the valve body.

[0013] Optionally, the isolation valve assembly further comprises at least one cap associated with the first valve body and / or the second valve body; Each cap provides a cover to prevent access to the respective valve plug when the isolation valve is in the disconnected 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 mechanism that allows for adjustment of the axial length of the valve body.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment mechanism comprises: i) a cylindrical first valve body portion including an annular detent on a threaded interior surface of the first valve body portion dividing the threaded surface into a proximal thread portion and a distal thread portion; ii) a second valve body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of which interfit with distal threads of the first valve body portion such that the second valve body portion is rotatably movable within the first valve body portion and provides axial length adjustment of the second valve body; iii) a cylindrical valve housing portion supporting a valve plug of the second valve, the valve housing portion including a recess on its outer surface into which an annular detent fits to maintain relative axial positioning between the valve housing portion and the first valve body portion; Adjacent exterior surfaces of the valve housing portions are unthreaded, allowing the individual surfaces to slide past one another during operation.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a radiator valve having an inlet and an outlet, adjustable between a closed position in which fluid flow through the valve body is prevented and at least one open position in which fluid flow through the valve body is permitted; The radiator valve further comprises at least one isolation valve assembly as described above.

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

[0018] A third aspect of the present invention provides a connector for connecting two pipes or lines, comprising: the connector comprises a first connector portion attachable to a first pipe or line and a second connector portion attachable to a second pipe or line; the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connectable to complete a connection between the first pipe or line and the second pipe or line; the second connector portion includes an adjustment mechanism that allows adjustment of the axial length of the connector; The adjustment mechanism includes: i) a cylindrical first body portion including an annular detent disposed on a threaded interior surface of the first body portion, dividing the threaded surface into a proximal thread portion and a distal thread portion; ii) a second body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of which interfit with the distal threads of the first body portion such that the second body portion is rotatably movable within the first body portion and provides 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 fits to maintain relative axial positioning between the cylindrical portion and the first body portion; The adjacent outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion and the second body portion are non-threaded, allowing the respective surfaces to slide relative to one another during operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of an isolation valve in accordance with the present invention in an uncoupled configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a coupled configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view showing the isolation valve of FIG. 1 coupled to a radiator valve. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an isolation valve in accordance with the present invention in an uncoupled configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 1-5, there is shown 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 including a first valve body 11 and a second valve including a second valve body 12 coupleable to the first valve body to form an isolation connector in a configuration that allows fluid flow through the valve 10 and is removable therefrom to prevent flow from both valve bodies.

[0022] The first valve body 11 includes a tube or pipe 13 having a first coupling piece 14 at its proximal end and, in the illustrated embodiment, a compression fitting 15 at its distal end for operably coupling to piping (not shown) of a fluid facility in which the isolation valve is intended to be used.

[0023] The second valve body 12 includes a tube or pipe 20 having a second coupling component 21 at its proximal end, as described below. The pipe 20 forms a tail portion for operative connection to an additional piece of fluid equipment pipe or connector (not shown), for example, using a compression fitting including an olive and compression nut (not shown), an end-feed solder fitting, or a push-fit connector. In some examples, the tail portion is provided with threads for coupling to the additional piece of fluid equipment.

[0024] The pipes 13, 20 are shown as being straight and having short lengths, although it will be appreciated that each pipe may alternatively form an elbow, such as a 90° elbow, or have any other configuration or length useful for achieving a particular function or installation, as known to those skilled in the art.

[0025] The first and second coupling components 14, 21 are generally cylindrical and form a mating pair at their respective proximal ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling component 14 has an internally threaded surface 23 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that mates with a corresponding externally threaded surface 24 (FIG. 4) of the first coupling component 21. FIGS. 1 and 3 show the first and second valve bodies 11, 12 in an unmated configuration. FIGS. 2 and 4 show the two valve bodies in a mated configuration.

[0026] The isolation connector and valve assemblies of the present invention are bidirectional, i.e., they can be coupled to fluidic equipment in either orientation, although for purposes of the following discussion, the flow direction indicated by arrow A will be assumed.

[0027] The first valve body 11 has a distal inlet 30 and a proximal outlet 31 associated with the first coupling piece 14 and defines a first fluid flow path with the pipe 13. A first valve is provided within the first fluid flow path and includes a first valve plug 35 which, in use, abuts a valve seat 34 to close the flow of fluid through the first valve body 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve seat 34 and valve plug 35 have generally conical or frusto-conical sealing surfaces. Alternative configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The valve plug 35 is formed with a distal valve guide stem 40 constrained within an axial sleeve 41 for axial movement between a fluid closed position (shown in FIG. 3) in which fluid flow through the first valve body is prevented, and a fluid open position (shown in FIG. 4) in which fluid flow is permitted. The valve guide stem 40, and therefore the valve plug 35, is biased to the closed position using a compression spring 42.

[0029] Valve plug 35 also has proximally formed thereon an axial actuator stem 43, the function and operation of which will be described below.

[0030] The second valve body 12 is of generally similar construction, having a proximal inlet 43 associated with the second coupling part 21 and a distal outlet 44 which defines a second fluid flow path with the pipe 20. A second valve is provided within the second fluid flow path and includes a second valve plug 45 which, in use, abuts a valve seat 50 to close off the flow of fluid through the second connector part 12.

[0031] The valve seat 50 and valve plug 45 have generally conical or frustoconical sealing surfaces.

[0032] The second valve plug 45 is formed with a distal valve guide stem 51 restrained within an axially aligned opening 52 for axial movement of the valve plug 45 between a fluid closed position (shown in FIG. 3) in which fluid flow through the first connector piece is prevented, and a fluid open position (shown in FIG. 4) in which fluid flow is permitted. The valve guide stem 51, and therefore the second valve plug 45, is biased to the closed position using a compression spring 53.

[0033] The first and second valve bodies 11, 12 further include bearing surfaces necessary for the function of the components described, and include openings in such surfaces to allow fluid flow through the valve 10 when assembled.

[0034] As can be seen in Figure 3, when the first and second valve bodies 11,12 are removed from one another, both valves are biased to their respective closed positions by their respective compression springs 42,53.

[0035] 3, the valve assembly may include O-ring seals 46 or other sealing means as needed to ensure fluid tightness between component surfaces. The sealing means may 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, PTFE, and similar polymers), or metal rings such as copper, nickel, indium, etc.

[0036] When the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are brought together in the fully assembled configuration shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that the axial actuator stem 43 of the first valve contacts and abuts the valve plug 45 of the second valve, compressing both compression springs 42, 53. The components of the valve 10 are selected so that, when fully assembled, the interaction between the axial actuator stem of the first valve and the valve plug of the second valve opens both valves. Several considerations that affect the reliable provision of this mechanism include the balance between the spring strengths of the two compression springs 42, 53, the length of the guide stems 40, 51, and the compression lengths of the compression springs 42, 53.

[0037] Upon separation of the first and second valve bodies 11, 12, as the bodies move apart, the biasing force of the respective springs 42, 53 complements the force associated with the fluid pressure in the fluid line in which the isolation valve is installed, acting to close the respective first and second valves.

[0038] The second valve plug 45 is, in a preferred embodiment, provided with a cup 54 on its proximal face to provide a reliable surface for the axial actuator stem 43 to abut against.

[0039] It will be understood that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the described and illustrated embodiments 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, with particular reference to FIG. 3, it should be noted that the arrangement of FIG. 3 advantageously prevents the axial actuator stem 43 from accidentally contacting the stem 43 with a substantial portion of the body of the male coupling component 14, thereby causing opening of the valves 34, 35. Additionally, the valve plug 45 of the second valve does not have an axial actuator stem or stem portion protruding from the second valve body 11, thereby protecting it from accidental opening due to impact or contact with an outer body. Therefore, the arrangement shown in the figures represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the valve assembly further includes caps (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 a disassembled state. Each cap is dimensioned to close external access to its respective valve plug without providing any surfaces that can contact the valve plug or the stem or stem portion of the axial actuator. Preferably, each cap is an injection-molded plastic cap adapted for attachment to its respective valve body by hand, without the need for tools.

[0041] In further alternative embodiments, rather than each valve body end including a compression fitting 15, 22, each end may include, for example, a push-fit connector, a solder ring connector, or a threaded connection.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the assembled isolation valve assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-4 coupled to a conventional radiator valve 55 using fitting 22, typically a compression fitting using a compressible copper olive, and coupled to a conventional threaded tail of the radiator valve 55. Modern radiator valves 55 are typically bidirectional, allowing connection to either the heating system flow path or the return flow path. For purposes of illustration, the radiator valve 55 can be interpreted as including an inlet 56 coupled to the heating system flow path and an outlet 57 connectable to a radiator (not shown). The body of the radiator valve 55 contains a valve operable using a manually or electrically adjustable valve head 58 (which may be lockshield or thermostatic).

[0043] One isolation valve assembly of the present invention may be associated with each radiator valve, and when removing a radiator, for example for decoration, or replacing valve 55, the first and second valve parts of the isolation valve assembly of the present invention can be detached from each other, closing the first and second valves under the action of a compression spring, allowing removal of the radiator or valve without draining water from the radiator or the entire heating circuit.

[0044] It will be appreciated that upon disassembly of the first and second valves of the isolation valve assembly, the first valve body 11 remains attached to the heating circuit pipe and the second valve body is attached to the radiator valve, and the radiator can then be lifted vertically from its bracket and removed from the wall, without first having to drain the water, with both radiator valves still attached to the radiator.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a radiator valve is provided that includes an isolation valve assembly as described above, positioned between a valve (e.g., a thermostatically controlled valve) of the radiator valve and the radiator. In a particular example, the threads 13 of the first valve body form the threads of the radiator connection tail, and the first valve body is screwed into the body of the radiator. In another example, the isolation valve is integrated into the radiator valve assembly. Upon disassembly of the first and second valves of the isolation valve assembly, the radiator valve remains attached to the heating system piping.

[0046] In certain installations, the piping in which the isolation valve is used is fixed in place, leaving insufficient movement available for separation of the first and second valve bodies. This is addressed by the third aspect of the present invention and by embodiments incorporating both the first and / or second aspects and the third aspect. Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of an isolation valve according to the present invention, which further includes an axially adjustable sleeve providing a slip joint or connection. The features of the isolation valve of Figure 6 generally correspond to those of the isolation valves of Figures 1-5, using the same reference numerals with the addition of 100, and will not be described in further detail except as is useful for understanding 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 connectable to the first valve body.

[0047] The first and second valve bodies 111, 112 may be coupled using first and second coupling components 114, 121 as described above with respect to the first embodiment, except that in the embodiment of Figure 6, the second valve body 112 is formed from two valve body portions that mate together to allow the length of the second valve body to be axially adjustable in length.

[0048] An internally threaded cylinder defines a first valve body portion 101 and includes an annular detent 105 on the inner surface of the first valve body portion 101 which divides the threaded surface into proximal threads 123 for engaging the threads of the first coupling piece 114 at the end of the cylinder adjacent the valve plug 145, and distal threads 103 at the end of the first valve body portion 101 remote from the valve plug.

[0049] The externally threaded cylinder defines a second valve body portion 102, the threads 104 of which intermate with distal threads 103 of the first valve body portion 101. Thus, the second valve body portion 102 is rotationally movable within the first valve body portion 101 to provide axial length adjustment of the second valve body 112 between the inlet and outlet of the second valve body 112.

[0050] The valve plug 145 and its associated features described above with respect to the first embodiment are supported within a cylindrical valve housing portion 106. The valve housing portion 106 has a recess 107 in its outer surface into which an annular detent 105 is inserted to maintain relative axial positioning between the valve housing portion 106 and the first valve body portion 101.

[0051] The inner surface of the second valve body portion 102 and the adjacent outer surface of the valve housing portion 106 are unthreaded, allowing the respective surfaces to slide against each other in use. One or more O-ring seals 108 are provided, if desired.

[0052] The first valve body portion 101 is provided with a flat surface 109 which provides a surface for engagement with a wrench.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the inlet / outlet 144 is provided with a threaded outer surface 120 and can be fitted with an olive and compression nut to form a compression fitting for the external piping in which the isolation valve is used. As previously mentioned, other connection modes such as soldered joints, push-fits, etc. are equally suitable.

[0054] In the configuration shown in FIG. 6 , the first valve body 111 and second valve body 112 are shown in a separated or disassembled state. To couple the valve bodies, the first valve body portion 101 is rotated relative to the second valve body portion 102 along its respective threads 103, 104. Engagement of the detent 105 with the recess 107 in the valve housing portion 106 causes the valve housing portion 106, in conjunction with the first valve body portion, to move axially away from the inlet / outlet port 144 and toward the first valve body 111. The internal proximal threads 123 of the first valve body portion engage with the external threads 124 of the first valve body 111, and the engagement remains until the first valve body 111 is fully received within the second valve body 112, opening the valve plug as described above with respect to the first embodiment and allowing fluid to flow between the two valve bodies.

[0055] Disassembly is the reverse of the assembly procedure.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the isolation valve 10, 110 may include a locking screw or bayonet nut or grub screw for locking the first and second valve bodies 11, 12, 111, 112 together to reduce the risk of inadvertent disassembly.

[0057] While illustrated in FIG. 5 as a radiator valve, it will be appreciated that the benefits of the isolation valve of the present invention can be achieved by incorporating the isolation valve of the present invention into any fluid flow path, liquid or gas, at atmospheric, elevated, or reduced pressure, such as showers, taps or faucets, zone valves, diverter valves, etc. The isolation valve of the present invention is particularly useful as a means for isolating and enabling easy separation of components in scenarios involving electrically powered equipment with high maintenance requirements or prone to failure. For example, the isolation valve of the present invention is particularly useful in the installation of electrical devices that are part of a flowing fluid environment, such as power showers, and allows for the removal of pump units and valve pump units, such as smart showers, electric hot or boiling water machines, shower drain pumps, drain pumps, and water filtration devices, particularly in hard water regions where the likelihood of failure and the need for regular maintenance are higher.

[0058] It will also be appreciated that isolation valve assemblies of the present invention are typically used in pairs on either side of a potentially removable or replaceable component, and that a series of multiple isolation valves associated with multiple components of the system may be used in any given installation.

Claims

1. 1. An isolation valve assembly comprising a first isolation valve removably fluidly connectable to a second isolation valve, the first isolation valve comprises a first valve body, and the second isolation valve comprises a second valve body removably attachable 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 abuts to prevent fluid flow through the valve bodies when the first valve body and the second valve body are in a disconnected configuration; an isolation valve assembly, wherein at least one of the valve plugs includes an axial actuator stem configured such that when the second valve body is attached to the first valve body, the axial actuator stem abuts 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. 3. The isolation valve assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body each include biasing means for biasing the valve plug against its respective valve seat in a closed position.

4. 10. The isolation valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing means comprises a compression spring.

5. The isolation valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising coupling means for coupling the valve to a fluid line.

6. 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 stem for guided axial movement within a 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 using a threaded coupling or a bayonet-style coupling.

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

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

11. 11. The isolation valve assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first valve body and the second valve body includes a valve body having an adjustment mechanism that allows adjustment of the axial length of the valve body.

12. The second valve body is i) a cylindrical first valve body portion including an annular detent on a threaded interior surface of the first valve body portion dividing the threaded surface into a proximal thread portion and a distal thread portion; ii) a second valve body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of which interfit with distal threads of the first valve body portion such that the second valve body portion is rotatably movable within the first valve body portion and provides axial length adjustment of the second valve body; iii) a cylindrical valve housing portion supporting a valve plug of the second valve, the valve housing portion including a recess on its outer surface into which an annular detent fits to maintain relative axial positioning between the valve housing portion and the first valve body portion; 12. The isolation valve assembly of claim 11, wherein adjacent exterior surfaces of the valve housing portion and the second valve body are non-threaded, thereby allowing the respective surfaces to slide past one another during operation.

13. a radiator valve having an inlet and an outlet, the radiator valve being adjustable between a closed position in which fluid flow through the valve body is prevented and at least one open position in which fluid flow through the valve body is permitted; A radiator valve assembly, the radiator valve further comprising an isolation valve assembly according to any preceding claim.

14. 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 lines, comprising: The connector comprises a first connector portion attachable to a first pipe or line and a second connector portion attachable to a second pipe or line; the first connector portion and the second connector portion are connectable to complete a connection between the first pipe or line and the second pipe or line; the second connector portion includes an adjustment mechanism that allows adjustment of the axial length of the connector; The adjustment mechanism includes: i) a cylindrical first body portion including an annular detent on a threaded interior surface of the first body portion dividing the threaded surface into a proximal thread portion and a distal thread portion; ii) a second body portion having a threaded outer surface, the threads of which interfit with the distal threads of the first body portion such that the second body portion is rotatably movable within the first body portion and provides axial length adjustment of the second connector portion; iii) a cylindrical portion including a recess in an outer surface thereof into which the annular detent fits to maintain relative axial positioning between the cylindrical portion and the first body portion; A connector wherein the adjacent outer surfaces of the cylindrical portion and the second body portion are free of threads, allowing the respective surfaces to slide relative to one another during operation.

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