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.

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

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