GB2476129A

GB2476129A - Drain off valve

Info

Publication number: GB2476129A
Application number: GB201006453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Richard Stevens; Michael Anthony Cuff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-08
Filing date: 2010-04-19
Publication date: 2011-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-19
Also published as: GB2476129B; GB0921465D0; GB201006453D0

Abstract

A drain off valve 1 for removing liquid from a plumbing system, for example a central heating system, comprises a body having an open inlet end, an internal axial bore 4 extending from the inlet end and communicating with an elbowed drainage outlet 3 extending at an angle therefrom. A rotatable shut-off valve 7 positioned in the longitudinal bore between the inlet end and the drainage outlet permits opening and closing of the valve by means of a stein or spigot 11 extending through an aperture in a side wall of the valve body.

Description

DRAIN OFF VALVE & METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION The present invention relates to a drain off valve and a method of constructing the same.

A drain off valve is a plumbing component specifically designed for removing fluid from a plumbing system or part thereof. For example, a drain off valve is often fitted adjacent a household water storage system (hot or cold) and can be used to drain it if servicing or replacement is needed.

Drain off valves are not to be confused with other types of valves, such as isolation valves, which are not used for drainage.

As indicated in Figure la, a conventional drain off valve comprises a cylindrical body 32 having an inlet end (shaft) 32a for connection to a pipe forming part of a plumbing system, and an elbow outlet 34 extending away from the main axis A-A which acts as the drainage outlet. Opposite the inlet 32a is a valve unit 36 of conventional type that is opened and closed by means of turning the nut 38. Referring to the schematic drawing of Figure ib, it will be seen that the nut is attached to a resilient gasket 42 by means of a spindle 40. First and second threaded portions 44 engage with threaded portions inside the body 32. In the closed position, indicated in Figure la, the gasket 42 presses tightly against an internal seat to prevent fluid travelling from the inlet end (shaft) 32a to the drainage outlet 34.

Drainage requires the nut 38 to be turned using a spanner, causing the gasket 42 to move away from the seating to allow fluid to pass into the elbow outlet 34. Commonly, a flexible hose is attached over the end of elbow outlet so that fluid can be collected in a bucket or flushed down a sink or outside drain.

In the Applicant's experience, this type of conventional drainage component has drawbacks. The gasket type seal 42 deteriorates over time, usually by cracking, and will eventually fail resulting in leakage. Furthermore, it is apparent that the user has to access, specifically, the far end of the component in order to turn the nut 38. where the drainage valve is situated in a hard-to-reach place, such as behind a kitchen appliance or storage tank, as is common, it can be very difficult, if not impossible for the user to locate their hand and/or tool over the nut 38.

In a broad sense, the invention provides a drain off valve (or drain off cock as the component is sometimes called) comprising a rotatable valve positioned between an inlet, connecting end and an outlet, drainage end.

The rotatable valve may be substantially spherical. The valve may be positioned between first and second resilient 0-rings within a longitudinal bore of the valve body. The drainage end may extend at an angle away from the central longitudinal body of the valve. The drainage end may include a hose connecting portion.

The rotatable valve may be operable using at least one stem or spigot extending from the valve, through a side wall of the valve body. Two or more opposed stems may be used.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a drain off valve component for removing liquid from a plumbing system, for example a central heating system, the drain off valve comprising a longitudinal body having an open inlet end (shaft), an internal axial bore extending from the inlet end (shaft) and communicating with a drainage outlet extending at an angle therefrom, and a rotatable shut-off valve positioned in the longitudinal bore between the inlet end (shaft) and the drainage outlet to permit opening and closing of the valve by means of a stem extending through an aperture in a side wall of the longitudinal body.

The invention provides an improved component for draining fluid from a plumbing system. In the Applicant's experience, rotatable shut-off valves are more reliable and do not deteriorate as much as that of the conventional type shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, access to the shut-off valve is made easier by virtue of the stem extending through the side wall.

Although rotatable shut-off valves are used with isolation valves, they have not been employed in drain off valves where, in the Applicant's view, particular (and before now unappreciated) advantages can result.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a drain off valve for draining liquid from a plumbing system, for example a central heating system, the drain off valve comprising a valve body having an internal bore extending between an inlet end (shaft) arranged, in use, to be connected to a drainage outlet of a plumbing system and a drainage outlet suitable for connection to a drainage hose, and a rotatable shut-off valve arranged within the bore between the inlet end and the outlet pipe to permit opening and closing of the valve.

Preferably, a pair of stems are provided, each extending through substantially opposed apertures in the side wall of the valve body.

The rotatable shut-off valve is preferably retained in the internal bore between a plurality of resilient seals. The resilient seals can comprise a plurality of 0-rings, one either side of the shut-off valve. The resilient seals and the rotatable shut-off valve may be held in position by an annular retaining member having an annulus that is narrower than the remainder of the internal bore.

The rotatable shut-off valve may be substantially spherical.

The drainage outlet can comprise a hose connector portion.

The inlet end (shaft) may comprise means for attachment to another pipe by means of a compression -type fitting. Said compression -type fitting can be provided by a nut and olive/ferrule system.

Alternatively, the inlet end (shaft) can comprise means for attachment to another pipe by means of a push -type fitting.

Alternatively still, the inlet end (shaft) can be soldered to another pipe.

The drainage outlet can extend away from the axial bore by an angle of between 50 and 70 degrees.

The valve body, including the drainage outlet, can formed of a single piece of material.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a drain off valve according to any preceding claim and means for connecting the inlet end (shaft) to a pipe by means of a compression or push -type fitting.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of constructing a drain off valve according to an preceding claim, the method comprising: (i) providing a valve body having an internal bore extending between an inlet end Shaft) arranged, in use, to be connected to a pipe of a plumbing system and a drainage outlet suitable for connection to a drainage hose; (ii) providing a rotatable shut-off valve and locating it within the bore between the inlet end (shaft) and the outlet with first and second resilient seals located either side of said shut-off valve: and (iii) connecting an annular retaining member to the valve body, in the region of the inlet end (shaft), to secure the shut-off valve and first and second seals in fixed position within the bore.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a prior art drain off valve and a schematic view of its internal valve structure; Figure 2a is a side-sectional view of a valve component in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2b is a side perspective view of the valve component shown in Figure 2a.

Figures 3a and 3b are, respectively, side and plan -sectional views of a valve component in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 3c and 3d are, respectively, outer perspective and side views of the valve component shown in Figures 3a and 3b; and Figures 4a and 4b are, respectively, side and plan -sectional views of a valve component in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 2, a drain off valve component 1 according to a first embodiment comprises an elbow-type valve having a first portion 2 and a second, drainage portion 3 which extends away from the central axis of the first portion by an angle a of approximately 60 degrees.

Both portions 2, 3 are formed of a single piece of material having an internal bore 4.

Connected to the first portion 2 is a cylindrical valve body that has an internal bore of greater diameter than that of the first portion. Within this bore is located a rotatable ball-type valve comprising a substantially spherical ball 7 held between a pair of resilient 0-ring seals 8. The ball has a cylindrical bore 9 passing through it to enable liquid to pass from one side to the other. The ball 7 is arranged to be rotated between open and shut positions, as indicated by arrow 10, by means of a pair of stems, or spigots, 11 (see Figure 2(b)) which extend opposite one another, orthogonal to main axis of the inner bore. Each stem 11 is connected to the bali 7 and passes through a respective threaded hole formed in the sidewall of the valve body 5.

The external end 12 of each stem 11 comprises a recess to enable either or both of an allen key or screwdriver tool to engage and turn the stem 11 about its central orthogonal axis.

As will be appreciated from the above, turning one of the stems 11 will cause the ball 7 to rotate between a closed position, where the bore 9 is perpendicular to the main bore 4, and an open position, where the bore communicates with the main bore. The configuration shown in Figure 4(a) is in the open position. Although two stems 11 are shown in this embodiment, only one is necessary. Having two stems 11 enables easier access if the component 1 is located in a hard-to-reach place or is placed close to a wall.

The ball valve 7 and the adjacent 0-rings 8 are supported in position by a connector shaft 13 which is attached to the open end of the valve body 5. A larger, concentric bore is formed in said open end, providing a step 14 into which is mated a corresponding collar portion 14' of the connector pipe 13. The internal diameter of collar portion 14' is narrower than that of the valve body 5 to ensure the bail vale 7 and 0-rings are retained in position. At its other end, the bore of the connector shaft 13 has a wider diameter to allow an external pipe to be located therewithin and fixed, e.g. by soldering. Subsequent embodiments provide alternative types of connector shaft 13 for different fitting configurations.

In use, the drain off valve component 1 is fitted to a pipe of a plumbing system and the ball valve 7 is normally in the closed position. In the event that a plumber or heating engineer needs to drain or flush the plumbing system, or part thereof, e.g. a water tank, the plumber or heating engineer turns one of the stems 11 in the appropriate direction to open the valve (Figure 2 (a) position) . This causes liquid to pass from the external pipe, through the ball valve 7 and the internal bore 4 of the first and second portions for drainage out of the drainage outlet. The outer, distal end of the second portion 3 includes a standard hose connector 3' to allow a flexible hose to be used.

As will be appreciated from the above, construction of the above drain off valve component comprises the following stages. First, the elbow type outlet is formed with the first and second portions 2, 3. Next, the valve body 5 is connected to the first portion 2 of the elbow type outlet, the valve body having the 0-rings 8, ball 7 and stems in place. Next, the connector shaft 13 is connected to the valve body 5.

A second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In this case, the drain off valve component 21 is constructed and arranged substantially identical to that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2.

The only difference is with the connector shaft 22 which, in this case, provides for a compression -type fit to an external pipe, usually made of copper or plastic. This type of connector is used in situations where soldering is inappropriate, e.g. due to being in a confined space or a fire hazard. The connector shaft 22 has, at its free end, a bevelled recess 23 formed inside the lip of the inner bore and, on the outer surface, a threading to which may be connected a hexagonal compression nut 24. Also provided is a copper or brass compression ring 25, sometimes called an olive or ferrule. As will be appreciated, sealing of a pipe to the component 21 is achieved by locating the pipe within the bore of the connector shaft 22, screwing the compression nut 24 to the pipe which compresses the olive ring 25 to conform to the circumference of the time, forming a water-tight seal at the bevelled recess 23. The fitting is made with a force sufficient to eliminate all space remaining in the joint, thus preventing fluid from leaking.

This compression-type drain off component can also be connected directly into a female thread by disregarding the compression nut 23 and olive 25 and using its male thread and a fixed male nut 28.

Figure 3(a) shows the drain off valve component 21 is side-section and Figure 3(b) shows it in plan-section. Figure 3(c) shows the same valve in perspective view, and Figure 3(d) shows the outer side view. Operation of the valve component 21, i.e. opening and closing, is achieved in the same way as above.

A third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 4. In this case, the drain off valve component is constructed and arranged substantially identical to that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. The only difference is with the connector shaft 32 which, in this case, provides for a push -type fit to an external pipe. Push -type fitting is well known in the field of plumbing and provides a further alternative to soldering or compression -type fitting.

The Applicants have found that applying the above described drain off valve component(s) for the purposes of draining heating systems, or parts thereof, is significantly more beneficial than using the component shown in Figure 1. As well as being more reliable, improved access to the valve for the purposes of opening and closing is provided by having the, stems, reachable from the side. Having two such stems, one either side of the valve, improves this further.

Other than the 0-rings, the valve component of all embodiments can be made from brass.

Most modern central heating systems work on pressures of 1 bar (cold) and between 1-2 bar (hot) with maximum pressures venting at 3 bar. The valve components described above will work at pressures exceeding the maximum pressure of the system.

Claims

Claims 1. A drain off valve for removing liquid from a plumbing system, for example a central heating system, the drain off valve comprising a body having an open inlet end, an internal axial bore extending through the body from the inlet end and communicating with an elbowed drainage portion extending at an angle therefrom, the drainage portion having an outlet aperture, and a rotatable shut-off valve positioned in the longitudinal bore between the inlet end and the drainage outlet aperture to permit opening and closing of the valve by means of a stem or spigot extending through an aperture in a side wail of the valve body.
2. A drain off valve for draining liquid from a plumbing system, for example a central heating system, the drain off valve comprising a valve body having an internal bore extending between an inlet end arranged, in use, to be connected to a pipe of a plumbing system, and communicating with a drainage outlet portion suitable for connection to a drainage hose, and a rotatable shut-off valve arranged within the bore between the inlet end and the outlet portion to permit opening and closing of the valve.
3. A drain off valve according to claim 2, wherein the rotatable shut-off valve is rotatable by means of a stem or spigot extending through an aperture in a side wall of the valve body.
4. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein a pair of stems or spigots are provided, each extending through substantially opposed apertures in the side wall of the valve body.
5. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable shut-off valve is retained in the internal bore between a plurality of resilient seals.
6. A drain off valve according to claim 5, wherein the resilient seals comprise a plurality of 0-rings, one either side of the shut-off valve.
7. A drain off valve according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the resilient seals and the rotatable shut-off valve are held in position by an annular retaining member with an annulus that is narrower than the internal bore housing the rotatable valve and resilient seals.
8. A drain cff valve according to claim 7, wherein the annular retaining member is formed of a separate component than the shut-off valve housing.
9. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable shut-off valve is substantially spherical.
10. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the drainage outlet portion comprises a hose connector portion on the outer surface.
11. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet end comprises means for attachment to another pipe by means of a compression -type fitting.
12. A drain off valve according to claim 11, wherein the compression -type fitting is provided by a nut and olive/ferrule.
13. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet end comprises means for attachment to another pipe by means of a push -type fitting.
14. A drain off valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the drainage outlet portion extends away from the axial bore by an angle of between 50 and 70 degrees.16. A kit of parts comprising a drain off valve according to any preceding claim and means for connecting the inlet end to a pipe by means of a compression or push -type fitting.17. A method of constructing a drain off valve according to an preceding claim, the method comprising: (i) providing a valve body having an internal bore extending between an inlet end arranged, in use, to be connected to a pipe of a plumbing system and a drainage outlet portion suitable for connection to a drainage hose; (ii) providing a rotatable shut-off valve and locating it within the bore between the inlet end and the drainage outlet portion with first and second resilient seals located either side of said shut-off valve: and (iii) connecting an annular retaining member to the valve body, in the region of the inlet end, to secure the shut-off valve and first and second seals in fixed position within the bore.18. A drain off valve constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore shown and described with reference to Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.19. A method of constructing a drain off valve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.