JP2011502235A - Hot / cold fluid shut-off valve - Google Patents

Abstract

  A fluid shut-off valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port, and a fluid discharge port having a valve therein. The valve body defines a fluid flow path, a discharge flow path, and a valve portion, the valve portion being disposed in the valve body in communication with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port, and the fluid discharge port. The At least one flow branch device is provided and disposed in the valve section. The flow branching device can take a first form and a second form, whereby the first fluid flow port is in communication with the second fluid flow port when the flow branching device is in the first form. When the flow branching device is in the second configuration, the first fluid flow port is in communication with the fluid discharge port.

Description

  This patent application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 505,193, filed Sep. 23, 2003, which is filed on Dec. 18, 2006, US Patent Application No. 10 / 573,094. Some are pending applications, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to shut-off valves, and more particularly to shut-off valves for in-line equipment.

  Shut-off valves are well known and traditionally control the flow of water or other fluids to and from in-line equipment or parts of equipment for maintenance, replacement or repair purposes in piping systems and heating applications. It is used to However, current designs are bulky and cannot provide sufficient fluid flow. This is undesirable for a number of reasons. In-line equipment is usually arranged in a limited space, so with the large and bulky sizes of current designs it is cumbersome and difficult to install them in a limited space. In some cases, the limited space prevents them from being installed, removed and / or repaired. In addition, some in-line equipment, such as water heaters without tanks, are tested by fluid flow and temperature calculations. Disadvantageously, current designs have incomplete ability to flow fluids, making accurate testing or maintenance of in-line equipment difficult.

US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 505,193 US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 573,094

  A fluid shut-off valve is provided having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port, and a fluid discharge port having a valve therein. The valve body also defines a fluid flow path, a discharge flow path, and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion provides fluid communication within the valve body with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port, and the fluid discharge port. Arranged to promote. A flow branching device is also provided and disposed in the valve section. The flow branching device can take a first form and a second form, whereby when the flow branching device is in the first form, the first fluid flow port is the second fluid flow port. Communicate with. Thus, when the flow branching device is in the second configuration, the first fluid flow port is in communication with the fluid discharge port.

  Advantageously, fluid shut-off according to the present invention allows testing of installed in-line equipment and can facilitate cleaning and flushing of any such in-line equipment.

  The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view of the 1st form of the 1st example of the warm water shut-off valve by the present invention. It is a perspective view of the 2nd form of the warm water cutoff valve of FIG. It is a perspective view of the 1st form of the 2nd Example of the cold water shut-off valve by this invention. It is a perspective view of the 2nd form of the cold water cutoff valve of FIG. It is a perspective view of the 3rd Example of the cold water shut-off valve by this invention. It is a side view of the 3rd Example of the cold water shut-off valve by this invention. It is a perspective view of the 3rd Example of the warm water shut-off valve by this invention. It is a side view of the 3rd Example of the warm water shut-off valve by this invention. 1 is a schematic front view of a ball portion of a ball valve in a first configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a ball portion of a ball valve in a first configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a ball portion of a ball valve in a second configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view of a ball portion of a ball valve in a second configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the warm water shut-off valve which has a warm water relief port and the warm water relief valve incorporated in the inside. 1 is a schematic view of a water heater without a tank disposed between a water supply source and a piping system. 1 is a side view of a hot water shutoff valve having two or more flow branching devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for purifying equipment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a hot water shut-off valve 100 is shown, which includes a first hot water port 102, a second hot water port 104, a hot water relief port 106, and a hot water discharge port 108. The warm water shut-off valve 100 defines a warm water flow path 101 and a warm water discharge path 103. Hot water flow path 101 provides fluid communication between first hot water port 102 and second hot water port 104. The hot water discharge path 103 provides fluid communication between the first hot water port 102 and the hot water discharge port 108. The warm water shut-off valve 100 is a ball valve or the like disposed in a valve portion 110 disposed between the first warm water port 102, the second warm water port 104, the warm water relief port 106, and the warm water discharge port 108. A flow branching device (not shown). Furthermore, the flow branching device can take a first form and a second form via a flow regulating means 112 such as a lever-shaped, wing-shaped, elliptical or butterfly-shaped handle.

  In FIG. 1, the flow branching device is shown as a first configuration in which the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 102 and the second hot water port 104. In FIG. 2, the flow branching device is shown as a second configuration in which the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 102 and the hot water discharge port 108. It should be noted that the hot water relief port 106 includes a threaded portion (female) for receiving a hot water relief valve. However, although the hot water relief port 106 having a screw (female) portion is shown, the hot water relief port 106 includes a screw portion (male), a friction-fit connector, a crimp connector, a clamp connector, a quick detachable connector, and the like. It should be appreciated that it can be configured to connect with any form of hot water relief valve suitable for the desired end purpose. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure relief valve in communication with the pressure relief port 106. In certain embodiments, a pressure relief valve can be incorporated into the valve body or its pressure relief port 106. Other embodiments may include a pressure relief valve that is external to the valve body and operatively connected to the pressure relief port 106.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a flow diverting device such as a ball valve, which allows the hot water relief port 106 to be opened in both forms of the flow control means 112. . For example, in the first embodiment, the warm water flow is between the first warm water port 102 and the second warm water port 104 and also communicates with the warm water relief port 106. In the second configuration, the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 102 and the hot water discharge port 108 and also communicates with the hot water relief port 106. This allows fluid communication between the first hot water port 102 and the hot water relief port 106 regardless of the configuration of the flow branching device. The hot water relief valve can be provided in communication with the hot water relief port so that the hot water relief valve is always in fluid communication with the first hot water port 102. This embodiment provides an important safety feature that can prevent an overpressure condition in a system or facility such as a water heater without a tank to which the hot water valve of the present invention is attached.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a chilled water shut-off valve 200 is shown, which includes a first chilled water port 202, a second chilled water port 204, and a chilled water discharge port 206. The cold water shutoff valve 200 defines a cold water flow path 201 and a cold water discharge path 203, and the cold water flow path 201 is disposed so as to communicate the first cold water port 202 with the second cold water port 204, and the cold water discharge path 203 is arranged to communicate the second cold water port 204 with the cold water discharge port 206. The cold water shut-off valve 200 also includes a flow branching device such as a ball valve disposed in the valve portion 208. The valve unit 208 is disposed between the first cold water port 202, the second cold water port 204, and the cold water discharge port 206. Furthermore, the flow branching device can take the first form and the second form via the flow control means 210. In FIG. 3, the flow branching device is shown as a first configuration in which the chilled water flow is between the first chilled water port 202 and the second chilled water port 204. In FIG. 4, the flow branching device is shown as a second configuration in which the cold water flow is between the second cold water port 204 and the cold water discharge port 206.

  Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another exemplary cold water shutoff valve 500 according to the present invention is shown, which includes a cold water discharge port 506 having a first cold water port 502, a second cold water port 504, and a discharge valve 501. Is included. In these other exemplary embodiments, the drain valve 501 is a ball valve to which a drain valve handle 507 is attached. The drain valve handle 507 is a one leaf handle that can actuate the drain valve 501 with a more compact valve design. Within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated that the drain valve 501 may not include a handle and may be actuated by a set screw, any handle configuration, and the like. Also within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated that the drain valve 501 can be other than a ball valve, such as conventional stem and valve seat designs.

  The cold water shut-off valve 500 defines a cold water flow path 503 and a cold water discharge path 505, and the cold water flow path 503 is arranged to communicate the first cold water port 502 with the second cold water port 504, and the cold water discharge path 505 is arranged to communicate the first cold water port 502 with the cold water discharge port 506. The cold water shut-off valve 500 also includes a flow branching device such as a ball valve 509 disposed in the valve portion 508. The ball valve 509 is operated using a butterfly-shaped handle 511. Within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated that the ball valve 509 can be actuated by a single lever handle, set screw, circular handle or the like. The valve unit 508 is disposed between the first cold water port 502, the second cold water port 504, and the cold water discharge port 506. Furthermore, the flow branching device can take the first form (that is, the form that opens the cold water flow path 503) and the second form (that is, the form that opens the cold water discharge path 505) via the ball valve 509.

  Referring now to FIG. 5B, a cut side view of the flow branch device is shown. In the first configuration, the cold water flow is between the first cold water port 502 and the second cold water port 504. The ball valve 509 has a second configuration in which the flow of cold water is between the first cold water port 502 and the cold water discharge port 506. Advantageously, it is possible to attach a drain valve 501 to the drain port 506 so that the operator of the valve 500 is within the second configuration while installing a drainage device or pump device to the cold water drain port 506. You will be able to examine the flow of. The first cold water port 502 has a union connection 533 with a thread (female) that allows the cold water shut-off valve 500 to be securely sealed in the piping system. The union connection part 533 has the union nut 534 which attaches a cold water shut-off valve to a piping system so that sealing is possible using the union washer 513. The union connection 533 further includes an insulator 505 formed of a polymer material. Insulator 505 prevents galvanic action that may occur when the nipple or tube connecting to valve 500 is iron or a metal different from valve 500.

  The 2nd cold water port 504 has a thread part (female) which enables screwing with a piping system. Within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated that any of the cold water ports 502, 504 can have a union connection or a screw connection. Further, within the scope of the present invention, all of the cold water ports 502 and 504 are threaded (male), friction fitting connectors, sweat connections, crimp connectors, clamp connectors, quick disconnect connectors, flanges, etc. in the art. It is contemplated that it is possible to have other known attachment means.

  According to the present invention, the ball valve 509 allows at least two fluid flow configurations. The ball 520 forming the ball valve 509 has a valve body using a first polymer valve seat 522, a second polymer valve seat 523, a third polymer valve seat 527 and a fourth polymer valve seat 528. Installed inside. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve seats 522, 523, 527, 528 are formed of Teflon. It is contemplated that any polymeric material that has sufficient sealing properties can be used within the scope of the present invention. Ball valve 509 is positioned within the valve housing by ball valve cap 530.

  A valve stem 524 is attached to the ball 520. The valve stem 524 is sealably mounted within the valve body using a polymer valve stem seat 526 and a valve stem nut 529. A butterfly handle 511 that is fixed using a handle nut 531 is attached to the valve stem 524. Inside the ball 520, the flow can be diverged variously towards and from the ports 502, 504 and the cold water discharge port 508 by means of geometric flow paths.

  6A and 6B, a hot water shutoff valve 600 is shown, which includes a first hot water port 602, a second hot water port 604, a hot water relief port 606, and a hot water discharge port 608. A discharge port valve 601 is attached to the hot water discharge port 608. The hot water shutoff valve 600 defines a hot water flow path 603 and a hot water discharge path 605. Hot water flow path 603 provides fluid communication between first hot water port 602 and second hot water port 604. The hot water channel 603 also communicates with the hot water relief port 606. The hot water discharge path 605 provides fluid communication between the first hot water port 602 and the hot water discharge port 608 having the discharge port valve 601. The hot water discharge path 605 also leads to a hot water relief port 606. The hot water shutoff valve 600 serves as a flow branch device between the first hot water port 602, the second hot water port 604, the hot water relief port 606, and the hot water discharge port 608 having the discharge port valve 601 in the valve unit 610. Includes a ball valve 609. Further, the ball valve 609 can take a first form and a second form via a handle 612. In the first configuration, the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 602, the second hot water port 604 and the hot water relief port 606. In the second configuration, the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 602, the hot water discharge port 608 and the hot water relief port 606.

  According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hot water relief port 606 includes a thread (female) for receiving a hot water relief valve. Although a hot water relief port 606 having a thread (female) portion is shown, the hot water relief port 606 may be a threaded portion (male), a friction fitting connector, a crimp connector, a clamp connector, a quick-removable connector, or the like. It should be appreciated that it can be configured to connect with any form of hot water relief valve suitable for the end purpose. Another embodiment of the present invention may include a hot water relief valve incorporated into the hot water relief port rather than connected to the hot water relief port.

  Referring now to FIG. 6B, a cut side view of the flow branch device is shown. In the first mode, the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 602 and the second hot water port 604. The flow branching device, or ball valve 609, has a second configuration in which the hot water flow is between the first hot water port 602 and the hot water discharge port 608. Advantageously, a discharge valve (not shown) is attached to the discharge port 608 so that the user of the hot water shut-off valve 600 can install the drainage device or pump device in the second configuration while attaching to the hot water discharge port 608. It becomes possible to examine the flow within the range.

  The first hot water port 602 has a union connection 633 with a threaded portion (female) that allows the hot water shutoff valve 600 to be reliably sealed within the piping system. The union connection part 633 has the union nut 634 which attaches the hot water shut-off valve 600 to a piping system so that sealing is possible using the union washer 613. The union connection portion 633 includes an insulator 605 formed of a polymer material. Insulator 605 prevents galvanic action that may occur when the nipple or tube connecting to valve 600 is iron or a metal different from valve 600.

  The 2nd warm water port 604 has a thread part (female) which enables screwing with a piping system. Within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated that either hot water port 602, 604 may have a union connection or a screw connection. Further, within the scope of the present invention, the hot water ports 602 and 604 are all known in the art, such as a threaded portion (male), a friction fitting connector, a crimp connector, a clamp connector, a quick disconnect connector, and the like. It is contemplated that it is possible to have several attachment means.

  According to the present invention, the ball valve 609 allows at least two fluid flow configurations. The ball 620 forming the ball valve 609 includes a first polymer valve seat 622, a second polymer valve seat 623, a third polymer valve seat 627, and a fourth polymer valve seat 628. Installed inside. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve seats 622, 623, 627, 628 are formed of Teflon. It is contemplated that any polymeric material that has sufficient sealing properties can be used within the scope of the present invention. Ball valve 609 is positioned within the valve housing by ball valve cap 630. A valve stem 624 is attached to the ball 620. The valve stem 624 is sealably mounted in the valve body using a polymer valve stem seat 626 and a valve stem nut 628. Inside the ball 620, the flow may be diverged variously towards and from the ports 602, 604 and the hot water discharge port 608 by geometric flow paths.

  7A-7D, the ball 620 forming the ball valve 609 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in further detail. FIG. 7A shows that by rotating the handle 710, the rotation axis 712 is oriented vertically so that the ball can be rotated about the rotation axis 712 in the ball valve 609 (FIG. 6B), and the handle 710 is FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a ball 620 in a first configuration, securely attached to the top of 620. When the ball is installed in the hot water valve, the schematic front view shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C matches the view for the hot water discharge port with the handle on top. In the first embodiment, the through hole 714 passes through the center of the ball 620 and forms an open flow path from the first hot water port 702 to the second hot water port 704. A first bottomed hole 716 is aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation 712 and leads from the surface of the ball opposite the point where the handle is attached to the through hole 714 to form a flow path to the hot water pressure relief port 706. FIG. 7B is a schematic bottom view of the ball 620 in the first configuration in which the rotation shaft 712 is orthogonal to the paper surface. The second bottomed hole 718 is orthogonal to the surface formed by the rotation shaft 712 and the central axis of the through hole 714. In the first form shown in FIG. 7B, the hot water discharge port 708 is closed, and the second bottomed hole 718 extends from the surface of the ball opposite to the hot water discharge port 708 to the center of the ball. Intersects both of the bottomed holes 716 of one.

  FIG. 7C shows that by rotating the handle 710, the rotation axis 712 is oriented vertically so that the ball can be rotated about the rotation axis 712 in the ball valve 609 (FIG. 6B), and the handle 710 is FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a ball 620 in a second configuration, firmly attached to the top of 620. In the second configuration, the through hole 714 is aligned with the hot water discharge port 708, and the second bottomed hole 718 is aligned with the first hot water port 702, between the hot water discharge port 708 and the first hot water port 702. Forming an open channel. In the second mode, a flow path to the second hot water port 704 is not formed. Since the first bottomed hole 706 is aligned coaxially with the rotating shaft 712, it always remains aligned with the hot water relief port 706. Thus, an open flow path is formed between the hot water relief port 706 and the first hot water port 702 in both the first form and the second form. In the second configuration, the hot water relief port also communicates with the hot water discharge port 708. FIG. 7D is a schematic bottom view of the ball 620 in the second configuration in which the rotation shaft 712 is orthogonal to the paper surface. The ball shown in FIG. 7D is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the ball shown in FIG. 7B, but the first hot water port 702, the second hot water port 704, the hot water discharge port 708, and the hot water pressure relief The position of the port 706 does not change.

  A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the hot water relief valve 802 is incorporated into the hot water relief port 806 of the hot water shutoff valve 800 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the hot water relief valve 802 is oriented parallel to the second hot water port. While the hot water relief port 804 includes an exemplary corner 806 so that the hot water relief valve 802 is oriented parallel to the second hot water port 808, those skilled in the art will depart from the scope of the present invention. Without recognizing, it should be appreciated that the hot water relief port 804 may not include the corner portion 806 or may include a corner portion having an angle different from that shown.

  Referring to FIG. 9, a typical in-line facility configuration is shown, which is connected between a water source 302 (such as a well or water main) and a piping system 304 (such as a piping system that supplies a building). The tankless water heater 300 includes a first tankless water port 306 and a second tankless water port 308.

  Referring to FIGS. 9 and 1 to 4, the cold water shut-off valve 200 is connected to a water supply 302 via a first cold water port 202 and to a water port 306 without a first tank. It is connected to the water heater 300 without a tank via the second cold water port 204. When the flow branching device of the chilled water shut-off valve 200 is in the first configuration, chilled water enters the first chilled water port 202 from the water supply 302 and passes through the chilled water flow path 201 (FIG. 3) to the second chilled water port. From 204, it can flow into the water port 306 without the first tank. When the flow branching device of the cold water shutoff valve 200 is in the second configuration, the flow path of the cold water shutoff valve 200 is between the cold water discharge port 206 and the second cold water port 204, and the cold water discharge passage 203 (FIG. 3) is connected. The drainage of the water heater 300 without a tank is promoted. In the second position or configuration of the cold water shut-off valve 200, cold water is prevented from flowing into the water heater 300 without the tank via the first cold water port 202. In order to seal the cold water discharge port 206 and thus completely prevent cold water from flowing through the cold water shut-off valve 200, a cold water discharge flow stop 212 (FIG. 3) or a discharge valve may be provided.

  The hot water shutoff valve 100 is connected to a water heater 300 without a tank via a water port 308 without a second tank connected to the first hot water port 102. Further, the hot water shutoff valve 100 is connected to the piping system 304 via the second hot water port 104. When the flow branching device of the hot water shut-off valve 100 is in the first configuration, the hot water enters the first hot water port 102 from the water port 308 without the second tank and passes through the hot water channel 101 (FIG. 1). The second hot water port 104 can exit and enter the piping system 304. When the flow branching device of the hot water shutoff valve 100 is in the second configuration, the hot water enters the first hot water port 102 from the water port 308 without the second tank, and discharges the hot water through the hot water discharge passage 103 (FIG. 1). Outflow from the port 108 can facilitate drainage on the hot water side of the system (and emptying the water heater without a tank). In the second configuration, water is prevented from flowing into the piping system 304. In order to seal the hot water discharge port 108 and thus prevent water from flowing through the hot water shut-off valve 100, a hot water discharge flow stop 114 (FIG. 1) or a discharge valve may be provided.

  This previously described design advantageously allows the water heater 300 and / or the piping system 304 without a tank to be drained or flushed. For example, when the flow branching device of the cold water shutoff valve 200 is in the second configuration, a flushing device containing a flushing fluid such as water or a chemical solvent is connected to the cold water discharge port 206 and the flushing fluid is injected into the cold water discharge port 206 can do. The flushing fluid passes through the cold water discharge passage 203, exits the second cold water port 204, enters the water port 306 without the first tank, and flows through the water heater 300 without the tank. The flushing fluid then exits the water port 308 without the second tank and enters the first hot water port 102. When the flow branching device of the hot water shutoff valve 100 is in the second configuration, the flushing fluid flow path is between the first hot water port 102 and the hot water discharge port 108, and advantageously, the tankless water heater 300. Can be flushed. It should be appreciated that the foregoing flushing can be performed in the opposite manner, using the hot water discharge port 108 as an inlet flow port and the cold water discharge port 206 as an outlet flow port.

  One purpose of this valve is to shut off the cold water supply line and the hot water line to the piping system, so that the water heater can be replaced. Such on-demand tankless water heaters are typically attached to the wall using a fastening device. To replace the unit, the valve can be closed, each union (eg, first hot water port 102 and second cold water port 204) can be disconnected, and the water heater can be removed from the wall. When the water source 302 and the piping system 304 are disconnected, the exhaust port with the valve is used to test the system and flush the water heater with chemicals. The drain port valve allows the operator to control the flow of fluid through the tankless water heater 300, thereby making the testing and flushing operations more convenient and safe for the operator. The pressure relief valve screwed into the hot water shutoff valve is always open to the water heater regardless of the position of the ball because the hole is on the opposite side of the stem.

  This inventive design advantageously saves space and time and provides sufficient fluid flow. Since hot water heaters are tested by fluid flow and temperature calculations, sufficient fluid flow of discharge is important. Furthermore, since these units are installed in a narrow space, space is also important. This design is less than half the length of the current design, advantageously allowing these new shut-off valves to be used in tight spaces.

  The cold water shut-off valve and the hot water shut-off valve can be combined in one place. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that any size valve and configuration suitable for the desired end purpose can be used.

  The first hot water port 102 and the first cold water port 204 are a union connection for connecting the hot water shutoff valve 100 and the cold water shutoff valve 200 to a water heater 300 without a tank, as is known in the art. It should be recognized that.

  In the present specification, embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a hot water shut-off valve and a cold water shut-off valve in which a branch device for a single flow, such as a ball valve, is exemplarily disposed in the valve section. It should be understood that within the scope of the present invention it is possible to arrange branching devices for more than one flow in a single valve part. A hot water shut-off valve having a bifurcation device for two or more flows according to another embodiment of the present invention is described in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a hot water shut-off valve 1000 is shown, which includes a first hot water port 1002, a second hot water port 1004, a hot water relief port 1006 and a hot water discharge port 1008. The warm water shutoff valve 1000 defines a warm water flow path 1001 and a warm water discharge path 1003. The hot water flow path 1001 provides fluid communication between the first hot water port 1002 and the second hot water port 1004. The hot water discharge passage 1003 provides fluid communication between the first hot water port 1002 and the hot water discharge port 1008.

  The hot water shutoff valve 1000 includes two flow branching devices 1007 and 1009 that are illustratively disposed in the valve portion 1010. The first flow branching device 1009 is disposed near the hot water discharge port 1008 and opens and closes the hot water discharge port in response to the movement of the first flow adjusting means 1011. The second flow branching device 1007 is disposed near the second hot water port 1004 and opens and closes the second hot water port 1004 in response to the movement of the second flow adjusting means 1013. The flow branching device can take the first form and the second form via the first flow adjusting means 1011 and the second flow adjusting means 1013. The first flow adjusting means 1011 and the second flow adjusting means 1013 can be, for example, lever-shaped, wing-shaped, elliptical or butterfly-shaped handles.

  In the first configuration of the hot water shutoff valve 1000 shown in FIG. 10, the first flow branch device 1011 is positioned to close the hot water discharge port 1008 and the second flow branch device 1013 opens the second hot water port 1004. Are positioned as follows. In the second configuration of the shutoff valve 1000, the first flow branch device 1011 is positioned to open the hot water discharge port 1008 and the second flow branch device 1013 is positioned to close the second hot water port 1004. . This allows fluid communication between the first hot water port 1002 and the hot water relief port 1006 regardless of the configuration of the flow branching device. The hot water relief valve can be provided in communication with the hot water relief port so that the hot water relief valve is always in fluid communication with the first hot water port 1002. In this embodiment, an important safety function of the above-described embodiment is maintained, which can prevent an overpressure condition in a system or facility such as a water heater without a tank in which the hot water valve of the present invention is installed.

  An exemplary embodiment of a hot water shut-off valve and a cold water shut-off valve includes a forged brass structure, but the hot water shut-off valve and the cold water shut-off valve are cast in whole, in part or in combination. It can be constructed using any material suitable for the desired end purpose, such as composite materials such as brass, copper, iron, plastic and / or polycarbonate. Furthermore, the connection between the hot water shut-off valve, the cold water shut-off valve, the piping system and the water heater without a tank is shown and described as a threaded screw-type connection, but these connections are friction fitting connectors. It should be appreciated that any connection suitable for the desired end purpose can be made, such as a crimp connector, a clamp connector, or a quick disconnect connector.

  Although the exemplary embodiments of the hot water shutoff valve and the cold water shutoff valve show using them to connect a water heater without a tank to a piping system, the shutoff valve of the present invention is used in the art. One skilled in the art should recognize that other known piping installations or piping systems can be installed and separated within the entire piping system.

  As shown in FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a system for purifying equipment. System 1100 includes an installation 1102 having a fluid inlet port 1104 and a fluid outlet port 1106. Supply line 1112 and valve device 1117A connect fluid inlet port 1104 to water supply 1110. Outflow line 1116 and valve device 1117B connect fluid outlet port 1106 to piping system 1114. The valve devices 1117A and 1117B include union portions 1118A and B, discharge portions 1120A and B, and valve portions 1122A and B, respectively. The pressure relief port 1124 is illustratively provided as a T-connection between the fluid outlet port 1106 and the valve device 1117B. A pressure relief valve (not shown) can be attached to the pressure relief port 1124.

  The union part 1118A of the valve device 1117A connects the discharge part 1120A to the fluid inlet port 1104 via the supply pipe line 1112. The discharge unit 1120A connects the valve unit 1122A to the supply pipeline 1112 via the union unit 1118A. The valve portion 1117A connects the discharge portion 1120A to the water supply source 1110. The discharge portion 1120A forms a closeable fluid flow path for discharging fluid from the facility 1102 via the fluid inlet port 1104, and the valve portion 1122A opens and closes the flow path with respect to the water supply source 1110. Forming means for

  Union portion 1118B of valve device 1117B connects discharge portion 1120B to fluid outflow port 1106 via outflow conduit 1116. The discharge part 1120B connects the valve part 1122B to the outflow pipe line 1116 via the union part 1118B. The valve unit 1117B connects the discharge unit 1120B to the piping system 1114. The discharge part 1120B forms a closable fluid flow path for discharging fluid from the facility 1102 via the fluid outflow port 1106, and the valve part 1122B opens and closes the flow path with respect to the piping system 1114. Form a means.

  The valves 1122A and B are closed while the discharge parts 1120A and B are opened, the facility 1102 is shut off from the water supply source 1110 and the piping system 1114, and the discharge path from the fluid inlet port 1104 and the discharge path from the fluid outflow port 1106 The facility 1102 can be purified with a fluid. The pressure relief port 1124 provides safety by allowing fluid under pressure to escape from the system, for example when the valves 1122A, B and the drains 1120A, B are all closed.

  Various embodiments of the present invention are described and / or illustrated with the first flow path aligned with the second flow path and the discharge path having a 90 ° or 180 ° orientation relative to the relief path. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that, within the scope of the present invention, the various ports and channels described herein can be oriented in substantially any plane or direction relative to each other. Should.

While the invention has been illustrated and described with reference to illustrative embodiments, various changes, omissions and additions can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

A valve body having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a fluid discharge channel and a hot water relief channel;
At least one flow branching device that may take a first form and a second form, wherein the first fluid flow path is the second fluid flow when the flow branching device is in the first form. And at least one flow branch device in which the first fluid flow path communicates with the fluid discharge path and the hot water relief path when the flow branch device is in the second configuration. And a fluid shutoff valve.   The fluid shut-off valve of claim 1, wherein the flow branching device comprises at least one ball portion. When the flow branching device is in the first configuration, the at least one ball portion is a channel opened between the first fluid channel, the second fluid channel, and the hot water relief channel. And to close the fluid discharge path,
When the flow branching device is in the second configuration, the at least one ball portion forms an open channel between the first fluid channel, the fluid discharge channel, and the hot water relief channel. The fluid shut-off valve of claim 2, wherein the fluid shut-off valve is adapted to close the second fluid flow path.   The fluid shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is configured as an integral structure.   4. A fluid shut-off valve according to claim 3, wherein the at least one ball portion comprises a first ball portion in the fluid discharge passage and a second ball portion in the second flow path.   The fluid shut-off valve according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief valve communicating with the hot water relief path.

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