WO2013038398A1

WO2013038398A1 - A coupling assembly for coupling a valve to an outlet from a chamber and a chamber comprising the coupling assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2013038398A1
Application number: PCT/IE2012/000043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colm Vincent Concannon; John Francis Concannon; Dermot Martin O'BRIEN
Original assignee: Rodicon Limited
Priority date: 2011-09-14
Filing date: 2012-09-14
Publication date: 2013-03-21

Abstract

A coupling assembly (1) for coupling a vortex valve (3) to an outlet port (7) from a chamber (5) of a manhole (6) comprises a housing (10) and a carrier element (25) which carries the vortex valve (3). The carrier element (25) is slideable in the main housing (10) along a substantially vertical plane (36) of movement between a first state with first and second inclined abutment surfaces (12,48) of the main housing (10) and the carrier element (25), respectively abutting each other with the vortex valve (3) communicating with the outlet port through a communicating duct (45) in the carrier element (25) and an outlet duct (11) in the main housing (10) and a second state with the first and second abutment surfaces (12,48) spaced apart from each other and with the vortex valve (3) and the carrier element (25) clear of the outlet duct (11) through the main housing (10).

Description

"A coupling assembly for coupling a valve to an outlet from a

chamber and a chamber comprising the coupling assembly"

The present invention relates to a coupling assembly for coupling a valve to an outlet port from a chamber, and in particular, though not limited to a coupling assembly for coupling a vortex valve internally in a chamber to an outlet port from the chamber. The invention also relates to a chamber comprising the coupling assembly.

Storm water management systems require that the rate at which storm water resulting from storm water surges is released into rivers and streams should be controlled in order to avoid excessive flooding of the rivers and/or streams into which the storm water from the storm water management system is being released. In general, storm water is collected in relatively large underground tanks, and the collected storm water therein is released gradually into an underground soak pit. Storm water not absorbed by the soak pit is fed to a discharge chamber from which the storm water is released at a controlled rate into the river or stream. A control valve, which commonly is provided by a vortex valve, is located in the discharge chamber for controlling the rate at which storm water is released from the discharge chamber into the river or stream.

In general, such storm water management systems are capable of controlling the release of storm water resulting from the majority of storm water surges. However, periodically, perhaps once in five or ten years, as a result of an exceptionally severe storm a storm water surge is experienced which exceeds the design limits of such a storm water system. In such exceptional cases, it is essential that the underground tanks and discharge chamber should not overflow, since in general such storm water management systems are located relatively closely to the area from which the storm water is collected. Such areas, typically, are housing estates, and if the storm water management system were to overflow during exceptional storm water surge, the housing estate from which the water is being collected could itself be flooded.

To overcome these problems, various outlet systems are provided for managing overflow of such storm water systems in the event of exceptional storm water surges. In one such overflow system which comprises a vortex valve for controlling the flow of storm water from the discharge chamber, the vortex valve is provided with two inlets, one inlet being provided to the vortex chamber which in turn delivers the water through the vortex chamber to an outlet from the valve with a controlling vortex action, and the other inlet being provided by a straight through pipe to the outlet of the vortex valve, so that the storm water can pass through the vortex valve without being subjected to the vortex action. This arrangement, however, requires that the inlet to the straight through pipe should be closed by a closure plate, which is operable manually for opening the inlet to the straight through pipe of the vortex valve. This is unsatisfactory, since both the inlets feed to a common outlet, and storm water flowing through the vortex chamber can still induce a vortex action in the water flowing through the outlet, even when the outlet to the straight through pipe is open and storm water is flowing directly to the outlet of the vortex valve. This, thus, imposes a limit on the rate at which overflow water can be released from the discharge chamber, and in an exceptional storm water surge can lead to overflow of water from the discharge chamber and the holding tanks, and in turn to flooding of the area from which the storm water is collected. This is unsatisfactory, and there is therefore a need for a device which addresses this problem. The present invention is directed towards providing a coupling assembly for coupling a vortex valve to an outlet from such a discharge chamber which addresses this problem. The invention is also directed towards providing a coupling assembly for coupling a valve, be it a vortex valve or any other type of valve, to an outlet port of a chamber, and the invention is further directed towards a chamber comprising the coupling assembly.

According to the invention there is provided a coupling assembly for coupling a valve to an outlet port from a chamber, the coupling assembly comprising a main housing having an outlet duct extending therethrough, the main housing being adapted for coupling to a wall of the chamber adjacent the outlet port with the outlet duct communicating with the outlet port, a carrier element adapted for carrying the valve, the carrier element being engageable with the main housing in a first state with the valve communicating with the outlet port through the outlet duct and being slideable in the main housing from the first state to a second state with the carrier element engaged with the main housing and with the valve disconnected from the outlet duct.

In one embodiment of the invention a guide means is provided for guiding the carrier element between the first state and the second state.

Preferably, the guide means comprises a pair of mutually interengageable complementary formations slideable relative to each other, one of the said formations being formed on the main housing, and the other of the said formations being formed on the carrier element. Advantageously, one of the said formations comprises a guide track. Preferably, the one of the said formations which comprises a guide track comprises an elongated guide track. Ideally, the guide track comprises a guide groove. Preferably, the guide track comprises an elongated guide groove. In one aspect of the invention the guide track is located in the main housing.

In another aspect of the invention the other one of the said formations comprises a tongue slideably engageable in the guide track. Preferably, the tongue comprises an elongated tongue. Advantageously, the tongue extends along and from the carrier element.

Preferably, a pair of guide tracks are provided adjacent respective opposite sides of the main housing. In another aspect of the invention one of the said formations of the guide means comprises an elongated guide member extending from one of the main housing and the carrier element, and the other one of the said formations of the guide means comprises a guide opening on the other one of the main housing and the carrier element, the guide member being slideable in the guide opening.

Preferably, the guide means defines a plane of movement of the carrier element along which the carrier element is slideable between the first state and the second state. In another aspect of the invention the housing defines a first abutment surface from which the outlet duct extends through the main housing, and the carrier element defines a second a second abutment surface through which the valve communicates with the outlet duct, the first and second abutment surfaces being configured relative to the guide means so that as the carrier element is being urged from the second state to the first state the second abutment surface is urged from a spaced apart state spaced apart from the first abutment surface into an abutting state abutting the first abutment surface with the valve communicating with the outlet duct in the main housing through the abutting first and second abutment surfaces. Advantageously, the first and second abutment surfaces are inclined relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element. Preferably, the first and second abutment surfaces are inclined relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element in a generally downwardly direction away from the main housing towards the carrier element.

Preferably, the angle of inclination of the first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element are substantially similar to each other. Advantageously, the angle of inclination of the respective first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element lies in the range of 2° to 20°. Preferably, the angle of inclination of the respective first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element lies in the range of 4° to 12°. Ideally, the angle of inclination of the respective first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element is approximately 6°.

In another aspect of the invention a communicating duct extends through the carrier element from the second abutment surface for communicating with the valve, the communicating duct being located in the carrier element to communicate with the outlet duct in the main housing when the carrier element is in the first state.

Preferably, a first sealing means is provided for sealing the carrier element to the main housing around the outlet duct. Advantageously, the first sealing means is located on one of the carrier element and the housing. Ideally, the first sealing means is located on the carrier element.

In one aspect of the invention the guide means co-operates with the first sealing means for effecting the seal between the carrier element and the main housing when the carrier element is in the first state. Preferably, the first sealing means comprises an O-ring seal located in an O-ring accommodating groove formed into one of the first and second abutment surfaces and around the corresponding one of the outlet duct and the communicating duct. Advantageously, the O-ring accommodating groove is formed in the second abutment surface.

In another aspect of the invention a stop means is provided for limiting travel of the carrier element in a direction from the first state to the second state beyond the second state. Preferably, the stop means is releasable for permitting travel of the carrier element beyond the second state for disengagement of the carrier element from the main housing.

In another aspect of the invention a latching means is provided for selectively latching the carrier element in the first state. Preferably, the latching means is adapted for selectively latching the carrier element in the second state.

Advantageously, the latching means is mounted on the carrier element. Ideally, the latching means is selectively engageable with the main housing at respective first and second locations for selectively latching the carrier element in the first state and the second state, respectively. In one aspect of the invention the latching means comprises a latch which is pivotally mounted on the carrier element and is selectively urgeable between a latched state for engaging the main housing at the respective first and second locations, and an unlatched state disengaged from the main housing. In another aspect of the invention the latching means is adapted to be remotely operable externally of the chamber for selectively operating the latching means between the respective latched and unlatched state. In a further aspect of the invention an operating means is provided for remotely operating the latching means between the latched and unlatched state, the operating means being releasably engageable with the latching means for facilitating remote operation of the latching means externally of the chamber. Preferably, the operating means comprises an engagement means for releasably engaging the latching means. Advantageously, the operating means is adapted for removing the carrier element from the main housing.

In another aspect of the invention a second sealing means is provided for sealably engaging the main housing with the outlet port from the chamber.

Preferably, the coupling assembly is adapted for coupling the valve to the outlet port from a chamber of a manhole. In another aspect of the invention the coupling assembly is adapted for coupling the valve to the outlet port from a chamber of a manhole adapted for accommodating storm water therethrough.

Preferably, the carrier element is adapted for carrying a vortex valve. In one aspect of the invention a vortex valve is coupled to the carrier element.

The invention also provides a chamber comprising a coupling assembly according to the invention coupling a valve to an outlet port from the chamber, the main housing being located in the chamber and coupled to a wall of the chamber adjacent the outlet port with the outlet duct communicating with the outlet port.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the carrier element is moveable from the first state to the second state, and when the carrier element is in the second state, the valve is disconnected from the outlet duct of the main housing. Thus, water or other liquid in the chamber can flow from the chamber through the outlet port directly through the outlet duct of the main housing unimpeded by the valve. A further advantage of the invention is that when the carrier element is in the second state, direct access from the chamber is provided through the outlet duct of the main housing and the outlet port from the chamber into a pipe system extending from the outlet port to allow maintenance, inspection, rodding and the like of the pipe system downstream from the chamber. Another advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that when the carrier element is in the second state, water or other liquids in the chamber can flow from the chamber directly through the outlet port unimpeded by the valve, thereby removing the need to provide an independent bypass from the chamber to the outlet port therefrom to bypass the valve. In cases where the valve is a vortex valve, a simple vortex valve can be used and carried on the carrier element without the need for the vortex valve to be provided with its own bypass. A further advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the carrier element together with the valve can be removed from the housing and also from the chamber, which allows maintenance and inspection to be carried out on the vortex valve externally of the chamber.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling assembly according to the invention for coupling a vortex valve to an outlet port from a chamber of a manhole,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 from a different direction,

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the coupling assembly in a different state to that of Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 2 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 illustrating the coupling assembly in the same state as that illustrated in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 with the coupling assembly illustrated in the state of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 with the coupling assembly in the same state as that of Fig. 3,

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 in the same state as that of Fig. 3,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 8 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 from a different direction,

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the portion of Fig. 8 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 8 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 8 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another portion of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the portion of Fig. 13 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 from a different direction,

Fig. 15 is a front elevational view of the portion of Fig. 13 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 13 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 13 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 18 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 on the line XVIII-XVIII of Fig. 7 illustrating the coupling assembly in the state of Fig. 1 , Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 18 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 but with the coupling assembly in the state of Fig. 3,

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 in use with the coupling assembly in the state of Fig.1 ,

Fig. 21 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 20 of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 also in use but in the state of Fig. 3,

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 in use with the coupling assembly in the state of Fig. 1 , and

Fig. 23 is a top plan view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1 also in use.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a coupling assembly according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , for coupling a vortex valve 3 internally in a chamber 5 also according to the invention of a manhole 6 with an outlet port 7 from the manhole 6 so that the vortex valve 3 is sealably coupled to the outlet port 7, and is also removable from the chamber 5. The manhole 6 in this embodiment of the invention is of the type for controlling the flow of storm water from a storm water management system into a river or stream. The manhole 6 is of plastics material comprising a base 9 and a cylindrical side wall 16 extending upwardly from the base 9. However, the manhole 6 could be of any other suitable material, for example, reinforced concrete. The outlet port 7 extends from the side wall 16 of the manhole 6.

The coupling assembly 1 comprises a main housing 10 having an outlet duct 11 extending therethrough for communicating with the outlet port 7 of the manhole 6. The outlet duct 11 extends through the main housing 10 from a first abutment surface 12 of the main housing 10 to an opposite chamber abutment surface 14 of the main housing 10. The chamber abutment surface 14 is adapted for abutting an inner surface 15 of the side wall 16 of the manhole 6. Six holes 19 extend through side wings 20 of the main housing 10 for accommodating screws (not shown) for securing the main housing 10 to the side wall 16 of the manhole 6 with the chamber abutment surface 14 of the main housing 10 in tight abutment engagement with the inner surface 15 of the side wall 16 of the manhole 6.

A carrier element 25 carries the vortex valve 3 and is slideably engageable with the main housing 10 from a first state illustrated in Figs. 1 , 18, 20 and 22 with the vortex valve 3 communicating with the outlet port 7 of the manhole 6 through the outlet duct 11 of the main housing 10, and a second state illustrated in Figs. 3, 19 and 21 with the carrier element 25 engaged in the main housing 10 but with the vortex valve 3 disconnected from the outlet duct 11. In the second state the carrier element 25 and the vortex valve 3 are clear of the outlet duct 11 of the main housing 10, so that when the carrier element 25 is in the second state, water in the chamber 5 is discharged directly from the chamber 5 through the outlet duct 1 1 and the outlet port 7 unimpeded by the vortex valve 3 or by the carrier element 25. Additionally, the carrier element 25 is slideable in the main housing 10 beyond the second state for removal of the carrier element 25 and in turn the vortex valve 3 from the main housing 10 as will be described in more detail below.

A pair of guide means comprising respective pairs of mutually slideable

interengageable complementary formations, one of which of each pair comprises an elongated guide track 27 formed in the main housing 10, and the other one of each pair comprises an elongated tongue 28 formed in the carrier element 25, slideably guide the carrier element 25 between the first and second states and also out of the main housing 10. The guide tracks 27 of the respective pairs of guide means are provided on respective opposite sides of the main housing 10 and slideably engage the corresponding elongated tongues 28 extending from respective opposite sides of the carrier element 25. Each guide track 27 is formed by an elongated longitudinally extending guide groove 30 which extends longitudinally through an elongated lug 31 extending from and along the corresponding side of the main housing 10, so that the respective lugs 31 extend on respective opposite sides of the carrier element 25 and partly embrace the carrier element 25.

In this embodiment of the invention the guide means further comprise an elongated guide member provided by an elongated guide pillar 33 extending upwardly^'from the main housing 10 which slideably engages a corresponding guide opening 34 formed in a top flange 35 extending rearwardly from the carrier element 25 adjacent; the top thereof for guiding the carrier element 25 between the first and second states. The guide pillar 33 defines a plane 36 of movement of the carrier element 25, which in this embodiment of the invention extends substantially vertically, and along which the carrier element 25 is moveable between the first and second states thereof.

A latching means comprising a latch 38 is rigidly carried on a pivotally mounted latch spigot 39 for selectively latching the carrier element 25 in the first state andisecond state. The latch spigot 39 is pivotally mounted in a bore 40 formed in an arcuate element 41 mounted on the carrier element 25 adjacent the top thereof, and in a bore (not shown) formed into the carrier element 25 also adjacent the top thereof. The latch 38 is operable between an unlatched state disengaged from the main housing 10 and a latched state for selectively engaging a receiver 43 at a first location in the guide pillar 33 for securing the carrier element 25 in the first state, and a top plate 44 secured to the top of the guide pillar 33 at a second location for retaining the carrier element 25 in the second state. The top plate 44 is releasably secured to the top of the guide pillar 33 by screws 42, and is of area greater than the transverse cross-sectional area of the guide pillar 33 and the guide opening 34 formed in the top flange 35 of the carrier element 25, so that the top plate 44 acts as a stop means to limit upward travel of the carrier element 25 beyond the second state. By removing the top plate 44 the carrier element 25 can be disengaged from the main housing 10 for removal from the chamber 5 of the manhole 6 for cleaning and maintenance of the vortex valve 3. With the latch 38 in the unlatched state, the carrier element 25 is urgeable between the first and second states, and is also removable from the main housing 10. A vortex valve communicating duct 45 extends into the carrier element 25 from a second abutment surface 48 to the vortex valve 3 for communicating the vortex valve 3 with the outlet duct 11 of the main housing 10. The vortex valve 3 is secured to a front face 46 of the carrier element 25 with an outlet 47 from the vortex valve 3 communicating with the vortex valve communicating duct 45. A first sealing means comprising a first O-ring seal 50 located in a receiving groove 51 , which is formed in the second abutment surface 48 and extends around the vortex valve

communicating duct 45, is adapted for sealing the second abutment surface 48 of the carrier element 25 to the first abutment surface 12 of the main housing 10 around the vortex valve communicating duct 45 and the outlet duct 1 1 when the carrier element 25 is in the first state.

The first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 of the main housing 10 and the carrier element 25, respectively, are inclined relative to the plane 36 of movement of the carrier element 25. In this embodiment of the invention the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 are inclined relative to the plane 36 of movement of the carrier element 25 in a generally downwardly direction away from the housing 10 and towards the carrier element 25. The angle of inclination of the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 relative to the plane 36 of movement of the carrier element 25 are similar, and both the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 incline at an angle a of approximately 6° to the plane 36 of movement of the carrier element 25. Accordingly, since the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 are inclined to the plane 36 of movement of the carrier element 25, as the carrier element 25 is urged from the second state to the first state the second abutment surface 48 is urged from a spaced apart state spaced apart from the first abutment surface 12 to an abutting state with the second abutment surface 48 abutting the first .. abutment surface 12.

The guide pillar 33 and the guide opening 34 of the top flange 35 as well as the guide tracks 27 and the guide tongues 28 co-operate with the first O-ring seal 50 and the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 so that when the carrier element 25 is in the first state, the second abutment surface 48 is substantially abutting the first abutment surface 12 with the first O-ring seal 50 tightly engaged therebetween to form a seal between the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 around the vortex valve communicating duct 45 and the outlet duct 11.

An engagement means comprising an engagement member 55 extending transversely of the latch spigot 39 on respective opposite sides thereof is provided for releasably engaging an operating means, namely, an elongated operating element 60, see Figs. 20 and 21 , for facilitating remote operation of the latch 38 between the latched and unlatched states, and also for urging of the carrier element 25 between the first and second states, and for removing the carrier element 25 from the main housing 10. The operating element 60 terminates at one end in a hand- grippable cross-member 62, and at its other end in a socket element 63 for releasably engaging the engagement member 55 of the latch spigot 39 of the latch 38.

The socket element 63 is of frustoconical shape having a pair of bayonet slots 64 formed therein for releasably engaging the engagement member 55 of the latch spigot 39 on respective opposite sides thereof. In this embodiment of the invention the bayonet slots 64 are double-sided, having an entry slot 65 which communicates with a transverse slot 66 extending on opposite sides of the entry slot 65. The conical shape of the socket element 63 is such as to accommodate the engagement member 55 of the latch spigot 39 into the entry slots 65, and in turn into the transverse slots 66 by rotating the operating element 60. Once the engagement member 65 is engaged in the transverse slots 66, it is entrapped therein.

The operating element 60 is of sufficient length to extend the distance from the latch spigot 39 upwardly through the manhole 6 adjacent the top thereof for facilitating remote operation of the latch 38 between the latched and unlatched states externally of the manhole 6, and also for facilitating urging of the carrier element 25 between the first and second states in the main housing 10, and also for removal of the carrier element 25 from the main housing 10 when the top plate 44 has been removed from the guide pillar 33.

In this embodiment of the invention the outlet port 7 from the chamber 5 is formed by an outlet pipe 69 extending from an outlet opening 68 in the side wall 16 of the manhole 6. A second sealing means for sealing the main housing 10 to the inner surface 15 of the side wall 16 of the manhole 6, in this embodiment of the invention, comprises a gasket 70 of area substantially similar to the area of the chamber abutting surface 14 of the main housing 10. The gasket 70 is located between the chamber abutting surface 14 and the inner surface 15 of the side wall 16 of the manhole 6. The gasket 70 is of neoprene material, and is pre-bonded to the chamber abutting surface 14 of the housing 10. An opening 71 through the gasket 70 is aligned with the outlet duct 11 , for in turn aligning with the outlet port 7 of the manhole 6 to accommodate water from the chamber 5 therethrough.

In this embodiment of the invention both the main housing 10 and the carrier element 25 are formed of plastics material by a rotational moulding process, and accordingly, the main housing 10 and the carrier element 25 are each hollow internally. However, the main housing 10 and carrier element 25 may be formed by any suitable material by any suitable process.

In use, the main housing 10 is secured to the side wall 16 of the manhole 6 by suitable screws (not shown) through the holes 19 in the side wings 20 of the main housing 10, so that the gasket 70 is tightly and sealably located between the chamber abutment surface 14 and the inner surface 15 of the side wall 16. The carrier element 25 is lowered into the chamber 5 by the operating element 60 engaged with the engagement member 55, and with the latch 38 in the unlatched state. Initially as the guide tongues 28 of the carrier element 25 engage the guide tracks 27, and the guide pillar 33 is engaged by the guide opening 34 in the top flange 35 of the carrier element 25, the carrier element 25 is in the second state. In the second state the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 of the main housing 10 and the carrier element 25, respectively, are in the spaced apart state spaced apart from each other. As the carrier element 25 is urged downwardly by the operating element 60 from the second state towards the first state, the second abutment surface 48 is urged towards the first abutment surface 12 by the cooperating action of the guide pillar 33 with the guide opening 34, and by the cooperating action of the guide tracks 27 with the guide tongues 28.

When the carrier element 25 has been urged into the first state, the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 are in the abutting state substantially abutting each other with the first O-ring seal 50 tightly and sealably located between the first and second abutment faces 12 and 48, to thereby effect a seal between the first and second abutment surfaces 12 and 48 around the vortex valve communicating duct 45 and the outlet duct 11. The latch 38 is then operated by the operating element 60 from the unlatched to the latched state with the latch 38 engaged in the receiver 43 in the guide pillar 33. With the carrier element 25 in the first state, the vortex valve 3 communicates with the outlet port 7 through the vortex valve communicating duct 45 of the carrier element 25 and the outlet duct 11 of the main housing 10.

When it is desired to disconnect the vortex valve 3 from the outlet port 7 in order to allow water to flow unimpeded from the chamber 5 through the outlet port 7, the engagement member 55 of the latch spigot 39 is engaged by the socket element 63 of the operating element 60 to initially operate the latch 38 into the unlatched state, and then to raise the carrier element 25 from the first state to the second state. In the second state, the operating element 60 operates the latch 38 from the unlatched state to the latched state for engaging the top plate 44 of the guide pillar 33 for retaining the carrier element 25 in the second state. In the second state the carrier element 25 and the vortex valve 3 are clear of the outlet duct 1 1 of the main housing 10 so that water in the chamber 5 is discharged directly through the outlet duct 1 1 and the outlet port 7 unimpeded by the vortex valve 3 or by the carrier element 25.

When it is desired to remove the carrier element 25 from the main housing 10, the top plate 44 is removed by releasing the screws 42. The engagement member 55 of the latch spigot 39 is engaged by the socket element 63 of the operating element 60. If the carrier element 25 is in the first state, the latch 38 is operated by the operating element 60 from the latched to the unlatched state in order to disengage the latch 38 from the receiver 43, and the carrier element 25 is raised by the operating element 60 from the first state through the second state, and in turn from the main housing 10 and withdrawn through the manhole 6. If the carrier element 25 is in the second state, the carrier element 25 is simply removed from the housing 10 by the operating element 60. When removed from the manhole 6, the vortex valve 3 may be inspected and any cleaning, servicing and/or maintenance which may be required on the vortex valve 3 can be carried out, and/or the vortex valve 3 may be replaced by a new vortex valve. While the coupling assembly has been described for coupling a vortex valve in a chamber to an outlet port from the chamber, the coupling assembly may be provided for coupling any type of valve to an outlet port from any type of chamber, be it a chamber in a manhole or otherwise. While the guide means for guiding the carrier element in the main housing between the first and second states has been described as comprising a pair of guide tongues which are slideably engageable with corresponding guide tracks, and a guide pillar which is slideably engageable in a guide opening of a top flange of the carrier element, any other suitable guide means may be provided. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the guide pillar may be omitted. It is also envisaged that while the guide grooves of the guide tracks and the guide tongue taper downwardly, it is envisaged in certain cases that the guide grooves of the guide tracks may be formed by parallel sided grooves, and the guide tongues may be formed by parallel sided guide tongues.

Claims

1. A coupling assembly for coupling a valve to an outlet port from a chamber, the coupling assembly comprising a main housing having an outlet duct extending therethrough, the main housing being adapted for coupling to a wall of the chamber adjacent the outlet port with the outlet duct communicating with the outlet port, a , carrier element adapted for carrying the valve, the carrier element being engageable with the main housing in a first state with the valve communicating with the outlet port through the outlet duct and being slideable in the main housing from the first state to a second state with the carrier element engaged with the main housing and with the valve disconnected from the outlet duct.

2. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 1 in which a guide means is provided for guiding the carrier element between the first state and the second state.

3. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 2 in which the guide means comprises a pair of mutually interengageable complementary formations slideable relative to each other, one of the said formations being formed on the main housing, and the other of the said formations being formed on the carrier element.

4. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 3 in which one of the said formations comprises a guide track.

5. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 4 in which the one of the said formations which comprises a g ide track comprises an elongated guide track.

6. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the guide track comprises a guide groove.

7. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6 in which the guide track comprises an elongated guide groove.

8. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 7 in which the guide track is located in the main housing.

9. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 8 in which the other one of the said formations comprises a tongue slideably engageable in the guide track.

10. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 9 in which the tongue comprises an elongated tongue.

11. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 in which the tongue extends along and from the carrier element.

12. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 1 1 in which a pair of guide tracks are provided adjacent respective opposite sides of the main housing.

13. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 12 in which one of the said formations of the guide means comprises an elongated guide member extending from one of the main housing and the carrier element, and the other one of the said formations of the guide means comprises a guide opening on the other one of the main housing and the carrier element, the guide member being slideable in the guide opening.

1 . A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 13 in which the guide means defines a plane of movement of the carrier element along which the carrier element is slideable between the first state and the second state.

15. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the housing defines a first abutment surface from which the outlet duct extends through the main housing, and the carrier element defines a second a second abutment surface through which the valve communicates with the outlet duct, the first and second abutment surfaces being configured relative to the guide means so that as the carrier element is being urged from the second state to the first state the second abutment surface is urged from a spaced apart state spaced apart from the first abutment surface into an abutting state abutting the first abutment surface with the valve communicating with the outlet duct in the main housing through the abutting first and second abutment surfaces.

16. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 15 in which the first and second abutment surfaces are inclined relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element.

17. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 16 in which the first and second abutment surfaces are inclined relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element in a generally downwardly direction away from the main housing towards the carrier element.

18. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 16 or 17 in which the angle of inclination of the first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element are substantially similar to each other.

19. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 18 in which the angle of inclination of the respective first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element lies in the range of 2° to 20°.

20. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 19 in which the angle of inclination of the respective first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element lies in the range of 4° to 12°.

21. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 20 in which the angle of inclination of the respective first and second abutment surfaces relative to the plane of movement of the carrier element is approximately 6°.

22. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 21 in which a communicating duct extends through the carrier element from the second abutment surface for communicating with the valve, the communicating duct being located in the carrier element to communicate with the outlet duct in the main housing when the carrier element is in the first state.

23. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a first sealing means is provided for sealing the carrier element to the main housing around the outlet duct.

24. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 23 in which the first sealing means is located on one of the carrier element and the housing.

25. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 23 or 24 in which the first sealing means is located on the carrier element.

26. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 in which the guide means co-operates with the first sealing means for effecting the seal between the carrier element and the main housing when the carrier element is in the first state.

27. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 26 in which the first sealing means comprises an O-ring seal located in an O-ring accommodating groove formed into one of the first and second abutment surfaces and around the corresponding one of the outlet duct and the communicating duct.

28. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 27 in which the O-ring

accommodating groove is formed in the second abutment surface.

29. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a stop means is provided for limiting travel of the carrier element in a direction from the first state to the second state beyond the second state.

30. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 29 in which the stop means is releasable for permitting travel of the carrier element beyond the second state for disengagement of the carrier element from the main housing.

31. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a latching means is provided for selectively latching the carrier element in the first state.

32. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 31 in which the latching means is adapted for selectively latching the carrier element in the second state.

33. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 31 or 32 in which the latching means is mounted on the carrier element.

34. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 33 in which the latching means is selectively engageable with the main housing at respective first and second locations for selectively latching the carrier element in the first state and the second state, respectively.

35. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 34 in which the latching means comprises a latch which is pivotally mounted on the'carrier element and is selectively urgeable between a latched state for engaging the main housing at the respective first and second locations, and an unlatched state disengaged from the main housing.

36. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 35 in which the latching means is adapted to be remotely operable externally of the chamber for selectively operating the latching means between the respective latched and unlatched state.

37. A coupling assembly as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 36 in which an operating means is provided for remotely operating the latching means between the latched and unlatched state, the operating means being releasably engageable with the latching means for facilitating remote operation of the latching means externally of the chamber.

38. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 37 in which the operating means comprises an engagement means for releasably engaging the latching means.

39. A coupling assembly as claimed in Claim 37 or 38 in which the operating means is adapted for removing the carrier element from the main housing.

40. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second sealing means is provided for sealably engaging the main housing with the outlet port from the chamber.

41. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the coupling assembly is adapted for coupling the valve to the outlet port from a chamber of a manhole.

42. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the coupling assembly is adapted for coupling the valve to the outlet port from a chamber of a manhole adapted for accommodating storm water therethrough.

43. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which the carrier element is adapted for carrying a vortex valve.

44. A coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim in which a vortex valve is coupled to the carrier element.

45. A chamber comprising the coupling assembly as claimed in any preceding claim coupling a valve to an outlet port from the chamber, the main housing being located in the chamber and coupled to a wall of the chamber adjacent the outlet port with the outlet duct communicating with the outlet port.