RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application is based on and claims priority to Australian provisional patent application No 2019902047 filed on 12 June 2019, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a valve device. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a valve device for a pressure reducing valve (PRV). The invention also relates to a PRV incorporating the valve device as well as a method associated with the PRV.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0004] PRVs are used to control or limit downstream pressure in, for instance, water systems. PRVs typically include a device in the form of a cartridge having a valve stem, spring and diaphragm. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into a housing to regulate pressure between an inlet and an outlet. For example, if the outlet pressure increases above a set pressure, the force on the regulating diaphragm will overcome the bias of the spring. A valve head will therefore move towards a valve seat, whereby the downstream pressure will be reduced.

[0005] However, the regulation of pressure can lead to unwanted noise. This noise leads to customer dissatisfaction. Furthermore, noise may lead to other unwanted harmonics in a system which can create failures. Various attempts to reduce noise in PRVs have been proposed but noise from PRVs is an ongoing issue in the plumbing industry.

[0006] In addition, noise in PRVs is typically associated with turbulent flow, increasing the pressure drop in a system. This may result in further issues downstream where additional resources may be need to overcome unsuitable fluid flow. Separately, being able to retrofit cartridges to current PRV housings, in order to reduce noise, is another area which could assist in saving resources.

[0007] The present inventor has developed an improved PRV.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In one form, the invention resides in a valve device including:

a regulating portion having:

an insert with a hollow portion and a guiding portion;

a moving portion extending at least partway through the hollow portion of the insert, the moving portion moving a regulating part that assists in substantially controlling fluid flow at a set outlet pressure by a position thereof relative to the hollow portion; and

a pressure reactive member connected to the moving portion such that movement of the pressure reactive member adjusts the position of the moving portion, the pressure reactive member configured to be in communication with a chamber portion that provides an adjusting force based on outlet pressure to assist in achieving the set outlet pressure,

wherein the guiding portion extends away from the hollow portion to guide movement of the regulating part.

[0009] In an embodiment, the guiding portion is located at or near the end of the insert.

[0010] In an embodiment, the guiding portion extends from at or near an end of the insert.

[001 1 ] In an embodiment, the guiding portion extends substantially in the same direction as a longitudinal axis defined by the insert.

[0012] In an embodiment, the guiding portion includes one or more guiding members.

[0013] In an embodiment, the guiding portion includes at least two or three guiding members.

[0014] In an embodiment, the guiding portion includes a plurality of guiding members.

[0015] In an embodiment, the guiding members are in the form of elongate protrusions. [0016] In an embodiment, the guiding members include at least one curved surface.

[0017] In an embodiment, the regulating part includes a free end.

[0018] In an embodiment, an axis extending across the regulating part coincides with the guiding portion during movement of the moving portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the valve device includes a biasing member that is configured to provide a force to the pressure reactive member.

[0020] In an embodiment, the valve device includes an adjusting portion having an adjusting part that is configured to move in order to adjust the force provided to the pressure reactive member, via the biasing member, to assist in setting the set outlet pressure.

[0021 ] In an embodiment, the insert includes one or more seats.

[0022] In an embodiment, the regulating part cooperates with the one or more seats to substantially control fluid flow at the set outlet pressure.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cooperation between the regulation part and the one or more seats includes the regulation part adjusting to have a gap therebetween to substantially control fluid flow at the set outlet pressure.

[0024] In an embodiment, fluid flow passing the gap between the regulation part and the one or more seats is configured to pass the guiding portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the regulating part is substantially located outboard of the hollow portion.

[0026] In an embodiment, the regulating part is configured to move toward and/or away from insert to assist in controlling fluid flow at the set outlet pressure.

[0027] In an embodiment, the regulating part includes a seal portion.

[0028] In an embodiment, a seal portion is configured to seal between the regulating part and the one or more seats to assist in controlling fluid flow at the set outlet pressure.

[0029] In an embodiment, the moving portion includes a sealing portion configured to seal with the insert.

[0030] In an embodiment, the moving portion includes an engaging member.

[0031 ] In an embodiment, the engaging member is connected to the regulating part.

[0032] In an embodiment, the regulating part is connected at or near an end of the engaging member. [0033] In an embodiment, a sealing portion seals between the elongate member and the insert.

[0034] In an embodiment, the insert includes a directing portion that assists in guiding movement of the elongate member.

[0035] In an embodiment, the directing portion assists in forming part of the hollow portion.

[0036] In an embodiment, the directing portion is separate from the sealing portion.

[0037] In an embodiment, one or more webs assist in supporting the directing portion.

[0038] In an embodiment, the insert includes a chamber face located at an opposite end to the elongate member.

[0039] In an embodiment, the chamber face includes one or more apertures to assist in directing fluid pressure to the chamber portion.

[0040] In a further form, the invention resides in a pressure reducing valve including: a connection fitting having:

an inlet;

an outlet;

an opening; and

a valve device configured to be received into the opening, the valve device including:

a regulating portion having:

an insert with a hollow portion;

a moving portion extending at least partway through the hollow portion of the insert, the moving portion moving a regulating part that assists in substantially controlling fluid flow at a set outlet pressure by a position thereof relative to the hollow portion;

a pressure reactive member connected to the moving portion such that movement of the pressure reactive member adjusts the position of the moving portion, the pressure reactive member being in communication with a chamber portion that provides an adjusting force, based on pressure associated with the outlet, to assist in achieving the set outlet pressure; and a biasing member configured to provide a force to the pressure reactive member; and

an adjusting portion having:

an adjusting part configured to move in order to adjust the force provided to the pressure reactive member, via the biasing member, to assist in setting the set outlet pressure,

wherein a guiding portion extends in a manner to guide movement of the regulating part.

[0041 ] In an embodiment, the guiding portion forms part of the insert.

[0042] In an embodiment, the connection fitting includes a channel that assists in providing pressure associated with the outlet to the chamber portion.

[0043] In an embodiment, the connection fitting includes a separating arrangement that assists in separating the outlet from the inlet.

[0044] In an embodiment, movement of the regulating part is to one side of the separating arrangement where the guiding portion is located.

[0045] In an embodiment, an adapter assists in connecting the connection fitting to the valve device.

[0046] In an embodiment, the pressure reducing valve is herein as described.

[0047] In a further form, the invention resides in a method of reducing pressure through a valve, the method including:

flowing fluid through an inlet;

allowing fluid to pass through a hollow portion of an insert;

allowing fluid to pass a regulating part;

channelling fluid that has passed the regulating part into a chamber portion; and

allowing fluid in a chamber portion to flex a pressure reactive member such that movement of the pressure reactive member moves the regulating part towards or away from one or more seats of an insert in order to substantially regulate to a set pressure,

wherein a guiding portion extends away from the hollow portion of the insert to guide movement of the regulating part. [0048] In an embodiment, movement of the regulating part along the guiding portion includes the regulating part sliding along the guiding portion.

[0049] In an embodiment, movement of the regulating part along the guiding portion includes movement of the regulating part along one or more elongate guiding members.

[0050] In another form, the invention resides in a method of reducing pressure in a water system, the method including providing a pressure reducing valve described herein to a pipe.

[0051 ] In a further form, the invention resides in a kit for a pressure reducing valve, the kit including components of a valve device as herein described.

[0052] In an embodiment, the kit includes instructions on assembling one or more of the components.

[0053] In an embodiment, the kit includes instructions either physically part of the kit or are available virtually on assembling one or more of the components.

[0054] In an embodiment, the kit includes packaging for the components.

[0055] In an embodiment the kit includes:

an insert with a hollow portion and a guiding portion, wherein the guiding portion extends away from the hollow portion to guide movement of a regulating part; and

at least one of:

i) a moving portion configured to extend at least partway through the hollow portion of the insert, the moving portion having the regulating part that assists in substantially controlling fluid flow at a set outlet pressure by a position thereof relative to the hollow portion;

ii) a pressure reactive member adapted to be connected to the moving portion such that movement of the pressure reactive member adjusts the position of the moving portion, the pressure reactive member configured to be in communication with a chamber portion that provides an adjusting force based on outlet pressure to assist in achieving the set outlet pressure;

iii) a biasing member is configured to provide a force to the pressure reactive member;

iv) an adjusting portion having an adjusting part is configured to move in order to adjust the force provided to the pressure reactive member, via the biasing member, to assist in setting the set outlet pressure; or v) instructions for assembling the components, where the instructions form either physically part of the kit or are available virtually.

[0056] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pressure reducing valve, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a valve device, as shown in Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the pressure reducing valve, as shown in Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an insert, as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter, as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates a close up view of the pressure reducing valve, as shown in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a pressure reducing valve 10 including a connection fitting 100 and a valve device in the form of a cartridge 200 (shown further in Figure 2). The connection fitting 100 includes a body 105 having an inlet 1 10 and an outlet 120. The inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120 are adapted to be connected to other conduits in a water system. For example, the valve 10 may be connected to pipe 12. The connection fitting 100 also includes a pressure tapping 130 in order to, for example, measure pressure in the water system.

[0059] As shown further in Figure 3, a separating arrangement 140 is located between the inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120. The separating arrangement 140 includes a first separating part 142 and a second separating part 144. The separating parts 142, 144 extend from opposite sides of the body 105 to a position close to an axis extending between the middle of the inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120. As outlined further below, the separating parts 142, 144 form a first (upper) passage 150 and a second (lower) passage 160 with the cartridge 200. In this regard, the body 105 of the connection fitting 100 also includes an opening to receive the cartridge 200. This opening extends perpendicularly to the inlet 1 10 and the outlet 120 in this embodiment.

[0060] The connection fitting 100 also includes a channel 170 extending from a position associated with pressure leaving the outlet 120 to a position next to the cartridge 200. As outlined further below, the channel 170 allows fluid to flow to the cartridge 200 in order provide pressure regulation. The channel 170 is located adjacent the pressure tap 130 in this embodiment. In further embodiments, it would be appreciated that the channel 170 may, for example, take the form of an external conduit fluidly connected to the cartridge 200.

[0061 ] As shown further in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the cartridge 200 includes an adjusting portion 300 and a regulating portion 400. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the regulating portion 400 may alone be provided in some embodiments and, for example, retrofitted with parts from an adjusting portion that is fitted to a connection fitting. In this regard, components of the cartridge 200 may be provided in a kit to retrofit it to connection fittings. In the present embodiment, the adjusting portion 300 and regulating portion 400 are provided together.

[0062] The adjusting portion 300 includes an adjusting part having an adjustment device 310 in the form of a knob, an adjusting member 320 and a translating piece 330. The cartridge 200 also includes a casing 340 and a housing 350 to house components of the cartridge 200. The adjustment device 310 includes indicia to provide instructions on adjusting the pressure of the pressure reducing valve 10. The adjustment device 310 has an interacting portion 312 that is configured to interact with a locking portion 352 of the housing 350. The interacting portion 312 includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to engage with the locking portion 352 to assist in preventing relative rotation. The adjustment device 310 also includes a retaining member 314. The retaining member 314 is in the form of a clip that engages with the retaining portion 354 of the housing 350. As further outlined below, the retaining member 314 allows the adjustment device 310 to move from a first position, where the interacting portion 312 is engaged with the locking portion 352, to a second position, where the interacting portion is disengaged from the locking portion 352 and the adjustment device 310 may be rotated. [0063] The adjusting member 320 extends from the adjustment device 310 into the housing 350. The adjusting member 320 includes a driving portion 322 in the form of a screw. The driving portion 322 is connected to the adjustment device 310 via a connector 324. The connector 324 is in the form of a fastener that is fastened to an upper portion of the driving portion 322. The driving portion 322 is also connected to a translating piece 330 via a thread 332 of the translating piece 330. The translating piece 330 is

substantially in the form of a plate that extends across a hollow portion of the housing 350. In response to rotating the adjustment device 310, and subsequently the adjusting member 320, the translating piece 330 is configured to translate within the housing 350.

[0064] The regulating portion 400 includes a biasing member in the form of a spring 410, a pressure reactive member in the form of a diaphragm 420, a moving portion 430 and an insert 450. At one end, the spring 410 engages with the translating piece 324.

That is, based on the position of the translating piece 324, the spring 410 receives a force from the translating piece 324. At the other end of the spring 410, the spring 410 is engaged with a plate 412. The spring 410 may also form part of the adjusting portion 300.

[0065] Situated next to the plate 412 is the diaphragm 420. The diaphragm 420 is typically formed from rubber. Ends of the diaphragm 420 are positioned between the housing 350 and the insert 450. A (pressure) chamber portion 422 is created between the diaphragm 420 and the insert 450. The chamber portion 422 is in fluid communication with the channel 170.

[0066] The moving portion 430 includes an engaging member 431 that is connected to the diaphragm 420 via a retainer in the form of a nut 432. The nut 432 assists in clamping the plate 412 and diaphragm 420 to the moving portion 430. Accordingly, movement of the diaphragm 420 results in movement of the moving portion 430. The engaging member 431 is elongate in this embodiment and includes a number of step portions to engage with other components. For example, the engaging member 431 extends to engage with the insert 450. A sealing portion 434 allows the engaging member 431 to seal against the insert 450 whilst the moving portion 430 moves therealong. In this regard, the sealing portion 434 assists in sealing the chamber portion 422 from flow through the inlet 1 10 and vice versa. The moving portion 430 also includes a regulating part 440. The regulating part 440 assists in regulating flow from the inlet 1 10 to the outlet 120.

[0067] The regulating part 440 includes a regulating member 441 . As outlined further below, the regulating member 441 is configured to engage with one or more seats of the insert 450 to regulate flow. The regulating member 441 includes a regulating body 442 that extends substantially across a hollow portion 453 of the insert 450. The regulating body 442 is configured to assist in retaining a seal portion 443 in a channel thereof. The channel includes a protrusion that assists retaining the seal portion 443. Furthermore, a cap 445 also assists in retaining the seal portion 443. In addition, as further outlined below, the regulating member 441 also includes a guiding portion 444 that is configured to engage with part of the insert 450.

[0068] The insert 450 is further shown in Figure 4. The insert 450 includes a chamber face 451 that is configured to form part of the chamber portion 422. A plurality of apertures 452 extend through the chamber face 451 . The apertures 452 are in fluid communication with the channel 170 via an adapter 500. The insert 450 includes a hollow portion 453 extending therethrough. The moving portion 430 is configured to extend through the hollow portion 453. A plurality of web portions 454 extend from an outer portion of the insert 450 towards the centre thereof. The web portions 454 connect to a directing portion 455 that is configured to assist in guiding the movement of the moving portion 430 and, in particular, the engaging member 431 .

[0069] The insert 450 also includes a first sealing portion 456 and a second sealing portion 457. In this embodiment, the sealing portions 456, 457 include an O-ring. The first sealing portion 456 engages with a portion of the connection fitting 100 that is outboard of the separating parts 142, 144. The second sealing portion 457 engages with the separating parts 142, 144 to provide a seal therebetween. The insert 450 also includes a first seat 458 and a seat retainer 459. The first seat 458 is configured to engage with the seal 444. The seat retainer 459 is configured to, if required, engage with the regulating body 442 limiting compressive forces on the first seat 459.

[0070] In this embodiment, the insert 450 includes a guiding portion 460. In further embodiments, it would be appreciated that, for example, the guiding portion may be incorporated into the connection fitting 100. The guiding portion 460 assists in guiding movement of the regulating member 441 to reduce vibration due to lateral movement of the regulating member 441. In particular, the guiding portion 460 extends away from the hollow portion 453 of the insert 450 to guide movement of the regulating member 441 .

The regulating member 441 is located outboard of the hollow portion 453 to control fluid therethrough.

[0071 ] The guiding portion 460 includes a plurality of guiding members 461 that engage with the guiding portions 444 of the regulating member 441 to provide stable movement thereof. The guiding members 461 are located on an opposite end of the insert 450 compared to the chamber face 451 . That is, the guiding members 461 extend to a position further outboard along the insert 450, in an axial direction thereof, compare to the location of the first seat 458. To further elaborate, in a direction moving away from the chamber face 451 , the guiding members 461 end at a position further along the axis 462 compare to the first seat 458 (i.e. the guiding members 461 are below the first seat 458). This positions the guiding portion 460 to suit the potential movement of the regulating member 441 . In addition, it is noted that the guiding members 461 include at least one or more curved faces to assist with the fluid flow passing thereby.

[0072] The connection fitting 100 is connected to the cartridge 200 with the assistance of the adapter 500. The adapter 500 is shown further in Figure 5. The adapter 500 includes a body 502. The body 502 includes a plurality of holes 504 that allow fluid to proceed from the channel 170, through the apertures 452, and into the chamber portion 422. The adapter 500 also includes a connecting portion 506 in the form a thread that is configured to connect to the casing 340 / housing 350. Furthermore, the adaptor 500 includes a fastening portion 508 that is configured to connect to the opening in the body 105 that is adapted to receive the cartridge 200.

[0073] During use, a pressure is set (e.g. 1 , 2, 3 bar etc.) by rotating the adjustment device 310. In particular, the adjustment device 310 is first lifted to allow the interacting portion 312 to disengage from the locking portion 352. The retaining member 314 catches the retaining portion 354 to allow the adjustment device 310 to be lifted a suitable distance. Rotating the adjustment device 310 rotates the adjusting member 320. Rotation of the adjusting member 320 in turn results in the translating piece 330 moving to a position associated with the set pressure. That is, moving the translating piece 330 adjusts the force on the spring 410 and the associated force on the diaphragm 420 that assists in regulating fluid pressure. As the force on the diaphragm 420 / moving portion 430 is increased, the regulating part 440 is shifted to a position, relative to the first seat 458, to allow greater flow / pressure therethrough.

[0074] With a fluid source openly connected to the inlet 1 10, fluid begins to flow from the inlet 1 10, through the insert 450, pass the regulating part 440 and to the outlet 120. The fluid is channelled through the first passage 150 before entering the insert 450 and leaves through the second passage 160 after passing the regulating part 440.

[0075] Fluid associated with the outlet 120 is directed into the channel 170. From the channel 170, fluid flows through the holes 504 and apertures 452 and into the chamber portion 422. This is further appreciated from Figure 6. In response to the fluid pressure in the chamber portion 422 (or outlet 120) exceeding the set pressure, the diaphragm 420 is configured to flex to provide a (greater) force back on the spring 410. As a result of the diaphragm 420 moving in a direction towards the spring 410, the moving portion 430 is shifted in a direction that reduces the gap (or opening) between the regulating part 440 and seats 458. This results in the flow of fluid being reduced and, as such, its associated pressure. Accordingly, the pressure of the fluid leaving the outlet 120 is substantially regulated to the set pressure.

[0076] To assist with guiding the movement of the moving portion 430, and in particular the regulating part 440, the guiding portion 444 of the regulating part 440 moves substantially along the guiding members 461 . Guiding the movement of the moving portion 430 is also assisted by the directing portion 455. Guiding the movement of the moving portion 430, and particularly the movement of the regulating part 440, assists in reducing: i) lateral vibrations of regulating part 440; ii) resultant pressure oscillations; and iii) the noise of the pressure reducing valve 10. That is, as this movement is more stable, the harmonics of the system are improved and, for example, pressure oscillations is substantially avoided.

[0077] In addition, the cartridge 200 and/or the use of the adapter 500 assists in being able to retrofit the cartridge 200 to other connection fittings in the market. This feature is of both commercial and technical importance.

[0078] In this specification, adjectives such as left and right, top and bottom, hot and cold, first and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where context permits, reference to a component, an integer or step (or the alike) is not to be construed as being limited to only one of that component, integer, or step, but rather could be one or more of that component, integer or step.

[0079] In this specification, the terms‘comprises’,‘comprising’,‘includes’,‘incl uding’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0080] The above description relating to embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all modifications, alternatives, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

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