Patent Publication Number: US-2011048685-A1

Title: radiator assemblies

Description:
This invention relates to radiator assemblies. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to valves for radiator assemblies. Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of valves in radiator assemblies, to methods of installing radiator assemblies and methods of removing radiators from radiator assemblies. 
     It is often necessary to remove radiators, for example during decorating. The removal of a radiator involves closing the control valve and the lock shield valve, loosening the bleed valve, and then detaching the radiator from the control valve and the lock shield valve. In order to prevent water and sludge in the radiator pouring onto the carpet, buckets or other receptacles need to be arranged under the radiator at the inlet and outlet. The radiator then has to be lifted carefully from its supports. 
     According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a radiator assembly comprising a radiator having an inlet and an outlet for fluid, first and second flow control valves associated respectively with the inlet and the outlet to control the flow of fluid through the radiator, an on-off valve arranged between the first or second flow control valves and the inlet or outlet respectively, wherein the on-off valve has open and closed conditions, and is detachably connected to the first or second flow control valves, such that when the on-off valve is in the closed condition, the on-off valve can be detached from the first or second flow control valve. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided an on-off valve for use in a radiator assembly, the on-off valve comprising a valve member movable between on and off positions, and radiator connection means to connect the on-off valve to a radiator, and control valve connection means to connect the on-off valve to a radiator control means. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided the use of an on-off valve in a radiator assembly, said radiator assembly comprising a radiator having an inlet and an outlet for fluid, first and second flow control valves associated respectively with the inlet and the outlet to control the flow of fluid through the radiator, wherein the on-off valve is arranged between the first or second flow control valves and the inlet or outlet respectively, and the on-off valve has open and closed conditions, and is detachably connected to the first or second flow control valves, such that when the on-off valve is in the closed condition, the on-off valve can be detached from the first or second flow control valve. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of installing a radiator assembly, said radiator assembly comprising a radiator having an inlet and an outlet for fluid, first and second flow control valves associated respectively with the inlet and the outlet to control the flow of fluid through the radiator, the method comprising arranging an on-off valve between the first or second flow control valves and the inlet or outlet respectively, connecting the on-off valve to the inlet or outlet of the radiator and detachably connecting the on-off valve to the first or second flow control valve, wherein the on-off valve has open and closed conditions, such that when the on-off valve is in the closed condition, the on-off valve can be detached from the first or second flow control valve. 
     According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of removing from a radiator from a radiator assembly, said radiator assembly comprising a radiator having an inlet and an outlet for fluid, first and second flow control valves associated respectively with the inlet and the outlet to control the flow of fluid through the radiator, and an on-off valve arranged between the first or second flow control valves and the inlet or outlet respectively, the on-off valve having open and closed conditions, and the method comprises arranging the on-off valve in the closed condition, and detaching the on-off valve from the first or second flow control valve and thereafter removing the radiator. 
     Thus, in one embodiment, the detaching of the on-off valve from the flow control valve allows the radiator to be removed without material in the radiator exiting therefrom via the inlet or outlet at which the on-off valve is connected. 
     A first on-off valve may be arranged between the first flow control valve and the inlet, and a second on-off valve may be arranged between the second flow control valve and the outlet, wherein when first and second on-off valves are in their respective closed conditions, the first and second on-off valves can be detached from the first and second flow control valves respectively without material in the radiator exiting therefrom via the inlet or outlet. 
     In one embodiment, the radiator may comprise a main panel portion defining a space for the heating fluid to circulate. The radiator may comprise first and second fluid conduits to provide an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe for fluid to flow to and from the radiator. In this embodiment, a respective on-off valve may be provided in each of the first and second fluid conduits. 
     The first on-off valve may be detachably connected to the first flow control valve. The second on-off valve may be detachably connected to the second flow control valve. 
     In one embodiment, the method of installing the radiator assembly may comprise arranging the first on-off valve between the first flow control valve and the inlet, arranging the second on-off valve between the second flow control valve and the outlet. The method may further comprise connecting the first on-off valve to the inlet of the radiator, connecting the second on-off valve to the outlet of the radiator, detachably connecting the first on-off valve to the first flow control valve, and detachably connecting the second on-off valve to the second flow control valve. 
     The method of removing the radiator may comprise arranging the first and second flow control valves in the closed condition, thereafter detaching the first and second on-off valves from the first and second flow control valves, and thereafter removing the radiator. 
     The first flow control valve may comprise a manual control valve. The second flow control valve may comprise a lockshield valve. 
     The, or each, on-off valve may comprise a radiator connecting means to connect the on-off valve to the radiator. The, or each, on-off valve may comprise a control valve connecting means to connect the on-off valve to the respective flow control valve. 
     The radiator connecting means may comprise an end portion to co-operate with the radiator inlet or outlet. The end portion may be threaded to be threadably secured to the radiator. The end portion may be externally threaded to threadably engage internal threads on the radiator inlet or outlet. 
     The radiator connecting means may be configured to co-operate with connecting formations on the radiator. The radiator connecting means may be externally threaded to threadably engage corresponding threads on the radiator. 
     The radiator connecting means may include sealing means to seal the on-off valve to the radiator. The sealing means may comprise a boss to engage the radiator. The boss may surround the main body. The boss may comprise a flange extending around the main body. The flange may be circular, although the flange may be any other suitable shape. 
     The sealing means may further comprise a sealing member arrangeable between the boss and the radiator. The sealing member may comprise a resilient member, such as an O-ring seal. 
     The control valve connecting means may comprise an insertion member to be inserted into the respective flow control valve. The control valve connecting means may comprise a securing member to secure the on-off valve to the flow control valve. In one embodiment, the securing member is configured to secure the insertion member in the flow control valve. 
     The securing member may comprise threads to threadably engage corresponding threads on the flow control valve. The threads on the securing member may be internal threads. The securing member may comprise a nut. 
     The on-off valve may comprise a fluid flow conduit extending between the radiator connecting means and the control valve connecting means to provide fluid communication between the flow control valve and the radiator. 
     The on-off valve may comprise a ball valve. A valve member may be provided in the fluid flow conduit. The valve member may be a substantially spherical ball member having a fluid flow conduit therethrough. 
     The, or each, on-off valve may comprise a main body. The main body may define the fluid flow conduit. The main body may house the valve member. 
     The radiator connecting means may be provided at one end of the main body. The control valve connecting means may be provided at the opposite end of the main body. 
     The valve member may be movable, for example by rotation, between open and closed positions. The valve member may comprise an adjustment member to adjust the position of the valve member. The adjustment member may comprise a valve member turning element. 
     The main body may comprise a raised portion, and the adjustment member may be housed within the raised portion. 
     In one embodiment, the adjustment member may define a slot to receive an end of a screwdriver. 
     In another embodiment, the adjustment member may define a polygonal recess to receive an end of a key of a corresponding shape. The polygonal recess may be a hexagonal recess. The polygonal recess may be configured to receive an end region of a key of a polygonal profile. The method of removing the radiator may comprise a step of inserting the end region of the key into the polygonal recess and turning said key to move the valve member to the closed condition. The method of installing the radiator may comprise a step of inserting the end region into the polygonal recess and turning said key to move the valve to the open position. 
     The valve member may define a fluid flow opening alignable with the fluid flow conduit to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The valve member may comprise an occlusion region alignable with the fluid flow conduit to restrict fluid flow through the valve. 
     When the valve member is in the open position, the flow region may be aligned with the fluid flow conduit. When the valve member is in the open position, the occlusion region may be aligned with the fluid flow conduit. 
     The on-off valve may include a partial occlusion member on the main body to partially occlude the fluid flow conduit. The partial occlusion member may be arranged in the fluid flow conduit. 
     The partial occlusion member may define a fluid flow aperture to allow fluid to flow through the fluid flow conduit. The partial occlusion member may be arranged in the fluid flow conduit so that the fluid flow aperture is aligned with the fluid flow opening in the valve member when the valve member is in the open position, and so that the fluid flow aperture can be aligned with the occlusion region of the valve member, when the valve member is in the closed position. 
     The fluid flow opening in the valve member may be substantially the same width or diameter as the fluid flow aperture in the partial occlusion member. The occlusion region in the valve member may be the same width or diameter as the fluid flow aperture in the partial occlusion member. 
     The partial occlusion member may be provided on the main body, and may extend inwardly into the fluid flow conduit. The partial occlusion member may comprise an inwardly extending flange. 
     The fluid flow conduit may comprise first and second regions. The partial occlusion member may be arranged at the junction of the first and second regions. In one embodiment, the valve member is provided on one side of the partial occlusion member. In another embodiment, the valve member is provided on the opposite side of the partial occlusion member. 
     The on-off valve may be connectable to a drain conduit to allow fluid in the radiator to be drained therefrom. The drain conduit may be connected to the flow control valve connection means in fluid communication with the on-off valve, such that when the on-off valve is in the open condition, the fluid in the radiator can be drained therefrom. 
     If desired, a drain outlet may be provided on the on-off valve, the drain outlet being connectable to the drain conduit. The drain outlet may be arranged on the main body on the opposite side of the valve member to the radiator connection means. 
     The features described in the previous two paragraphs have the advantage in an embodiment of the invention that fluid in the entire central heating system can be drained from the system. 
    
    
     
       An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a radiator assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a close-up of the region marked II in  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is a front view of an on-off valve; 
         FIG. 4  is a part sectional front view of the on-off valve shown in  FIG. 3  showing a valve member in an open position; 
         FIG. 5  is a part sectional front view of the on-off valve shown in  FIG. 3  showing the valve member in a closed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  of an alternative embodiment of a radiator assembly; and 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a further modification of an on-off valve to be mounted on a radiator; 
         FIG. 8  is a part sectional view of an on-off valve, with the valve member in an open condition; 
         FIG. 9  is a part sectional view of the on-off valve shown  FIG. 8  in a closed condition; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional side view of an on-off valve similar to the valve shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  but with modifications; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a portion of a further embodiment of a radiator assembly. 
     
    
    
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a radiator assembly  10  comprising a radiator  12  having an inlet  14  and an outlet  16 . The radiator  12  is heated by the flow of a hot fluid, for example hot water, therethrough. 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 , a first flow control valve, in the form of a manual flow control valve  18 , is provided at, and associated with, the inlet  14 . The manual flow control valve  18  is connected via a pipe  22  to the heating pipe work of the building, and has a tap control member  24 , which can be turned to control the flow of fluid into the radiator  12 . 
     A first on-off valve  30  is connected to a spigot  37  on the manual control valve  18 , and is secured to the radiator  12  at the inlet  14  by being screwed into the internal threads on the inlet  14 . The first on-off valve  30  is arrangeable in open and closed conditions. When the first on-off valve  30  is in the open condition, fluid communication is provided between the manual control valve  18  and the radiator  12 . When the first on-off valve  30  is in the closed condition, fluid is prevented from flowing into, or out of, the radiator  12  via the inlet  14 . 
     A second flow control valve, in the form of a lockshield valve  20  is provided at, and associated with, the outlet  14 . The lockshield valve  20  has a valve member which can be turned by a spanner or screwdriver to close the lockshield valve  20 . The lockshield valve is connected via a pipe  26  to the heating pipe work in the building. A plastic cap  28  is generally provided over the lockshield valve  20 . 
     The lockshield valve  20  is used to balance the flow of fluid through the radiator, and to close of the radiator  12  from the heating pipe work in the building when it is desired to remove the radiator  12 . 
     It will be appreciated that, if desired, the manual flow control valve  18  can be provided at the outlet, and the lockshield valve  20  can be provided at the inlet. 
     A second on-off valve  32  is provided between the lockshield valve  20  and the radiator  12 . The second on-off valve  32  is connected to the outlet  16  by being screwed in the internal threads on the outlet  16 . 
     The second on-off valve  32  is arrangeable in open and closed conditions. When the second on-off valve  32  is in the closed condition, fluid communication is provided between the lockshield valve  20  and the radiator  12 . When the second on-off out  32  is in the closed condition, fluid is prevented from flowing into, or out of, the radiator  12  via the outlet  16 . 
     The first and second on-off valves the  30 ,  32  are detachably connected to the manual flow control valve  18  and the lockshield valve  20  respectively. When it is desired to remove the radiator, the manual control valve  18  and the lockshield valve  20  are closed. The first and second on-off valves  30 ,  32  can be arranged in their respective closed conditions to prevent fluid flowing out of the radiator  12  via the inlet  14  and the outlet  16 . The radiator  12  can then be removed from the wall without any of the fluid in the radiator  12  flowing out via the inlet  14  or the outlet  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown the first on-off valve  30 . It will be appreciated that the second on-off valve  32  is identical to the first on-off valve  30 . 
     The first on-off valve  30  comprises a main body  34 , a control valve connecting means  36  at one end of the main body  34 , and a radiator connecting means  38  at the opposite end of the main body  34 . 
     The main body  34  defines a fluid flow conduit  35  therethrough (shown in broken lines in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The fluid flow conduit  35  provides fluid communication between the control valve connecting means  36  and the radiator connecting means  38 . Hence, the flow conduit  35  provides fluid communication between the manual control valve  18  and the radiator  12 . 
     The fluid flow conduit  35  has a first region  35 A communicating with the flow control valve, and a second region  35 B communicating with the radiator  12 . 
     The control valve connecting means  36  comprises an insertion portion  40  for insertion into a spigot  37  on the manual control valve  18 . A securing member in the form of an internally threaded nut  42  is provided on the insertion portion  40  to threadably engage corresponding external threads at the  14  on the spigot  37 . 
     The radiator connecting means  38  comprises an externally threaded end portion  44  to threadably engage internal threads on the radiator outlet  16 . 
     The main body  34  houses a valve member  46  shown in broken lines in  FIG. 2 . The valve member  46  has an adjustment member in the form of a valve member turning element  48 , which extends through an aperture  50  in the main body  34 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the valve member turning element  48  defines a slot recess  52  to receive the end of a screwdriver so that the valve member turning element  48 , and hence the valve member  46  can be turned, as described below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown the on-off valve  30 , with a cut away region showing the valve member  46 . As can be seen, the valve member  46  comprises a spherical member in the form of a ball member  54  having occlusion regions  56 , and which defines a fluid flow opening  58  extending through the valve member  46 . The valve member turning element  48  extends from the occlusion region of  56  through the main body  34 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the valve member  46  in its open position, in which the fluid flow opening  58  is aligned with the fluid flow conduit  35 . In this position, the fluid flow opening  58  provides fluid communication between the first region  35 A and the second region  35 B. Thus, when the valve member  46  is in its open position, fluid can flow through the on-off valve  30  between the manual control valve  18  and a radiator  12 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the valve member  46  in its closed position in which the occlusion regions  56  extend across the fluid flow conduit  35 , to prevent fluid flowing through the fluid flow conduit  35 . In this position of the valve member  46 , the fluid flow opening  58  is not aligned with the fluid flow conduit  35 . 
     In order to install a radiator assembly  10  as described above, the first and second on-off valves  30 ,  32  are first connected to the inlet  14  and the outlet  16  respectively. The radiator connecting means  38  of each of the first and second on-off valves  30 ,  32  are secured to the inlet and outlet  14 ,  16  respectively. The radiator  12  with the first and second on-off valves  30 ,  30  connected is secured to the wall in the desired position, and the on-off valves  30 ,  32  are connected to the manual control valve  18  and the lockshield valve  20 . In the case where the radiator is to be reconnected after removal, the first and second on-off valves  30 ,  32  can be arranged in their closed conditions before being connected to the manual control valve  18  and to the lockshield valve  20 . When such connection has been achieved, the on-off valves  31 ,  32  can be moved to their open conditions. 
     In order to remove the radiator  12  from a radiator assembly  10 , the manual control valve  18  and the lockshield valve  20  are first closed. Each of the first and second on-off valves  30 ,  32  are then arranged in their closed conditions, with the valve member  54  in the position shown in  FIG. 4 . The on-off valves  30 ,  32  are then detached from the manual control valve  18  and the lockshield valve  20 . The radiator  12  can then be removed. If it is desired to replace the radiator, the steps above can simply be reversed. 
     There is thus described a novel and the inventive embodiment of the present invention, which facilitates the removal of a radiator on a wall of the building. In the embodiments described herein, on-off valves can be closed such that the radiator can be removed from the wall without the need to drain the radiator, and without any risk of material in the radiator pouring onto the carpet and ruining it. 
     The various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the precise construction and operation of the valve member  54  may vary from the description above. 
     A further modification is shown in  FIG. 6  which comprises many of the features of  FIG. 1  above, and these features have been designated with the same reference numerals as in  FIG. 1 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  differs from the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in that the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  comprises intermediate connecting conduit members  60 ,  62  secured to the inlet  14  and the outlet  16 . The on-off valves  30 ,  32  are secured to the intermediate connecting conduit members  60 ,  62  respectively. 
     The end portions  44  on the on-off valves  30 ,  32  receive an insertion member on the intermediate connecting conduit members  60 ,  62 . The external threads on the end portions  44  threadably engage internal threads on a securing member  63  on the intermediate connecting conduit members  60 ,  62 . 
     Another modification is shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , which comprises many of the features of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 . The features in  FIGS. 7 to 9  which correspond to features in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  are designated with the same reference numbers as in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , it is seen that the radiator  12  comprises an inlet  14  to which is integrally attached, for example by welding, an inlet conduit  114 . The inlet conduit is internally threaded and, as described below, can threadably receive the radiator connecting means  38  on the valve  30 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show that the first region  35 A of the fluid flow conduit is narrower than the second region  35 B. The valve member  46  is arranged in the first region  35 A. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , the valve member turning element  48  defines a hexagonal recess  152 , suitable to receive a key (not shown) having a hexagonal end, such a key being known as a hex key or an alien key. This provides the advantage, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , that the hexagonal recess  152  can be accessed by an alien key even if the valve member turning element  48  faces the wall on which the radiator  12  is mounted, or if the valve member turning element faces the floor. 
     The main body  34  comprises a raised portion  154  in which the turning element  48  is housed. The raised portion has an upper edge  155  defining an aperture  156 . First and second projections  156 A and  156 B are provided. A third projection  48 A is provided on the turning element  48 . 
     When the third projection  48 A is aligned with the first projection  156 A, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the valve member  46  is in its open position. When the third projection  48 A is aligned with the second projection  156 B, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the valve member  46  is in its closed position. 
     A first sealing member  158  is provided on the turning member  48  to provide a seal between the turning member  48  and the raised portion  154 . 
     Two further sealing members  160 A,  160 B are provided opposite each other on the valve member  46  to provide a seal between the valve member  46  and the main body  34 . A holding member  162  engages one of the sealing members  160  in the first region  35 A of the fluid flow conduit  35 , and the other sealing member  160 B engages an inner flange  163 . 
     The inner flange  163  is provided on the main body  34 , and extends inwardly therefrom at the junction between the first and second regions  35 A and  35 B. A flow aperture  163 A is defined centrally in the inner flange  163  to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The inner flange  163  separates the first region  35 A of the fluid flow conduit  35  from the second region  35 B. 
     A circular recess  164  is defined in the main body  34  in the first region  35 A of the fluid flow conduit  35 , and the holding member  162  is received in the circular recess  164 . 
     The ball member  56  defines a slot  166 , and the turning member  48  comprises a projecting co-operating member  168  received in the slot  166 . Thus, when the turning member  48  is turned, the co-operating member  168  received in the slot  166 , co-operates with the ball member  56  to turn the ball member  56 . 
     When the radiator is to be removed, the end region of the hex key can be inserted into the hexagonal recess  152  and turned so that the on-off valves  30 ,  32  are moved to their closed conditions. The radiator can then be removed. 
     When it is desired to install a radiator, the on-off valves  30 ,  32  can be in their closed condition before installation and, after the on-off valves  30 ,  32  have been connected to the manual control valve  18  and to the lockshield valve  20 , the end region of the hex key can be inserted in to the hexagonal recess. The hex key can then be turned to move the on-off valves  30 ,  32  to their open conditions, and allow hot water to flow through the radiator. 
     The radiator connecting means  38  comprises a sealing means in the form of a flange  138  extending around the main body  34 . The flange  138  provides a seal against the radiator  12  to prevent leakage of water from the radiator. 
     The sealing means further includes a sealing member in the form of an O-ring seal  140  between the flange  138  and the radiator  12 . 
     A modification of the on-off valve  30  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  is shown in  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 10 , the features that correspond to the features of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , and function in the same way, are given the same reference numerals in  FIG. 10 . 
     The modification of the on-off valve  30  shown in  FIG. 10  differs from the valve  30  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  in that second region  35 B of the fluid flow conduit  35  is lengthened, and extends beyond the raised portion  154 . In consequence of this, the first region  35 A of the fluid flow conduit  35  is shortened. 
     Thus, the valve member  46  and the sealing members  160 A and  160 B are provided in the second region  35 B, instead of in the first second region  35 A, of the fluid flow conduit  35 . With this arrangement, the circular recess  164  (which receives the holding member  162 ) is defined in the main body  34  in the second region  35 B of the fluid flow conduit  35 . 
     Since the valve member  46  is arranged in the wider of the first and second regions  35 A and  35 B of the fluid flow conduit  35 , the valve member  46  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  is larger than the valve member  46  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , for the same size on-off valve  30 . 
     A further embodiment is shown in  FIG. 11 , which shows the radiator  12  having the inlet  14 , and an inlet conduit  114  mounted integrally to the radiator  12  by suitable means such as welding. The inlet conduit  114  is provided with an on-off valve  130  therein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the inlet conduit  114  comprises a fluid flow pipe  116  comprising a first pipe portion  116 A mounted on the radiator  12 . The first pipe portion  116 A extends from the radiator to a generally spherical portion  116 B. A second pipe portion  116 C extends from the spherical portion  116 B substantially orthogonally to the first pipe portion  116 A. 
     An on-off valve  130  is provided in the second pipe portion  116 C, and comprises a valve member  54  in the second pipe portion  116 C. A raised portion  154  extends upwardly from the second pipe portion  116 C to house the turning member  48 . 
     The on-off valve  130  has a similar construction to the on-off valve  30  shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , differing in that the second pipe portion  116 C provides the main body of the on-off valve  130 .