NZ757089B2 - Breaker box assembly - Google Patents
Breaker box assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ757089B2 NZ757089B2 NZ757089A NZ75708919A NZ757089B2 NZ 757089 B2 NZ757089 B2 NZ 757089B2 NZ 757089 A NZ757089 A NZ 757089A NZ 75708919 A NZ75708919 A NZ 75708919A NZ 757089 B2 NZ757089 B2 NZ 757089B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- breaker
- assembly
- outlet
- fluid
- valve assembly
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/10—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/10—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit
- F16K11/20—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members
- F16K11/22—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members with an actuating member for each valve, e.g. interconnected to form multiple-way valves
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
- F16K17/20—Excess-flow valves
- F16K17/22—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line
- F16K17/24—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line acting directly on the cutting-off member
- F16K17/28—Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line acting directly on the cutting-off member operating in one direction only
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
- F16K17/20—Excess-flow valves
- F16K17/34—Excess-flow valves in which the flow-energy of the flowing medium actuates the closing mechanism
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K27/00—Construction of housing; Use of materials therefor
- F16K27/003—Housing formed from a plurality of the same valve elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K5/00—Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary
- F16K5/06—Plug valves; Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfaces; Packings therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/24—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements
- F23N5/245—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements using electrical or electromechanical means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D7/00—Control of flow
- G05D7/01—Control of flow without auxiliary power
Abstract
The invention allows for closing a gas line from a supply to a house or building and to a dedicated service while allowing flow to other lines with dedicated services. A breaker box assembly may include a plurality of breaker modules that are removably attached to each other. Each breaker module includes a body and a first valve assembly disposed within the body. The body includes an inlet and first and second outlets. The first valve assembly is movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow to the first and second outlet and a second position in which fluid is prevented from flowing to the first outlet and is permitted to flow to the second outlet. Each breaker module includes a pipe assembly in fluid communication with the first outlet. A second valve assembly is movable independently of the first valve assembly between a first position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is prevented from flowing through the pipe assembly and a second position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is permitted to flow through the pipe assembly. ludes a body and a first valve assembly disposed within the body. The body includes an inlet and first and second outlets. The first valve assembly is movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow to the first and second outlet and a second position in which fluid is prevented from flowing to the first outlet and is permitted to flow to the second outlet. Each breaker module includes a pipe assembly in fluid communication with the first outlet. A second valve assembly is movable independently of the first valve assembly between a first position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is prevented from flowing through the pipe assembly and a second position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is permitted to flow through the pipe assembly.
Description
BREAKER BOX ASSEMBLY
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a breaker box assembly.
BACKGROUND
This section provides background information related to the present
disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.
Buildings (e.g., houses, commercial property, etc.) include a gas
piping system having a main gas line and supply lines disposed therein. The main
gas line is in fluid communication with a fluid source (such as natural gas) outside
of the home. The supply lines are connected to the main gas line at one end (via
a coupling) and to a respective appliance (e.g., furnace, gas stove, etc.) at another
end such that fluid may flow through the main gas line and the secondary gas lines
and to the respective appliance, thereby permitting operation of the respective
appliance. In the event of a leak or break in the main gas line or any one of the
supply lines, fluid flowing to the entire gas piping system is shut-off via a valve until
the leak is detected and serviced. This prevents operation of all appliances until
the leak is detected and serviced since the supply lines are all connected in series
either directly or indirectly to the main gas line.
The present disclosure provides a breaker box assembly that
includes a plurality of breaker modules that are separately in fluid communication
with an appliance via its own respective pipe (or conduit). In this way, any leak or
break in one pipe prevents fluid from flowing through that pipe and to the appliance
coupled thereto, while allowing the remaining appliances associated with the home
to continue operating. Furthermore, the breaker box assembly of the present
disclosure facilitates detection and servicing of the pipe containing the leak or
break therein.
SUMMARY
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is
not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
In one form, the present disclosure provides a breaker box assembly.
The breaker box assembly includes a plurality of breaker modules that are
removably attached to each other. Each breaker module includes a body and a
first valve assembly disposed within the body. The body includes an inlet and first
and second outlets. The first valve assembly is movable between a first position
in which fluid is allowed to flow to the first and second outlets and a second position
in which fluid is prevented from flowing to the first outlet and is permitted to flow to
the second outlet.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of the above
paragraph, the first valve assembly moves from the first position to the second
potion when a pressure difference between a first region upstream of the first valve
assembly and a second region downstream of the first valve assembly exceeds a
predetermined value.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the predetermined value is different for each
breaker module.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the first outlet is in fluid communication with a
respective appliance.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the second outlet is in fluid communication the inlet
of an adjacent breaker module.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, each breaker module includes a pipe assembly in
fluid communication with the first outlet and disposed upstream of the respective
appliance.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the pipe assembly includes a second valve
assembly that is movable independently of the first valve assembly between a first
position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is prevented from flowing
through the pipe assembly and a second position in which fluid flowing through the
first outlet is permitted to flow through the pipe assembly.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the body of each breaker module has an indicia
that indicates when the first valve assembly moves from the first position to the
second position.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, an inlet portion of the body of each breaker module
includes a groove formed therein. A sealing member is disposed within the groove.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the fluid is natural gas.
In another form, the present disclosure provides a breaker box
assembly. The breaker box assembly includes a plurality of breaker modules that
are in fluid communication with each other. Each breaker module includes a body
and a first valve assembly disposed within the body. The body includes an inlet
and first and second outlets. The first valve assembly is movable between a first
position in which fluid is allowed to flow to the first and second outlets and a second
position in which fluid is prevented from flowing to the first outlet and is permitted
to flow to the second outlet.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of the above
paragraph, the first valve assembly moves from the first position to the second
potion when a pressure difference between a first region upstream of the first valve
assembly and a second region downstream of the first valve assembly exceeds a
predetermined value.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the predetermined value is different for each
breaker module.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the first outlet is in fluid communication with a
respective appliance.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the plurality of breaker modules are removably
attached to each other.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, each breaker module includes a pipe assembly in
fluid communication with the first outlet and disposed upstream of the respective
appliance.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the pipe assembly includes a second valve
assembly that is movable independently of the first valve assembly between a first
position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is prevented from flowing
through the pipe assembly and a second position in which fluid flowing through the
first outlet is permitted to flow through the pipe assembly.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the first valve assembly includes a valve body and
a valve stem. The valve stem extends through the body of the breaker module.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, an inlet portion of the body of each breaker module
includes a groove formed therein, and wherein a sealing member is disposed
within the groove.
In some configurations of the breaker box assembly of any one or
more of the above paragraphs, the fluid is natural gas.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this
summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit
the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of
selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended
to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing having a breaker box
assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the breaker box assembly with one
of the breaker modules detached;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the breaker box as assembled;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the breaker box of Figure 3; and
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of the breaker modules of
the breaker box.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art.
Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components,
devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the
present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many
different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the
disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known
device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used
herein, the singular forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more
other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance.
It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," “engaged to,”
"connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on,
engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening
elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as
being "directly on," “directly engaged to,” "directly connected to," or "directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or
layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements
should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,”
“adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to
describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by
these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element,
component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms
such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply
a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element,
component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second
element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings
of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description
to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or
feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to
encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the
orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned
over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term
"below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may
be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially
relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
With reference to Figure 1, a building 10 (e.g., a house) having a
breaker box assembly 12 is provided. A plurality of gas appliances 14 (comprising
a range 14a, a grill 14b, a furnace 14c, a dryer 14d, a water heater 14e and a
fireplace 14f) are disposed within the building 10 and are fluidly coupled to the
breaker box assembly 12 via conduits 16 (such as conduits 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d,
16e, 16f). That is, the range 14a, the grill 14b and the fireplace 14f may be
disposed on a main level of the building 10 (above the ground surface) and the
furnace 14c, the dryer 14d and the water heater 14e may be disposed below the
main level of the building 10 (below the ground surface). In some configurations,
the range 14a, the grill 14b and the fireplace 14f may be disposed below a main
level of the building 10 (below the ground surface) and the furnace 14c, the dryer
14d and the water heater 14e may be disposed above the main level of the building
(above the ground surface). The breaker box assembly 12 provides fuel (i.e., a
fluid such as natural gas) to the gas appliances 14, thereby permitting operation of
the gas appliances 14.
With reference to Figures 1-4, the breaker box assembly 12 is
disposed within the building 10 (Figure 1) and includes a plurality of breaker
modules 18 (such as breaker modules 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f), a distribution
module 20, a cover module 22 and a pipe 23. The plurality of breaker modules 18
are removably attached to each other via fasteners 19 and are in fluid
communication with each other. The plurality of breaker modules 18 are also in
fluid communication with the distribution module 20. The breaker module 18a is
removably attached to the distribution module 20 via fasteners 21a and the breaker
module 18f is removably attached to the cover module 22 via fasteners 21b.
As shown in Figures 2-4, each breaker module 18 includes a body
24, a valve assembly 26 and a pipe assembly 28. The body 24 may be made of a
metallic material, for example, and may define an inlet 32, first and second outlets
34, 36, and first and second passageways 38, 40. The inlet 32 is in fluid
communication with the first outlet 34 of a respective breaker module 18. The inlet
32 of the breaker module 18a is in fluid communication with the gas source (not
shown) via the pipe 23 and the distribution module 20. The second outlet 36 is in
fluid communication with a respective appliance 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f via
the pipe assembly 28 and a respective conduit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f. The
first passageway 38 extends between the inlet 32 and the first outlet 34. The
second passageway 40 extends perpendicular to the first passageway 38. The
second passageway 40 is also in fluid communication with the first passageway
38 and the second outlet 36.
As shown in Figures 2-4, the body 24 also includes a first member
42 and a second member 44 that are attached to each other. An inlet portion 45
of the first member 42 is circular-shaped and includes a groove 46 extending 360
degrees around the inlet portion 45. The groove 46 receives a sealing member 48
(e.g., O-ring) such that fluid flowing through the first member 42 does not escape
(i.e., leak out). The first member 42 of the body 24 defines the inlet 32, the first
outlet 34 and the first passageway 38. The second member 44 defines the second
outlet 36. The first and second members 30, 32 cooperate to define the second
passageway 40.
As shown in Figure 4, the valve assembly 26 is disposed within the
body 24 of the breaker module 18 and includes a valve ring 50, a valve body 52
and a valve stem 56. The valve ring 50 is securely disposed within the second
passageway 40 on a first seat 57 of the first member 42 and between the first seat
57 of the first member 42 and an end portion 58 of the second member 44. The
end portion 58 has a sealing member 59 (e.g., O-ring) disposed within a groove
formed therein. The valve body 52 is disposed within the second passageway 40
and is movably attached to the valve ring 50 between a first position in which fluid
is allowed to flow to the first and second outlets 34, 36 and a second position in
which fluid is permitted to flow to the first outlet 34 and prevented from flowing to
the second outlet 36. When the valve body 52 is in the first position, fluid is allowed
to flow through apertures (not shown) formed in the valve body 52 in route to the
second outlet 36. When the valve body 52 is in the second position, it sealingly
abuts against the valve ring 50 (see module 18a of Figure 4) such that fluid is not
allowed to flow through the second passageway 40 and the second outlet 36. The
valve body 52 is disposed on a second seat 60 of the first member 42 when in the
first position and removed from the second seat 60 when in the second position.
As shown in Figure 4, the elongated valve stem 56 extends through
the second member 44 of the body 24 such that a portion thereof is disposed above
the second member 44. The valve stem 56 is moveable between a first position
(Figures 2-4) and a second position (Figure 5). A biasing member 63 biases the
valve stem 56 toward the first position. The valve stem 56 also includes a rib 62
extending outwardly from a middle portion thereof. The rib 62 is received in a
groove 64 within the second member 44 and abuts against the second member 44
when the valve stem 56 is in the first position to prevent removal of the valve stem
56 from within the body 24.
The pipe assembly 28 is attached to the second member 44 of the
body 24 at one end and the respective conduit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f at
another end such that fluid flowing through the second outlet 36 flows through the
pipe assembly 28 and the respective conduit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f and to
the respective appliance 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f. The pipe assembly 28
includes a conduit 66 and a valve assembly 68. The conduit 66 is attached (e.g.,
integrally attached, threadably attached, etc.) to the second member 44 of the body
24 such that the second outlet 36 and the conduit 66 are in fluid communication
with each other. The conduit 66 is also attached (e.g., integrally attached,
threadably attached, etc.) to the respective conduit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f
such that the conduit 66 and the respective conduit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f
are in fluid communication with each other. The valve assembly 68 is operable
between a first position (see module 18a of Figure 4) in which fluid flowing through
the second outlet 36 is prevented from flowing through the conduit 66 and a second
position in which fluid flowing through the second outlet 36 is permitted to flow
through the conduit 66. The valve assembly 68 is operable independently of the
valve assembly 26 (i.e., the valve assembly 68 is movable between the first
position and the second position regardless of the position of the valve assembly
26). In some configurations, the valve assemblies 26, 68 may be dependent on
each other. That is, when the valve body 52 is moves to the second position then
the valve stem 56, for example, may move the valve assembly 68 to the second
position.
The distribution module 20 is removably attached to the breaker
module 18a and threadably attached to the pipe 23 such that fluid flowing through
the pipe 23 is allowed to flow through the distribution module 20 and into the
breaker box assembly 12. The distribution module 20 includes an aperture 70 that
has a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion. As shown in Figure 4, the pipe
23 is attached to the distribution module 20 via the threaded portion and the
breaker module 18a is attached to the distribution module 20 via the unthreaded
portion.
The cover module 22 is removably attached to the breaker module
18f. An inlet portion 72 of the cover module 22 is circular-shaped and includes a
groove 74 extending 360 degrees around the inlet portion 72. The groove 74
receives a sealing member 76 (e.g., O-ring) such that fluid flowing through the first
outlet 34 of the breaker module 18f does not escape (i.e., leak out). It should be
understood that the cover module 22 may be removed from the breaker module
18f and may be replaced with an additional breaker module (the additional breaker
module may provide fluid to another appliance that is associated with the building
). The pipe 23 is threadably attached to the distribution module 20 at one end
and receives fluid (e.g., natural gas) from a fluid source at another end. An
electrical panel 79 is in communication with the pipe 23.
With reference to Figures 1-4, operation of the breaker box assembly
12 will be described in more detail. During normal operation of the breaker box
assembly 12, fluid is permitted to flow through the breaker modules 18 and to the
appliances 14 via the conduits 16. In the event that a break or leak occurs
downstream of any particular breaker module 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e 18f and
causes a pressure difference between a first region 78 upstream of the valve body
52 and a second region 80 downstream of the valve body 52 to exceed a
predetermined value, the valve body 52 of that particular breaker module 18a, 18b,
18c, 18d, 18e, 18f moves from the first position to the second position (as shown
in the breaker module 18a of Figure 4). This causes the valve body 52 to sealingly
abut against the valve ring 50. In this way, fluid (e.g., natural gas) is prevented
from flowing through that particular breaker module 18a and escaping into or out
of the building 10 while the other breaker modules 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f are
allowed to provide fluid to the respective appliance 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f. Stated
another way, fluid flow is prevented through the second outlet 36 of the breaker
module 18a with the break or leak while fluid flow is permitted through the second
outlet 36 of the other breaker modules 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f without the break
or leak. It should be understood that the pressure difference needed to move the
valve body 52 may be different for each breaker module 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e,
18f (i.e., the predetermined value is different for each breaker module 18a, 18b,
18c, 18d, 18e, 18f).
Each breaker module 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e 18f may include indicia
84 on the body 24 thereof, which indicates that fluid flow through that breaker
module has been stopped. Such indicia 84 may be lines that change from vertical
to horizontal when fluid flow through the breaker module has been stopped (see
breaker module 18a in Figure 3). In some configurations, the indicia may be a light
that goes from green (indicating normal operating condition) to red (indicating a
break or a leak) when the valve body 52 moves from the first position to the second
position. In this way, a service technician (not shown) may easily identify which
conduit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f and/or appliance 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f
needs servicing. Once the service technician services the conduit 16a, 16b, 16c,
16d, 16e, 16f and/or the appliance 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, the service
technician may push down on the valve stem 56 of the serviced breaker module
18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e 18f, thereby resetting the valve assembly 26 and the
indicia 84. It should be noted that the valve assembly 68 is in the first position prior
to the service technician pushing down on the valve stem 56 to reset the valve
body 52.
In some configurations, sensors (not shown) may be in
communication with the electrical panel 79 and may be disposed at various
locations of the conduits 16 and the appliances 14. The sensors may detect leaks
in the conduits 16 and/or the appliances 14 that are below the pressures required
to move the valve body 52 from the first position to the second position.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are
generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically
shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations
are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (18)
1. A breaker box assembly comprising: a plurality of breaker modules removably attached to each other, each breaker module including a body and a first valve assembly disposed within the body, the body including an inlet and first and second outlets, the first valve assembly movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow to the first and second outlets and a second position in which fluid is prevented from flowing to the first outlet and is permitted to flow to the second outlet, and wherein each breaker module includes a pipe assembly in fluid communication with the first outlet and including a second valve assembly that is movable independently of the first valve assembly between a first position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is prevented from flowing through the pipe assembly and a second position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is permitted to flow through the pipe assembly.
2. The breaker box assembly of Claim 1, wherein the first valve assembly moves from the first position to the second position when a pressure difference between a first region upstream of the first valve assembly and a second region downstream of the first valve assembly exceeds a predetermined value.
3. The breaker box assembly of Claim 2, wherein the predetermined value is different for each breaker module.
4. The breaker box assembly of Claim 2, wherein the first outlet is in fluid communication with a respective appliance.
5. The breaker box assembly of Claim 4, wherein the second outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet of a respective breaker module.
6. The breaker box assembly of Claim 5, wherein the pipe assembly is disposed upstream of the respective appliance.
7. The breaker box assembly of Claim 1, wherein the body of each breaker module has indicia that indicates when the first valve assembly moves from the first position to the second position.
8. The breaker box assembly of Claim 1, wherein an inlet portion of the body of each breaker module includes a groove formed therein, and wherein a sealing member is disposed within the groove.
9. The breaker box assembly of Claim 1, wherein the fluid is natural gas.
10. A breaker box assembly comprising: a plurality of breaker modules in fluid communication with each other, each breaker module including a body and a first valve assembly disposed within the body, the body including an inlet and first and second outlets, the first valve assembly movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow to the first and second outlets and a second position in which fluid is prevented from flowing to the first outlet and is permitted to flow to the second outlet, and wherein each breaker module includes a pipe assembly in fluid communication with the first outlet and including a second valve assembly that is movable independently of the first valve assembly between a first position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is prevented from flowing through the pipe assembly and a second position in which fluid flowing through the first outlet is permitted to flow through the pipe assembly.
11. The breaker box assembly of Claim 10, wherein the first valve assembly moves from the first position to the second position when a pressure difference between a first region upstream of the first valve assembly and a second region downstream of the first valve assembly exceeds a predetermined value.
12. The breaker box assembly of Claim 11, wherein the predetermined value is different for each breaker module.
13. The breaker box assembly of Claim 11, wherein the first outlet is in fluid communication with a respective appliance.
14. The breaker box assembly of Claim 13, wherein the plurality of breaker modules are removably attached to each other.
15. The breaker box assembly of Claim 14, wherein the pipe assembly is disposed upstream of the respective appliance.
16. The breaker box assembly of Claim 10, wherein the first valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve stem, and wherein the valve stem extends through the body of the breaker module.
17. The breaker box assembly of Claim 10, wherein an inlet portion of the body of each breaker module includes a groove formed therein, and wherein a sealing member is disposed within the groove.
18. The breaker box assembly of Claim 10, wherein the fluid is natural gas.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/134,118 | 2018-09-18 | ||
US16/134,118 US10746406B2 (en) | 2018-09-18 | 2018-09-18 | Breaker box assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ757089A NZ757089A (en) | 2020-10-30 |
NZ757089B2 true NZ757089B2 (en) | 2021-02-02 |
Family
ID=
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