Patent Grant
10406570
This invention relates to an access device for inline installation to drain lines and other fluid transfer conduits and, more particularly, to a compact inline access device that includes a cleanout adapter that slides into and seals within the access device for connecting a pressurized liquid or gas source or vacuum source to clear clogs in air conditioning and refrigeration condensate drain lines and other fluid transfer lines.
In various systems and equipment, there is a need to transfer and/or drain liquid from the equipment to a separate location. For example, in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, condensation naturally occurs as warm, humid air passes over the exterior of the evaporator coil in the HVACR unit. Typically, the condensation drips from the evaporator coil into a condensate collection pan positioned below the evaporator coil. From the collection pan, the liquid condensate is directed through a drain line that leads to an appropriate discharge location, such as the exterior of a building. It is not uncommon for these and other types of drain lines to occasionally become partially or completely clogged, resulting in a backup of condensate liquid in the drain line and the collection pan of the HVACR unit. In particular, the slow and continuous movement of condensate liquid through the drain line (i.e., by gravity transfer) encourages the growth and accumulation of algae, bacteria, dust, corrosive residue and other debris that builds up in the drain line and eventually causes a partial or complete blockage. The backup of condensate in the drain line and collection pan can result in an accidental overflow of condensate during the continuous operation of the HVACR equipment, possibly resulting in extensive and costly damage to the building structure and contents. This is a common problem that is well known in the industry.
In order to avoid clogs and accidental condensate overflows in HVACR condensate drain lines, it is recommended that the drain lines be cleaned (i.e., cleared of debris and residue) at least twice a year during normal maintenance procedures. Typically, cleaning of drain lines is achieved by introducing a pressurized flow of liquid or gas through one end of the drain line which serves to push debris, residue and blockages through the drain line and out through the opposite end. In most instances, when using a pressurized flow through the drain line for cleaning, it is desirous to gain access to the upper end of the condensate drain line near the air conditioner or refrigeration unit so that the pressure may be applied at the upper end, while pushing the clogging materials out through the opposite end, usually at an exterior of the building. Access to the upper end of the drain line requires detaching the drain line from the air conditioning or refrigeration unit and then replacing the drain line wherein the maintenance is completed. In many instances, access to the drain line can only be achieved by cutting the drain line near the HVACR unit to create an open end for injection of a pressurized gas or fluid. After cleaning, the cut drain line must then be repaired by inserting a connecting joint. This repair process compromises the water tight integrity of the drain line, and can often result in leaks at the repair joint.
In order to overcome the above-described problems associated with drain line clogs and maintenance for cleaning drain lines in HVACR systems, others have proposed for the installation of permanent inline assemblies that allow for access to the drain line to inject pressurized gas or liquid without the need of separating the drain line from the equipment or cutting the drain line. These various inline assemblies typically employ the use of a manually operated ball valve or gate valve that is closed during the clean out procedure so that the forced flow of gas or liquid is directed in one direction, usually away from the HVACR equipment. Use of a valve is advantageous in order to close off the drain line between the valve and a clog in the line. The pressurized flow of gas or liquid can then be introduced into the drain line between the closed valve and the clog, creating sufficient pressure to push the clog out through the line until the drain line is completely cleared of debris and clogging residue. However, after the cleanout procedure, the manually operated valve must be opened by the service person, otherwise the closed valve will act as a clog by preventing flow and draining of condensate liquid through the drain line to the desired discharge location.
The need to operate a manual shut-off valve in the various inline drain flushing systems of the related art presents several problems. In particular, the rotational force exerted on the manual valve control can cause bending or breaking of the drain line pipe and/or connecting joints, especially over time when the valve accumulates residue and tends to stick and resist movement. Eventually, the valve would need to be replaced which requires cutting the drain line at two locations. Another major concern with use of manually operated shut-off valves along an HVACR drain line is human error. If the service person forgets to re-open the valve after cleaning the drain line, the liquid condensate will not be permitted to drain out from the drain line and will, instead, back up into the HVACR unit drain pan, possibly resulting in an accidental overflow as the HVACR unit continues to operate.
Considering the foregoing problems and limitations associated with existing drain line clearance methods and devices, there exists a need for a compact and low profile drain line access device that is structured for inline installation to an existing drain line without obstructing the flow of drain line contents, and a cleanout adapter that slides into and seals within an interior cavity of the access device in fluid flow communication with the drain line (i.e., either upstream or downstream of the access device), and wherein the cleanout adapter is structured for connection to a pressurized gas or liquid source, or a vacuum source, to thereby allow convenient flushing of the drain line in both upstream and downstream directions, and further wherein the cleanout adapter lines up perfectly with the drain line every time it is inserted within the interior cavity of the access device and is secured in this operative position without the need for the user to hold the cleanout adapter when clearing the drain line.
Considering the forgoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide inline access to fluid transfer lines, such as drain lines in HVACR systems, for purposes of cleaning (e.g., flushing) the lines without disrupting the integrity of the lines and without the need to manually operate shut-off valves to perform the cleaning.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a drain line access device that allows for easy connection of a compressed gas or liquid delivery source to clean the line and clear any clogs.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a drain line access device for cleaning fluid transfer lines and clearing clogs either upstream or downstream of the device.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an inline access device for attachment to a drain line of an HVAC unit and wherein the access device includes a cleanout adapter that slides in and out of the access device and properly aligns and seals with the outlet or inlet port of the access device and an attached drain line.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an inline access device for HVAC unit drain lines and a cleanout adapter that slides within a track formed on the inside of the access device and wherein the cleanout adapter properly seals and aligns with the outlet or inlet port of the access device and an attached drain line each time the cleanout adapter is inserted.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a drain line access device and cleanout adapter, as set forth above, and wherein the cleanout adapter properly seals and aligns with the inlet or outlet port of the access device and an attached drain line and stays in place without the need to hold the adapter when clearing the drain line with an attached pressurized gas or liquid source or vacuum source.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an inline access device and cleanout adapter, as set forth above, which is easy to use.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an inline access device and cleanout adapter, as set forth above, which provides for a reduced size to allow the access device to be installed in tight spaces with limited room, and wherein the cleanout adapter is able to easily slide in and out of the access device without any difficulty.
These and other advantages of some embodiments are more readily apparent with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
The present invention is directed to an access device for inline installation to a drain line in a fluid transfer system. In one preferred embodiment, the access device is connected to a drain line extending from an air handler unit of an HVAC system to allow easy and convenient access to the drain line in order to clear a clog/obstruction in the drain line or to add clog preventing agents on a periodic basis. The access device includes a main body having connection ports on opposite ends for inline installation to the drain line (between the condensation producing source and drain discharge). The device includes a hinged top cover and a cleanout adapter that is sized and configured for insertion into the interior cavity of the main body for sealed alignment with one of the input or outlet ports (upstream or downstream direction). The cleanout adapter includes a top opening, a bottom opening oriented approximately 90 degrees to the top opening, and a fluid flow passage between the top and bottom openings. A flange surrounding the bottom opening has a rubber seal about its periphery. The flange is structured for sliding receipt within either of two transverse slots at opposite ends of the interior cavity, adjacent the respective input and outlet ports. When fully inserted within either of the transverse slots, the rubber seal of the flange engages the inside surfaces of the interior cavity, within the slot, and the bottom opening aligns perfectly with the respective input or outlet port in sealed, fluid flow relation therewith. The adapter allows for connection of virtually any pressurized gas or liquid flow source, or a vacuum source, as well as pouring of a liquid (e.g. anti-clogging agent) either upstream or downstream in the drain line for flushing out and/or preventing a clog in the drain line.
For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Referring to the several views of the drawings, the drain line access device of the present invention is shown and is generally indicated as 10.
As seen in
The top cover 22 is easily opened and/or removable from the main body 12 at the double pin separating hinge assembly 24. The latch 26 on the opposite side of the main body hinges upwardly into engagement with fastening member 40 on the top cover 22 for holding the top cover 22 tightly closed against the top rim of the main body in covering and sealed relation to the open top. To open or remove the top cover, the latch 26 is hingedly rotated away from the top cover 22 so that the latch separates from the fastening member 40. The top cover 22 can then be opened (and completely removed if desired) to gain access to the interior chamber 14 of the main body 12 as seen in
Referring to
While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several preferred and practical embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention which are not to be limited except as defined in the following claims, as interpreted under the Doctrine of Equivalents.
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