Dual function service coupling
AssigneeEaton Corporation
InventorGregory A. Haunhorst
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A service coupling for use with either a push-type or a screw-type port valve of a charge port is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing. Axial movement of an actuator permits both the selective axial movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward a forward position and the selective disengagement of the port valve to open a flow path. In one embodiment the actuator has a nose portion that engages a threaded port valve, or axially moves a push-pin valve, to open a flow path. The operation is the same with either type of type of valve such that the user in not required to know which type of valve is present.
Claims29
A service coupling for connecting a fluid source to a fluid system having a charging port that includes an axially displaceable port valve, comprising:
- (a) a body portion extending along an axis from an adjustment end to an outlet end, the body portion including a central passageway and a lateral port positioned between the ends to provide communication between the central passageway and the fluid source;
- (b) an axially moveable valve housing received in the central passageway, the valve housing including a fluid flow opening in communication with the lateral port to form a flow path, and at least one pressure balancing passage extending there through between opposing longitudinal ends;
- and
- (c) an actuator for permitting the movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward the adjustment end to a forward position toward the outlet end, wherein axial movement of the actuator results in disengagement of the port valve from sealing engagement in the charging port to open the flow path, and wherein as the flow path is opened, the at least one pressure balancing passage results in the pressure being substantially balanced on either end of the valve housing.
A service coupling for connecting a fluid source to a fluid system, comprising:
- (a) a charging port that includes an axially displaceable port valve, the valve being of either a push-pin type or a screw-type;
- (b) a body portion extending along an axis from an adjustment end to an outlet end, the body portion including a central passageway and a lateral port positioned between the ends to provide communication between the central passageway and the fluid source;
- (c) an axially moveable safety sleeve received in the central passageway, the safety sleeve including a fluid flow opening in communication with the lateral port to form a flow path, and at least one pressure balancing passage extending there through between opposing longitudinal ends, a first cavity being disposed on a side of the safety sleeve adjacent to the port valve and a second cavity being disposed adjacent an opposing side of the safety sleeve, the pressure balancing passage disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity;
- and
- (d) an actuator for permitting the movement of the safety sleeve from a rearward position toward the adjustment end to a forward position toward the outlet end, wherein axial movement of the actuator results in disengagement of the port valve from sealing engagement in the charging port to open the flow path, and wherein as the flow path is opened, the at least one pressure balancing passage results in the pressure being substantially balanced on either end of the safety sleeve.
A service coupling for connecting a fluid source to a fluid system, comprising:
- (a) a body portion extending along an axis from an adjustment end to an outlet end, the body portion including a central passageway and a lateral port positioned between the ends to provide communication between the central passageway and the fluid source;
- (b) an axially moveable safety sleeve received in the central passageway, the safety sleeve including a fluid flow opening in communication with the lateral port to form a flow path, and an interior passageway;
- and
- (c) a shaft moveable within the interior passageway of the safety sleeve for selectively permitting the movement of the safety sleeve from a rearward position toward the adjustment end to a forward position toward the outlet end, wherein axial movement of the shaft results in disengagement of the port valve from sealing engagement in the charging port to open the flow path, the shaft including a nose portion with a non-circular profile adapted for mutual engagement with a corresponding profile of a first specific type port valve;
- and wherein the nose portion is further adapted for mutual engagement with a push pin associated with a second specific type port valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.