US 6,206,032 B1 · High pressure check valve fittings

Abstract

High pressure check valves and fittings, including button head fittings, sealant fittings, and lubrication adapters, that are equipped with dynamically self-centering plungers. Each metallic fitting comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The inlet end of each may be configured to be mechanically engaged by high pressure hoses, grease guns, or the like. The outlet end is configured, as by threading, for coupling to the desired application. The inlet and outlet are in fluid flow communication, and meet at an internal valve seat. A steel ball forms the check valve element. The ball is dynamically controlled and centered by a dynamic plunger coaxially and slidably disposed in the fitting. A return spring coaxially mounted on the plunger normally urges the ball and the plunger towards the valve seat to close the fitting. A plunger crown is integral with an elongated, dual-diameter shaft. A conical depression in the crown seats the ball for centering. One end of the spring abuts the underside of the crown, and the opposite end is seated within a counterbore in a plunger guide. A reduced diameter portion of the plunger shaft coaxially registers within a centering passageway defined in the guide. Axial plunger displacement is limited when the shoulder contacts the guide counterbore floor. The plunger guide is axially secured by a snap ring seated within a ring groove formed in the outlet passageway. Portions of the guide are beveled to center and pressure the interior edge of the snap ring.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A high pressure fitting comprising:

an inlet passageway;
an outlet passageway;
a valve seat disposed interiorly of said fitting between said inlet passageway and said outlet passageway;
a displaceable plunger;
a valve element comprising a ball controlled by said plunger for selectively blocking said valve seat to close the fitting;
said displaceable plunger comprising a crown for seating and centering said ball and a shaft integral with said crown;
a return spring for normally yieldably biasing said plunger and said valve element ball towards said valve seat, said return spring coaxially captivated upon said plunger shaft;
and,
guide means within said outlet passageway for anchoring said return spring and controlling said plunger, said guide means comprising a counterbore for anchoring said return spring and a central passageway that registers with at least a portion of said plunger shaft.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High pressure check valve fittings

Life of this patent

High pressure check valve fittings

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13