Abstract:
A check ball valve assembly is used to regulate fluid flow from two separate fluid sources to a single fluid outlet. The assembly utilizes a single check ball alternating between two check ball seats in two separate fluid passages. A check ball guide is installed at the intersection of the separate fluid passages and deflects the check ball from the pressurized passage to the non-pressurized passage to prevent backflow into the fluid source.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a check ball valve assembly, and more particularly to a check ball valve assembly having a check ball guide for regulating fluid flow from multiple sources and supplying fluid to a single outlet. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art. 
         [0003]    In pressurized fluid systems, check ball valves are used to regulate fluid flow by allowing flow in one direction while blocking flow in the opposite direction. Typically, a check ball valve includes a check ball and a ball seat. When pressurized fluid flows in the direction away from the ball seat, the check ball is forced off the ball seat and the fluid flows between the check ball and the inner surface of the fluid passage. When the pressurized fluid flows toward the ball seat, the check ball is forced against the ball seat, sealing off any opening for fluid to pass around the ball. The ball is further contained in the fluid passage by a cage or other obstruction that keeps the ball from traveling into an outlet passage while otherwise providing an open cross-sectional area to allow the pressurized fluid to flow to the outlet passage. 
         [0004]    Some pressurized fluid systems may require multiple pressurized fluid sources for the purpose of, for example, backing-up a failed pressurized fluid source. When incorporating multiple pressurized fluid sources that feed a single fluid outlet, it may be desirable to prevent fluid flow into the secondary, non-pressurized fluid source when the primary fluid source is pressurized. The same protection may be required when the primary fluid source is not functioning and the secondary source is pressurized. Previously, a system capable of these functions requires two check ball valves to provide backflow prevention into the non-pressurized fluid source. The two check ball valves require twice the packaging space as a single check ball valve. Furthermore, the two check ball valves would not coordinate directly with each other and may require additional time for the check ball valves to perform their functions. Additional parts and manufacturing steps also increase the cost of the system while decreasing its reliability. While these fluid systems are effective, there is room in the art for an apparatus for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid from multiple sources to a single outlet. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A ball check valve assembly for regulating fluid flow from a plurality of fluid pressure sources according to the principles of the present invention is provided. In one embodiment, the check ball valve assembly includes a check ball and a first fluid passage in communication with a first of the plurality of fluid pressure sources. The first fluid passage includes a check ball seat. The assembly further includes a second fluid passage in communication with a second of the plurality of fluid pressure sources. The second fluid passage intersects the first fluid passage and includes a check ball seat. The assembly further includes a third fluid passage in communication with the first and second fluid passages. The third fluid passage receives fluid flow from one of the first and second fluid passages. The assembly further includes an intersection fluid passage in communication with the first, second and third fluid passages and a check ball guide disposed in the intersection fluid passage. 
         [0006]    In one aspect of the present invention, the check ball seat of the first fluid passage has a smaller inner diameter than the diameter of the check ball. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the present invention, the check ball seat of the second fluid passage has a smaller inner diameter than the diameter of the check ball. 
         [0008]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the check ball is disposed in at least one of a first position, a second position, and moving between the first and second positions wherein the first position is adjacent to the check ball seat of the first fluid passage, the second position is adjacent to the check ball seat of the second fluid passage. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the intersection fluid passage includes an inner surface. The check ball guide includes an arcuate portion disposed on the inner surface of the intersection fluid passage. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the arcuate portion includes a first end and a second end wherein the first end is disposed proximate the first fluid passage and the second end is disposed proximate the second fluid passage. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the check ball guide includes an arcuate portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed proximate the first fluid passage and the second end is disposed proximate the second fluid passage, and wherein the arcuate portion bisects the intersection fluid passage. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the check ball valve assembly further includes a check ball guide insert. The check ball insert includes the third fluid passage and the check ball guide. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the check ball guide insert further includes a flexible retention tab. 
         [0014]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the check ball valve assembly further includes a retention tab. The check ball guide insert further includes a notch corresponding to a retention tab of the check ball valve assembly. 
         [0015]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first fluid passage is provided with fluid pressure from a first fluid pump and the second fluid passage is provided with fluid pressure from a second fluid pump. 
         [0016]    Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of an exemplary pressurized fluid passage system having a check ball fluid assembly according to the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of an example of the check ball fluid assembly according to the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section of another example of the check ball fluid assembly having an exemplary check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is front view of an example of a check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another example of a check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of the check ball guide insert shown in  FIG. 5  according to the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another example of a check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another example of a check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the check ball guide insert shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another example of a check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another example of a check ball guide insert according to the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
         [0030]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, in  FIG. 1  a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid passage system  10  is illustrated. The fluid passage system  10  includes a first source of pressurized fluid  12  and a second source of pressurized fluid  14 . The first and second sources of pressurized fluid  12  and  14  may include, for example, positive displacement pumps, hydraulic circuits having pressurized fluid flow, pressure regulation valves, accumulators, or any other source of pressurized fluid. The first source of pressurized fluid  12  communicates a fluid to a ball check valve assembly  16  via a first fluid passage  18  and the second source of pressurized fluid  14  communicates a fluid to the ball check valve assembly  16  via a second fluid passage  20 . The ball check valve assembly  16  is operable to selectively communicate fluid flow from one of the first and second fluid sources  12  and  14  to a fluid output  22  via a third fluid passage  24 . The fluid output  22  may be, for example, a hydraulic fluid control circuit for a transmission. 
         [0031]    The ball check valve assembly  16  generally includes a junction of three valve fluid passages including a first fluid valve passage  26 , a second fluid valve passage  28 , and a third fluid valve passage  30 . The first fluid valve passage  26  is in communication with the first fluid passage  18 . The second fluid valve passage  28  is in communication with the second fluid passage  20 . The third fluid valve passage  30  is in communication with the third fluid passage  24 . The first, second, and third fluid valve passages  26 ,  28 , and  30  each communicate with each other at an intersection  32 . A check ball  34  is disposed within the first, second, and third fluid valve passages  26 ,  28 , and  30 . The check ball  34  is contained in the first fluid valve passage  28  by a first check ball seat  36  disposed at the connection between the first fluid passage  18  and the first fluid valve passage  26 . The check ball  34  is contained in the second fluid valve passage  28  by a second check ball seat  38  disposed at the connection between the second fluid passage  20  and the second fluid valve passage  28 . The arrangement prevents the check ball  26  from traveling beyond the first and second check ball seats  36 ,  38  and into the first and second fluid sources  12 ,  14 . A check ball guide  40  is disposed either at the intersection  32  or within the third fluid valve passage  30 . The check ball guide  40  operates, upon pressurization of either the first or second fluid passages  18 ,  20 , to deflect the check ball  34  into the non-pressurized first or second fluid passage  18 ,  20  while allowing the pressurized fluid to pass through the check ball guide  40  to the third fluid passage  24 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the check ball valve assembly  16  is illustrated. The first fluid passage  18  is shown in communication with the first valve fluid passage  26 . The first check ball seat  36  is disposed at the connection of the first fluid passage  18  and the first valve fluid passage  26 . The second fluid passage  20  is shown in communication with the second valve fluid passage  28 . The second check ball seat  38  is disposed at the connection of the first fluid passage  20  and the first valve fluid passage  28 . The fluid passages  18 ,  20  have a smaller diameter than the valve fluid passages  26 ,  28 . The check ball seats  36 ,  38  form a portion of a conical surface to join the inner surfaces of the fluid passages  18 ,  20  to the inner surfaces of the valve fluid passages  26 ,  28 . The check ball  34  is disposed in the valve fluid passages  26 ,  28  and has a larger diameter than the fluid passages  18 ,  20 . The check ball  34  travels between the first and second check ball seats  36 ,  38 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0033]    The check ball guide  40  is disposed in the intersection  32  or in the third fluid passage  24 . In the example shown, the check ball guide  40  is a gradual reduction in the diameter of the intersection  32  or third fluid passage  24  in an arc from a first end  40 A of the ball check guide  40  to a second end  40 B of the ball check guide  40 . The first end  40 A is disposed proximate a surface  32 A opposite the second valve fluid passage  28 . The second end  40 B of the check ball guide  40  is disposed proximate a surface  32 B which is adjacent the second valve fluid passage  28 . When the first fluid source  12  is pressurized, the pressurized fluid forces the check ball  34  from a first position in the check ball seat  36  and carries the check ball  34  through the first valve fluid passage  26  towards the third valve fluid passage  30 . Before the check ball  34  passes into the third valve fluid passage  30 , the check ball  34  enters the intersection  32  containing the check ball guide  40 . The check ball  34  is deflected or guided by the check ball guide  40  into the second valve fluid passage  28  and is propelled further into a second position in the second check ball seat  38  by the pressurized fluid of the first fluid source  12 . The reduced diameter of the check ball guide  40  prevents the check ball  34  from entering the third fluid passage  24 . In addition, due to the curved or arcuate shape of the ball check guide  40  from the end  40 A to the end  40 B, the check ball  34  is prevented from seating or blocking the third fluid passage  24 . After the check ball  34  is seated in the second check ball seat  38 , the pressurized fluid flows without obstruction to the third fluid passage  24 . The check ball  34  actuation is repeated in reverse when the second fluid source  14  becomes pressurized and the first fluid source  12  is depressurized. The pressurized fluid from the second fluid source  14  forces the check ball  34  from the second position in the second check ball seat  38  and carries the check ball  34  through the second valve fluid passage  28  towards the third valve fluid passage  30 . Before the check ball  34  passes into the third valve fluid passage  30 , the check ball  34  enters the intersection  32  containing the check ball guide  40 . The check ball  34  is deflected or guided by the check ball guide  40  into the first valve fluid passage  26  and is propelled further into the first position in the first check ball seat  36  by the pressurized fluid of the first fluid source  12 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a cross-section of another example of the check ball valve assembly  16 ′ is illustrated. The check ball valve assembly  16 ′ is similar to the check ball valve assembly  16  described in  FIG. 1  and therefore like components are indicated by like reference numbers. However, the check ball guide  40  of the check ball valve assembly  16  has been replaced with a check ball guide insert  42 . The check ball guide insert  42  is a replaceable part that may be readily replaced when desired. The check ball guide insert  42  has a hollow cylindrical body  43  and is disposed in the third fluid passage  24 . The check ball guide insert  42  includes a first open end  45  that communicates with the fluid passages  26  and  28  and a second open end  47  that communicates with the fluid passage  24 . The check ball guide insert  42  includes a check ball guide  41  and a check ball guide retention tab  44 . The retention tab  44  is disposed on the outer periphery of the check ball guide insert  42 . The retention tab  44  is flexible and coordinates with a groove  16 A located within the third fluid passage  24  of the ball valve assembly  16 ′ to lock the check ball guide insert  42  into the ball valve assembly  16 ′. As the check ball guide insert  42  is placed inside the check ball valve assembly  16 , the flexible retention tab  44  initially deflects to clear the inner diameter of the check ball valve assembly  16  and snaps into the groove  16 A when the check ball guide insert  42  is seated in the check ball valve assembly  16 . However, it should be appreciated that other methods and mechanisms for retaining the check ball guide insert  42  into the ball valve assembly  16 ′ may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the check ball guide  41  is defined by an interior surface  46  within the hollow body  43 . More specifically, the check ball guide  41  is defined by a pair of arcuate projections  48 A,  48 B disposed opposite each other on the inner surface  46  near the open end  45 . The check ball guide  41  effectively forms a track which receives and redirects the check ball  34  while allowing the pressurized fluid to flow through the check ball guide  41  between the arcuate projections  48 A,  48 B and into the third fluid passage  24 . The check ball guide insert  42  prevents the check ball  34  from entering the third fluid passage  24 . In addition, the check ball guide insert  42  prevents the check ball  34  from seating or blocking the third fluid passage  24 . Turning to  FIG. 7 , an alternate embodiment of a check ball guide insert is generally indicated by reference number  50 . The check ball guide insert  50  includes a check ball guide  52  and a retention feature  54  having an alignment indentation  56  and a retention tab receiving hole  58 . More specifically, the alignment indentation  56  receives an orientation and retention tab of a ball valve assembly (not shown). As the check ball guide insert  52  is moved into position, the retention tab is deflected into the retention tab receiving hole  58  by the alignment indentation  56 . This feature provides proper orientation and retention of the check ball guide  52  when installed in the check ball valve assembly (not shown). 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , another example of a check ball guide insert is indicated by reference number  60 . The check ball guide insert  60  includes a check ball guide  62 , an orientation key  64  and an inside surface  66  that communicates with the third fluid passage  24  of the check ball valve assembly (not shown). The check ball guide  62  is an arcuate member that spans and bisects the inside bore  66  from a first surface  68 A of the third fluid passage  68  to a second surface  68 B of the third fluid passage  68 . The orientation key  64  is a projection on an outer surface  60 A of the check ball guide insert  60  that coordinates with a key groove of the ball valve assembly (not shown). The orientation key  64  provides proper orientation of the check ball guide  62  when installed in the check ball valve assembly. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , another example of a check ball guide insert is indicated by reference number  70 . The check ball guide insert  70  includes a check ball guide  72 , an orientation key  74  and an inside surface  76  that communicates with the third fluid passage  24  of the check ball valve assembly (not shown). The check ball guide  72  is an arcuate member that spans and bisects the inside bore  76 . The orientation key  74  is a projection on an outer surface  70 A of the check ball guide insert  70  that coordinates with a key groove of the ball valve assembly (not shown). The orientation key  74  provides proper orientation of the check ball guide  72  when installed in the check ball valve assembly. 
         [0038]    Turning to  FIG. 11 , another example of a check ball guide insert is generally indicated by reference number  80 . The check ball guide insert  80  includes a check ball guide  82  and a retention feature  84  having a pair of flexible alignment and retention tabs  84 A,  84 B. More specifically as the check ball guide insert  80  is moved into position, the alignment and retention tabs  84 A,  84 B guide a post  86  that is fixed to a check ball valve assembly (not shown). The post  86  forces the alignment and retention tabs  84 A,  84 B to flex around the post  86  and lock the check ball guide insert  80  into place. This feature provides proper orientation and retention of the check ball guide  80  when installed in the check ball valve assembly (not shown). 
         [0039]    The check ball valve assembly  16 ,  16 ′ of the present invention provides a fast response valve system having fewer parts than would be required utilizing previous technology. The check ball valve assembly  16 ,  16 ′ also requires less packaging space so that it can be combined with other features in a pressurized fluid system in a smaller and more compact unit. Additionally, the ability to remove and replace the check ball guide insert  42 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80  provides for longer life of the check ball valve assembly  16  by providing the ability to replace worn or damaged parts. 
         [0040]    The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.