HIGH FLOW VALVED FITTING

Abstract: A valved fitting is provided which includes a body having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end, with a fluid passage extending through the body between the first and second ends. A valve seat is defined on the body within the fluid passage, and a valve assembly is removably disposed within the fluid passage for controlling flow through the fluid passage. The valve assembly includes a valve head that is engageable with the valve seat in sealable relation therewith. A higher flow area, and thus a higher flow rate, are achieved with the fitting of the invention as compared to conventional fittings which utilize a single-piece body with a Schrader valve, because the valve seat is defined on the body, and the valve head is engageable with the valve seat. Further, the valve assembly is removable, thereby allowing the valve assembly to be replaced when needed. The valved fitting of the invention is particularly useful on a service valve block for an air conditioning system.

Description: HIGH FLOW VALVED FITTING Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to valved fittings on service valve blocks of air conditioning units. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valved fitting that allows a high flow and quick connection to a fluid conduit. Background of the Invention It is common in refrigeration systems, such as air conditioning units, to employ a service valve block in the suction line between the evaporator and compressor, and between the condenser and the evaporator. These service valve blocks typically include inlet and outlet conduits, a shutoff valve fitting controlling flow between the inlet and outlet conduits, and a charging/evacuation fitting to permit charging, evacuation and/or testing of the system. A typical service valve block 10 is illustrated in Figure 1, and includes a conduit 12 which can be connected to, for instance, the compressor, and a conduit 14 which can be connected to the evaporator, and a shut-off valve fitting 16 for controlling flow between the conduits 12,14. The service block 10 further includes a charging/evacuation fitting 18 to permit charging, evacuation, and testing of the system with which the service block is used. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the fitting 18 includes a body 20 having one end fixed to a housing 22 of the service block 10, and having an interior flow passage communicating with the interior of the housing. A Schrader valve assembly 24 is removably secured within the body 20, such as by threading, for controlling flow through the body 20. The exterior surface of the body 20 is threaded to permit connection of a closure cap 26 thereto when the fitting 18 is not in use, and to permit connection to an internally threaded fluid line when the cap 26 is removed to allow introduction or removal of fluids from the system through the fluid line. The Schrader valve assembly 24 includes a valve housing 28 through which the fluid flows, and which is externally threaded so that the valve assembly can be replaced when needed by simply unscrewing the valve assembly from the body and replacing the defective valve assembly with a new valve assembly. A spring biased valve stem and valve head 29 are provided within the housing for controlling flow therethrough. The valve head 29, which has a seal thereon and which is normally biased into sealed engagement with the housing 28 to prevent flow through the body 20, is actuated away from housing 28 by the valve stem in order to allow fluid to flow through the body. Although the fitting 18 is generally adequate to permit the introduction and/or removal of fluids from the system, the flow area and thus flow rate provided by the fitting 18 is limited. In particular, the fluid must flow through the relatively small area of the housing 28, which restricts the amount of flow that can flow through the fitting. While it would be possible to increase the size of the housing 28 as well as increasing the size of the flow passage of the body 20, such increases are limited by mechanical constraints, as well as the fact that the size of valve fitting bodies are generally standardized to allow interchangeable use of valve fittings 18 on service valve blocks 10. Further, the seal on the valve head of the Schrader valve increases the size of the valve head 29 and thereby reduces the amount of fluid flow through the fitting 18. Further, while the threads on the exterior surface of the body 20 permit connection with a fluid line, the fluid line must be threaded onto the body, which can be difficult and time consuming, as well as leaving open the possibility of damaging the threads on the body which could require that the fitting be replaced. What is needed then is an improved valved fitting for use on a service valve block which has a higher flow area, and thus higher flow rate, than conventional fittings with Schrader valve assemblies, and which is designed to permit fast and easy connection with a fluid line, while retaining many of the features of conventional fittings, such as the ability to replace the valve assembly. Summary of the Invention The invention provides an improved valved fitting, particularly for use on a service valve block in an air conditioning system and the like to permit charging, evacuation and/or testing, having a flow area, and thus flow rate, that is greater than conventional valved fittings. The valved fitting of the invention preferably provides a flow area greater than about three times the flow area of a conventional fitting with a Schrader valve assembly. More preferably, the flow area of the invention is about three to about five times greater than the flow area of a conventional fitting with a Schrader valve assembly. Most preferably, the flow area of the invention is about four times greater than the flow area of a conventional fitting with a Schrader valve assembly. The valved fitting is designed to be connected with a fluid line by either threading or with a latching connector. The valved fitting is also designed to allow the valve assembly to be removed therefrom and replaced with a different valve assembly without loss of fluid media. In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, a valved fitting is provided which includes a body having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end. A fluid passage extends through the body between the first and second ends, and a valve seat is defined on the body within the fluid passage. The body further includes an exterior surface that is adapted for connection with a fluid line. A valve assembly is removably disposed within the fluid passage for controlling flow through the fluid passage, and the valve assembly includes a valve head that is engageable with the valve seat in sealable relation therewith. A higher flow area, and thus a higher flow rate, are achieved with the fitting of the invention as compared to conventional fittings which utilize a single- piece body with a Schrader valve, because the valve seat is defined on the body, and the valve head is engageable with the valve seat. Therefore, the flow area is determined by the flow passage of the body, and not by a Schrader valve housing. Further, the valve assembly is removable, thereby allowing the valve assembly to be replaced when needed. Since the flow area of the valved fitting of the invention is increased, the valved fitting has particular use in a service valve block such as typically found on an air conditioning system. A higher flow rate into or from the service valve block is achieved, so that charging, evacuation, or testing of the system with which the service valve block is used can be completed in a shorter amount of time. Further, the body is designed so that it can mate with all existing service connection tools, such as threaded connectors and latching connectors. A variety of additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a conventional service valve block with which the present invention can be used. Figure 2 is a detailed view of a conventional valved fitting used on the service valve block of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valved fitting in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 A is an end view of the spacer which is used to slideably support the valve stem. Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, but with the valve assembly opened to illustrate the flow area. Figure 5 illustrates the valved fitting of the present invention with a cap secured thereto. Figure 6 illustrates the valved fitting of the present invention connected to a threaded fluid line. Figure 7 illustrates a latching connector on a fluid line which can connect with the valved fitting of the present invention. Figures 8 and 8A illustrate possible configurations for the exterior surface of the first end of the first body member. Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 3, but showing an alternate embodiment of the valved fitting. Figure 10 is an end view of the valved fitting of Figure 9, looking in the direction of line 10-10. Figure 1 1 illustrates yet another embodiment of the valved fitting. Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another valved fitting in accordance with the invention, having a one-piece body. Figure 13 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a valved fitting and associated cap in accordance with the invention. Figure 14 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valved fitting in Figure 13 provided with a lock nut. Figures 15A and 15B illustrate engaging shoulder between the two body members for enhanced sealing. Figure 16 illustrates an alternative valved fitting utilizing a splined lock ring to secure the two body members together.5 Figure 17 is an end view of the splined lock ring. Figure 18 illustrates the valved fitting of Figure 16 in combination with a cap. Figures 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate alternative constructions of the valve stem and valve head. Figure 20 illustrates a partial longitudinal sectional view of a valved fitting utilizing a snap ring. Detailed Description With reference now to Figure 3, a valved fitting 30 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in detail. The valved fitting 30 has particular use in connection with service valve blocks in air conditioning systems to permit charging, evacuation, and/or testing of the air conditioning system. However, the valved fitting 30 could be used in connection with other systems as well. The phrase "valved fitting" is meant to encompass fittings of the type described herein which permit charging, evacuation, and/or testing of a system. The valved fitting 30 comprises a two-piece body 32 defining a flow path through which a fluid, such as a refrigerant, is able is flow, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. The two-piece body 32 includes a generally cylindrical, first body member 34 and a generally cylindrical, second body member 36 removably connected to the first body member 34. The first body member 34 has a first end 38 and a second end 40, and has a central fluid passage 42 defined by an interior wall 44 and extending between the two ends. The first end 38 is sized and shaped to be fixedly secured within a receptacle on a housing of a service valve block, such as by brazing or welding, whereby the valved fitting 30 is secured to the service valve block, while the second end 40 is adapted to be connected to the second body member 36. The interior wall 44 is stepped between the two ends 38,40 so as to define a large diameter region adjacent the second end 40 and a small diameter region adjacent the first end 38, with a shoulder 46 defined between the large and small diameter regions. As can be seen in Figure 3, a portion of the large diameter region of the interior wall 44 at the second end 40 is provided with threads 48. The second body member 36 has a diameter less than the diameter of the first body member 34, and includes a first end 50 disposed in the second end 40 of the first body member. Threads 52 are formed on the exterior surface of the second body member 36 for mating engagement with the threads 48, such that the first and second body members 34,36 are connected by a simple threaded engagement that allows the second body member 36 to be replaced when desired by simply unscrewing it from the first body member. A second end 54 of the body member 36 extends past the second end 40 of the body member 34, with the threads 52 also extending past the second end 40 toward the end 54. In order to allow flow through the body member 36, a central flow passage 56 extends between the two ends 50,54, and is parallel to the flow passage 42, with the flow passage 56 being defined by an interior wall 58. The first end 50 of the body member 36 is further provided with a lip 60, and a seal 62 is disposed around the lip 60 and is supported thereby. As is shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the body member 36 is threaded into the body member 34, the seal 62 is disposed between the first end 50 and the shoulder 46 to prevent fluid leakage between the body members 34,36, and to capture the seal 62 to prevent seal blowout. The lip 60 and the seal 62 further form valve seats against which a valve assembly 64 engages to close off flow through the passages 42,56. The valve assembly 64 is supported within the body member 36 so as to form a part thereof such that when the body member 36 is removed from the body member 34, the valve assembly is removed therewith. The valve assembly 64 includes an elongated valve stem 66 extending through the passage 56 parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof and a valve head 68 is secured to one end of the valve stem adjacent the first end 50 of the body member 36. A spacer 70 is fixed within the flow passage 56 for slideably supporting the valve stem 66 to allow opening and closing movements of the valve assembly 64. The spacer 70 is best seen in Figures 3 and 3 A and includes a central sleeve 72 through which the valve stem 66 extends, and a plurality of spacer arms 74 are circumferentially spaced around the sleeve 72 and extend to the interior wall 58 for supporting the central sleeve. There are preferably two or three of the spacer arms 74 in order to provide adequate support for the central sleeve 72. The spacer 70 can be fixed in the flow passage 56 in any suitable manner. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, the interior wall 58 includes a circumferential groove 76, and the arms 74 are swaged 78 into the groove 76 so as to fix the spacer 70 within the flow passage 56. Alternatively, a snap-ring could be disposed in the groove to fix the spacer in the flow passage. The use of a snap-ring would eliminate the need to swag or deform the spacer arms. A coil spring 80 surrounds the valve stem 66 and is engaged between the sleeve 72 and an enlarged end 82 of the valve stem so as to bias the valve stem 66 and valve head 68 to the right in Figure 3 whereby the valve head is normally biased into sealed engagement with the seal 62, as well as with the lip 60 on the body member 36 to provide a metal to metal seal as a back-up to the seal 62. Thus, flow through the fitting 30 is prevented until the valve stem is biased to the left against the bias of the spring 80 which unseats the valve head. In the normally closed position of the valve assembly, the enlarged end 82 projects slightly beyond the end 54 of the body member 36, to facilitate actuation of the valve stem 66. However, the enlarged end 82 need not extend beyond the end 54 of the body member 36, but could instead be disposed completely within the body member 36. The valved fitting 30 so far described provides a flow area many times greater than that of fittings with Schrader valves, thereby increasing the flow rate of fluid through the valved fitting 30. This can be seen from a comparison of Figures 2 and 4, where the relatively small size of the Schrader valve housing 28 limits the amount of flow that can flow through the fitting. The valved fitting 30 of the present invention however utilizes a two-piece body 34,36 construction in which larger flow passages can be formed to allow a larger flow rate through the fitting 30, in place of the single piece body 20 and Schrader housing of the prior art. Further, locating the seal 62 on the body member 36 rather than on the valve head provides a further increase in flow area and thus flow rate. Preferably, the valved fitting 30 has a flow area greater than about three times the flow area of a conventional fitting with a Schrader valve assembly. More preferably, the flow area of the fitting 30 is about three to about five times greater than the flow area of a conventional fitting with a Schrader valve assembly. Most preferably, the flow area of the fitting 30 is about four times greater than the flow area of a conventional fitting with a Schrader valve assembly. The threaded connection between the body members 34,36 further permits the body member 36 and valve assembly 64 to be replaced as needed, by simply unscrewing the old body member and threading a new body member, complete with a valve assembly 64 therein, into the body member 34. Therefore, like the Schrader valve 24, the valve assembly 64 can be easily replaced should the valve assembly become defective. When the valved fitting 30 is not in use, it is desirable to close off the fitting to further prevent fluid leakage, to protect the valve assembly components from foreign matter, and to prevent inadvertent actuation of the valve assembly 64. Therefore, the fitting 30 includes a cap 84 associated therewith for closing off the fitting. The cap 84 is generally cylindrical, and as shown in Figures 3 and 5, is hollow so as to be able to be fit over the second body member 36 as well as over the end 40 of the first body member 34. The cap 84 includes a smaller diameter portion 86 that is closed at one end and which is adapted to be disposed over the second body member 36, and a larger diameter portion 88 which is adapted to be disposed over the end 40 of the first body member 34 and which is connected to the portion 86 via angled portion 90. The interior surface of the portion 86 is provided with threads 92 which mate with the threads 52 extending beyond the end 54 so that the cap 84 can be simply screwed onto the fitting 30. An elastomer seal 94 is disposed within a circumferential groove 96 on the interior surface of the portion 88, which seals with the outer surface of the end 40 of the first body member 34 when the cap is screwed onto the fitting 30, as can be seen in Figure 5. The end 40 is further provided with an angled surface 98 which contacts an angled surface 100 on the angled portion 90 of the cap 84, as is shown in Figure 5, to provide a metal to metal seal which further enhances the sealing capabilities of the cap 84. When flow through the fitting 30 is desired, the cap 84 is removed, and the fitting 30 is connected with a fluid line which is designed to actuate the valve assembly 64 to allow flow through the fitting upon connection. With reference to Figure 6, a first embodiment of a fluid line 102 is shown which is designed to be threaded onto the fitting 30. The fluid line 102 includes internal threads 104 which mate with the threads 52 on the second body member 36 that extend beyond the end 40 of the first body member 34, whereby the fluid line 102 is threaded onto the fitting 30. The fluid line 102 includes an actuating member 106, such as a pin or a valve, that is fixed therein which engages against the enlarged end 82 of the valve stem 66 when the fluid line is threaded onto the fitting so as to push the stem 66 to the left, against the bias of the spring 80, which unseats the valve head 68 to allow flow through the fitting 30. An elastomer seal 108 is disposed within the fluid line 102 and engages against the end 54 so as to seal the connection between the fitting and the fluid line. When the fluid line 102 is removed, the spring 80 biases the valve head back into sealing engagement with the seal 62. Figure 7 illustrates an alternate fluid line 102' that is provided with a latching connector 110 to allow quick connection to the fitting 30. Like the fluid line 102, the fluid line 102' includes an actuating member 106', such as a pin, valve, and the like, and an elastomer seal 108'. However, the latching connector 110 includes a generally cylindrical sleeve 112 that is axially slideable on the outer surface of the fluid line 102' as shown by the double headed arrow in Figure 7. At least one detent ball 114 is disposed within a hole in the end of the fluid line 102' for locking engagement within a circumferential detent groove 116 formed in the outer surface of the first body member 34. The detent ball 114 is radially moveable within the hole, with its position controlled by the sliding movements of the sleeve 112. The sleeve 112 includes an interior surface having a larger diameter portion 118, an angled ramp portion 120, and a smaller diameter portion 122. In the position of the sleeve shown in Figure 7, the portion 118 is located above the ball 114, allowing the ball 114 to move radially outward in the hole, so that the fluid line 102' can be slid onto the fitting until the end 54 contacts the seal 108'. Once the end 54 contacts the seal 108', the ball 114 will be aligned with the detent groove 116, and further force applied to the sleeve 112 will cause the sleeve to slide to the left, so that the ramp portion 120 forces the ball down into its hole and into the detent groove 116. Locking is achieved by forcing the sleeve to the left until the small diameter portion 122 is located over the ball 114, thereby preventing radial movement of the ball and maintaining the connection until the sleeve is actuated back to the position shown in Figure 7. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 6, as the fluid line 102' is slid onto the fitting and locked in place by the latching connector 110, the actuating member 106' actuates the valve stem to unseat the valve head 68 and thereby permit flow through the fitting. Preferably, the end of the fluid line 102' includes an upturned lip 124 which limits movement of the sleeve to the left by contacting the ramp portion 120. Thus, by providing a detent groove 116 on the first body member 34, quick connect latching connectors can be used to secure the fluid line to the fitting, which is much faster and physically less demanding than threading on a fluid line. Although a single detent ball 114 has been described, a plurality of detent balls circumferentially spaced around the fluid line 102' could be used if desired. With reference now to Figures 8 and 8 A, the first body member 34 can be modified adjacent the end 38 thereof to facilitate assembly of the body members 34,36. As shown in Figure 8, the body member 34 adjacent the end 38 can be hex-shaped, or as shown in Figure 8A, the body member 34 can have flats 126. The hex-shape and flats 126 permit a tool, such as a wrench, to grip the body member 34 when threading the body member 36 into engagement therewith using another tool, to thereby ensure a tight connection between the body members 34,36. Further, since the end 38 of the body member 34 could be provided with a threaded extension for threading into the housing of the service valve block in order to secure the fitting thereto, the hex-shape and flats 126 would also facilitate securement/removal of the body member 34 to/from the valve block housing. Figure 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a valved fitting 30', in which elements similar to those in the valved fitting 30 are designated by the same reference numeral with a prime designation. However, instead of securing the spacer 70 in the passage 56 by swaging 78, the spacer 70' of the fitting 30' is secured in place without deforming the arms 74'. The interior wall 58' is instead formed with a circumferential shoulder 128, and the spacer 70' is slid into the end 50' of the body member 36' until the arms 74' contact the shoulder 128. A retaining ring 130 is then secured into the end 50', such as by a slip or press fit, so as to secure the spacer 70' in place. This construction makes it easier to assemble the body member 36' and valve assembly 64', since the arms 74' do not have to be swaged in order to secure the spacer. As can be seen in Figure 9, the retaining ring 130 forms the lip 60' that supports the seal 62', and thus the retaining ring 130 can be considered as forming a portion of the second body member 36'. Figure 10 illustrates how the body member 36' can be modified to facilitate connection and disconnection of the two body members 34'.36'. Preferably, the interior wall 58' adjacent the end 54 of the body member 36' is shaped as a hex socket 132, so that a hex tool can fit into the socket 132 to aid in rotating the body member 36' during assembly or removal of the body member 36'. The hex socket 132 can also be used in connection with the embodiments of Figures 3-7. Figure 1 1 shows yet another alternate embodiment of a valved fitting 30" in accordance with the invention. The fitting 30" uses a dual sealing arrangement for sealing between the body members 34",36" and between the valve head 68" and the lip 60", instead of the single seal 62 in Figure 3. In particular, the lip 60" is enlarged compared with the lip 60 and projects forward such that the outer surface of the lip is disposed closely adjacent the interior wall 44" of the body member 34" adjacent to the shoulder 46". A groove 134 is formed in the outer surface of the lip 60" and a seal 136 is disposed in the groove for preventing fluid leakage between the body members 34",36". A further seal 138 is disposed on the valve head 68" for sealing engagement with the forward face of the lip 60" to prevent fluid leakage between the valve head and the body member 36" interface. The seal 138 is preferably disposed within a groove formed in the valve head 68", and is secured within the groove in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive, in order to prevent seal blowout. A valved fitting having an increased flow area in a one-piece body 32 is illustrated in Figure 12. In this embodiment, the first and second body members 34,36 are integrated into a single piece, with the valve assembly 64 being supported within the one-piece body 32 for controlling flow therethrough. The spacer 70 in this embodiment is similar to the spacer used in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 3 A, however the ends of the arms 74 are formed with threads, which engage with threads 152 formed on the interior wall 154 of the one-piece body 32. Thus, the valve assembly 64 can be removed from the one-piece body and replaced with a new valve assembly as needed by simply unscrewing the spacer 70. Although the use of threads are shown and described as detachably securing the valve assembly within the one-piece body, other detachable securement means could be used instead of threads. In addition, in case the valve assembly does not need to be made removable, the valve assembly 64 could be secured within the one-piece body 32 by swaging the arms 74, or by using a press or slip fit and retaining ring arrangement, similar to that shown in Figure 9, or by using other desired securement means. A shoulder 156 formed on the interior wall 154 defines a stop for the arms 74, thereby stopping the valve assembly at the fully inserted position. The interior wall 154 further includes a reduced diameter valve seat portion 157 having an inner diameter slightly greater than the largest outer diameter of the valve head 68 of the valve assembly, to permit removal of the valve assembly. The valve head 68 further includes a radially outward facing groove 158 formed therein, and a seal 160 is disposed in the groove 158 for sealing engagement with the valve seat portion 157 when the valve head is biased by the spring 80 to the right, as shown in the top half of Figure 12. The seal 160 is preferably secured within the groove 158 in any suitable manner to prevent seal blowout. Upon connection with a fluid line, which actuates the valve stem 66 and valve head 68 to the left, the seal 160 unseats from the valve seat portion 157 and flow is permitted, as shown in the bottom half of Figure 12. In order to increase the flow area even further, the interior wall 154 is formed with a recessed portion 162 adjacent the valve seat portion 157 downstream therefrom. When the valve head 68 is unseated, the recessed portion will be located radially outward from the valve head, so that the flow area for the fluid is further increased. The one-piece body design of Figure 12 provides an increased flow area, and thus increased flow, when compared with fittings utilizing a Schrader valve assembly. As is shown in Figure 2, the flow area of the fitting is limited due to the fact that all fluid must flow through the Schrader valve housing 28, and since the valve head 29 of the Schrader valve 24 seals with the valve housing 28 to close off flow through the fitting 18. The valved fitting design of Figure 12, however, eliminates the housing and the valve head 68 engages with the interior wall 154 of the one-piece body 32. Therefore, the flow area available to the fluid is increased, since the flow area is limited by the interior wall of the one-piece body, and not a housing for the valve assembly. Turning now to Figure 13, another alternative construction of a valved fitting in accordance with the invention is shown. The valved fitting 230 is generally similar to the valved fitting 30 described in Figure 3, with elements corresponding to those described in Figure 3 referenced by the same numerals increased by 200. The fitting 230 includes a first body member 234 and a second body member 236 removably secured within the first body member 234 via threads 252. In the valved fitting 230, however, a circumferential detent groove 235 is formed in the threads 252 thereby defining a thread portion 252a and a thread portion 252b. The groove 235 enables a latching connector, such as the latching connector 110 shown in Figure 7, to engage with either the detent groove 1 16 in the first body portion 234, or with the groove 235 in the second body member 236. The cap 284 in Figure 13 also differs from the cap 84 in Figure 3, in that the cap 284 is provided with an angled surface 300 in front of the o-ring seal 294. The angled surface 300 matches the angled surface 298 at the end of the first body member 234, and engages with the surface 298 when the cap 284 is threaded onto the second body member 236 so that the surfaces 298, 300 form a metal to metal seal. The o-ring seal 294 in turn abuts against the end face of the first body member 234 to seal therewith. Figure 13 further illustrates the valve stem 266 as being separate from the valve head 268, with the valve head 268 being secured to the valve stem 266 via swaged connection 267. The valved fitting 230 is illustrated in Figure 14 as being used in combination with a lock nut 290 which threads onto the thread portion 252a of the second body member 236 and abuts against the end face of the first body member 234 for locking the first and second body members 234, 236 together. By tightening the lock nut 290, the second body member 236 cannot be unscrewed from the first body member 234. The lock nut 290 must first be sufficiently loosened or removed to permit removal of the second body member 236. It is further advantageous to design the valved fitting 230 so that sealing between the first and second body members 234, 236 is enhanced, as well as to define a stop to define the fully assembled position of the second body member 236. In particular, as illustrated in Figures 15A and 15B, the first and second body members 234, 236 are designed with abutting surfaces 292a, 292b, respectively, which abut against each other when the second body member 236 is fully inserted into the first body member 234. In one version, the surfaces 292a, 292b are angled, preferably at 45 degree angles, as shown in Figure 15A. In another version, the surfaces 292a, 292b are generally perpendicular to the axis of the valved fitting 230, as shown in Figure 15B. Of course, it is to be realized that abutting surfaces having other orientations could be used as well, as long as a sufficient sealing effect is obtained therebetween. The abutting surfaces 292a, 292b form a metal to metal seal between the two body members 234, 236, thereby further preventing fluid leakage therebetween. The use of abutting surfaces on the first and second body members can also be implemented in the valved fittings previously described and shown in Figures 3-11, as well as in later described embodiments. Figure 16 illustrates an alternative valved fitting 230' that is generally similar to the valved fitting of Figure 13, including the first and second body members 234', 236', thread portions 252a', 252b', and groove 235'. Instead of using lock nut to secure the first and second body members together, as described in relation to Figure 14, the valved fitting 230' utilizes a splined lock ring 293. The lock ring 293, shown in Figure 17, is not formed into a complete circle, but is instead C-shaped to enable it to be placed around the second body member 236' during assembly. Each end of the C-shaped lock ring 293 is provided with internal and external splines 294a, 294b, respectively. The splines 294a are adapted to engage with corresponding splines 295 formed on the exterior surface of the second body member 236', while the splines 294b are adapted to engage with corresponding splines 296 formed on the interior surface of the first body member 234'. With this construction, once the lock ring 293 is placed around the second body member 236' and the second body member 236' is screwed into the first body member 234', the splines 294a, 294b are aligned with the splines 295, 296 and the lock ring 293 pushed between the two body members, thereby preventing the second body member from being unscrewed from the first body member. In order to simplify construction of the lock ring 293, the lock ring could be formed with only one set of splines, either the internal splines 294a or the external splines 294b. Preferably the lock ring 293 would be formed with external splines 294b only. The corresponding non-splined portion of the lock ring, preferably the inner surface or a portion thereof, would be formed with other anti- rotation geometry, such as flats and the like. It is of course apparent that the exterior surface of the second body member 236' and the interior surface of the first body member 234' would have to be adapted to engage with the corresponding surfaces of the lock ring 293. Thus, for a lock ring 293 having external splines 294b only, the interior surface of the first body member 234' would have the corresponding splines 296, while the exterior surface of the second body member 236' would be formed with flats or other similar geometry that matches with the geometry on the inner surface of the lock ring. In addition, an o-ring seal 297 is disposed between the lock ring 293 and a shoulder 298 formed on the external surface of the second body member 236' to seal with a cap fitted onto the valved fitting 230', as shown in Figure 18, or to seal with a fluid line. Further, as shown in Figure 16, the seal 297 seals against the front end face of the first body member 234'. In a further alternative construction, a snap ring 400 could be used in place of the lock ring 293, as shown in Figure 20. In this construction, the snap ring 400 would be disposed within a groove 402 formed on the first body member and abut against a shoulder 404 on the second body member so as to lock the body members together. Figures 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate alternative constructions of the valve stem and valve head that can be used in the valved fittings of the invention. In Figure 19 A, the valve stem 66A has a barbed end 299 which fits into a hole formed in the valve head 68A, whereby the valve head 68A and valve stem 66A are securely fastened together. In Figure 19B, the end of the valve stem 66B is press fit into the hole provided in the valve head 68B. Figure 19C illustrates a valve head 68C that is stamped, with the valve stem 66C having a barbed end 299 that fits into a hole formed in the stamped valve head 68C. The constructions illustrated in Figures 19A-C can be utilized with any of the valve fittings described herein. The valved fitting of the invention provides a flow area which is many times greater than that of fittings that use a Schrader valve assembly, with the valved fitting of the invention having the same overall size as previous fittings. Further, the ability to replace the valve assembly, without loss of fluid, is maintained. The valved fitting of the invention is also specifically designed to allow connection to a fluid line by a quick connect latching connector, so that connections can be made much faster and with less physical exertion. However, the fitting can also be connected with a threaded fluid line, so that the valved fitting of the invention can be connected in a variety of ways to fluid lines. Further, although a specific prior art service valve block has been illustrated in Figure 1, it is to be realized that the valved fitting of the present invention can be used with a variety of different service valve blocks, in addition to the service valve block that is illustrated. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims: WE CLAIM: 1. A valved fitting, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end spaced from said first end, a fluid passage extending through said body between the first and second ends, and a valve seat defined on said body within said fluid passage, said body further including an exterior surface that is adapted for connection with a fluid line; and a valve assembly removably disposed within the fluid passage for controlling flow through the fluid passage, said valve assembly including a valve head that is engageable with said valve seat in sealable relation therewith. 2. The valved fitting according to claim 1, wherein said valve assembly includes a valve stem supported longitudinally within said fluid passage, with said valve head being connected to an end of said valve stem, and a spacer connected to the body and slideably supporting the valve stem. 3. The valved fitting according to claim 2, further comprising a spring disposed around the valve stem biasing the valve head toward the valve seat. 4. The valved fitting according to claim 2, wherein the spacer comprises a sleeve through which the valve stem extends and a plurality of arms projecting from the sleeve toward said body. 5. The valved fitting according to claim 1 , further including threads on the exterior surface of said body. 6. The valved fitting according to claim 5, further including a circumferential detent groove on the exterior surface of said body. 7. The valved fitting according to claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a first body member and a second body member detachably interconnected, the first end being located on said first body member and said valve assembly being connected to the second body member. 8. The valved fitting according to claim 7, wherein said first body member and said second body member are threadedly interconnected. 9. The valved fitting according to claim 7, further comprising a seal disposed between the first and second body members for preventing fluid leakage therebetween. 10. The valved fitting according to claim 9, wherein said valve head is engageable with said seal whereby said seal forms said valve seat. 11. The valved fitting according to claim 10, further including a lip connected to said second body member, and said valve head is engageable with said lip whereby said lip forms an additional said valve seat. 12. The valved fitting according to claim 9, further including a lip connected to said second body member, and said valve head is engageable with said lip whereby said lip forms said valve seat. 13. The valved fitting according to claim 12, wherein said valve head includes a seal disposed thereon. 14. The valved fitting according to claim 1, wherein the body is a unitary, one- piece body 15. The valved fitting according to claim 14, wherein the valve seat comprises a reduced diameter portion of said body extending into said flow passage. 16. The valved fitting according to claim 15, wherein said valve head includes a seal disposed thereon which is engageable with said reduced diameter portion. 17. The valved fitting according to claim 1, wherein said body is shaped for engagement with a tool. 18. The valved fitting according to claim 17, wherein the second end of the body is shaped for engagement with the tool. 19. The valved fitting according to claim 17, wherein the exterior surface of the body at the first end thereof is formed with a tool engaging portion. 20. The valved fitting according to claim 1, further including a cap adapted to be connected to the body, said cap being disposed over the second end of the body and forming at least one seal with the body. 21. The valved fitting according to claim 20, wherein said cap forms two seals with said body, one of said seals comprises an elastomeric seal and the other said seal comprises a metal-to-metal seal. 22. The valved fitting according to claim 6, wherein said circumferential detent groove is located between a first thread portion and a second thread portion. 23. The valved fitting according to claim 8, further including means for locking said second body member and said first body member. 24. The valved fitting according to claim 23, wherein said means for locking comprises a lock nut. 25. The valved fitting according to claim 23, wherein said means for locking comprises a ring engaged between said first and second body members. 26. The valved fitting according to claim 8, wherein said first body member includes a first abutting surface and said second body member includes a second abutting surface, said first and second abutting surfaces are engaged with each other forming a seal therebetween. 27. The valved fitting according to claim 25, further including a seal disposed on said second body member, said seal abutting against an end face of said first body member.

Inventors: MEDVED MARK D, MEISINGER STANLEE W, MEDVED, MARK, D., MEISINGER, STANLEE, W.
Applicants: FASTEST INC, MEDVED MARK D, MEISINGER STANLEE W, FASTEST, INC., MEDVED, MARK, D., MEISINGER, STANLEE, W.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: F16K11
IPC codes: F16K15, F16L37, F25B41, F25B45