阅读说明：本技术 高流量维修连接阀 (High flow maintenance connecting valve ) 是由 R·丹尼尔森 A·瓦格纽斯 S·梅辛格 于 2019-03-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：维修连接阀,其构造成用于空调和制冷单元。该阀包括销引导件,其与阀芯组件分离,并且在安装阀芯组件之前安装在阀体中。此外,销引导件可设置在阀体的较大直径的流动通道中。此外,阀芯组件包括密封件,该密封件在将阀芯组件安装到阀体中时直径会扩大。维修连接阀在充载和排放操作期间提供高流速。(A service connection valve configured for use with air conditioning and refrigeration units. The valve includes a pin guide that is separate from the valve cartridge assembly and is installed in the valve body prior to installation of the valve cartridge assembly. Further, a pin guide may be provided in the larger diameter flow passage of the valve body. Further, the valve cartridge assembly includes a seal that expands in diameter when the valve cartridge assembly is installed into the valve body. The service connection valve provides high flow rates during charging and discharging operations.)

1. A service coupling valve comprising:

a generally cylindrical valve body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and a flow passage extending centrally and longitudinally through the valve body from the first end to the second end;

the flow channel having a first portion extending from the first end to the second end and a second portion, the first portion having a first diameter;

the second portion having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter;

a pin guide disposed within the second portion of the flow passage, the pin guide mounted to be non-rotatably movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve body;

a thread formed on the outer surface, the thread surrounding the first portion, and the thread being positioned closer to the first end than the second end; and

a hex head formed on the outer surface between the threads and the second end.

2. The service connection valve of claim 1, wherein the pin guide includes a cylindrical guide body, a central threaded opening, and circumferentially spaced lug arms projecting from an outer surface of the cylindrical guide body.

3. The service coupling valve according to claim 1, further comprising a spool assembly removably connected to the pin guide, the spool assembly including a pin having a first end and a second end and an O-ring seal surrounding the pin between the first end of the pin and the second end of the pin; the pin has threads that removably connect the pin to the pin guide.

4. The service connection valve of claim 3, wherein the pin has an outer surface with a tool engaging flat between a first end of the pin and a second end of the pin; a continuous circumferential shoulder on the outer surface of the pin between the flat and the O-ring seal, the continuous circumferential shoulder having a diameter less than the first diameter of the first portion; a first circumferential channel defined on an outer surface of the pin, the first circumferential channel located between the second end of the pin and the continuous circumferential shoulder, the first circumferential channel having a first diameter; and a second circumferential channel defined on the outer surface of the pin, the second circumferential channel located between the first circumferential channel and the continuous circumferential shoulder, the O-ring seal disposed in the second circumferential channel, and a second diameter of the second circumferential channel greater than the first diameter of the first circumferential channel; a lip defined on an outer surface of the pin, the lip located between the first and second circumferential channels, the lip having a diameter greater than a second diameter of the second circumferential channel.

5. The service connection valve of claim 3, wherein the hex head is positioned on the valve body and has a length, whereby the hex head extends the entire length of the pin guide and the hex head overlaps at least a portion of the second portion of the flow passage.

6. The service connection valve of claim 3, wherein the spool assembly is movable relative to the valve body between a closed position in which the O-ring seal seals against an inner surface of the valve body and prevents flow through the flow passage and an open position in which flow is permitted through the flow passage.

7. The service connection valve of claim 6, wherein the pin guide is fixed to and moves with the spool assembly when the spool assembly moves between the closed position and the open position.

8. A valve cartridge assembly configured for servicing a junction valve, the valve cartridge assembly comprising:

a pin having a first end and a second end and an O-ring seal surrounding the pin between the first end of the pin and the second end of the pin;

the pin has an outer surface with external threads:

the outer surface has a tool engaging flat between the first end of the pin and the second end of the pin;

a continuous circumferential shoulder on the outer surface of the pin between the flat and the O-ring seal, the continuous circumferential shoulder having a diameter less than the first diameter of the first portion;

a first circumferential channel defined on an outer surface of the pin, the first circumferential channel located between the second end of the pin and the continuous circumferential shoulder, the first circumferential channel having a first diameter;

a second circumferential channel defined on the outer surface of the pin, the second circumferential channel located between the first circumferential channel and the continuous circumferential shoulder, the O-ring seal disposed in the second circumferential channel, and a second diameter of the second circumferential channel greater than the first diameter of the first circumferential channel; and

a lip defined on an outer surface of the pin, the lip located between the first and second circumferential channels, the lip having a diameter greater than a second diameter of the second circumferential channel.

Technical Field

The technical disclosure relates to service connection valves for air conditioning and refrigeration units.

Background

U.S. patent nos. 6050295 and 6901947 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/066487 disclose examples of service connection valves that may be used in air conditioning and refrigeration units and provide high flow rates through the service connection valves during service.

Disclosure of Invention

Described herein are service connection valves configured for use with air conditioning and refrigeration units. The service connection valve described herein provides high flow rates during charging and discharging operations and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

In one embodiment, the service connection valve has one or one-piece valve body. This eliminates the metal-to-metal seal required in servicing the two-piece body of the connection valve as described in U.S. patent nos. 6050295 and 6901947 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/066487. However, one or a single piece valve body may be used for the same process equipment described in U.S. patent nos. 6050295 and 6901947 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/066487 for servicing a two-piece valve body for connecting valves.

In another embodiment, the service attachment valve includes a cartridge assembly having a pin and an O-ring seal, wherein the cartridge assembly is removably secured to a pin guide inside the service attachment valve. In contrast, in conventional service connection valves, the pin, pin guide and O-ring are assembled as a unit and moved into and out of the service connection valve. During use of the service connection valve described herein, the pin guide moves with the spool assembly as the spool assembly moves between the open and closed positions.

In another embodiment, the O-ring seal of the cartridge assembly is designed to expand during installation into a service connection valve to create the sealing characteristics of the O-ring seal. For example, an O-ring seal may be initially disposed in the first small diameter passage of the pin. When the valve cartridge assembly is installed, the O-ring seal is pushed into the second larger diameter passage of the pin, thereby enlarging the diameter of the O-ring seal for sealing within the service connection valve.

In yet another embodiment, the pin guide is disposed within a larger diameter flow passage of the valve body. This position of the pin guide allows higher flow rates through the service connection valve.

In another embodiment, a service connection valve disclosed herein includes a generally cylindrical valve body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and a flow passage extending centrally and longitudinally through the valve body from the first end to the second end. The flow channel has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the first end to the second end. The first portion has a first diameter and the second portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. A pin guide is disposed within the second portion of the flow passage, and the pin guide is longitudinally non-rotatably movable relative to the valve body. Threads are formed on an outer surface of the valve body, the threads surrounding the first portion, and the threads being positioned closer to the first end than the second end. Additionally, a hex head is formed on the outer surface of the valve body between the threads and the second end.

In another embodiment, a service connection valve disclosed herein includes a generally cylindrical valve body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and a flow passage extending centrally and longitudinally through the valve body from the first end to the second end. A pin guide is disposed within the flow channel, and a valve cartridge assembly is removably connected to the pin guide. The valve cartridge assembly includes a pin having a first end and a second end, wherein the pin has threads for removably connecting the pin to the pin guide, and an O-ring seal surrounding the pin between the first end of the pin and the second end of the pin. The valve cartridge assembly is movable relative to the valve body between a closed position, in which the O-ring seal seals against an inner surface of the valve body and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an open position, in which flow is permitted through the flow passage.

In yet another embodiment, a valve cartridge assembly configured for service of a connection valve is described herein. The valve cartridge assembly includes a pin having a first end and a second end and an O-ring seal surrounding the pin between the first end of the pin and the second end of the pin. The outer surface of the pin has: an external thread; a tool engagement flat between the first end of the pin and the second end of the pin; a continuous circumferential shoulder between the flat and the O-ring seal, wherein the continuous circumferential shoulder has a diameter less than the first diameter of the first portion; a first circumferential channel between the second end of the pin and the O-ring, wherein the first circumferential channel has a first diameter; a second circumferential channel between the first circumferential channel and the continuous circumferential shoulder, wherein an O-ring seal is disposed in the second circumferential channel and a second diameter of the second circumferential channel is greater than the first diameter of the first circumferential channel; and a lip located between the first circumferential channel and the second circumferential channel, wherein the lip has a diameter greater than the second diameter of the second circumferential channel.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a service connection valve described herein.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the service connector valve of FIG. 1, showing various portions thereof.

FIG. 3 is a partially assembled exploded view of the service attachment valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body assembly of the service attachment valve of FIG. 1 prior to installation of the valve cartridge assembly.

Fig. 5 is a detailed side view of the valve core assembly.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the valve body assembly during installation of the valve cartridge assembly.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the valve body assembly with the valve cartridge assembly fully installed.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the service connector valve with the valve cartridge assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the service connector valve with the valve cartridge assembly in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve body assembly of the service connection valve with the spool assembly removed.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a valve body assembly of the service connection valve with the spool assembly removed.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the service connector valve of FIG. 11 with the valve cartridge assembly installed.

Fig. 13A and 13B are sectional views showing the service connection valve of fig. 1 incorporated into a service valve of a service valve block, the service connection valve being removed in fig. 13A and the service connection valve being installed in fig. 13B.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a service coupling valve 10 as described herein is shown. The service connection valve 10 described herein encompasses various valves of the type described herein that allow for charging, venting, and/or testing of the system. The service coupling valve 10 is particularly useful in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to allow for charging, venting and/or testing of the refrigeration and air conditioning system. However, the service coupling valve 10 may be used in other systems. One end 12 of service connector valve 10 is brazed or otherwise attached to the system in which it is used, such as the end of a copper tube or a service valve block of a refrigeration system. Service connector valve 10 also has an end 14 opposite end 12, end 14 being configured to engage a service tool (not shown) when handled through service connector valve 10. An example of a service tool that may be used to engage the end 14 of the service connector valve 10 is described in U.S. patent 6901947, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to fig. 1-4, the service attachment valve 10 is of a generally cylindrical configuration that includes a generally cylindrical valve body assembly 20 and a valve core assembly 22 (best seen in fig. 4). The valve core assembly 22 is removably attached to the valve body assembly 20. Brazing is typically used when service coupling valve 10 is installed in the system in which it is used. During brazing, the valve core assembly 22 may be removed from the valve body assembly 20 because the heat of brazing may melt or otherwise damage an O-ring seal that is part of the valve core assembly 22. Once the brazing is complete and the heat is sufficiently reduced, the valve core assembly 22 can then be installed in the valve body assembly 20. In one embodiment, the core assembly 22 and the valve body assembly 20 may be provided separately from one another prior to installation. However, if an O-ring seal material can be developed that can withstand the heat of brazing, or if service can be performed to connect the valve 10 to the system with low enough heat to avoid damaging the O-ring, the valve core assembly 22 may not need to be removed from the valve body assembly 20 during installation.

Referring to fig. 2-4, the valve body assembly 20 includes a valve body 24, an insert 26 mounted in the valve body 24, a pin guide 28, a spring 30, and a spring washer 32. The valve cartridge assembly 22 includes a pin 34 and an O-ring seal 36.

Referring primarily to fig. 4 and 2-3, the valve body 24, which may be made of a metallic material such as brass, is generally cylindrical and tubular in configuration and has a first end 40, a second end 42, an outer surface 44, and a flow passage 46, the flow passage 46 extending centrally and longitudinally through the valve body 24 along a longitudinal axis LA from the first end 40 to the second end 42. The flow passage 46 has a first portion 48 and a second portion 50. In the example shown, the first portion 48 extends from the first end 40 toward the second end 42, wherein the first portion 48 eventually transitions to the second portion 50 at a transition region 52. The first portion 48 has a first diameter D₁The second portion 50 having a second diameter D₂Wherein the second diameter D₂Is larger than the first diameter D₁. In the example shown, the first diameter D₁Is substantially constant from the first end 40 to the transition region 52. Similarly, the second diameter D₂Is substantially constant from the transition region 52 to near the second end 42. The transition region 52 forms a valve seat against which the O-ring seal 36 of the cartridge assembly 22 seals to prevent flow through the flow passage 46.

As best seen in fig. 2-4, threads 54 are formed on the outer surface 44. The threads 54 are configured to engage a cap (not shown) that may be attached to close the open first end 40 of the service connector valve 10, while in some embodiments the threads 54 may engage a service tool when machining through the valve 10. The use of a cap to close a service connection valve is disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 6050295 and 6901947 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/066487, which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Threads 54 surround first portion 48 of flow passage 46, and threads 54 are positioned closer to first end 40 than second end 42.

Additionally, a hex head 56 is formed on the outer surface 44 between the threads 54 and the second end 42. The hex head 56 may be engaged with a service tool when machining through the valve 10. The hex head 56 is longer than the hex heads disclosed in U.S. patents 6050295 and 6901947 and U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/066487. In the illustrated example, the hex head 56 extends from at least adjacent the first end 60 of the insert 26 toward the second end 62 of the insert 26, extends the entire length of the pin guide 28, extends over a portion of the spring 30 including the forward end thereof, and extends over at least a portion of the second portion 50 of the flow channel 46. The hex head 56 acts as a heat sink to help limit the amount of heat that propagates along the valve body 24. When the valve 10 is brazed in place, the second end 42 of the valve body, which is thinner than the hex head 56, will quickly absorb heat for quick brazing, while the thicker hex head 56 will absorb more energy/block heat from propagating toward the first end 40.

The valve body 24 also includes a circumferential groove 58 formed in the hex head 56. Recess 58 facilitates gripping of valve body 24 with a service tool (or manually by a user's finger/hand) with or without the use of threads 54.

Referring to fig. 2 and 4, the insert 26, which may be made of a metallic material such as brass, is generally cylindrical and tubular in configuration. The insert 26 has a first end 60, a second end 62, and an outer surface 64. The insert 26 is inserted into the second end 42 of the valve body 24 such that the first end 60 abuts against the valve internal shoulder 66 near the transition region 52. In addition, the insert 26 is sized such that the outer surface 64 is in intimate contact with the inner surface 68 of the valve body 24. In the illustrated example, the second end 62 also protrudes beyond the second end 42 of the valve body 24. Once the insert 26 is inserted, the insert 26 and the second end 42 are secured together at the region 70 by swaging the second end 42 or by brazing. Further, once the insert 26 is inserted, the insert 26 forms a second portion 50 of the flow channel 46.

As best seen in fig. 2, the insert 26 includes a plurality of slots 72 extending from the first end 60 toward the second end 62. In the illustrated example, three slots 72 are shown. However, a greater or lesser number of slots 72 may be provided so long as the function of the insert 26 can be performed. As discussed in further detail below, the slot 72 receives a fulcrum arm on the pin guide 28 to allow movement of the pin guide 28 relative to the valve body 24 along the longitudinal axis LA while preventing rotation of the pin guide 28, thereby allowing the pin guide 28 to move longitudinally relative to the valve body 24 in a non-rotational manner.

Referring to fig. 2-4, the pin guide 28 is configured to be removably connected to the valve core assembly 22 and to maintain the pin 34 centered along the longitudinal axis LA. Pin guide 28 includes a cylindrical guide body 80 having a central opening 82 extending completely or partially therethrough, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced lug arms 84 projecting from an outer surface 86 of cylindrical guide body 80. The central opening 82 is configured to be removably connected to the end of the pin 34 of the valve core assembly 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 82 may be threaded to engage threads on the end of the pin 34. Other forms of releasable coupling between the central opening 82 and the pin 34 may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the resting arms 84 project radially from the outer surface 86. However, the arms 84 may project at any angle as long as the arms 84 perform the functions of the arms 84 described herein.

The pin guide 28 is disposed within the insert 26 within the second portion 50 of the flow channel 46. In previous service connection valves, a pin guide is provided in the portion of the flow passage extending from the front end of the valve, which typically has a smaller diameter and therefore can accommodate less fluid flow. However, by positioning the pin guide 28 in the second portion 50 of the flow channel 46, a greater amount of flow may flow through the pin guide 28 at any one time, thereby increasing the flow rate of the valve 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire pin guide 28 is disposed within the second portion 50 and no portion extends into the first portion 48.

As mentioned above, the arms 84 are received in the slots 72 of the insert 26, as best seen in fig. 3. This allows the pin guide 28 to move along the longitudinal axis LA (fig. 4) relative to the valve body 24 until the arm 84 abuts the end of the slot 72, which simultaneously prevents rotation of the pin guide 28. In addition, the spacing between the arms 84 allows fluid to flow through the pin guide 28.

Referring to fig. 2 and 4, a spring 30 and a spring washer 32 are disposed within the insert 26 to engage the pin guide 28 and bias the pin guide 28 toward the right in fig. 4 to engage the shoulder 66. The spring washer 32 is first installed in the insert 26, and then the spring 30 is installed with one end abutting the spring washer 32 and the other end of the spring 30 abutting the pin guide 28. However, other forms of resilient biasing members for use on the pin guide 28 may be used.

As best seen in fig. 2, the spring washer 32 includes a body 90 having a central opening 92 on a longitudinal axis LA and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 94 projecting from the body 90. The tabs 94 help center the spring washer 32 in the insert 26. In addition, the spacing between the tabs 94 and the central opening 92 allows fluid to flow through the spring washer 32. Referring to fig. 4, one end of the spring 30 is centered and held in place by an axially extending flange 96 surrounding the central opening 92, while the other end of the spring is centered and held in place by an axially extending flange 98 on the pin guide 28.

Referring to FIG. 4, the valve body assembly 20 has a configuration in which the pin guide 28 is already located inside the valve 10 prior to installation of the valve cartridge assembly 22. Also, this configuration is different from previous service connection valves in that the valve guide is part of the spool assembly and is installed into the valve with the spool assembly. Further, unlike previous service connection valves, the pin guide 28 in the valve 10 is non-rotatably mounted within the valve 10, and the pin guide 28 is mounted such that the pin guide 28 moves axially or longitudinally with the pin 34 during valve operation.

The valve core assembly 22 is configured to be installed into the valve body assembly 20 after the valve body assembly 20 has been secured to a desired refrigeration or air conditioning system, such as by brazing or the like. Additionally, the spool assembly 22 is configured such that the O-ring seal 36 expands in diameter during installation of the spool assembly 22 to produce the desired sealing characteristics of the O-ring seal 36.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the pin 34 has a first end 100 and a second end 102, and an O-ring seal 36 surrounds the pin 34 between the first end 100 and the second end 102. The pin 34 has means for removably connecting the pin 34 to the pin guide 28. In the example shown, the means for removably connecting includes threads 104 at the second end 102 configured to allow the second end 102 of the pin 34 to be threaded into the central opening 82 of the pin guide 28 to removably connect the pin 34 to the pin guide 28. However, removable connection forms other than threads may be used, such as detent shoulders and grooves, latches, etc., so long as the pin 34 can be removably connected to the pin guide 28.

The pin 34 also has an outer surface with one or more tool engaging flats 106 located between the first and second ends 100, 102. The flat(s) 106 allow a tool to engage the pin 34 and rotate the pin 34 to screw the pin 34 into engagement with the pin guide 28 or otherwise secure the pin 34 to the pin guide 28. Further, a continuous circumferential shoulder 108 is formed on the outer surface of the pin 34 between the flat(s) 106 and the O-ring seal. Diameter D of shoulder 108_sIs smaller than the first diameter D of the first portion 48 of the flow passage 46₁. This allows the valve cartridge assembly 22 to be installed through the first end 40 of the valve body 24, as shown in FIG. 6.

With continued reference to fig. 4 and 5 and fig. 6, a first circumferential channel 110 is defined on the outer surface of the pin 34. A second circumferential channel 112 is also defined on the outer surface of the pin 34, and a lip 114 is defined on the outer surface of the pin 34 between the first and second channels 110, 112. The channels 110, 112 are located between the second end 102 of the pin 34 and the shoulder 108. Further, a channel 112 is located between the channel 110 and the continuous circumferential shoulder 108. Further, once the cartridge assembly 22 is fully installed, the channel 110 is located between the second end 102 of the pin 34 and the seal 36. 4-6, the O-ring seal 36 is disposed in the channel 110 prior to installation of the valve cartridge assembly and at least during a portion of the installation.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first circumferential channel 110 has a first diameter D₁₁₀The second circumferential channel 112 has a diameter D greater than the first diameter₁₁₀Second diameter D₁₁₂. Further, the diameter D of the lip 114_{Lip part}Is larger than the second diameter D of the second circumferential channel₁₁₂。

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the seal 36 is initially disposed in the passage 110, where it isDiameter D₁₁₀Such that seal 36 does not interfere with the inner wall of valve body 24 defining first portion 48, i.e., when seal 36 is in passage 110, the outer diameter of seal 36 is slightly less than diameter D of first portion 48₁. This allows the seal 36 to pass through the end 40 without encountering the inner wall during installation. The valve core assembly 22 is inserted through the first end 40 of the valve body 24 using a suitable insertion tool, such as the one disclosed in U.S. patent 6901947. The end 102 of the pin 34 is then threaded into the central opening 82 of the pin guide 28. As shown in fig. 6, when the pin 34 is threaded into the pin guide 28, the seal 36 will engage the end of the pin guide 28. This engagement pushes the seal 36 out of the channel 110 past the lip 114 and ultimately into the channel 112, as shown in FIG. 7. The shoulder 108 and the end of the pin guide 28 effectively enclose the seal 36 and form a channel for the seal 36. In addition, the lip 114 wedges into the central opening 82 of the pin guide 28, which helps prevent the threads from loosening over time during use of the valve 10. In addition, the larger diameter of the second passage 112 enlarges the diameter of the O-ring seal 36 such that the seal 36 now seals with the inner surface of the valve body 24 at the transition area 52.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate the operation of the valve. Fig. 8 shows the valve core assembly 22 in the closed position, in which the pin guide 28 is urged to the right by the spring 30, and the seal 36 seals with the inner surface of the valve body 24 at the transition region 52. The position of the valve cartridge assembly 22 in fig. 8 may also be referred to as a home or default position. Fig. 9 shows the valve cartridge assembly 22 in an open position, which allows flow through the valve 10 during processing. The force F is applied axially to the pin 34 by a suitable service tool (not shown) known in the art. Thus, the pin 34, together with the pin guide 28 and the seal 36, is displaced to the left in fig. 9 against the bias of the spring 30. This displacement may occur until the end of the arm 84 abuts the end of the slot 72. Fluid flow (indicated by arrows) through the valve 10 may then occur, either into the system to which the valve 10 is attached or out of the system to which the valve 10 is attached. When the force F is removed, the spring 30 then biases the pin guide 28 and the valve cartridge assembly 22 to the right in fig. 9 to return the valve cartridge assembly to the closed position.

Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of a service connection valve 120. In this embodiment, elements similar in structure or operation to those in fig. 1-9 will be referenced using the same reference numerals. In the valve 120, the spring washer 32 used in fig. 1-9 is omitted. Alternatively, the insert 26 is provided with a plurality of tabs 122 that are bent inward to support the ends of the spring 30. Tabs 122 are formed at locations between the ends of the insert 26. Additionally, the spring 30 may be made conical with the end 124 of its abutment tab 122 having a larger diameter than the end 126 of its abutment pin guide 28.

Fig. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a service connection valve 140. In this embodiment, elements similar in structure or operation to those in fig. 1-9 will be referenced using the same reference numerals. In the valve 140, the spring 30 is part of the valve core assembly 22. A portion 34a of pin 34 protrudes beyond threads 104 and spring 30 is disposed about portion 34 a. When the valve cartridge assembly 22 is installed into the valve body assembly 20, the end of the portion 34a is received in the central opening 92 of the spring washer 32, as shown in fig. 12, whereby movement of the valve cartridge assembly is guided by the pin guide 28 and the central opening 92 of the spring washer 32.

Fig. 13A and 13B illustrate the service connector valve 10 of fig. 1-9 incorporated into a piston valve 150 of a service valve block 152. The service valve block 152 is for a split system refrigeration unit that includes a condenser unit mounted in a split position with an evaporation unit. The service valve block 152 includes a condenser side port 154 and an evaporation side port 156. A piston valve 150 is disposed in the service port 158 and is actuatable to move in and out relative to the service port 158 to control flow between the condenser side port 154 and the evaporation side port 156. The valve 10 may be screwed into the end of the piston valve 150 or otherwise secured to the piston valve 150. To service the refrigeration system, fluid entering and exiting the system may be treated by servicing the connection valve 10. More information on the service valve block, the piston valve, and the valve that cooperates with the piston valve is disclosed in U.S. patent 8695642, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The disclosed examples are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and the meaning and the range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.