초록 ▼

An air-conditioning service plug-type valve includes a valve body having a chamber. First and second openings extend through the valve body. The air conditioning plug-type valve also includes a stem having a plug portion configured for being received in the chamber of the valve body. The stem, when

An air-conditioning service plug-type valve includes a valve body having a chamber. First and second openings extend through the valve body. The air conditioning plug-type valve also includes a stem having a plug portion configured for being received in the chamber of the valve body. The stem, when the plug portion is received in the chamber, is rotatable relative to the valve body between a closed position blocking fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body and an open position enabling fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body. The plug portion includes a fluid blocking portion located immediately adjacent the first opening when the stem is in the closed position. A groove extends into a peripheral surface of the plug portion defining the fluid blocking portion. A seal is disposed in the groove and extends between the plug portion and the valve body. The seal, when located in the groove, is stretched by at least a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is an amount sufficient to offset refrigeration medium absorption effects thereon.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An air conditioning service plug-type valve, comprising: a valve body having a chamber, first and second openings extending through the valve body; a stem having an actuating portion and a plug portion, the plug portion configured for being received in the chamber of the valv

What is claimed is: 1. An air conditioning service plug-type valve, comprising: a valve body having a chamber, first and second openings extending through the valve body; a stem having an actuating portion and a plug portion, the plug portion configured for being received in the chamber of the valve body, the stem, when the plug portion is received in the chamber, being rotatable relative to the valve body between a closed position blocking fluid communication between the first and second openings of the valve body and an open position forming a first fluid passageway between the first and second openings of the valve body, the plug portion including a fluid blocking portion located immediately adjacent the first opening when the stem is in the closed position, a groove extending into a peripheral surface of the plug portion defining the fluid blocking portion, wherein the stem includes a second fluid passageway between the second opening of the valve body and the actuating portion of the stem when the stem is in the closed position; an actuatable valve located in the second fluid passageway in the actuating portion of the stem; and a seal disposed in the groove and extending between the plug portion and the valve body. 2. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 1, wherein the seal, when located in the groove, being stretched by at least a predetermined amount in excess of about 15%, sufficient to offset refrigeration medium absorption effects thereon. 3. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 1, wherein the seal surrounds the first opening when the stem is in the closed position. 4. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 3, wherein the fluid blocking portion is one of a circular and an oval shape. 5. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 3 wherein the groove includes at least one dovetailed surface, the at least one dovetailed surface helping to retain the seal in the groove. 6. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 1, wherein the valve body includes an open end and a closed end, when the plug portion of the stem is received in the chamber of the valve body, a second seal extends between the plug portion and the valve body at a location adjacent the open end for preventing fluid flow out of the valve between the stem and the valve body. 7. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 1, wherein a lateral portion of the second fluid passageway extends perpendicular to the first fluid passageway in a direction opposite the fluid blocking portion of the plug portion of the stem, and a longitudinal portion of the second fluid passageway extends from the first fluid passageway, through the actuating portion of the stem and terminates at an opening on an upper surface of the actuating portion of the stem. 8. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 7, wherein the lateral portion of the second fluid passageway terminates in a recess formed on the plug portion of the stem at a location opposite the fluid blocking portion. 9. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 1, further including a cap that is attachable to the valve body for covering the actuating portion of the stem, the cap including a portion with a hexagonal outer surface. 10. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 1, wherein the seal includes an anti-abrasion coating that provides enhanced seal lubricity and enhanced wear resistance. 11. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 10, wherein the coating further helps to restrict fluid absorption by the seal, thereby restricting swelling of the seal. 12. The air conditioning service plug-type valve of claim 10, wherein the coating is approximately 0.0005 to 0.0008 inches thick.