Free speed control check valve

Abstract

A check valve assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system can include a check valve body (540), a high pressure fluid inlet (556) at one end, and a high pressure fluid outlet (117) at the other end along a central axis (544) of the check valve body. The check valve body can have a first metal sealing surface (668) on an outer surface of the check valve shaped to cooperate with an end cap (110) of the liquid jet cutting system to form a first seal. The assembly can include an annular low pressure fluid chamber (218) around a portion of the check valve body and defined at least in part by an annular gasket (654), the check valve body, the first seal, and the end cap. The check valve body can include a low pressure fluid passage (662) and a check valve (678) disposed between the low pressure fluid passage and a high pressure fluid chamber (220).

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 000,268, filed March 26, 2020, entitled "Free-Speed ​​Check Valve," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to check valves for use in liquid jet cutting systems. Background Technology

[0004] Liquid jet cutting systems (e.g., water jet cutting systems) typically include a check valve assembly that controls the flow of liquid into and out of a pressurized cylinder in the pump. During operation, low-pressure water enters the check valve body, and high-pressure water exits after pressurization. Features included in many conventional check valve designs can lead to installation difficulties and / or incorrect installation, premature failure of the check valve assembly, and / or other adverse effects. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a liquid pressurization assembly configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric side cross-sectional view of a liquid pressurization assembly, showing a check valve assembly configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0007] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the body of a traditional check valve.

[0008] Figure 4A This is a side cross-sectional view of another conventional check valve assembly, and Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An isometric view of the main body of the check valve assembly.

[0009] Figure 5A It is configured according to an embodiment of this technology. Figure 2 An isometric end view of the main body of the check valve assembly, and Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Front view of the check valve body.

[0010] Figure 6 It is configured according to an embodiment of this technology. Figure 2 An enlarged side cross-sectional view of the check valve assembly of the liquid pressurization component. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The following disclosure describes various embodiments of a check valve assembly for a liquid jet cutting system (e.g., a water jet cutting system). The check valve assembly may include a check valve body having a high-pressure passage and a low-pressure passage. In some embodiments, the outlet of the high-pressure passage is located on the longitudinal axis of the check valve body. The check valve assembly may include a low-pressure liquid chamber surrounding a portion of the check valve body. The boundary of the low-pressure liquid chamber may be defined by an inner wall of an end cap, an outer wall of the check valve body, a mechanical gasket, and / or a metal-to-metal seal between the end cap and the check valve body.

[0012] In the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or at least substantially similar elements. For ease of discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit of any reference numeral refers to the figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, cylinder 222 is the first referenced figure. Figure 2 It is for introduction and discussion.

[0013] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a liquid pressurization assembly 100 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. The liquid pressurization assembly 100 may include a cylinder assembly 102. The cylinder assembly 102 may be configured to receive at least a portion of a plunger 104 configured to reciprocate within the cylinder assembly 102 and pressurize liquid via an inlet / outlet end portion 106 for output to a liquid jet cutting head assembly (not shown). The plunger 104 may be reciprocated by a power assembly (not shown) operatively coupled to a dynamic end portion 108 of the liquid pressurization assembly 100. In some embodiments, the power assembly may include components of a linear booster pump, such as a piston operatively contained within a hydraulic cylinder conventionally fixedly attached to the pressurization assembly 100. In other embodiments, the power assembly may include components of a rotary direct-drive pump, such as a crankshaft and associated connecting rod contained within a crankcase conventionally fixedly attached to the pressurization assembly 100. In such embodiments, the power assembly applies reciprocating force to the proximal portion 105 of the plunger 104, which, in some embodiments, extends outside the liquid pressurization assembly 100. The cylinder assembly 102 may be held between two end caps or other retaining structures; one end cap 110 is located at or near the inlet / outlet end portion 106, while the other end cap 112 is located at or near the dynamic end portion 108. The end caps 110 and 112 may be secured to each other via one or more bolts 114 or other fasteners or connecting devices. In operation, the liquid injection pressurization assembly may be configured to receive low-pressure liquid via inlet 115, pressurize the low-pressure liquid, and output high-pressure liquid to the liquid injection assembly via outlet 117 and / or outlet fitting 119.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1An isometric side cross-sectional view of the liquid pressurization assembly 100 shows a check valve assembly 224 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. When the plunger 104 reciprocates within the cylinder 222, the cylinder assembly 102 may include a spacer ring 228 (e.g., a cylindrical assembly) surrounding at least a portion of the plunger 104. The spacer ring 228 may be configured to space components apart from each other (e.g., space components of the sealing assembly 230 described below from the plunger), and / or to move liquid between the sealing assembly 230 and the check valve assembly 224 within the cylinder 222. The cylinder assembly 102 may also include a sealing assembly 230 operably disposed adjacent to the dynamic end portion 108 and opposite the check valve assembly 224. The sealing assembly 230 may be configured to reduce or eliminate leakage of high-pressure fluid through the space between the inner wall 229 of the cylinder 222 and the outer wall 231 of the plunger 104. In some embodiments, the sealing assembly 230 is at least partially disposed within the space between the plunger 104 and the cylinder 222, within a portion of the cylinder 222 between the proximal portion of the spacer ring 228 and the end cap 112 on the dynamic end portion 108. The sealing assembly 230 may be configured to operate in a high-pressure environment (e.g., at pressures exceeding 40,000 psi and reaching 120,000 psi, at pressures between 20,000 and 100,000 psi, between 20,000 and 80,000 psi, and / or other pressures). The liquid pressurization assembly 100 may also include a clamp 232 (e.g., a sealing carrier or sealing housing) inside the end cap 112 on the dynamic end portion 108. At least a portion of the clamp 232 (e.g., annular flange portion 233) may be compressed between the proximal portion 235 of the cylinder 222 and the end cap 112. In some embodiments, the sleeve 232 may form a seal between the plunger 104 and the end cap 112 and may abut the sealing assembly 230. For example, the sleeve 232 may carry one or more O-rings, gaskets, or other elastomeric, flexible, and / or resilient structures configured to form a seal between the end cap 112 and the plunger 104.

[0015] The liquid pressurization assembly 100 may include a low-pressure liquid chamber 218, which is configured to be connected via inlet 115 ( Figure 1 From liquid source ( Figure 2(Not shown) receives low-pressure liquid (e.g., water). In operation, liquid from the low-pressure liquid chamber 218 is drawn into the high-pressure liquid chamber 220 within the cylinder 222 via the movement of the plunger 104 away from the inlet / outlet end portion 106. For example, as described in more detail below, in operation, low-pressure liquid can be drawn into the high-pressure liquid chamber 220 between the check valve assembly 224 and the distal end 225 of the plunger 104 via the check valve assembly 224. The plunger 104 reciprocates rearward toward the inlet / outlet end portion 106, thereby compressing the liquid within the high-pressure liquid chamber 220 and driving the high-pressure liquid outward through the check valve assembly 224 and forward via the outlet 117 to the liquid jet cutting head assembly.

[0016] Many conventional liquid jet pressurization assemblies use one of two methods to supply low-pressure liquid to the high-pressure fluid chamber and guide high-pressure liquid to the cutting head assembly. Figure 3 The check valve body 30 illustrates a common approach. This type of check valve body 30 directly receives low-pressure water via an inlet fitting 32 located at the same end as the outlet fitting 34. The check valve body 30 includes a cylinder port 36 located at the opposite end of the check valve body 30, having an inlet passage opening 38 (e.g., an opening in fluid communication with the inlet fitting 32) and an outlet passage opening 39 (e.g., an opening in fluid communication with the outlet fitting 34). Due to, for example, the eccentric arrangement of the inlet fitting 32 and the outlet fitting 34, the check valve body 30 must be appropriately speed-adjusted on the device (e.g., rotated relative to a mating cylinder assembly (not shown) about the longitudinal axis of the check valve body 30) to ensure that the inlet fitting 32 is correctly aligned with the corresponding fitting on the inlet path, and the outlet fitting 34 is correctly aligned with the corresponding fitting on the outlet path. This speed adjustment / alignment process is time-consuming and can be performed incorrectly, leading to premature failure of the check valve body 30 and / or insufficient fluid supply to the cutting head assembly.

[0017] Figure 4A and 4B Another conventional check valve body 40 is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 3 Similar to the check valve body 30, the check valve body 40 of FIG. 4 includes a low-pressure passage 41 and a high-pressure passage 42, which are not aligned with the central longitudinal axis 43 of the check valve body 40. That is, the low-pressure passage 41 and the high-pressure passage 42 are offset relative to the longitudinal axis 43, respectively. The high-pressure passage 42 extends to an outlet port 49 configured to connect to an outlet fitting (not shown). The check valve body 40 includes an annular low-pressure fluid chamber 44, which is sealed by first and second O-rings 45a, 45b in separate O-ring passages 46a, 46b in the outer wall 47 of the check valve body 40. The O-rings 45a, 45b seal against an end cap 48 surrounding the check valve body 40. Figure 4A and 4B The design shown not only requires clock adjustment of the check valve body (e.g., to align outlet port 49 with the outlet fitting of the liquid jet cutting system), but also increases the number of parts in the system and the complexity of the check valve body 40 by using two O-rings to seal the low-pressure fluid chamber.

[0018] Figure 5A It is configured according to an embodiment of this technology. Figure 2 An isometric view of the check valve body 540 of the check valve assembly 224. The check valve body 540 includes a first end portion 542, a longitudinal axis 544 (e.g., a central axis), and a second end portion 546 opposite the first end portion 542 along the longitudinal axis 544. The check valve body 540 may include an elongated body portion 548 extending between the first and second end portions 542 and 546, respectively. A flange 550 may extend radially outward from the elongated body portion 548 and may be positioned near the second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540. For example, the flange 550 may be positioned approximately 1 / 4 of the length of the check valve body 540 from the second end portion 546. In some embodiments, the flange 550 is positioned between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2, 1 / 5 and 2 / 5, and / or 3 / 16 and 5 / 16 of the length of the check valve body 540 from the second end portion 546. In other embodiments, flange 550 may have other locations. Flange 550 may serve as a load-bearing portion (e.g., annular load-bearing portion) of check valve body 540, configured to react against compressive forces from other components of the liquid pressurization system 100, as explained in further detail below. Check valve body 540 may be constructed of metal, ceramic, and / or polymer materials or combinations thereof. For example, check valve body 540 may be constructed of stainless steel.

[0019] The check valve body 540 may include an outer groove or channel 552 configured to receive a gasket 654 (e.g., an O-ring). Figure 6 Alternatively, other types of seals may be used. The outer passage 552 may be located approximately one-third of the length of the check valve body 540 from the first end portion 542. In some embodiments, the outer passage 552 is located between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2, 1 / 5 and 2 / 5, and / or 2 / 9 and 4 / 9 of the length of the check valve body 540 from the first end portion 542.

[0020] Continue to refer to Figure 5AThe second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540 includes a high-pressure inlet 556 disposed (e.g., coaxially disposed) along a longitudinal axis 544. The second end portion 542 may also include a low-pressure outlet 558 and a fastener hole 560 configured (e.g., threaded) to receive a screw or other fastener. The fastener hole 560 may be spaced apart from any fluid passage of the check valve body 540.

[0021] Turn Figure 5B This is a front view of the check valve body 540, showing the fastener hole 560, high-pressure inlet 556, and / or low-pressure outlet 558 all located in plane P1, with the longitudinal axis 544 located in this plane. In some embodiments, the fastener hole 560 and low-pressure outlet 558 may each be spaced approximately the same distance from the high-pressure inlet 556 and / or on opposite sides of the high-pressure inlet 556, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 544 of the check valve body 540. For example, the fastener hole 560 and low-pressure outlet 558 may be spaced 0.1 to 0.5 inches, 0.2 to 0.4 inches, and / or 0.25 to 0.35 inches from the high-pressure inlet 556. In one embodiment, the fastener hole 560 and low-pressure outlet 558 are spaced approximately 0.3 inches from the high-pressure inlet 556. Positioning the high-pressure inlet 556 along the longitudinal axis 544, among other advantages, also allows the second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540 to have a relatively small diameter D1. For example, the diameter D1 of the second end portion 546 can be less than 1.75 inches, less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.35 inches, less than 1.2 inches, and / or less than 1 inch. In some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the second end portion 546 is between 0.75 and 1.75 inches, between 0.8 and 1.6 inches, between 0.9 and 1.5 inches, and / or between 1 and 1.2 inches. Positioning the high-pressure inlet 556 along the longitudinal axis 544 also allows the fastener hole 560 to be spaced apart from the fluid lines of the check valve body 540, thereby eliminating the need for the use of hollow screws or other hollow fasteners.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the check valve assembly 224 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. The low-pressure liquid chamber 218 can be connected to the liquid pressurization assembly 100 ( Figure 1 The inlet 115 is open to fluid communication. In some embodiments, one or more valves are disposed in the fluid path between the inlet 115 and the low-pressure liquid chamber 218. The low-pressure liquid chamber 218 may define an annular or circular chamber surrounding all or at least a portion of the check valve body 540. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the low-pressure liquid chamber 218 extends around the entire periphery of the elongated portion 548 of the check valve body 540.

[0023] The check valve body 540 may include a low-pressure passage 662 in fluid communication with a low-pressure liquid chamber 218. The low-pressure passage 662 may include a radial portion 664 (e.g., a portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 544) and an axial portion 666 (e.g., a portion parallel to the longitudinal axis 544) in fluid communication with each other. For example, the inlet of the low-pressure passage 662 may extend radially to the low-pressure liquid chamber 218. This radial portion 664 of the low-pressure passage 662 may connect to the axial portion 666 of a low-pressure outlet 558 extending to a second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540.

[0024] The low-pressure liquid chamber 218 can be sealed on one side (e.g., the side closest to the first end portion 542 of the check valve body 540) by a gasket 654 disposed within a gasket channel 552. The gasket 654 can be, for example, an O-ring extending completely around the check valve body 540 within the channel 552, or other resilient, elastomeric, or flexible seal. The other side of the low-pressure liquid chamber 218 can be sealed by a metal-to-metal seal. More specifically, the flange 550 on the check valve body 540 may include a first sealing surface 668 (e.g., a first sealing surface) configured to mate a corresponding sealing surface 670 on the end cap 110. The first sealing surface 668 may be tapered, such that the diameter of the first sealing surface 668 increases in the direction toward the second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540. In some embodiments, the first sealing surface 668 has a constant taper (e.g., a conical or truncated cone). The angle between the first sealing surface 668 / end cap sealing surface 670 and the longitudinal axis 544 can be between 35° and 55° and / or between 40° and 50°. In some embodiments, the angle between the first sealing surface 668 / end cap sealing surface 670 and the longitudinal axis 544 is approximately 45°. In other embodiments, the first sealing surface 668 / end cap sealing surface 670 has a non-constant taper (e.g., bullet-shaped, convex, or concave) when viewed in the plane containing the longitudinal axis 544. In some embodiments, the entire metal-to-metal seal between the end cap 110 and the check valve body 540 is tapered.

[0025] In some embodiments, when assembling the check valve assembly 224, the radially outermost edge 671 of the first sealing surface 668 contacts the radially outermost edge of the end cap sealing surface 670. In some embodiments, the radially outermost edge 671 has a diameter of less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.35 inches, less than 1.2 inches, and / or less than 1 inch. Alignment between the outermost edge of the first sealing surface 668 and the end cap sealing surface 670 can reduce the overall diameter of the flange 550 (e.g., the maximum diameter of the check valve body 540). Reducing the diameter of the check valve body 540 can reduce the cost of manufacturing the check valve body 540 because smaller metal feedstock can be used and less material is lost during the formation of the check valve body 540.

[0026] When using bolt 114 ( Figure 1 When the first end cap 110 is fastened to the second end cap 112, the metal-to-metal seal between the first sealing surface 668 and the end cap sealing surface 670 can be achieved by the compressive force between the end cap 110 and the check valve body 540. The tapered shape of the metal-to-metal seal between the end cap 110 and the check valve body 540 can also help align the check valve body 540 with the end cap 110. For example, the fit 670 between the first sealing surface 668 and the end cap sealing surface can reduce or eliminate the risk of the check valve body 540 tilting or otherwise misaligning with the end cap 110.

[0027] Using a metal-to-metal seal on one side of the low-pressure liquid chamber 218 can also reduce the number of parts required for the check valve assembly 224 and simplify the manufacture of the check valve body 540. For example, using a metal-to-metal seal eliminates the need to manufacture a second gasket channel on the check valve body 540 or to include a second gasket to seal the low-pressure liquid chamber 218.

[0028] Continue to refer to Figure 6 The check valve assembly 224 may include a valve manifold 672 (e.g., a lift valve retainer) connected to a second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540. The valve manifold 672 may include a fastener orifice 674 configured to receive a screw 676 or other fastener that extends into a fastener hole 560 and threadedly engages the second end portion 546 of the valve body 540 to securely attach the valve manifold 672 to the second end portion 546 of the check valve body 540. A spacer ring 228 may overlap a portion of the head of the fastener orifice 674 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 544 to inhibit or prevent the screw 676 or other fastener from exiting the fastener orifice 674 during operation.

[0029] Valve manifold 672 can hold lift valve 678 between valve manifold 672 and low-pressure outlet 558. Lift valve 678 can be constructed of an elastomeric, flexible, and / or resilient material or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, lift valve 678 is constructed of a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel) and configured to form a metal-to-metal seal with the surface surrounding the second end portion 546 of low-pressure outlet 558. In operation, lift valve 678 can selectively seal low-pressure outlet 558. For example, when plunger 104 compresses the liquid within high-pressure liquid chamber 220, the pressure within high-pressure liquid chamber 220 can move lift valve 678 to contact the surface surrounding the second end portion 546 of low-pressure outlet 558 to seal low-pressure outlet 558 and prevent high-pressure liquid from flowing into low-pressure passage 662. In some embodiments, lift valve 678 functions as a check valve to reduce or eliminate the risk of high-pressure backflow through low-pressure passage 662.

[0030] The high-pressure liquid chamber 220 can be sealed at one end (i.e., the end closest to the end cap 112) using a sealing assembly 230. The high-pressure liquid chamber 220 can be sealed at the other end (e.g., the end closer to the low-pressure liquid chamber 218) by a metal-to-metal seal with the cylinder 222. More specifically, the flange 550 may include a second sealing surface 680 configured to mate with the cylinder sealing surface 682 to form a metal-to-metal seal. The diameter of the second sealing surface 680 may increase in the direction toward the first end portion 542 of the check valve body 540. The cylinder sealing surface 682 may have dimensions and shapes complementary to the second sealing surface 680. The second sealing surface 680 may be tapered with a slope opposite to the first sealing surface 668. In some embodiments, the second sealing surface 680 has a constant taper (e.g., a conical or truncated conical shape). The angle between the second sealing surface 680 / cylinder sealing surface 682 and the longitudinal axis 544 can be between 35° and 55° and / or between 40° and 50°. In some embodiments, the angle between the second sealing surface 680 / cylinder sealing surface 682 and the longitudinal axis 544 is approximately 45°. In other embodiments, the second sealing surface 680 has a non-constant taper (e.g., bullet-shaped, convex, or concave) when viewed in the plane containing the longitudinal axis 544. In some embodiments, the entire metal-to-metal seal between the check valve body 540 and the cylinder 222 is tapered.

[0031] When using bolt 114 ( Figure 1 When the first end cap 110 is fastened to the second end cap 112, the metal-to-metal seal between the second sealing surface 680 and the cylinder sealing surface 680 can be achieved by the compressive force between the cylinder 222 and the check valve body 540. The tapered shape of the metal-to-metal seal between the cylinder 222 and the check valve body 540 can also help align the check valve body 540 with the cylinder 222. For example, the fit between the second sealing surface 680 and the cylinder sealing surface 682 can reduce or eliminate the risk of the check valve body 540 tilting or otherwise misaligning with the cylinder 222.

[0032] In some embodiments, when the check valve assembly 224 is assembled, the radially outermost edge 683 of the second sealing surface 680 contacts the radially outermost edge of the cylinder sealing surface 682. The alignment between the outermost edge of the second sealing surface 680 and the cylinder sealing surface 682 can be achieved in a manner similar to or identical to that described above with respect to the first sealing surface 668 and the end cap sealing surface 670, reducing the overall diameter D2 of the flange 550 (e.g., the maximum diameter of the check valve body 540). For example, in some embodiments, the radially outermost edge 683 has a diameter less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.35 inches, less than 1.2 inches, and / or less than 1 inch.

[0033] Check valve assembly 224 can be configured to direct compressed high-pressure liquid in high-pressure liquid chamber 220 through high-pressure passage 684 in check valve body 540. High-pressure passage 684 can extend from high-pressure inlet 556 to high-pressure check valve 686. In some embodiments, high-pressure check valve 686 is at least partially housed within outlet fitting 119. High-pressure check valve 686 may include valve seal 688 (e.g., valve seat) and piston 690 configured to selectively engage valve seal 688. Valve seal 688 may be a gasket or other structure configured to form a seal with piston 690 (e.g., lift valve) and check valve body 540. Valve seal 688 may be made of elastomeric, flexible, and / or resilient materials. In some embodiments, valve seal is made of metallic material (e.g., stainless steel). Piston 690 may be biased to contact seal 688 by spring 692 or other biasing member. When the pressure from the high-pressure fluid on piston 690 overcomes the biasing force of spring 692, piston 690 can be configured to move away from seal 688 and open from high-pressure passage 684 to outlet 117. Figure 2 The fluid path.

[0034] As shown and explained above, the high-pressure passage 684 and / or high-pressure inlet 556 may be arranged along the longitudinal axis 544. In some embodiments, the entire high-pressure passage 684 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 544. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the high-pressure passage 684 (e.g., high-pressure inlet 556) are not arranged along the longitudinal axis 544. For example, when the high-pressure outlet 117 is arranged on the longitudinal axis 544, the high-pressure passage 684 may include one or more bends, curves, angled portions (e.g., relative to the longitudinal axis 544), or other features that separate some portions of the high-pressure passage 684 from the longitudinal axis 544. In one aspect of this embodiment, the alignment of the high-pressure outlet 117 with the longitudinal axis 544 advantageously eliminates the need for speed regulation of the check valve body 540 during the assembly of the check valve assembly 224. In other words, any feature of the check valve body 540 is independent of rotational orientation or "speed regulation" relative to the longitudinal axis 544 for proper operation and / or matching with adjacent components. Compared to systems that rely on speed regulation for proper assembly, eliminating the need for speed regulation of the check valve body 540 reduces the assembly costs and / or technical expertise required to assemble the check valve assembly 224. Aligning the high-pressure passage 684 along the longitudinal axis 544 also allows the outlet fitting 119 to be arranged along the longitudinal axis 544. Arranging the outlet fitting along the longitudinal axis 544 reduces the required diameter of the first end portion 542 of the check valve body 540 and / or the overall diameter of the check valve body 540. As mentioned above, reducing the diameter of the check valve body 540 reduces the material costs associated with manufacturing the check valve body 540. In some embodiments, the ratio between the diameter D2 of the flange 550 (e.g., the maximum diameter of the check valve body 540) and the diameter D3 of the high-pressure passage 684 is less than 20:1, less than 18:1, less than 17:1, less than 16:1, and / or less than 15:1. In some embodiments, the ratio between the diameter D2 of the flange 550 and the diameter D3 of the high-pressure passage 684 is approximately 11.75:1. In other embodiments, flange 550 may include a radial protrusion extending from a surface between the first and second sealing surfaces 668, 680 and away from the longitudinal axis 544. This radial protrusion (not shown) may fill part or all of the space between cylinder 222 and end cap 110 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 544. The diameter of the radial protrusion may be, for example, between 2-5 inches, 3-4 inches, and / or between 3.25-3.75 inches. In some embodiments, the radial protrusion has a diameter of approximately 3.5 inches.

[0035] The check valve body 540 may include a discharge port 694 communicating with a discharge chamber 696. The discharge port 694 and discharge chamber 696 may be configured to allow leaked liquid to exit the check valve assembly 224 into the environment through valve seal 688. The discharge port 694 is disposed along the length of the check valve body 540 between a gasket passage 552 and a thread 698 that connects an outlet fitting 119 to the check valve body 540. The discharge chamber 696 may surround valve seal 688 integrally or partially.

[0036] The following describes some examples of the disclosed technology.

[0037] Example 1. A check valve assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the check valve assembly comprising:

[0038] Annular washers;

[0039] A check valve body at least partially surrounded by the annular washer, the check valve body having —;

[0040] Central axis;

[0041] The high-pressure fluid inlet is located at the first end of the check valve body and is configured to receive high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid chamber upstream of the high-pressure fluid inlet.

[0042] A high-pressure outlet is located at the second end of the check valve body and along the central axis.

[0043] A high-pressure fluid passage extends through the body of the check valve between the high-pressure fluid inlet and the high-pressure fluid outlet;

[0044] A first metal sealing surface on the outer surface of the check valve body between the sealing groove and the first end of the check valve body, the first metal sealing surface being shaped to fit the end cap of the liquid jet cutting system to form a first seal.

[0045] An annular low-pressure fluid chamber surrounds a portion of the check valve body and is at least partially defined by the annular gasket, the check valve body, the first seal, and the end cap;

[0046] A low-pressure fluid passage, extending through a portion of the check valve body and radially spaced from the high-pressure passage relative to the central axis, fluidly connects the high-pressure fluid chamber to the low-pressure fluid chamber; and

[0047] A check valve is placed between the low-pressure fluid passage and the high-pressure fluid chamber.

[0048] Example 2. The check valve assembly according to Example 1 further includes a second metal sealing surface located on the outer surface of the check valve body between the first metal seal and the first end of the check valve body, the second metal sealing surface being shaped to cooperate with a cylinder of the liquid jet cutting system to form a second seal.

[0049] Example 3. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the check valve body comprises stainless steel.

[0050] Example 4. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the annular gasket is an O-ring.

[0051] Example 5. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the low-pressure fluid passage includes a first passage portion extending from the low-pressure chamber in a direction perpendicular to the central axis into the check valve body, and a second passage portion extending from the first passage portion in a direction parallel to the central axis into the high-pressure fluid chamber.

[0052] Example 6. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the entire high-pressure fluid passage extends along the central axis.

[0053] Example 7. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the first metal sealing surface has a truncated conical shape and has an angle between 35 degrees and 55 degrees relative to the central axis.

[0054] Example 8. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the maximum diameter of the first metal sealing surface is less than 1.5 inches.

[0055] Example 9. The check valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the high-pressure inlet is arranged on the central axis.

[0056] Example 10. The check valve assembly according to Example 2, wherein the first metal sealing surface is tapered such that the diameter of the first metal sealing surface increases in the direction away from the low-pressure fluid chamber, and wherein the second metal sealing surface is tapered such that the diameter of the second metal sealing surface decreases in the direction away from the low-pressure fluid chamber.

[0057] Example 11. The check valve assembly according to Example 1 further includes a check valve threaded hole at the first end of the check valve body, the check valve threaded hole being radially spaced from the central axis such that at least a portion of the check valve threaded hole overlaps with a spacer between the high-pressure fluid chamber and the first end of the check valve body in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

[0058] Example 12. The check valve assembly according to Example 1 further includes a check valve threaded hole at the first end of the check valve body, wherein at least a portion of the check valve threaded hole, the high-pressure fluid passage, the central axis, and the low-pressure fluid passage are coplanar.

[0059] Example 13. The check valve assembly according to Example 1 further includes a sealing groove formed to receive the annular gasket.

[0060] Example 14. A check valve body for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the check valve body comprising:

[0061] First end;

[0062] Longitudinal axis;

[0063] The second end, which is opposite to the first end along the longitudinal axis;

[0064] A first body portion between the first end and the second end, the first body portion having a first diameter and extending through an orifice through the end cap of the liquid jet cutting system;

[0065] The circumferential sealing groove in the outer surface of the check valve body is formed to retain a mechanical gasket.

[0066] An annular bearing portion between the first main body portion and the second end, the annular bearing portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the annular bearing portion having an annular metal sealing surface, wherein the diameter of the annular metal sealing surface increases in a direction away from the first end of the check valve body, and wherein the annular metal sealing surface is shaped to contact the end cap to form an annular metal-to-metal seal.

[0067] A high-pressure fluid conduit, at least partially defined by the check valve body and arranged along the longitudinal axis, fluidly connecting the first end and the second end and having a third diameter; and

[0068] A low-pressure fluid conduit, at least partially defined by the check valve body and radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid conduit relative to the longitudinal axis, fluidly connects the inner surface of the orifice of the end cap to the second end of the check valve body.

[0069] The ratio of the second diameter to the third diameter is less than 17:1.

[0070] Example 15. The check valve body according to Example 14, wherein the low-pressure fluid conduit is annular and defined by the mechanical gasket, the end cap, the check valve body, and the annular metal-to-metal seal.

[0071] Example 16. The check valve body according to Example 14, wherein the surface of the annular metal seal is oriented at an angle between 35 degrees and 55 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0072] Example 17. The check valve body according to Example 16, wherein the angle is 45 degrees.

[0073] Example 18. The check valve body according to Example 14, wherein the mechanical gasket is an O-ring.

[0074] Example 19. The check valve body according to Example 14, wherein the maximum diameter of the annular metal-to-metal seal is less than 1.5 inches.

[0075] Example 20. A check valve assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the check valve assembly comprising:

[0076] The body of the check valve has the following characteristics:

[0077] First end;

[0078] Longitudinal axis;

[0079] The second end, which is opposite to the first end along the longitudinal axis;

[0080] An elongated body portion extends along a portion of the check valve body, the elongated body portion having an annular washer channel extending circumferentially around the elongated body portion and configured to receive an annular mechanical washer.

[0081] A first metal mating surface, extending radially outward from the elongated body between the annular washer channel and the second end, is tapered.

[0082] This causes the diameter of the first metal mating surface to increase toward the second end;

[0083] A high-pressure fluid passage extends from the first end through the valve body to the second end;

[0084] An annular low-pressure fluid channel surrounding a portion of the elongated body portion between the annular gasket channel and the metal mating surface; and

[0085] A low-pressure fluid channel extending from the annular low-pressure fluid channel to the second end;

[0086] and

[0087] An end cap surrounding a portion of the check valve body, the portion of the check valve body including at least a portion of the annular gasket channel and the first metal mating surface, the end cap having—

[0088] An inner annular surface, configured to form a seal with the mechanical gasket; and

[0089] A second metal mating surface is formed to mate with the first metal mating surface to form a metal-to-metal seal.

[0090] The entire metal-to-metal seal is tapered, such that the diameter of the metal-to-metal seal increases toward the second end of the check valve body.

[0091] Example 21. The check valve assembly according to Example 20, wherein the outermost edge of the metal-to-metal seal is located at the outermost edge of the first metal mating surface, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the check valve body.

[0092] Example 22. The check valve assembly according to Example 21, wherein the outermost edge of the metal-to-metal seal is located at the outermost edge of the second metal mating surface, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the check valve body.

[0093] Example 23. The check valve assembly according to Example 20, wherein the distance of the outermost edge of the metal-to-metal seal from the longitudinal axis is the same as the maximum radial width of the check valve body measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the check valve body.

[0094] Example 24. The check valve assembly according to Example 20, wherein the check valve body further includes a vent hole disposed between the first end of the check valve body and the annular gasket passage, the vent hole communicating with the atmosphere and with a seal in the check valve chamber downstream of the high-pressure fluid passage.

[0095] Example 25. The check valve assembly according to Example 20, wherein the angle between the first metal mating surface and the longitudinal axis is 45 degrees.

[0096] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout the foregoing description do not imply that all features and advantages achievable with this technology should be present in or in any single embodiment of this technology. Rather, references to features and advantages are to be understood as meaning that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this technology. Therefore, the discussion of features and advantages throughout this specification, and similar language, may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiments.

[0097] As those skilled in the art will understand, embodiments of the check valve assembly described herein allow for easier and / or cheaper check valve assemblies by reducing or eliminating the need for speed regulation of the check valve body during assembly. Furthermore, the designs described herein eliminate the need for a second (or third) O-ring seal on the check valve body, thereby reducing the complexity of the check valve body design.

[0098] The above detailed description of examples and embodiments of this technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. While specific examples of the technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, as those skilled in the art will recognize, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this technology. For example, although processes are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines with steps in a different order, and some processes may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternatives or sub-combinations. The teachings of this disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily those described above. Elements and actions of the various embodiments described above may be combined to provide further embodiments. All patents and applications and other references indicated herein, including any that may be listed in the accompanying applications, are incorporated herein by reference. If desired, aspects of this disclosure may be modified to incorporate the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0099] In general, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless these terms are expressly defined in the foregoing detailed description. Therefore, the actual scope of this disclosure includes not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing this disclosure.

[0100] As will be understood from the foregoing, specific embodiments of the present technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present technology. Furthermore, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments must exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the technology is not limited except by the appended claims. Moreover, although certain aspects of the technology are presented hereinafter in certain claims, the applicant may include multiple aspects of the technology in any number of claims. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to file supplementary claims after the filing of this application to include such a list of supplementary claims in this application or a continuing application.

Claims

1. A check valve assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the check valve assembly comprising: The check valve body has the following features: Central axis; The high-pressure fluid inlet is located at the first end of the check valve body and is configured to receive high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid chamber upstream of the high-pressure fluid inlet. A high-pressure fluid outlet is located at the second end of the check valve body and along the central axis. A high-pressure fluid passage extends through the body of the check valve between the high-pressure fluid inlet and the high-pressure fluid outlet; The first metal sealing surface on the outer surface of the check valve body is formed to fit the end cap of the liquid jet cutting system to form a first seal. An annular low-pressure fluid chamber surrounds a portion of the check valve body and is at least partially defined by the check valve body, the first seal, and the end cap; A low-pressure fluid outlet is located at the first end of the check valve body; and A low-pressure fluid passage extends through a portion of the check valve body located between the low-pressure fluid chamber and the low-pressure fluid outlet, the low-pressure fluid passage being radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid passage relative to the central axis, and fluidly connecting the high-pressure fluid chamber and the low-pressure fluid chamber; A check valve, which is positioned between the low-pressure fluid passage and the high-pressure fluid chamber, and A check valve retainer is fixedly attached to the first end of the check valve body at a position radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid passage relative to the central axis.

2. The check valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second metal sealing surface located on the outer surface of the check valve body between the surface of the first metal seal and the first end of the check valve body, the second metal sealing surface being shaped to cooperate with a cylinder of the liquid jet cutting system to form a second seal.

3. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the check valve body comprises stainless steel.

4. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the low-pressure fluid passage includes a first passage portion extending from the low-pressure fluid chamber in a direction perpendicular to the central axis into the check valve body, and a second passage portion extending from the first passage portion in a direction parallel to the central axis into the high-pressure fluid chamber.

5. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the entire high-pressure fluid passage extends along the central axis.

6. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first metal sealing surface has a truncated conical shape and an angle between 35 degrees and 55 degrees relative to the central axis.

7. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the maximum diameter of the first metal sealing surface is less than 1.5 inches.

8. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the high-pressure fluid inlet is arranged on the central axis.

9. The check valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the first metal sealing surface is tapered such that the diameter of the first metal sealing surface increases in the direction away from the low-pressure fluid chamber, and wherein the second metal sealing surface is tapered such that the diameter of the second metal sealing surface decreases in the direction away from the low-pressure fluid chamber.

10. The check valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a check valve threaded hole at the first end of the check valve body, the check valve threaded hole being radially spaced from the central axis such that at least a portion of the check valve threaded hole overlaps with a spacer between the high-pressure fluid chamber and the first end of the check valve body in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

11. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve threaded hole at the first end of the check valve body, wherein at least a portion of the check valve threaded hole, the high-pressure fluid passage, the central axis, and the low-pressure fluid passage are coplanar.

12. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the check valve body defines a sealing groove shaped to receive an annular gasket, and wherein the annular gasket is configured to form a second seal with the inner surface of the end cap.

13. The check valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the annular washer is an O-ring.

14. The check valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the first metal sealing surface is on the outer surface of the check valve, and the check valve is between the sealing groove and the first end of the check valve body.

15. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The position where the check valve retainer is fixedly attached to the first end of the check valve body is radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid inlet and the low-pressure fluid outlet.

16. The check valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the low-pressure fluid outlet is positioned relative to the central axis opposite to the position at the first end where the check valve retainer is fixedly attached to the check valve body.

17. The check valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The check valve body includes a fastener hole at a first end of the check valve body, wherein the fastener hole is configured to receive a fastener to securely attach the check valve retainer to the first end of the check valve retainer, and wherein the fastener hole is radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid inlet and the low-pressure fluid outlet.

18. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The check valve retainer is configured to retain the check valve at least partially between the check valve retainer and the first end of the check valve body.

19. The check valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the check valve body includes a fastener hole at a first end of the check valve body, and wherein the fastener hole is configured to receive a fastener to securely attach the check valve retainer to the first end of the check valve body.

20. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The high-pressure fluid channel is positioned along the central axis.

21. The check valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The center of the high-pressure fluid inlet is positioned on the central axis.

22. A check valve body for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the check valve body comprising: First end; Longitudinal axis; The second end, which is opposite to the first end along the longitudinal axis; A first body portion between the first end and the second end, the first body portion having a first diameter and configured to extend through an orifice through the end cap of the liquid jet cutting system; The circumferential sealing groove in the outer surface of the check valve body is formed to retain a mechanical gasket. An annular bearing portion between the first main body portion and the second end, the annular bearing portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the annular bearing portion having an annular metal sealing surface, wherein the diameter of the annular metal sealing surface increases in a direction away from the first end of the check valve body, and wherein the annular metal sealing surface is shaped to contact the end cap to form an annular metal-to-metal seal. A high-pressure fluid conduit, at least partially defined by the check valve body and arranged along the longitudinal axis, fluidly connecting the first end and the second end; A low-pressure fluid conduit, at least partially defined by the check valve body and radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid conduit relative to the longitudinal axis, fluidly connects the inner surface of the orifice of the end cap to the second end of the check valve body; and A check valve retainer is fixedly attached to the second end of the check valve body at a position radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid conduit.

23. The check valve body of claim 22, wherein the mechanical washer, the end cap, the first body portion of the check valve body, and the annular metal-to-metal seal define a low-pressure fluid chamber fluidly coupled to the low-pressure fluid conduit and extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the first body portion of the check valve body.

24. The check valve body according to claim 22, wherein the surface of the annular metal seal is oriented at an angle between 35 degrees and 55 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.

25. The check valve body according to claim 24, wherein the angle is 45 degrees.

26. The check valve body according to claim 22, wherein the mechanical washer is an O-ring.

27. The check valve body of claim 22, wherein the maximum diameter of the annular metal-to-metal seal is less than 1.5 inches.

28. The check valve body according to claim 22, wherein, The high-pressure fluid conduit has a third diameter, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the third diameter is less than 17:

1.

29. The check valve body according to claim 22, wherein, The longitudinal axis is the central axis of the check valve body.

30. The check valve body of claim 22, wherein the position of the check valve retainer fixedly attached to the second end of the check valve body is radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid conduit and the low-pressure fluid conduit.

31. The check valve body of claim 22, wherein the check valve retainer is configured to retain the check valve at least partially between the check valve retainer and a second end of the check valve body.

32. A check valve assembly for use with a liquid jet cutting system, the check valve assembly comprising: The body of the check valve has the following characteristics: First end; Longitudinal axis; The second end, which is opposite to the first end along the longitudinal axis; An elongated body portion extends along a portion of the check valve body, the elongated body portion having an annular washer channel extending circumferentially around the elongated body portion and configured to receive an annular mechanical washer. A first metal mating surface, which extends radially outward from the elongated body portion between the annular washer channel and the second end, is tapered such that the diameter of the first metal mating surface increases toward the second end. A high-pressure fluid passage extends from the first end through the check valve body to the second end; An annular low-pressure fluid chamber surrounds a portion of the elongated body portion between the annular gasket channel and the first metal mating surface; A low-pressure fluid passage extending from the annular low-pressure fluid chamber to the second end; and A check valve retainer is fixedly attached to the second end of the check valve body at a position radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid passage; and An end cap surrounding a portion of the check valve body, the portion of the check valve body including at least a portion of the annular gasket channel and the first metal mating surface, the end cap having— An inner annular surface is configured to form a seal with the mechanical gasket; and A second metal mating surface is formed to mate with the first metal mating surface to form a metal-to-metal seal. The entire metal-to-metal seal is tapered, such that the diameter of the metal-to-metal seal increases toward the second end of the check valve body.

33. The check valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the outermost edge of the metal-to-metal seal is located at the outermost edge of the first metal mating surface, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the check valve body.

34. The check valve assembly of claim 33, wherein the outermost edge of the metal-to-metal seal is located at the outermost edge of the second metal mating surface, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the check valve body.

35. The check valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the distance from the outermost edge of the metal-to-metal seal to the longitudinal axis is the same as the maximum radial width of the check valve body as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the check valve body.

36. The check valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the check valve body further includes a vent hole disposed between the first end of the check valve body and the annular gasket channel, the vent hole communicating with the atmosphere and with a seal in the check valve chamber downstream of the high-pressure fluid channel.

37. The check valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the angle between the first metal mating surface and the longitudinal axis is 45 degrees.

38. The check valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the position of the check valve retainer fixedly connected to the second end of the check valve body is radially spaced from the high-pressure fluid passage and the low-pressure fluid passage.

39. The check valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the check valve retainer is configured to retain the check valve at least partially between the check valve retainer and a second end of the check valve body.

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