Process for integrating a ball valve in a pump body

Abstract

A process for integrating a ball valve in a pump body, comprising the following stages: the pump body is moulded by arranging radial ribs on its internal surface, in the proximity of the valve seat, each of which has an end portion which can be bent towards the inside of the body, a ball is inserted inside the space enclosed by the ribs, the said end portions are bent with the help of a tool in order to imprison the ball. Application on pumps fitted with ball valves.

1 . A process for integrating a ball valve into a pump body characterised in that: 
 a) the pump body is moulded by arranging radial ribs on its internal surface, in the proximity of the valve seat, each of which has a longitudinal edge and an end portion detached from the internal surface, where the longitudinal edges define between them a space for inserting the ball, in the proximity of the said seat;    b) a ball is inserted inside the space defined by the said ribs; and    c) the end portions of the said ribs are plastically deformed towards the inside of the pump body, leaving the ball imprisoned inside the said space.    
   
   
       2 . A process according to  claim 1 , characterised in that each longitudinal edge is part of a cylindrical surface with a circular base that has diameter which is slightly larger than that of the ball.  
   
   
       3 . A process according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the said pump body is moulded by injection.  
   
   
       4 . A process according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the said end portion is deformed using a flat-tipped tool inserted axially inside the pump body.  
   
   
       5 . A process according to  claim 1   4 , characterised in that the said end portion is deformed using a heating tool inserted axially inside the pump body.  
   
   
       6 . A moulded pump body, characterised in that it includes radial ribs on its internal surface, made in the bottom of the body, each of which has a longitudinal edge and an end portion detached from the internal surface.  
   
   
       7 . A moulded pump body according to  claim 6 , characterised in that each end portion has an upper edge which is separated from the said internal surface forming an acute angle (α) with it.  
   
   
       8 . A pump body according to  claim 6 , characterised in that each end portion has a square corner.  
   
   
       9 . A unit made up of a pump body and a ball valve, characterised in that the pump body has radial ribs on its internal surface in the proximity of the valve seat, each of which has a longitudinal edge and an end portion detached from the internal surface plastically deformed towards the inside of the pump body, where the longitudinal edges define a space where the ball is inserted between them, in the proximity of the said seat.  
   
   
       10 . A unit according to  claim 9 , characterised in that the said longitudinal edges make up a cylindrical surface with a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the ball.  
   
   
       11 . A pump characterised, in that it includes a pump body according to  claim 9.