Valve drive, assembly comprising a valve and a valve drive, liquid container and valve opening method

Abstract

The application provides a valve driving device which is installed on a valve. The valve comprises a valve seat and a valve body. The valve seat is provided with a through hole, and the valve body is arranged on the valve seat. The valve driving device comprises a body and at least one hanging claw. The body has a top end, and the hanging claw is arranged on the top end. The hanging claw is hung on the valve seat through the through hole of the valve seat, so that the valve body is completely or at least partially separated from the valve seat. The valve driving device is simple in structure, convenient to operate, and can quickly realize the separation of the valve seat and the valve body, and is beneficial to the smooth flow of liquid in a liquid container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valves, and more specifically, to a valve actuation device, an assembly including a valve and a valve actuation device, a liquid container, and a method for opening the valve. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, water treated to the point of being unsuitable for drinking still needs to be filtered. Water filtration is a method specifically designed for water treatment that uses filter media to remove suspended solids from the water, thereby obtaining clean water.

[0003] Water filtration requires a water filtration device, which has a liquid container for collecting unfiltered liquid and an outlet at its bottom. A cartridge is located in the outflow area, through which the liquid must flow before exiting the liquid container. This can be divided into gravity-driven and pressure-driven systems. Each system has a corresponding cartridge and a liquid container with corresponding connections.

[0004] In gravity-driven filtration systems, a liquid container is used to collect unfiltered water. This container is typically located at the bottom of the liquid container, where a filter cartridge is housed. The bottom of the liquid container has a drain outlet, allowing filtered water flowing below the filter cartridge to enter a collection container below the liquid container. This drain outlet is often equipped with a valve to prevent unfiltered water from directly entering the collection container and contaminating the filtered water when no filter cartridge is installed.

[0005] Existing technologies use helical axial motion to drive valves, which is complex in structure and requires operation from inside the liquid container to open the valve, making operation cumbersome and prone to secondary contamination of the liquid container. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A primary objective of this application is to overcome at least one of the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a valve drive device that is simple in structure, easy to operate, and can quickly separate the valve seat and valve body, facilitating the smooth flow of liquid out of the liquid container.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] According to one aspect of this application, a valve actuation device is provided, which can be mounted on a valve, the valve including a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having a through hole, and the valve body disposed on the through hole. The valve actuation device includes a body and at least one hook, the body having a top end, the hook being disposed on the top end, the hook being able to pass through the through hole and hook onto the valve seat, such that the valve body is completely or at least partially detached from the valve seat.

[0009] Optionally, the claw includes a protrusion and a connecting arm, one end of the connecting arm is connected to the top of the body, the protrusion is disposed at the other end of the connecting arm, and the protrusion is engaged with the valve seat.

[0010] Optionally, the protrusion is a hook.

[0011] Optionally, the connecting arm has an outer wall, and the hook has a first inclined surface at an obtuse angle to the outer wall of the connecting arm and a second inclined surface extending from the first inclined surface in a direction away from the connecting arm.

[0012] Optionally, the hook includes a first plane perpendicular to the connecting arm and a second inclined plane extending from the first plane in a direction away from the connecting arm.

[0013] Optionally, the distance between the first plane and the top surface is greater than the length of the through hole.

[0014] Optionally, a chamfer is provided at the connection between the first plane and the connecting arm.

[0015] Optionally, the protrusion is a latch, the connecting arm has an outer wall, and the latch extends from the outer wall in a horizontal direction away from the body.

[0016] Optionally, the body is provided with a liquid channel, the valve driving device includes a plurality of claws, the plurality of claws are distributed circumferentially along the upper edge of the liquid channel, and the top end includes a guide surface inclined toward the liquid channel, the guide surface being disposed between the plurality of claws.

[0017] Optionally, the valve actuation device consists of the body and one to six of the said claws.

[0018] Optionally, the connecting arm has an outer wall, and when the claw passes through the through hole on the valve seat, there is a gap between the outer wall of the connecting arm and the inner wall of the through hole.

[0019] Optionally, the number of the hooks is less than the number of the through holes on the valve seat. According to another aspect of this application, an assembly including a valve and a valve actuation device is provided, including the valve actuation device described above. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having a through hole, the valve body being disposed on the through hole and capable of being completely or at least partially detached from the valve seat, and the hooks penetrating the through hole and hooking onto the valve seat, such that the valve body is completely or at least partially detached from the valve seat.

[0020] Optionally, when the claw penetrates the through hole, the claw can suspend the body under the valve seat; when the claw does not penetrate the through hole on the valve seat, the valve body can close the through hole.

[0021] Optionally, the valve body is rotatable relative to the through hole to open or close the valve, and when the valve body is rotated to the closed position relative to the through hole, the claw can move the valve body away from the through hole.

[0022] According to another aspect of this application, a liquid container is provided, comprising the above-described valve and valve actuation device assembly, wherein the valve is mounted at the bottom of the liquid container.

[0023] According to another aspect of this application, a method for opening a valve is provided, the valve being installed at the bottom of a liquid container, the valve including a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having a through hole, and the valve body being disposed on the through hole, the method comprising:

[0024] A valve actuation device is provided, the valve actuation device including a body and at least one claw, the body having a top end, and the at least one claw being disposed on the top end;

[0025] The at least one hook passes through the through hole from below the liquid container;

[0026] The valve body is pushed upwards, driving the valve body to completely or at least partially separate from the valve seat, thereby opening the valve;

[0027] The body is suspended below the valve seat by the hook.

[0028] Optionally, the method further includes: applying a downward force to the body to remove the at least one of the suspension devices from the through-hole, thereby closing the valve; and / or

[0029] The valve body is rotated relative to the valve seat, particularly in the horizontal direction, thereby opening the valve.

[0030] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the advantages and positive effects of the valve driving device, the assembly including the valve and the valve driving device, the liquid container, and the valve opening method proposed in this application are as follows:

[0031] The main body proposed in this application serves two purposes: firstly, it supports the hanging claws, allowing the operator to hold and operate the valve drive device; secondly, the operator's hand can also move the hanging claws while operating the main body. The hanging claws penetrate through a through-hole in the valve seat and hook onto the valve seat, thus enabling the valve to be driven from below without additional fixing, resulting in convenient, quick, and reliable operation. This application features a simple structure and easy operation, allowing for rapid separation of the valve seat and valve body, facilitating the smooth flow of liquid from the container and preventing secondary contamination.

[0032] Furthermore, according to a first aspect of this application, a valve actuation device is provided, which can be installed on a valve, the valve including a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having a through hole, the valve body being disposed on the through hole, the valve actuation device including: a body having a top end; at least one suspension device disposed on the top end, the suspension device being configured to pass through the through hole on the valve seat.

[0033] According to a second aspect of this application, a valve actuation device as described in the first aspect is provided, wherein when the suspension device extends through the through hole on the valve seat, the suspension device is configured to suspend the valve body under the valve, optionally under the valve seat, and further optionally under the through hole, such that the valve body is completely or at least partially removed from the valve seat to allow liquid to pass through the valve.

[0034] According to a third aspect of this application, a valve actuation device as described in the first or second aspect is provided, the suspension device including a pawl, the pawl including a protrusion and a connecting arm, one end of the connecting arm being connected to the top end of the body, the protrusion being disposed at the other end of the connecting arm, the protrusion being used to engage with the valve seat and to completely or at least partially disengage the valve body from the valve seat to allow liquid to pass through the valve.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of this application, one of the valve actuation devices as described in the first to third aspects is provided, wherein the protrusion includes a hook.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect of this application, a valve actuation device as described in the fourth aspect is provided, wherein the connecting arm has an outer wall, and the hook has a first inclined surface at an obtuse angle to the outer wall of the connecting arm and a second inclined surface extending from the first inclined surface in a direction away from the connecting arm. Optionally, the second inclined surface is configured to hook onto the upper surface of the valve seat adjacent to the through hole when the suspension device passes through the through hole, so as to suspend the body under the valve, optionally under the valve seat, and further optionally under the through hole.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect of this application, a valve actuation device as described in the fourth aspect is provided, wherein the hook includes a first plane perpendicular to the connecting arm and a second inclined plane extending from the first plane in a direction away from the connecting arm. Optionally, the first plane is configured to hook onto the upper surface of the valve seat adjacent to the through hole when the suspension device passes through the through hole, so as to suspend the body under the valve, optionally under the valve seat, and further optionally under the through hole.

[0038] Optionally, the second inclined surface is configured to engage with the upper surface of the through hole or the valve seat adjacent to the through hole, so that the connecting arm undergoes elastic deformation when the hook enters the through hole downwards.

[0039] According to a seventh aspect of this application, a valve actuation device as described in the sixth aspect is provided, wherein a chamfer is provided at the connection between the first plane and the connecting arm.

[0040] According to an eighth aspect of this application, one of the valve actuation devices as described in the third to seventh aspects is provided, wherein the protrusion includes a latch extending from the outer wall in a horizontal direction away from the body. Optionally, the latch may include an arcuate surface protruding from the outer wall in a horizontal direction away from the body, particularly a semi-circular or hemispherical convex surface.

[0041] According to a ninth aspect of this application, one of the valve actuation devices as described in aspects three through eight is provided, wherein the body is provided with a liquid channel. Optionally, the liquid channel is disposed at the center of the body. Optionally, the suspension device includes a plurality of hanging claws. Optionally, the plurality of hanging claws are distributed circumferentially along the upper edge of the liquid channel. Optionally, the top end includes a guide surface inclined toward the liquid channel. Optionally, the guide surface is disposed between the plurality of hanging claws. When the valve is opened, liquid can be guided by the guide surface and flow out through the liquid channel to reduce or avoid contact with the outer surface of the body.

[0042] According to a tenth aspect of this application, one of the valve actuation devices as described in the third to ninth aspects is provided, the valve actuation device comprising the body and one to six of the said claws.

[0043] Optionally, the height of the body is 1.5-58mm. Optionally, the length of the connecting arm is 2-58mm. Optionally, the height of the hook in the connecting arm direction is 0.5-6mm. Optionally, the body and / or the suspension device are made of a material with a Shore hardness of D40-D90. Optionally, the body and / or the suspension device are made of multiple or one material selected from PP, PE, ABS, and nylon. Optionally, the valve actuation device, the body, and / or the suspension device are integrally molded.

[0044] According to the eleventh aspect of this application, an assembly including a valve and a valve actuation device is provided. The valve actuation device is one of the valve actuation devices described in the first to tenth aspects. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve body. The valve seat has a through hole, and the valve body is disposed on the through hole. When a suspension device penetrates the through hole on the valve seat, the suspension device is configured to suspend the valve body below the valve and allow the valve body to be completely or at least partially separated from the valve seat to allow liquid to pass through the through hole of the valve seat. When the suspension device does not penetrate the through hole on the valve seat, the valve body is configured to prevent liquid from passing through the through hole of the valve seat. Optionally, the suspension device is configured to allow the valve body to be completely or at least partially separated from the valve seat only along the direction of the through hole. Optionally, the suspension device and the valve body are configured such that when the suspension device does not allow the valve body to rotate horizontally...

[0045] According to a twelfth aspect of this application, an assembly including a valve and a valve actuation device as described in the eleventh aspect is provided, wherein the valve body is rotatable relative to the through-hole to open or close the valve, and when the valve body is rotated to a closed position relative to the through-hole, the valve body is movable away from the through-hole to allow liquid to pass through the valve seat through-hole. Optionally, the rotation is helical rotation, with the rotation axis parallel to the direction of the through-hole.

[0046] Optionally, the distance between the first plane and the top end is greater than the length of the through hole. This allows a certain distance to exist between the top end of the body and the bottom surface of the valve seat, so that liquid can flow out from the gap formed between the top end and the bottom surface of the valve seat. Optionally, the number of the claws is the same as the number of the through holes and corresponds to the position of the through holes. Optionally, when the claws penetrate the through holes on the valve seat, there is a gap between the outer wall of the connecting arm and the inner wall of the through hole. Optionally, the gap is greater than 0.5 mm. This allows liquid to flow out from between the connecting arm and the through hole. Optionally, the number of claws is less than or equal to the number of through holes on the valve seat. Optionally, the liquid channel is located below the through hole without a corresponding claw. This facilitates the flow of liquid out of the through hole. Optionally, all the claws are of the same height so that the valve body is completely separated from the valve seat.

[0047] According to a thirteenth aspect of this application, an assembly including a valve and a valve actuation device as described in an eleventh or twelfth aspect is provided, wherein the valve actuation device and the valve are configured such that the valve actuation device can be separated from the valve only when a force of at least 0.01, 0.05, or 0.1 N and / or at most 2, 5, 10, or 50 N is applied to the body in the direction away from the valve. Optionally, the suspension device can pass through the through hole in the valve seat only when a force of at least 0.01, 0.05, or 0.1 N and / or at most 2, 5, 10, or 50 N is applied to the body in the direction of the valve.

[0048] Optionally, the valve actuation device is as described in the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the distance between the first plane and the top surface is greater than the length of the through hole. Optionally, the valve actuation device is as described in any one of the third to twelfth aspects, wherein the number of the claws is the same as the number of the through holes, and their positions correspond.

[0049] According to the fourteenth aspect of this application, a liquid container is provided, including one of the components of a valve and a valve actuation device as described in aspects eleven to thirteen, wherein the valve is mounted at the bottom of the liquid container.

[0050] According to the fifteenth aspect of this application, a method for opening a valve is provided, the valve being installed at the bottom of a liquid container, the valve including a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having a through hole, the method comprising:

[0051] A valve actuation device is provided, the valve actuation device including a body and at least one suspension device, the body having a top end, and the suspension device being disposed on the top end;

[0052] The at least one suspension device passes through the through hole of the valve seat from below;

[0053] The valve body is pushed upwards, driving the valve body to completely or at least partially separate from the valve seat, thereby opening the valve;

[0054] The body is suspended below the valve by the suspension device, optionally below the valve seat, and more preferably below the through hole.

[0055] Optionally, the valve actuation device is one of the valve actuation devices described in aspects one through ten. Optionally, the valve and the valve actuation device are one of the valve and valve actuation device components described in aspects eleven through thirteen.

[0056] Optionally, the at least one suspension device passes through the through-hole of the valve seat from below the liquid container. Optionally, the valve body is pushed upward along the axial direction of the liquid container. Optionally, the at least one suspension device passes through the through-hole of the valve seat along the axial direction of the liquid container and pushes the valve body upward along the axial direction of the liquid container. Optionally, the valve body is pushed upward by the suspension device.

[0057] Optionally, the method further includes: applying a downward force to the body to remove the at least one suspension device from the through-hole, thereby closing the valve. Optionally, the method further includes: rotating the valve body relative to the valve seat, optionally rotating it horizontally, and further optionally rotating it helically, thereby opening and / or closing the valve.

[0058] Optionally, the valve actuation device, the assembly including the valve and the valve actuation device, the liquid container, and the valve opening method are suitable for water filtration devices, particularly gravity-driven water filtration systems. The liquid container is used to collect unfiltered water, can accommodate a filter cartridge, and has a drain port at the bottom. The drain port is equipped with the valve to prevent unfiltered water from passing through the drain port when no filter cartridge is installed. Optionally, the valve body can be driven by helical axial movement. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The above and other features and advantages of this application will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the valve drive device of this application (the protrusion of the hook is a latch).

[0061] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve drive device of this application from another direction.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a front view of the valve drive device of this application.

[0063] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The left view.

[0064] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 Top view.

[0065] Figure 5B yes Figure 3 A bottom view.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hook protrusion of the latch in this application.

[0067] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the valve driving device of this application.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the valve driving device of this application.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a front view of the valve driven by the valve drive device of this application.

[0070] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 AA sectional view.

[0071] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A bottom view.

[0072] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows the structural structure of the valve body.

[0073] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows the valve body from another angle.

[0074] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 The front view of the valve body shown.

[0075] Figure 15 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the valve seat.

[0076] Figure 16 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the valve seat from another angle.

[0077] Figure 17 yes Figure 9 The front view of the valve seat shown.

[0078] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid container without the valve actuation device of this application installed.

[0079] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 BB-direction sectional view.

[0080] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 Top view.

[0081] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 Enlarged view of point I.

[0082] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid container on which the valve actuation device of this application is installed.

[0083] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 CC-direction sectional view.

[0084] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 Top view.

[0085] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 Enlarged view at point II.

[0086] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0087] 100 - Valve Actuator;

[0088] 101-Ontology;

[0089] 102 - Top;

[0090] 103-Hanging claw;

[0091] 104 - Guide surface;

[0092] 201 - Liquid Channel;

[0093] 301-Hook;

[0094] 302 - Connecting arm;

[0095] 401 - First plane;

[0096] 402-Second slope;

[0097] 403-Exterior wall;

[0098] 601-Card Tongue;

[0099] 701 - First inclined plane;

[0100] 801-Chamfer;

[0101] 900-valve;

[0102] 901 - Valve body;

[0103] 902 - Valve seat;

[0104] 1101 - Through hole;

[0105] 1800 - Liquid Container;

[0106] 1900-Vessel wall. Detailed Implementation

[0107] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this application can have various variations in different embodiments, all of which do not depart from the scope of this application, and the descriptions and drawings therein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit this application.

[0108] In the following description of various exemplary embodiments of this application, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, and which illustrate by way of example different exemplary structures, systems, and steps that can implement various aspects of this application. It should be understood that other specific solutions to the components, structures, exemplary devices, systems, and steps may be used, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this application.

[0109] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application readily apparent, specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0110] like Figures 1 to 6 as well as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the valve driving device 100 of this application is installed on a valve 900. The valve 900 includes a valve body 901 and a valve seat 902. The valve seat 902 is provided with a through hole 1101, and the valve body 901 is disposed on the valve seat 902. The valve driving device 100 includes a body 101 and at least one hook 103. The body 101 has a top end 102 that supports the hook 103. The hook 103 is disposed on the top end 102 and passes through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902 to hook onto the valve seat 902. The hook 103 causes the valve body 901 to separate from the valve seat 902, thus separating the valve body 901 from the valve seat 902. When using the valve driving device, the user holds the body 101 to operate it. The hook 103 is connected to the body 101 through the top end 102, so when the user operates the body 101, the hook 103 can also be moved together. By manually driving the main body 101, the claw 103 is driven to pass through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902, so that the claw 103 pushes the valve body 901 set on the valve seat 902 upward, thereby separating the valve body 901 and the valve seat 902, and the liquid can flow out from the gap formed after the valve seat 902 and the valve body 901 are separated.

[0111] The valve drive device 100, the latch 103, and / or the body 101 can be made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity, such as PP, PE, ABS, nylon, etc. The latch and the body can be integrally molded. The number of latches can be multiple, such as two, three, five, etc. In this embodiment, there are three latches 103, which are arranged at 120° intervals, and the latches 103 are distributed to form a virtual cylinder with the center line of the body 101 as the axis. Optionally, one or two latches 103 can also be replaced with support columns without suspension function to completely or partially separate the valve seat 902 and the valve body 901.

[0112] In this embodiment, the valve seat 902 also has three through holes 1101, the same number as the number of claws 103. The three through holes 1101 are fan-shaped and spaced 120° apart. The arc-shaped inner walls of the through holes 1101 are on the same circumference and correspond to the positions of the claws 103. Since the valve is usually a rotating body, the three through holes 1101 are fan-shaped and distributed circumferentially along the upper edge of the liquid channel 201, which facilitates their cooperation with the claws 103 of the valve drive device 100 of this application. In other words, the positions of the through holes 1101 and the positions of the claws 103 are related, correspond to, and influence each other.

[0113] The top end 102 includes a guide surface that is inclined toward the liquid channel 201, and the guide surface is disposed between the plurality of hanging claws 103.

[0114] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, a liquid channel 201 is provided in the center of the main body 101, through which liquid passes. In some other embodiments, the liquid channel 201 may not be provided, as long as liquid can be allowed to flow out.

[0115] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the claw 103 includes a protrusion and a connecting arm 302. The protrusion includes a hook 301, and in some other embodiments, it may also include a latch 601 (e.g., Figure 6(As shown). The latch may include an arc-shaped surface protruding horizontally from the outer wall away from the main body 101, particularly a semi-circular or hemispherical convex surface. One end of the connecting arm 302 is connected to the top end 102 of the main body 101, and the hook 301 is provided at the other end of the connecting arm 302. The hook 301 is used to engage with the valve seat 902. The hook 301 is mainly designed to allow the claw 103 to pass through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902 and engage with the valve seat surface around the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902. Because the hook has a certain height, it can lift the valve body 901, so that the valve body 901 and the valve seat 902 cannot contact each other, forming a gap. The connecting arm 302 is mainly used to connect the hook 301 and the main body 101. The same parts of multiple claws 103 are distributed on the virtual cross-section of the virtual cylinder, forming multiple circles with different diameters.

[0116] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the hook 301 includes a first plane 401 perpendicular to the connecting arm 302 and a second inclined plane 402 extending from the first plane 401 away from the connecting arm 302. Since the inner wall surface of the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902 is perpendicular to the valve seat surfaces opposite to the valve body 901, the hook 301, with its first plane 401 perpendicular to the connecting arm 302, allows the claw 103 to pass through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902 and engage with the valve seat surface opposite to the valve body 901 around the through hole 1101, lifting the valve body 901 and allowing liquid to flow out from the gap formed after the valve seat 902 and valve body 901 separate. The hook 301, with its second inclined plane 402 extending from the first plane 401 away from the connecting arm 302, provides a guiding function when the claw 103 passes through the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902. Because the first plane 401 of the hook 103 is required, after the hook 103 passes through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902, it engages with the valve seat surface opposite to the valve body 901 around the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902. Therefore, the diameter of the circle formed by the part where the second inclined surface 402 connects with the first plane 401 is slightly larger than the diameter of the circle formed by the arcuate inner wall of the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902. The second inclined surface 402 extends away from the connecting arm 302, which enables the diameter of the circle formed at the top position of the hook 301 to be smaller than the diameter of the circle formed by the arcuate inner wall of the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902, thereby enabling the hook 103 to smoothly pass through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902.

[0117] In this embodiment, the distance between the first plane 401 of the hook 301 and the top end 102 of the body 101 is greater than the length of the through hole 1101. This allows a certain distance to exist between the top end 102 of the body 101 and the bottom surface of the valve seat 902, so that liquid can flow out from the gap formed between the top end 102 of the body 101 and the bottom surface of the valve seat 902.

[0118] In this embodiment, the body 101 is cylindrical, and the claws 103 are evenly distributed on the top 102 of the body 101, which facilitates manual operation and simplifies processing. The body 101 can also be configured as a triangular prism, a square prism, a hexagonal prism, etc. The top 102 of the body 101 is used to limit the movement distance of the claws 103 when they pass through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902. When the top 102 contacts the bottom surface of the valve seat 902, it means that the hook 301 of the claw 103 has completely passed through the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902, thereby enabling the first plane 401 of the hook 301 of the claw 103 to engage with the valve seat 902, thereby separating the valve body 901 and the valve seat 902, and allowing the liquid to flow out from the gap formed after the valve seat 902 and the valve body 901 are separated.

[0119] In this embodiment, the connecting arm 302 of the claw 103 has an outer wall 403. When the claw 103 penetrates the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902, there is a gap between the outer wall 403 of the connecting arm 302 and the arc-shaped inner wall of the through hole 1101. This allows liquid to flow out through the gap formed above.

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown, in a second embodiment of the valve actuation device 100 of this application, the valve actuation device 100 includes a body 101 and at least one hook 103. The hook 103 includes a hook 301 and a connecting arm 302, the connecting arm 302 being disposed on the top end 102, and the hook 301 being disposed on the connecting arm 302. The connecting arm 302 has an outer wall 403, and the hook 301 includes a first inclined surface 701 forming an obtuse angle α with the outer wall 403 of the connecting arm 302 and a second inclined surface 402 extending from the first inclined surface 701 in a direction away from the connecting arm 302. The first inclined surface 701 is mainly set up so that when disassembling the valve drive device 100, the valve drive device 100 can be pulled down by hand by grasping the main body 101. Under the guidance of the first inclined surface 701, due to the elasticity of the claw, the connecting arm 302 drives the hook 301 to converge towards the center of the valve drive device, so that the hook 301 can move down from the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902 and remove the valve drive device 100 from the valve 900.

[0121] like Figure 8As shown, in a third embodiment of the valve actuation device 100 of this application, the valve actuation device 100 includes a body 101 and at least one hook 103. The hook 103 includes a hook 301 and a connecting arm 302. The connecting arm 302 is disposed on the top end 102, and the hook 301 is disposed on the connecting arm 302. The hook 301 includes a first plane 401 perpendicular to the connecting arm 302 and a second inclined plane 402 extending from the first plane 401 in a direction away from the connecting arm 302. A chamfer 801 is provided at the connection between the first plane 401 and the connecting arm 302. The guide angle 801 is set mainly so that when disassembling the valve drive device 100, the valve drive device 100 can be pulled downward by hand by grasping the main body 101. Under the guidance of the guide angle 801, due to the elasticity of the claw, the connecting arm 302 drives the hook 301 to converge towards the center of the valve drive device, so that the hook 301 can move downward from the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902 and remove the valve drive device 100 from the valve 900.

[0122] In some other embodiments, the number of through holes 1101 on the valve seat 902 is greater than the number of claws 103. This allows liquid to flow out from other through holes 1101 where no claws are provided after the claws 103 pass through the through holes 1101 on the valve seat 902 and lift the valve body 901.

[0123] like Figures 12 to 17 The specific structure of the valve body 901 and valve seat 902 of the valve 900 driven by the valve drive device 100 of this application is shown. The valve seat 902 has a substantially conical shape, and the valve body 901 has a surface that matches the valve seat 902. The matching surface corresponds in shape to at least one section of the conical side surface. The axial end of the valve body 901 forms an adjustment point of the valve body 901, which can selectively prevent liquid flow through the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902. That is, when the valve drive device 100 is not installed, the surface of the valve body 901 is in contact with the valve seat 902, preventing liquid flow through the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902; when the valve drive device 100 is inserted into the valve cavity through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 901, the hook 301 of the pawl 103 pushes the valve body 901 axially upward, thereby separating the surface of the valve body 901 from the valve seat 902, allowing liquid flow through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 901.

[0124] like Figures 18 to 21As shown, the liquid container 1800 includes a container wall 1900 and a bottom-mounted valve 900, which is installed at the bottom of the liquid container 1800 by conventional methods. The valve 900 does not have a valve actuation device 100 installed on it. In this embodiment, the valve seat 902 is made of the same material as the container wall 1900 of the liquid container 1800, allowing the valve seat 902 to be bonded to the container wall 1900 of the liquid container 1800 by welding, for example, ultrasonic welding. The valve body 901, which in this example lacks a closed gap, is made of a material with a density greater than that of water. This ensures that it does not float when submerged in water.

[0125] Figures 22 to 25 As shown, the liquid container 1800 includes a container wall 1900 and a valve 900 mounted at the bottom, wherein the valve 900 is equipped with a valve actuation device 100. As can be seen from the figure, the hook 301 of the latch 103 of the valve actuation device 100 passes through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902 and can engage with the valve seat surface surrounding the through hole 1101. Because the hook has a certain height, it can lift the valve body 901, thereby creating a distance S, or gap, between the valve body 901 and the valve seat 902. In this embodiment, a liquid channel 201 is provided on the body 101, through which liquid can pass. In other embodiments, the distance between the first plane 401 of the hook 301 and the top end 102 of the body 101 is greater than the length of the through hole 1101, allowing liquid to flow out from the gap formed between the top end 102 of the body 101 and the bottom surface of the valve seat 902.

[0126] It should be noted that the valve actuators shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification are merely a few examples among many valve actuators capable of employing the principles of this application. It should be clearly understood that the principles of this application are by no means limited to any detail or component of the valve actuators shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification.

[0127] The above is a detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of the valve driving device proposed in this application. The following will provide an exemplary description of the valve opening method proposed in this application.

[0128] Combined with appendix Figures 1 to 25 The valve opening method proposed in this application involves installing the valve at the bottom of a liquid container 1800. Using the valve driving device 100, the device passes through the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902 from below the liquid container 1800 along the axial direction of the container. This pushes the valve body 901 upwards along the axial direction of the container, separating it from the valve seat 902, thereby opening the valve 900. This allows the valve to be opened from outside the liquid container, enabling the liquid to flow out and preventing secondary contamination.

[0129] In use, the valve drive device 100 is installed on the valve 900. The valve 900 includes a valve body 901 and a valve seat 902. The valve seat 902 is provided with a through hole 1101, and the valve body 902 is disposed on the valve seat 901. The valve drive device 100 includes a body 101 and three claws 103. The main body 101 has a top end 102, and a claw 103 is disposed on the top end 102. When a person holds the main body 101, the valve driving device 100 is pushed upward along the axial direction of the liquid container 1800 from below. At this time, since the claw 103 includes a hook 301 and a connecting arm 302, the hook 301 includes a second inclined surface 402, and the claw 103 is made of a material with a certain elasticity, the claw 103 can pass through the through hole 1101 on the valve seat 902 and engage with the valve seat surface around the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902 after being guided by the second inclined surface 402. Since the hook has a certain height, it can lift the valve body 901, so that the valve body 901 cannot contact the valve seat 902, forming a gap S for liquid to pass through.

[0130] Furthermore, by applying a downward force to the body 101, the claw 103 can be removed from the through hole, thereby causing the valve body 901 to contact the valve seat 902 and close the valve. Additionally, the upper part of the valve body 901 includes threads. By pressing a device with a corresponding helical surface or bevel onto the valve body 901, the valve body 901 can be rotated relative to the valve seat 902, thus providing a way to open the valve from the side opposite to the valve seat.

[0131] The valve drive device 100 of this application can be installed on the liquid container 1800 without being disassembled. When there is no water in the liquid container, the valve drive device 100 can be installed, and then the filter element can be installed in the liquid container before water is injected into the liquid container for filtration. When the filter element needs to be replaced, the water in the liquid container can be drained and the filter element can be replaced directly.

[0132] When disassembly is required, the following methods can be used: Figure 7 or Figure 8The valve drive device shown is designed so that when a person holds the main body 101 and pulls the valve drive device 100 downward, under the guidance of the first inclined surface 701 or the guide angle 801, the connecting arm 302 drives the hook 301 to converge towards the center of the valve drive device due to the elasticity of the claw. This allows the hook 301 to move downward from the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902, thereby removing the valve drive device 100 from the valve 900. The valve seat can also be slightly modified. For example, the engagement point between the valve seat 902 and the claw 103 can be designed as a sloped surface with a certain angle. This sloped surface itself has a guiding effect on the hook. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the first sloped surface 701 or the guide angle 801 on the valve drive device 100. When disassembling, grasp the body 101 and pull the valve drive device 100 downward. Under the guiding effect of the sloped surface at the engagement point between the valve seat 902 and the claw 103, the claw has a certain elasticity. The connecting arm 302 drives the hook 301 to converge towards the center of the valve drive device, so that the hook 301 can move downward from the through hole 1101 of the valve seat 902 and remove the valve drive device 100 from the valve 900.

[0133] like Figures 1 to 25 As shown, the valve actuation device 100 of this application is mounted on the valve 900 to form a valve having the valve actuation device 100 of this application. A valve having the valve actuation device 100 of this application is mounted on the bottom of a liquid container to form a liquid container having the aforementioned valve.

[0134] Based on the valve opening method described in this application, the valve driving device includes a body and at least one hook. The body primarily supports the hook, and the user operates the device by holding the body. The body has a top end, on which the hook is positioned. The hook is connected to the body via the top end, allowing the hook to move when the user operates the body. The valve driving device is mounted on a valve, which includes a valve seat and a valve body. The valve seat has a through hole, and the valve body is mounted on the valve seat. The hook passes through the through hole in the valve seat, directly driving the valve body to separate from the valve seat. By driving the body by hand, the user drives the hook, which passes through the through hole in the valve seat, causing the hook to lift the valve body mounted on the valve seat upwards, thus separating the valve body from the valve seat. Liquid can then flow out from the gap formed after the separation of the valve seat and valve body. This application has a simple structure and is easy to operate. It can quickly separate the valve seat and valve body, facilitating the smooth flow of liquid from the liquid container. Furthermore, the valve can be opened from outside the liquid container, avoiding secondary contamination. In addition, the valve driving device of this application can pass through the valve seat from the bottom of the liquid container along the axial direction of the liquid container, and push the valve body upward along the axial direction of the liquid container to open the valve and allow the liquid to flow out. It is easy to disassemble and assemble and does not come into contact with the inside of the liquid container.

[0135] The valve opening method proposed in this application involves a valve 900 installed at the bottom of a liquid container 1800. The valve 900 includes a valve seat 902 and a valve body 901. The valve seat 902 has a through hole 1101, and the valve body 901 is disposed on the through hole 1101. The method includes:

[0136] A valve actuation device 100 is provided, the valve actuation device 100 includes a body 101 and at least one claw 103, the body 101 has a top end 102, and the at least one claw 103 is disposed on the top end 102; the at least one claw 103 passes through the through hole 1101 from below the liquid container 1800;

[0137] The valve body 901 is lifted upwards, driving it to completely or at least partially separate from the valve seat 902, thereby opening the valve 900; the body 101 is suspended below the valve seat 902 by the hook 103. Alternatively, the method may include: applying a downward force to the body 101 to remove at least one hook 103 from the through hole 1101, thereby closing the valve 900; and / or rotating the valve body 901 horizontally relative to the valve seat 902 to open the valve.

[0138] By employing the aforementioned valve actuation device, the device passes through the through-hole of the valve seat from below the liquid container along the axial direction of the container, pushing the valve body upwards along the axial direction of the container. This drives the valve body to separate from the valve seat, thereby opening the valve. This allows the valve to be opened from outside the liquid container, enabling the liquid to flow out and preventing secondary contamination.

[0139] The exemplary embodiments of the valve actuation device and valve opening method proposed in this application have been described and / or illustrated in detail above. However, the embodiments of this application are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, components and / or steps of each embodiment may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. Each component and / or step of one embodiment may also be used in combination with other components and / or steps of other embodiments. In describing the elements / components / etc. described and / or illustrated herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the above" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and mean that additional elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.

[0140] The embodiments of this application are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, components of each embodiment can be used independently and separately from other components described herein. Each component of one embodiment can also be used in combination with other components of other embodiments. In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0141] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the application examples and are not intended to limit the application examples. For those skilled in the art, the application examples can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the application examples should be included within the protection scope of the application examples.

Claims

1. A valve actuation device for mounting on a valve at the bottom of a liquid container, the valve comprising a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having at least one through hole, the valve body for closing the through hole in a closed state, characterized in that: The valve actuation device is an external operating device independent of the valve, including: The body, configured to be manually operable from below the liquid container; and At least one hook is provided at the top of the body; The claw is configured to pass through a through hole in the valve seat from below the liquid container and hang on the valve seat surface adjacent to the through hole, such that when the claw is suspended on the valve seat surface, the body is suspended below the valve seat, and the valve body is lifted by the valve driving device and kept in an open state, thereby allowing liquid to flow out through the through hole. The claw includes a protrusion and a connecting arm. One end of the connecting arm is connected to the top of the body, and the protrusion is disposed at the other end of the connecting arm. The protrusion is used to engage with the valve seat. The body is provided with a liquid channel, and the valve driving device includes a plurality of the hanging claws, which are distributed circumferentially along the upper edge of the liquid channel.

2. The valve driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is a hook.

3. The valve driving device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting arm has an outer wall, and the hook has a first inclined surface at an obtuse angle to the outer wall of the connecting arm and a second inclined surface extending from the first inclined surface in a direction away from the connecting arm.

4. The valve driving device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The hook includes a first plane perpendicular to the connecting arm and a second inclined plane extending from the first plane in a direction away from the connecting arm.

5. The valve driving device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The distance between the first plane and the top end is greater than the length of the through hole.

6. The valve driving device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A chamfer is provided at the connection between the first plane and the connecting arm.

7. The valve driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is a latch, the connecting arm has an outer wall, and the latch extends from the outer wall in a horizontal direction away from the body.

8. The valve driving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top end includes a guide surface that is inclined toward the liquid channel, and the guide surface is disposed between the plurality of claws.

9. The valve driving device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve actuation device consists of the body and one to six of the aforementioned claws.

10. The valve driving device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting arm has an outer wall, and when the claw passes through the through hole on the valve seat, there is a gap between the outer wall of the connecting arm and the inner wall of the through hole.

11. The valve driving device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the claws is less than the number of the through holes on the valve seat.

12. An assembly comprising a valve and a valve actuation device, characterized in that: The valve driving device is the valve driving device as described in any one of claims 1-11. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve body. The valve seat is provided with a through hole. The valve body is disposed on the through hole and can be completely or at least partially separated from the valve seat. The hook can pass through the through hole and be hooked on the valve seat, so that the valve body is completely or at least partially separated from the valve seat.

13. An assembly comprising a valve and a valve actuation device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, When the claw penetrates the through hole, the claw can suspend the body under the valve seat; when the claw does not penetrate the through hole on the valve seat, the valve body can close the through hole.

14. An assembly comprising a valve and a valve actuation device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The valve body is rotatable relative to the through hole to open or close the valve, and when the valve body is rotated to the closed position relative to the through hole, the claw can move the valve body away from the through hole.

15. A liquid container, characterized in that: The assembly includes the valve and valve actuation device as described in claim 12, wherein the valve is mounted at the bottom of the liquid container.

16. A method for opening a valve, the valve being installed at the bottom of a liquid container, the valve comprising a valve seat and a valve body, the valve seat having at least one through hole, the valve body being used to close the through hole in a closed state, characterized in that: The method includes: A valve actuation device is provided, which is an external operating device independent of the valve. The device includes a body and at least one claw. The body is configured to be manually operated from below the liquid container. The at least one claw is located at the top of the body. The claw includes a protrusion and a connecting arm. One end of the connecting arm is connected to the top of the body. The protrusion is located at the other end of the connecting arm and is used to engage with the valve seat. The body is provided with a liquid channel, and the valve driving device includes a plurality of the hanging claws, which are distributed circumferentially along the upper edge of the liquid channel; The claw is configured to pass through a through hole in the valve seat from below the liquid container and hang on the valve seat surface adjacent to the through hole, such that when the claw is suspended on the valve seat surface, the body is suspended below the valve seat, and the valve body is lifted by the valve drive device and held in an open state, thereby allowing liquid to flow out through the through hole. The at least one hook passes through the through hole from below the liquid container; The valve body is pushed upwards, driving the valve body to separate from the valve seat, thereby opening the valve; The body is suspended below the valve seat by the hook.

17. The valve opening method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The valve and the valve actuation device constitute the assembly including the valve and the valve actuation device as described in claim 12, and the method further includes: Applying a downward force to the body removes at least one of the hooks from the through-hole, thereby closing the valve; and / or The valve body is rotated relative to the valve seat to open the valve.

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