Valve actuator

Abstract

An actuator for driving a fluid dispensing valve in a pressurized fluid driven fluid dispensing device is disclosed. The actuator includes a structure for creating a pressure difference between the first region and the second region. These regions are adjacent to a valve member of a fluid distribution valve of the device such that upon creation of a pressure differential, the valve member moves from a region of relatively high pressure to a region of relatively low pressure, thereby opening the valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to actuators for valves, and more particularly to actuators for valves in pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution devices. Background Technology

[0002] In many technological applications, the speed at which valves open and close, influencing downstream actions or processes, is crucial. In many such applications, the faster a valve can open and close, the more beneficial the resulting downstream impact. One application where valve operating speed is critical is the actuation of valves in pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution devices. Examples of such devices include toys such as so-called "water guns," paintball guns, and foam dart guns; agricultural liquid dispensers for liquids such as herbicides and fertilizers; and veterinary dart guns. Pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution devices were initially proposed to overcome the drawbacks of previous fluid distribution systems that relied on direct manual operation by the user to distribute fluid. For example, in some previous designs, fluid was stored in a reservoir, requiring the user to manually operate a pump by repeatedly pulling a trigger to distribute the fluid. This action could only distribute fluid flow at relatively low pressures and required considerable effort from the user. To address some of the drawbacks of such systems, devices have been proposed that store the fluid to be distributed in a pressurized container, and when the user opens the valve, the pressure of the stored fluid is used to expel the fluid from the distributor. One type of such system employs a clamp-on trigger, a device that is biased while at rest to clamp and seal the elastically deformable outlet tube of a pressurized fluid reservoir until released by the user. While these systems represent an improvement over non-pressurized designs, they still suffer from the drawback of dispensing fluid only in the form of a flow, according to the time required for the release mechanism to open and close. However, for many applications, the ability to deliver brief, powerful bursts of fluid via rapidly opening and closing valve components is an advantage, something that cannot be achieved through direct manual valve operation by the user. In the case of toy water guns, this burst is often referred to as a water "bullet."

[0003] To achieve relatively high valve opening and closing speeds in pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution devices, two-stage actuator mechanisms have been proposed. These mechanisms achieve relatively fast opening and closing speeds by employing a system in which a user-triggered action serves as the first stage, which then triggers the second stage to operate the valve. The second stage is suitable for rapidly opening and closing the valve in various ways. For example, EP3901558A1 proposes such a system where the operation of the first stage is achieved by an electromechanically operated trigger, which in turn acts on the second stage, which is suitable for achieving relatively rapid valve opening and closing using complex mechanical inertia / aerial linkages. However, such devices are expensive and complex to manufacture, requiring batteries and electronic components, making them costly and difficult to sustainably dispose of at the end of their service life.

[0004] References to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources in this specification are generally intended to provide background for discussing the features of the invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated, references to such external documents should not be construed as an admission that such documents or information from such sources are prior art or constitute part of common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved valve, or an improved method of driving a valve, or to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages or address the aforementioned urgent needs, or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an actuator is provided for driving a fluid distribution valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device. The actuator includes a structure for generating a pressure difference between a first region and a second region, both of which are adjacent to a valve member of the fluid distribution valve of the device, such that when the pressure difference is generated, the valve member moves from the region of relatively higher pressure to the region of relatively lower pressure, thereby opening the valve.

[0007] Preferably, the actuator structure is adapted to generate a partial vacuum adjacent to the valve member, such that the valve member is opened when the partial vacuum is generated.

[0008] A partial vacuum generating structure may include: a pressure chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a valve member of a fluid distribution valve, the pressure chamber defining an internal volume and a pressurized fluid inlet for pressurizing the internal volume with pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source, wherein the pressure chamber includes: a pressure relief valve operable to release pressurized fluid from the internal volume; and an actuator body located within the internal volume, the actuator body being biased toward a first position and movable from the first position to a second position when the pressure relief valve is operated, thereby creating a partial vacuum chamber between the actuator body and the valve member in use to open the valve member.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention enables rapid opening and closing of valves by providing an actuator driven by existing fluid pressure within a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, thereby achieving rapid and compact fluid pulse delivery, and thus has low complexity and relatively low manufacturing and recycling costs.

[0010] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a fluid distribution valve for use in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator body defining an actuator body volume, and the valve member of the fluid distribution valve being slidably housed within the actuator body volume such that a partial vacuum chamber is created within the actuator body volume when the actuator body moves from a first position to a second position.

[0011] Preferably, the actuator includes a pressure equalization structure for closing the valve member. The pressure equalization structure includes a pressure equalization path into a partial vacuum chamber, which opens when the actuator body is in a second position. The pressure equalization structure may include an orifice defined by the actuator body and a structure for changing the pressure equalization rate through the orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization structure may include an orifice defined by the actuator body and an orifice defined by a pressure chamber, both orifices being configured for fluid communication between the actuator body and the pressure chamber, the actuator body and / or the pressure chamber being rotatable relative to each other to change the degree of fluid communication through the two orifices.

[0012] Preferably, the pressure relief valve is operable to release pressurized fluid from the pressure chamber and close the pressurized fluid inlet port.

[0013] In a convenient embodiment, the actuator may also include an outlet nozzle of a fluid distribution device.

[0014] In a convenient embodiment, the actuator may further include an actuator housing defining a fluid flow path for pressurized fluid to flow within a fluid distribution device, a pressure chamber mounted inside the actuator housing, the actuator housing defining a pressure relief orifice in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, and upstream and downstream fluid distribution and inlet orifices. Preferably, the pressurized fluid inlet orifice of the pressure chamber and the pressure equalization path are both in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

[0015] In a convenient embodiment, the actuator may be pressurized from a pressurized fluid reservoir of a fluid distribution device, from a pressurized fluid source remote from the device, or from an onboard pressurized fluid cylinder.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, a pressurized fluid driven fluid distribution device is provided, comprising a pressurized fluid inlet, a fluid distribution nozzle, a valve, a driveable valve actuator, and a valve actuator trigger, wherein the trigger is operable to trigger the valve actuator to distribute fluid from the nozzle, and the valve actuator can be driven using pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid inlet.

[0017] Preferably, the valve actuator includes a pressure chamber capable of being pressurized using pressure from a pressurized fluid inlet. Particularly preferred is that the device is adapted to facilitate pressure equalization between the actuator pressure chamber and the pressurized fluid inlet, which aids in the valve's closure after opening.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the duration of valve opening can be altered by changing the pressure equalization rate. Particularly preferred is that pressure equalization is achieved through an equalization orifice, the size of which is adjustable to change the duration of valve opening.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the device may include a manual triggering mechanism to enable a user to trigger the actuator.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the device may include a pressurizable fluid reservoir.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device may include a structure defining a filling orifice for filling a pressurized fluid reservoir. The filling orifice may be connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as tap water, and is fluidly connected to a fluid flow path to provide fluid flow to the pressurized fluid reservoir. The fluid filling orifice may include a fluid dispensing nozzle. In an alternative embodiment, the device may include a fluid pressurization device for pressurizing unpressurized fluid contained within the device. The fluid pressurization device may include a manually operated pump.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid-driven fluid dispensing device may include a water gun, preferably a toy water gun; a paintball gun; or a dart gun, such as a toy foam dart gun or a veterinary dart gun. In another preferred embodiment, the pressurized fluid-driven fluid dispensing device may include a secondary fluid delivery system suitable for delivering a secondary fluid. The secondary fluid may be entrained in the primary fluid.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for opening a valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the method comprising the steps of: pressurizing a reservoir containing fluid in the device, thereby also pressurizing an actuator pressure chamber; and initiating movement of an actuator body in the pressure chamber by releasing pressure through an orifice of the pressure chamber, wherein the actuator body is in fluid communication with a valve member of the valve, such that by reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber, a sufficient pressure drop is generated in the pressure chamber between the actuator and the valve member, thereby causing the valve member to move against the force of a biasing device, thereby opening the valve.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of pressurizing the pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device by connecting the device to a pressurized fluid source such as tap water.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention includes an actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator comprising: The shell structure is provided with a fluid outlet, and the shell structure is supplied with pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source; A closure device located at least partially within the housing, which, when in the first position, seals the drain chamber from an external low-pressure environment, and the drain chamber is supplied with pressurized fluid. An actuator body, at least partially located within the housing, is biased towards the first actuator body position by pressurized fluid in the drain chamber; and A valve member, at least partially located within the housing, is biased toward the position of the first valve member by pressurized fluid, which is at least confined within the volume between the actuator body and the valve member, thereby sealing the fluid outlet. When the stopper moves to the second position, the pressurized fluid in the drain chamber is released to low pressure, and the supply of pressurized fluid to the drain chamber is also sealed off. The pressurized fluid acting on the actuator body moves it from the first actuator position to the second actuator position. During this process, the volume is also sealed off from the pressurized fluid. Then, the pressure difference between the lower pressure in the volume and the surrounding pressurized fluid biases the valve member toward the second valve member position, thereby releasing the seal of the fluid outlet. When the actuator body reaches its second position, at least one pressure equalization hole is opened to equalize the pressure difference, and then the actuator body moves back to its first position under the action of bias. This causes the valve component to move back to its first position, thereby sealing the fluid outlet.

[0026] Preferably, the movement of the valve member from its first position to its second position is caused by low pressure in the volume and pressurized fluid acting on the sealing surface of the valve member to create a pressure difference.

[0027] Preferably, the movement of the blocker from the second position back to its first position is achieved by biasing.

[0028] Preferably, the bias can be mechanical, such as a spring, or it can be formed by fluid pressure acting on a pressure surface.

[0029] Preferably, the size of the equalization orifice is adjustable to control the time it takes for the valve component to close after it has been opened.

[0030] Preferably, the valve component and actuator body are at least partially contained within the actuator cylinder, are slidable along the actuator cylinder, and are sealable to the actuator cylinder, the actuator cylinder itself being at least partially contained within the housing, the actuator cylinder including an equalization hole, and the actuator body including another drive hole.

[0031] Preferably, the actuator cylinder forms a drain chamber.

[0032] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for operating an actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator comprising: Supply pressurized fluid to the shell structure; The pressurized fluid in the drain chamber biases the actuator body, which is at least partially located within the housing, toward the position of the first actuator body. The valve member, which is at least partially located within the housing, is biased toward the position of the first valve member by pressurized fluid confined in the volume between the actuator body and the valve member, thereby sealing the fluid outlet; The occluder, which is at least partially located within the housing, is moved from a first position to a second position to release pressurized fluid in the drain chamber to an external low pressure and seal off the supply of pressurized fluid to the drain chamber, wherein, in the first position, the occluder seals the drain chamber from the external low pressure, and the drain chamber is supplied with pressurized fluid. When the blocker moves to the second position, pressurized fluid acts on the actuator body and moves it from the first actuator position to the second actuator position, and during this process, the volume is also isolated from the pressurized fluid; then, the pressure difference between the lower pressure in the volume and the surrounding pressurized fluid biases the valve member toward the second valve member position, thereby releasing the seal of the fluid outlet. When the actuator body reaches its second position, at least one pressure equalization orifice opens to equalize the pressure difference. The actuator body then moves back to its first position under bias, which in turn moves the valve component back to its first position, thereby sealing the fluid outlet. This allows fluid to be distributed from the outlet of the fluid distribution valve.

[0033] On the other hand, the present invention relates to an actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0034] On the other hand, the present invention relates to an apparatus as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0035] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a method as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0036] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0037] As used in this article, the “(s)” after a noun indicates the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0038] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting of at least part of...". When interpreting a statement in this specification that includes this term, the feature beginning with that term in each statement must be present, but other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprising" and "including" should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0039] The range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also includes all rational numbers in that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) as well as any range of rational numbers in that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0040] Many variations in the construction of the invention, as well as distinctly different embodiments and applications, will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The disclosure and description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0041] The invention will be further described by way of example and with reference to the following figures. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device according to a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Isometric cross-sectional view of the device shown; Figure 3 According to the first aspect of the invention Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion marked "A" in the first position; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The portion shown is in the second position of the view; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The portion shown is in the third position of the view; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The portion shown is in the fourth position of the view; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The portion shown is in the fifth position of the view; Figure 8 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 10a and 10b This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of operating the apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention. Figure 11 It shows Figures 3 to 7 An exploded isometric view of the fluid distribution valve shown (excluding the sealing elements); Figure 12 It shows Figures 13 to 17 An exploded isometric view of the fluid distribution valve shown (excluding the sealing elements); Figure 13 It shows the relationship with Figure 3 A similar view, namely a vertical cross-section of the fluid distribution valve in the distribution-ready position, shows the fluid path from the pressurized fluid reservoir to the passage, through the conical wall seal, along the channel to the rear of the actuator body, and then to the rear of the valve assembly, wherein... Figure 3 The valve in this system does not use a spring biasing element to push the stop sleeve to the ready position, but instead uses fluid pressure as a bias to reset the stop sleeve. Figure 14 It shows the relationship with Figure 4 A similar view, in which the fluid delivery valve has been triggered and the first stage of movement is ready to proceed; Figure 15 The first movement of the actuator body is shown when the pressurized fluid behind the actuator body is discharged to the atmosphere and the fluid pressure and the spring biasing element work together to move the actuator body; Figure 16The diagram shows the movement of a valve member in response to a lower pressure downstream. Pressurized fluid in the passage acts on the valve member, causing it to move to the left as shown, thus allowing a stream of pressurized fluid to exit the nozzle. Figure 17 It is shown that, with Figure 13 As shown, the fluid distribution valve resets and returns to the injection-ready position, where the blocking sleeve has moved back to the left by the pressurized fluid acting on it, the actuator body moves back to the right, and the valve assembly closes the nozzle. Figure 18 The diagram shows a fluid distribution valve being injected with fluid from a pressurized fluid source connected to a connector, and the fluid flow path through the forcibly opened valve assembly to the fluid reservoir. Figure 19 It shows the relationship with Figure 13 A similar cross-section of a valve, wherein the valve is configured to operate automatically once triggered, and is in a spray-ready position; Figure 20 It shows the relationship with Figure 19 A similar view, in which the valve has been released for automatic injection, and the plug has been moved to a position that allows the valve system to operate and dispense fluid (in this case, as a fluid bullet); Figure 21 It was shown again with Figure 19 A similar view, in which the valve has been reset and is in injection ready, the plug has been locked and automatic operation has stopped; and Figure 22 a, 22b, and 22c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operating sequence of another embodiment of the device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Refer to the attached diagram, especially Figure 1 and Figure 3 According to a first aspect of the invention, a fluid distribution device 3 for driving pressurized fluid is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The actuator 1 of the fluid distribution valve 2 in the device 3 includes a structure 4 for generating a partial vacuum adjacent to the valve member 5 of the fluid distribution valve 2 of the device 3, such that the valve member 5 is opened when the partial vacuum is generated.

[0044] Figure 11 An exploded view of fluid distribution valve 2 is shown. Figure 12 A variation of valve 2 operating based on the same inventive principle is shown (for...). Figures 13 to 17 (The variant shown). Valve 2 consists of an auxiliary housing 9, which is connected to a pressurized fluid reservoir (not shown here, but...). Figure 1 and 2(See image). The auxiliary housing 9 has a drain hole 10 from the interior of the housing 9 to the surrounding atmosphere 84. The actuator cylinder 18 is housed inside the auxiliary housing 9. The actuator cylinder 18 is slidably and rotatably fixed in place relative to the housing 9. The structure 4 prevents slippage along the axis 102 when held or engaged with the housing 9. This is achieved by the structure 4 clamping the actuator body 18 between the structure 4 and the interior of the housing 9. Rotational fixation can be achieved in various ways. In a preferred embodiment, there is a complementary engagement between the interior of the housing 9 and the cylindrical mounting wall 26 of the actuator body 18, wherein the wall 26 engages with the interior of the housing. In a preferred embodiment, this is a protrusion with a triangular planar shape along the axis 102 and a receiving complementary recess located in the wall 26. Figure 3 As shown, the actuator body 18 is fluidly sealed to the interior of the housing 9 by a seal 28c (an O-ring in this example) on the wall 26.

[0045] Between the exterior of the actuator cylinder 18 and the interior of the housing 9, a stopper or closure 14 and its orifice-closing sleeve 48 are provided. As will be described below, the stopper 14 selectively seals its inner diameter to the outer diameter of the actuator body 18 via seals 28a and 28b. As will be described below, the stopper 14 also slidably seals its outer diameter to the inner diameter of the housing 9 via seal 101. The stopper 14 is driven by a pivot arm 63 that pivots about a pin 63, which in the illustrated embodiment is activated by a user-triggered trigger 61.

[0046] The blocker 14 is biased to the ready position by the biasing element. Figures 3 to 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element is spring 49, while... Figures 12 to 21 In the illustrated embodiment, this bias is achieved by pressurized fluid acting on surface 48a (see [reference]). Figure 16 (and details A). Surface 48a is an annular surface exposed to pressurized fluid, and the annular surface 48a is defined between the sealing diameters of seals 28a and 21b. Figures 11 to 21 The same numbers refer to the same characteristics and references Figures 1 to 1 The characteristics described by 0 are the same. In Figures 13 to 21 In the variant, surface 48a has two functions. First, it provides pressure surface 48a as described above, thereby biasing the blocker as described above. Second, it provides pressure when the blocker is in the position described above. Figure 13 In the injection-ready position, surface 48a allows pressurized fluid to flow from passage 17 through gap 20a to gap surface 48a, and then, in the injection-ready position, through seal 28a, then to passage 35, and finally to filling chamber 42. When the occluder 14 is in the position shown... Figure 14 and Figure 20When the sprayed position is shown, surface 48a also provides a fluid communication bypass for pressurized fluid, that is, it provides a gap for pressurized fluid from passage 17 through gap 20a to the volume defined between seal 28a and seal 21b, so that the fluid pressure can bias the occluder 14 back to the left.

[0047] The tube 29 of the actuator cylinder 18 is supported from the cylindrical mounting ring 20 by a hollow extension arm 34. The actuator body 6 is slidably held within the tube 29, biased towards the connector 22 end by a spring 40 and fluidly sealed to the inner diameter of the tube 29 by a seal 86. A drain chamber 42 is defined behind the actuator body 6, and the drain chamber 42 is in fluid communication with a channel 35 in the arm 34. When the stopper 14 is in... Figure 3 and Figure 13 In the indicated position, chamber 42 is filled with pressurized fluid from passage 17 that enters through holes or gaps 20a (preferably multiple gaps 20a). Actuator body 6 is thus biased toward connector 22 by spring 40.

[0048] The valve component 5 is slidably and sealingly located at least partially within the actuator body 6, and in a preferred embodiment, a seal 107 is present. Figures 3 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, it is a dynamic seal (i.e., there is no separate sealing element; the seal is achieved through minute tolerances, pressure, and movement speed between the two bodies), while... Figures 13 to 17 In the illustrated embodiment, it is a separate seal 107 mounted on the valve member 5. The hollow portion of the actuator body 6 and the bottom 46 of the valve member 5 define a chamber as an internal volume 39a, which also contains a biasing element 47, shown here as a helical spring. The valve member 5 is biased toward the valve seat 23 and abuts against the interior of the structure 4 at the conical nozzle portion 19 by the combined action of the biasing element 47 and pressurized fluid acting on a pressure surface defined by the sealing diameter of the valve member 5 to the interior of the actuator body 6. This pressure surface is the area defined by the diameter of the seal 107, located within the chamber or volume 39a that is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the passage 17 through the equalization hole 43.

[0049] The actuator body 6 has a groove 98 that slidably engages with the structure 4 (see [reference]). Figure 9 , 11 Part 96 of (1, 12, and 14). Therefore, structure 4, for example, by rotating the control element 67, will cause the actuator body 6 to rotate relative to the actuator cylinder 18, and thus change the fluid communication path through holes 37 and 43 (in Figure 6 and 17(In the middle). The smaller the size of the fluid communication through holes 37 and 43, the slower the valve member 5 resets and closes, and the larger the amount of fluid 103 dispensed from the connector. Similarly, the larger the orifice causing fluid communication due to rotation between holes 37 and 43, the faster the valve member 5 closes, and the smaller the amount of fluid 103 dispensed. Figure 3 and Figure 13 As indicated by the arrow, pressurized fluid from storage 8 is delivered to passage 17.

[0050] By snapping the housing 9 onto the structure 4, Figures 3 to 7 , Figure 11 ,as well as Figures 13 to 21 The valve components are fixed together, which also slows down the rotation of structure 4 relative to housing 9. Figure 12 A variation of securing the valve assembly together is shown, in which a separate retaining cap 99 is provided, which secures the structure 4 to the housing 9 and over-engages with the housing 9 by snapping it onto the housing 9.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, the actuator structure that generates the pressure difference in this embodiment is a partial vacuum generating structure 4, which includes a pressure chamber 4 sealed to the atmosphere 84. The pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the valve component 5 of the valve 2. The pressure chamber 4 contains components that can be positioned in a first position (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 13 (as shown) and the second position (as shown) Figure 6 The actuator body 6 reciprocates between the pressure chamber 4 and the valve member 5 (as shown). The chamber 4 defines a pressure relief port 7 and provides a pressure equalization path 7a. In use, the chamber 4 can be pressurized by pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid reservoir 8 of the fluid distribution device 3. The actuator body 6 is disposed within the pressure chamber 4, close to the valve member 5 of the valve 2. This arrangement causes the actuator body 6 to move from a first position to a second position when the pressure chamber 4 is pressurized and subsequently the pressurized fluid is released through the pressure relief port 7. This creates a pressure drop between the actuator body 6 and the valve member 5 in the pressure chamber 4, causing the valve member 5 (as shown) to reciprocate between the pressure chamber 4 and the valve member 5. Figure 6 and Figure 16 As shown, the actuator body 6 moves to the second position, causing pressure equalization to be initiated through the pressure equalization path 7a, thereby enabling the valve component 5 to return to the closed position (e.g., as shown). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0052] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The image shows an actuator 1 of the first aspect of the invention, installed in a pressurized fluid type water gun device 3 according to a second aspect of the invention. The device 3 is shaped like a long weapon such as an automatic rifle and includes a valve actuator 1, a pressurized fluid reservoir 8, a valve actuator trigger 50, a valve 2, and a fluid dispensing nozzle 22, wherein the valve actuator 1 is actuated to open the valve 2 using pressure from the pressurized fluid reservoir 8, thereby dispensing fluid from the nozzle 22.

[0053] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the actuator 1, the memory 8 and the trigger 50 are provided here in the form of modules, which can be easily installed into many different types of devices 3, such as, but not limited to, appropriately modified paintball guns and dart guns (including toy foam dart guns or veterinary dart guns).

[0054] The water gun 3 has a generally elongated cylindrical shell 51, a trigger guard / grip 52 suspended from the bottom surface, a top grip 53, and a front extension 54. A trigger hole 55 is formed in the shell 51 within the trigger guard 52. As shown, a nozzle tube 56, extending outward from the flat end face 57 of the shell, is provided at the right end of the shell 51 and is a concave cylindrical protrusion. A series of circular holes 58 are formed on the wall of the nozzle tube to simulate a perforated gun barrel. Inside the shell 51, a mounting structure 59 extending from the inner surface is formed along its longitudinal axis, allowing for the mounting of internal components. As shown, a trigger linkage channel 60 is provided along the lower edge of the shell 51.

[0055] The shell can be formed in any convenient way, but here it is formed by injection molding of plastic material.

[0056] Figures 3 to 7 as well as Figures 11 to 21 The internal components of actuator 1 are shown in detail, wherein, Figure 3 and Figure 13 The actuator is shown in a stationary position, ready to inject. Actuator 1 includes a generally cylindrical outer or auxiliary housing 9, which defines an internal volume and an outlet in the form of a drain hole 10 leading to the atmosphere, allowing fluid to be released from it into, for example, the surrounding atmosphere 84. The fluid can also be collected or used elsewhere. As shown, at the left end, the outer housing 9 includes a reservoir connector 11, while at the right end, the outer housing 9 defines a circular opening 87. The reservoir connector 11 includes a connector 12 with a circular cross-section, and the connector 12 includes an external circumferential thread 13. Figure 1 ).

[0057] A pressure chamber 4, sealed to atmospheric pressure, is installed within the internal volume of the housing 9. In this embodiment, the pressure chamber 4 is housed within the actuator housing (hereinafter referred to as the inner housing 15). A pressure relief port plug or closure 14 is slidably mounted around the inner housing 15. Thus, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the auxiliary housing or outer housing 9 provides a way to conveniently accommodate various internal structures of the actuator 1, and in addition, connects the actuator 1 to the surrounding structures within the fluid distribution device 3 and to the pressurized fluid reservoir 8, although it should be understood that the reservoir 8 can be omitted.

[0058] The inner housing 15 is sized to fit within the internal volume of the outer housing 9, and, as will be described below, when in place, the inner housing 15 also provides closure for the open end 87 on the right side of the housing 9. The inner housing 15 comprises three main parts: a truncated conical nozzle portion 19, an actuator cylinder 18, and a pressure relief orifice plug or closure 14, all partially housed within and outside the outer housing 9. Together, the truncated conical nozzle portion 19 and the actuator cylinder 18 define a fluid flow passage 17 with a circular cross-section within the inner housing 15.

[0059] The truncated conical nozzle portion 19 includes a conical wall 21 that tapers towards the straight nozzle connector 22, generally funnel-shaped. Internally, the transition point between the conical wall 21 and the connector wall defines a circular valve seat 23. Externally, the conical wall 21 includes a circumferential flange 24 that extends outwards sufficiently to reach the outer housing 9 when the inner housing 15 is in place, thereby closing the circular opening 87. The conical wall 21 defines a sealing seat 21a for positioning a seal 21b, which may be an O-ring, dust ring, lip seal, or the like; the seal 21b shown here is an O-ring seal. As can be seen in the figure, at its right end, the nozzle connector 22 terminates at the nozzle orifice 25. At its left end, the conical wall 21 is open to receive the actuator cylinder 18.

[0060] The actuator cylinder 18 is a longitudinally extending tube 29 with a generally constant cross-section, including a tube wall 30, terminating at one end at a closed end 31 and at the other end at an open end 32. The tube wall 30 also defines a pressure equalization path 7a, which takes the form of an equalization orifice 37 (located near the open end 32 of the tube) and the tube end 32 itself. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 13 and Figure 14The actuator cylinder 18 is coaxially mounted within a cylindrical mounting ring 20 via four radially spaced radial extension arms 34, which extend outward from the cylinder wall 30 to the mounting ring 20. The number of extension arms 34 can be arbitrary; for example, two extension arms have proven effective, as have three, five, or more. Alternatively, a flange can be used spanning between the pipe 30 and the ring 20, providing fluid orifices or channels from one side to the other. Figures 12 to 21 There are two mounting arms 34. The mounting ring 20 includes an axially extending cylindrical mounting wall 26, the outer surface of which defines a circumferential housing seal seat 27 on which an O-ring seal 28 is mounted, and a circumferential occluder seal seat 27a on which an O-ring seal 28a is mounted. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 Furthermore, although O-rings are mentioned here, the sealing function can also be achieved by any other suitable seal, such as, but not limited to, dust ring seals, lip seals, or similar seals.

[0061] Each arm 34 includes a pressure relief port 7, which takes the form of a radially outwardly extending channel 35 that passes through the interior of the actuator cylinder 18 within the arm 34 and terminates in a hole 36 on the surface of the mounting ring 20. Thus, as described below, when the closure 14 is open, the channel 35 provides fluid communication between the fluid flow path 17 and the atmosphere via the actuator cylinder 18 and the outlet 10.

[0062] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 13 After assembly, the actuator cylinder 18 and the truncated conical wall 19 together define a closed volume including a fluid flow passage 17, as described. These components are assembled such that the tube 29 passes through the left open end of the truncated conical wall 19 to the end of the wall 19 where it contacts the mounting ring 20, forming a gap 20a between them as a pressurized fluid inlet, allowing pressurized fluid to flow into the pressure chamber 4. Figure 3 and Figure 6 , Figure 13 and Figure 16 In a preferred embodiment, these components are held together at least in part by a frictional fit between the actuator cylinder 18 and the wall portion 19.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 13 and Figure 16The pressure relief orifice plug 14 includes an orifice closing sleeve 48 and a sleeve biasing spring 49. The sleeve 48 includes a cylindrical collar sized to fit snugly around the assembled truncated conical wall portion 19, actuator cylinder 18, and cylindrical mounting ring 20, and to form a sealing relationship with the plug's O-ring seals 21b and 28a. A circumferential groove 48a is provided on the inner surface of the collar, approximately half its length. The position of the sleeve 48 relative to the inner housing 15 when stationary (e.g., ...) Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, spring 49 (as indicated) determines the position of sleeve 48. As can be seen, spring 49 biases sleeve 48 to the left, and spring 49 extends between sleeve 48 and flange 24. Therefore, from... Figure 3 It can be seen that when stationary, the sleeve 48 isolates the pressure relief hole 7 from the drain hole 10, while allowing fluid to flow from the fluid flow path 17 through the groove 48a ( Figure 3 )and Figure 13 The inclined surface 48a and the gap 20a flow through the hole 7.

[0064] Still referencing Figures 3 to 7 and Figures 13 to 17 As can be seen, the actuator cylinder 18 includes the actuator body 6. The actuator body 6, sometimes referred to as a "hammer," includes a solid cylindrical head section 38 and a hollow cylindrical tail section 39 extending from the head section 38 and defining an internal volume 39a. Figure 3 and Figure 13 The actuator body 6 is disposed within the actuator cylinder 18 for use in the first position ( Figure 3 ) and the second position ( Figure 6 and Figure 16 The actuator body 6 reciprocates axially between the actuator body 6 and the actuator cylinder 18. An actuator body seal 86 is located between the exterior of the actuator body 6 and the interior of the actuator cylinder 18 for fluid sealing, while still enabling the reciprocating motion. The actuator body seal 86 separates the front and rear fluid portions of the actuator body 6. As shown, the position of the actuator body 6 at rest is biased to the right by a helical spring 40 or similar biasing element, and importantly, to the right of the channel 35, such that it extends out of the tube opening end 32 of the actuator cylinder 18, into the truncated conical nozzle portion 19, and contacts the inner surface of the conical wall 21, and abuts against the inner surface of the conical wall 21 via the chamfered end 41. Therefore, in its rest position, the actuator body 6 and the actuator cylinder 18 together define the outlet chamber 42, sometimes referred to as the "drainage chamber". The actuator body 6 also includes an actuator equalization orifice 43 and a valve component closing orifice 44, which are located in... Figure 3 and Figure 13 The static positions shown are all located outside the actuator cylinder 18.

[0065] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, although not strictly necessary, the actuator 1 is provided in the form of a fluid distribution valve 2 for use in the pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device 3 of the second aspect of the invention. Therefore, as Figure 3 and Figure 13 As shown, the actuator body 6 is adjacent to the valve member 5. The valve member 5 is cylindrical, typically bullet-shaped, and includes a tapered head 45 sized for mounting within the nozzle connector 22 and a stepped bottom 46 attached to a valve member coil spring 47 or similar biasing element. The valve member 5 is attached to the interior of the tail section of the actuator body 6 via the bottom 46. Figure 3 In the diagram, valve component 5 is in the closed position, with its conical head 45 contacting valve seat 23 to close the valve.

[0066] Now for reference Figures 3 to 7 There are also Figures 13 to 17 , will Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation of actuator 1 is described within the context of a water gun device 3. In use, the user first needs to inject pressurized fluid into device 3, in this example, water. This is achieved by attaching nozzle connector 22 to a suitable fluid (e.g., pressurized water) source, such as a tap, hose, or similar connection, for example... Figure 18 As shown, the pressurized fluid source 104 is sealed to the connector 22. It is understood that the connector 22 can be of any commonly used standard size for connecting hoses, etc., to a faucet. The figure shows a connector seal 80 on the outer periphery of the connector 22, which helps to seal to the pressurized fluid or water source 104, such as a hose, faucet, or the like. After the connector 22 is connected, the faucet is opened, and water is forced under pressure to flow towards the valve member 5. The water pressure causes the valve member 5 to move away (e.g., Figure 18 (As shown, moving to the left), causing water to flow into the fluid flow passage 17 of the inner shell 15, bypass the arm 34, flow through the reservoir connector 11, and enter the fluid reservoir 8. The fluid reservoir 8 is of a known type, comprising an expansion bladder into which water flows. The expansion bladder can be made of, for example, rubber, an elastomer, or similar materials. In other forms, the expansion bladder can be a cylinder in which a piston is provided, and a biasing element such as a spring or gas drives the piston to pressurize the cylinder, thereby pressurizing any fluid therein. When the expansion bladder is full, it expands within the expansion tube 81 to a set pressure; if this pressure is exceeded, water is discharged via a pressure relief safety valve (not shown). The fluid reservoir 8 expands longitudinally along the length of the expansion tube 81 and also radially along its longitudinal axis to fill the expansion tube 81. In this case, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each half of the housing 51 shown is provided with an expansion tube 81. In a preferred embodiment, a sealing stop 82 is connected to the end of the fluid reservoir 8, and when the fluid reservoir is full, the sealing stop 82 will also contact the end of the expansion tube 81.

[0067] The range of operating pressures that can be accommodated is consistent with that of such devices known in the art. For example, normal household hose pressure is between 20 and 80 psi (about 1.3 bar to 5.55 bar), while the operating pressure of the valve (i.e., the pressure provided by the pressurized reservoir 8) is between 25 and 30 psi (about 1.7 to 2 bar), preferably 27 psi (about 1.86 bar). Of course, this range and operating pressure can be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0068] Once the set or required pressure has been reached, the faucet can be turned off and the nozzle connector 22 can be loosened. At this time, the actuator 1 and valve component 5 in the device 3 will once again be in the desired position. Figure 3 and Figure 13 The indicated position prevents pressurized fluid from flowing through valve seat 23 and thus out of valve 2, but at this time the fluid flow passage 17 of the inner housing will be filled with pressurized water. It is worth noting that pressurized water will also be contained in chamber 42, pressure relief port 7, arm 34, and recess 48a, with gap 20a providing fluid communication with fluid flow passage 17. However, pressurized water is prevented from entering the outer housing 9 due to the orifice-sealing sleeve 48 and seals 28 and 21b. The weapon is now in a firing-ready state.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 A simple trigger mechanism is shown, consisting of a trigger 61 slidably mounted in a trigger bore 55. The trigger 61 is attached to a trigger link 62. The trigger link 62 is slidable within a trigger link channel 60 and has a forked pivot arm 63 at its distal end that is pivotable about a pin 64. The pivot arm 63 includes a rotatable attachment point through which it is connected to a bore-closing sleeve 48.

[0070] To spray water or bullet 103, as shown, the trigger 61 is typically moved to the left by the user's finger. This pulls the trigger linkage 62 to the left, causing the pivot arm 63 to pivot to the left under pin 64 and to the right above pin 64. The pivot arm 63 is connected to the outside of the closed sleeve 48 (in the illustrated example, via pivot connection 88), thereby enabling relative rotational movement between the pivot arm 63 and the sleeve 48.

[0071] Go to Figure 4 and Figure 14 This triggering motion of the pivot arm 63 thus forces the hole-closing sleeve 48 to overcome the force of the sleeve spring 49 (or in Figure 14 In the case shown, the bias of the pressurized fluid acting on surface 48a is overcome (as shown in the reference). Figure 16 The above) moves to the right. Figure 4 and Figure 14This situation is illustrated in the diagram, which shows the hole-closing sleeve 48 relative to its position. Figure 3 The position in the middle has been moved to the right. This opens the previously closed pressure relief port 7, allowing the pressurized water contained in chamber 42 to quickly pass through arm 34 into the space 89 defined by outer housing 9, and to drain through drain port 10 along the path of least resistance. However, at the same time, seal 28a prevents fluid from bypassing groove 48a and flowing through gap 20a. Similarly, in Figure 14 In option 13, the occluder 14, which is sealed on the seal 28a, seals the passage 35 to the passage 17, so that the fluid will reach the volume 89 along the same path and then be discharged into the atmosphere through the drain hole 10.

[0072] The end face of the tail section 39 does not need to be sealed to the inner surface of the tapered wall 21, although it can be designed as follows: Figure 4 It fits more closely against the inner surface of the conical wall 21, but... Figures 12 to 21 In the variant shown, an additional seal is provided on valve member 5. Thus, the fluid pressure in passage 17 acts on the effective pressure region 89 at the end face (located in the region between the outer and inner diameters of the actuator cylinder 18 at the tail section 39). This is balanced, at least by the fluid pressure in drain chamber 42 and the available opposing surfaces in space 5a, when orifice 43 is in fluid communication with passage 17.

[0073] Similarly, the tail end of valve component 5 forms the first effective valve pressure region 91, i.e., it is in the... Figure 4 The pressure zone between the outer diameter of valve component 5 and the sealing diameter 92 at valve seat 23 when the valve is in the closed position.

[0074] All the pressures attempting to open valve 5 are counteracted by the bias elements 40 and 47 and the fluid pressures acting on the effective pressure regions 93 and 94 of the actuator head surface, thus keeping the valve closed. Figure 4 As shown.

[0075] Now for reference Figure 5 and Figure 15 As can be seen, pressurized water is rapidly discharged from chamber 42 through drain hole 10 into the relatively low-pressure atmosphere 84 surrounding actuator 1. The resulting pressure drop in chamber 42 causes actuator body 6 to move to the left from its first position or rest position, as shown in the figure, overcoming the force of bias spring 40. As shown, the reason for the leftward movement of actuator body 6 is that valve component helical spring 47 acts on actuator body 6, and the water pressure initially entering the internal volume 39a from fluid flow passage 17 through hole 43 acts on actuator body surface 85 and presses against the bottom 46 of valve component 5. Figure 5 and Figure 15It can be seen that during its movement to the left, hole 43 is sealed off to some extent, and the water pressure cannot have an effect.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 15 As can be seen, the rapid outflow of pressurized water from chamber 42 and the resulting pressure drop in chamber 42 cause the actuator body 6 to move to the left from its first or rest position away from the valve member 5, overcoming the force of the bias spring 40. This opens or widens the space 5a between the actuator body 6 and the valve member 5, while simultaneously closing the actuator equalization orifice 43 by bringing it into the open end of the actuator cylinder 18. As a result, pressurized water in the flow passage 17 can no longer enter space 5a, and the actuator body 6 continues to move to its second position to the left, thereby creating a partial vacuum or a low pressure lower than that of the surrounding fluid in the passage 17 in space 5a between the actuator 6 and the valve member 5. The tolerance between the outer diameter of the actuator 6 and the inner diameter of the orifice in the actuator cylinder 18 results in a dynamic seal between them during the rapid movement of the actuator body 6, preventing the pressure between space 5a and passage 17 from being equalized during the time of actuator body movement. In other embodiments (described below), a physical seal 107 exists between them.

[0077] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 16 The partial vacuum in space 5a, or the lower pressure compared to passage 17, "pulls" valve member 5 to the left and away from valve seat 23, allowing pressurized water to flow out of passage 17 through nozzle orifice 25. Further fluid pressure can act on the second valve effective pressure region 95 (i.e., across the entire diameter of valve member 5) at least initially opening valve member 5, thereby further opening the valve.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 7 and Figure 17When the actuator body 6 reaches the second position shown, pressurized water or fluid flows back through the aligning orifice 43 and the pressure balancing path 7a (as orifice 37) to the partial vacuum chamber 5a formed between the actuator body 6 and the valve member 5. This causes the valve member 5 to rapidly return to the right under the force of the spring 47, and then the valve 2 closes. It should be understood that, over a longer period of time, pressurized fluid can flow into the partial vacuum chamber 5a through the gap between the actuator body 6 and the pipe wall 30, and / or through the orifice 37 therein. The pressure around the actuator body 6 (i.e., between chamber 42 and space 5a) is thus equalized, and the actuator body 6 returns to the first position under the biasing force of the actuator spring 40. Therefore, it can be understood from the above that the duration of valve opening can be varied by changing the size, number, and position of the aligning orifice 43 and the pressure balancing path 7a (as orifice 37), as described above. The pressure balancing from space 5a to chamber 42 can be controlled and changed by the relative alignment of orifice 37 and aligning orifice 43. In short, the larger the channel volume or orifice cross-sectional size available for pressure equalization, the faster valve 5 closes, thus providing a way to change the valve opening duration at will, i.e., the volume or orifice size allows the user to freely change the valve opening duration. In this embodiment, this change is achieved by configuring the actuator body 6 to be rotatable relative to the cylinder 18 and positioned within the cylinder 18 so that the circumferential positions of the orifices 43 and 37 can be changed. Thus, according to the user's preference, rotation will cause the orifice 43 to be more or less aligned with the orifice 37 to meet the application of device 3 that requires a faster or slower valve opening duration. This rotation can be implemented by the user, as described below. Figure 9 Describe it.

[0079] Now for reference Figure 8 The second embodiment of device 3 is shown. In this embodiment, instead of filling the device through nozzle connector 22, a dedicated filling pipe 65 is provided through which pressurized fluids such as water can be transported through orifice 66 to fluid flow passage 17, and then from fluid flow passage 17 into fluid reservoir 8 via the path described above.

[0080] For reference Figure 9 as well as Figures 11 to 21 Another embodiment of the actuator 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown. This embodiment includes an externally operable control element 67, which a user can operate to rotate the actuator body 6 within the cylinder 18, thereby providing the method of adjusting the valve opening duration as described above, but without requiring partial disassembly of the device 3. The control element 67 is connected to the inner housing 15. There is a sliding engagement between the inner surface of the inner housing 15 and the actuator 6. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by an extended portion 96.

[0081] In another embodiment (not shown), device 3 does not have an onboard pressure reservoir. Therefore, the reservoir connector 11 of housing 9 is provided in the form of a user-available high-pressure connector of a known type, such as an M22, 3 / 8 thread, or quick-connect, while the pressurized fluid is supplied from an external source via an umbilical tube. As yet another alternative, device 3 is provided with a user-available cylindrical compartment instead of reservoir 8, adapted to detachably receive a CO2 cylinder of a known type, with reservoir connector 11 adapted to connect to and pierce the inserted cylinder to achieve pressurization of device 3.

[0082] Figure 10a and 10b This is a schematic diagram illustrating different operating modes of the device 3 according to the second aspect of the present invention. Figure 10a The operating modes of device 3, as shown above, are illustrated. Figure 10b The operating mode of device 3, including an additional or subfluid dispensing device 68, is shown. Such a device could be, for example, a chemical spray gun, in which chemicals such as fertilizer or herbicide concentrates are diluted and dispensed. Figure 10b As can be seen, the fluid pressure from reservoir 69, in addition to providing power for distributing the main fluid (shown in forward shading), also pressurizes the secondary fluid storage chamber 70. Instead of a trigger mechanism that uses the pressure of the main fluid to open the valve during operation, a trigger mechanism 71 is provided. Trigger mechanism 71 uses the pressurized secondary fluid (backward shading) to operate the valve and provides the secondary fluid to the main fluid flow when the main fluid flow is distributed, so as to use the force of the main fluid to mix the main fluid and the secondary fluid.

[0083] refer to Figures 19 to 21 An automatic version of the valve is described, which modifies the biasing element of the stopper 14. The stopper 14 has a first pressure region (annular) defined between the sealing diameters of seals 28b and 28a. As shown, the first pressure region biases the stopper to the right by pressurized fluid present in the sealing volume 89, which, as previously described, is in fluid communication with the passage 17 through gap 20a. Figure 19 As shown, the stop 105, which is engaged with the stopper, prevents the stopper 14 from moving to the right, thereby preventing the stopper 14 from moving.

[0084] When the sear 105 disengages from the stopper 14, for example, by a trigger action as described above (but which, as shown, pulls the sear downwards), the stopper 14 moves freely to the right due to the pressure bias described above. When the stopper 14 initially opens and releases the seal from the seal 28b, a large, annular pressure zone is briefly formed between the seals 28a and 10l. This also causes the stopper 14 to move to the right for a short period before the volume 89 equalizes with the atmosphere. The valve injection process described above now begins.

[0085] Once moved to the right and volume 89 is in equilibrium with atmosphere 84, as Figure 20 As shown, the pressure in the first pressure zone will decrease because the pressure has been released to the atmosphere through orifice 10, which is the same drainage process described earlier. Then, the actuator body 6 and valve component 5 follow the same procedure as previously described. Figures 3 to 7 and Figures 13 to 17 The same activation method described above involves dispensing fluid from connector 22 and then closing it. Again, as described previously, the amount dispensed can be controlled by aligning orifice 43 with orifice 37 to alter the fluid passage through them.

[0086] After injection, pressurized fluid from passage 17 through gap 20a acts on a second pressure region (also annular, similar to) defined at this time between the sealing diameters of seals 21b and 28a. Figure 16 In region 48a), pressurized fluid remains in the volume between seals 28a and 21b and acts on the second pressure surface 48a. This produces a higher force than that provided by the low pressure in the first pressure region, since the low pressure in the first pressure region has been discharged into the lower-pressure atmosphere. The occluder 14 therefore operates as follows: Figure 16 The same return method described herein, biased to the left by the force on the second pressure zone, thereby sealing volume 89 with drain hole 10 and the lower pressure atmosphere, repressurizes the entire valve system and resets it to the injection-ready position, and Figure 3 , Figure 13 and Figure 17 Same as above.

[0087] Optionally, but not shown here but Figure 3 As shown, there is a spring-like biasing element that acts on the stopper 14 to return it to the left.

[0088] However, if the trigger remains depressed and the stopper 105 therefore does not engage with the stopper 14, the stopper can then repeat the cycle: moving to the right, opening volume 89 to the drain hole, sealing off the flow of fluid to volume 89, and then the valve will "jet," redistributing the fluid. This redistribution can be considered as releasing a small amount of fluid from connector 22 at a certain rate. The stopper 14 will then be biased back to the right, and so on.

[0089] This process will continue until the pressure of the pressurized fluid drops to atmospheric pressure (but in reality, due to sealing friction within the system, the pressure will be slightly higher than atmospheric pressure), or until the fluid in the pressurized reservoir 8 is depleted.

[0090] Figures 1 to 21 The valve described herein can be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, the depicted gun-shaped water toy. The valve can also be used in handheld shooters that can be mounted on the wrist and triggered by the user's hand movement relative to the wrist, or in toys mounted on the ground that periodically or randomly release jets of water vertically, the timing and volume of which are controlled as described above. Fluid-powered vehicles or toys employing this valve are also envisioned, where automatic (pulsating) and / or continuous (jet or spray) release of fluid provides a jet stream for directly or indirectly driving the toy. This release may continue until depletion, or according to the release of a certain amount of fluid or after a certain period of time.

[0091] Figure 22 a through 22c are schematic diagrams illustrating another embodiment of an actuator according to a first aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, instead of creating a partial vacuum, the actuator structure 4 is adapted to create a region of increased fluid pressure adjacent to a portion of the valve member 5, so as to move the valve member 5 from this region of increased fluid pressure to a region of relatively lower fluid pressure, thereby opening the valve. For ease of illustration and clarity, structures identical to those in the previously described embodiments have been omitted. Figure 22 A shows a device pressurized and in a jet-ready state. In this embodiment, pressurized fluid X can enter upstream of valve member 5 via fluid inlet A2. It should be understood that this refers to the upstream direction of travel of valve member 5 during a valve opening event. Fluid enters chamber A1, causing chamber A1 to reach the operating pressure of the device. When the device is triggered, pressurized fluid is released from downstream of valve member to the atmosphere, as previously referenced. Figure 4 As described. This is in Figure 22As shown in b, this causes the actuator body 6 to move to the left, thus hydraulically locking chamber A1, and valve component 5 also moves to the left, opening the valve. The leftward movement of actuator 6, as shown, aligns the equalizing orifices A3 and A4, thereby releasing the pressure as indicated by arrow Z, and valve component 5 returns to the closed position. Actuator body 6 returns to the closed position via a return spring (not shown).

[0092] Besides the water- or fluid-based applications described herein, the invention can also be used in other fields. For example, further recreational applications include paintball guns and foam dart guns. In other fields, the invention can be used in agricultural liquid dispensers for liquids such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers; and in dart guns for veterinary use or veterinary treatment (e.g., skin, subcutaneous, oral, nasal, or other applications).

[0093] The quick-acting valve of this invention has the advantage of being applicable to situations requiring precise or directional fluid application, such as in agriculture as described above, and also in industrial applications where rapid, easy, and accurate fluid application is required, such as in assembly lubrication, thread locks, or other applications.

[0094] Furthermore, it can be demonstrated that the quick-acting valve of the present invention is beneficial for achieving rapid and accurate application while moving quickly in a certain area, such as in agriculture, and similarly in industry, for example, applying ink or the like over a large area, or applying it repeatedly.

[0095] The above description of the present invention includes its preferred form. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator comprising a structure for generating a pressure difference between a first region and a second region, both regions being adjacent to a valve member of the fluid distribution valve of the device, such that when the pressure difference is generated, the valve member moves from the region with relatively higher pressure to the region with relatively lower pressure, thereby opening the fluid distribution valve.

2. The actuator of claim 1, comprising a structure for generating a partial vacuum adjacent to the valve member of the fluid distribution valve of the device, such that the valve member is opened when the partial vacuum is generated.

3. The actuator of claim 2, wherein the partial vacuum generating structure includes a pressure chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with the valve member of the fluid distribution valve, the pressure chamber defining an internal volume and a pressurized fluid inlet, the pressurized fluid inlet being configured to allow pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to pressurize the internal volume, wherein, The pressure chamber includes: A pressure relief valve, operable to allow the release of pressurized fluid from the internal volume; and An actuator body is located within the internal volume, the actuator body is biased toward a first position, and when the pressure relief valve is operated, the actuator body can move from the first position to a second position, thereby creating a partial vacuum chamber between the actuator body and the valve member during use to open the valve member.

4. The actuator of claim 2, further comprising the fluid distribution valve for use in the pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator body defining an actuator body volume, the valve member of the fluid distribution valve being slidably accommodated in the actuator body volume such that a partial vacuum chamber is generated in the actuator body volume when the actuator body moves from a first position to a second position.

5. The actuator according to claim 3 or claim 3, comprising a pressure equalization structure for closing the valve member, the pressure equalization structure including a pressure equalization path leading into the partial vacuum chamber, the pressure equalization path being open when the actuator body is in the second position.

6. The actuator of claim 5, wherein the pressure equalization structure includes an orifice defined by the actuator body and a structure for changing the pressure equalization rate through the orifice.

7. The actuator of claim 5, wherein the pressure equalization structure includes an orifice defined by the actuator body and an orifice defined by the pressure chamber, the two orifices providing fluid communication between the actuator body and the pressure chamber, the actuator body and / or the pressure chamber being rotatable relative to each other to alter the degree of fluid communication through the two orifices.

8. The actuator according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The pressure relief valve is operable to release pressurized fluid from the pressure chamber and to close the pressurized fluid inlet.

9. The actuator according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising the outlet nozzle of the fluid distribution device.

10. The actuator according to any one of claims 3 to 9, further comprising an actuator housing defining a fluid flow path for pressurized fluid to flow within the fluid distribution device, the pressure chamber being mounted inside the actuator housing, the actuator housing defining the pressure relief port in fluid communication with the pressure chamber, and upstream and downstream fluid distribution and inlet ports.

11. The actuator according to any one of claims 5 to 10 when claim 4 is referenced, wherein, The pressurized fluid inlet and the pressure equalization path of the pressure chamber are both in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

12. The actuator according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein, The actuator can be pressurized from the pressurized fluid reservoir of the fluid distribution device, from a pressurized fluid source remote from the device, or from an onboard pressurized fluid cylinder.

13. A pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, comprising: The system includes a pressurized fluid inlet, a fluid distribution nozzle, a valve configured to releasably close the nozzle, an actuable valve actuator, and a valve actuator trigger, wherein the valve actuator trigger is operable to trigger the valve actuator to distribute fluid from the nozzle, and the valve actuator can be driven using pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid inlet.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the valve actuator includes a pressure chamber capable of being pressurized using pressure from the pressurized fluid inlet.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The pressure from the pressurized fluid inlet also helps the valve close after it has been opened.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The pressure equalization between the valve actuator pressure chamber and the pressurized fluid inlet helps the valve close after it has been opened.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The duration for which the valve is open can be varied by changing the pressure equalization rate.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, Pressure equalization is achieved through an equalization orifice, the size of which is adjustable to change the duration of valve opening.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 18, further comprising a pressurized fluid reservoir, a pressurized fluid cylinder container, or a connector for connecting to a remote pressurized fluid source via an umbilical cord.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 19, comprising a structure defining a filling orifice, the filling orifice being connectable to a pressurized fluid source such as tap water, the filling orifice being fluidly connected to a fluid flow path to provide fluid flow to a pressurized fluid reservoir.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The fluid filling orifice includes a fluid dispensing nozzle.

22. The device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, comprising a water gun, preferably a toy water gun; a paintball gun; a dart gun, such as a toy foam dart gun or a veterinary dart gun.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 22, further comprising a secondary fluid delivery system adapted to deliver the secondary fluid during operation of the apparatus.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein, When the main fluid is dispensed, the secondary fluid is entrained in the main fluid.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 24, comprising the actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

26. A method for operating a valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, comprising the following steps: A pressurized fluid source is provided to the device, thereby also pressurizing the actuator pressure chamber; Furthermore, the movement of the actuator body in the pressure chamber is initiated by releasing pressure through the orifice of the pressure chamber, wherein the actuator body is in fluid communication with the valve member of the valve, such that by reducing the pressure in the pressure chamber, a sufficient pressure drop is generated in the pressure chamber between the actuator and the valve member, thereby causing the valve member to move against the force of the biasing device, thereby opening the valve.

27. The method of claim 26, comprising the following steps: The pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device is pressurized by connecting the device to a pressurized fluid source such as tap water.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, comprising the following steps: The device is pressurized by connecting it to a pressurized fluid source, such as tap water, to a fluid reservoir.

29. An actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator comprising: A shell structure having a fluid outlet, wherein pressurized fluid is supplied from a pressurized fluid source; A closure device located at least partially within the housing, which, when in a first position, seals and isolates a drain chamber from an external low-pressure environment, the drain chamber being supplied with pressurized fluid; An actuator body located at least partially within the housing, the actuator body being biased toward a first actuator body position by at least the pressurized fluid in the drain chamber; as well as A valve member, at least partially located within the housing, is biased toward the first valve member location by pressurized fluid, which is at least confined in a volume between the actuator body and the valve member, thereby sealing the fluid outlet, wherein: When the stopper moves to the second position, the pressurized fluid in the drain chamber is released to the low pressure, and the supply of pressurized fluid to the drain chamber is also sealed off. Pressurized fluid acting on the actuator body moves it from the first actuator position to the second actuator position. During this process, the volume is also sealed off from the pressurized fluid. Then, the pressure difference between the lower pressure in the volume and the surrounding pressurized fluid biases the valve member toward the second valve member position, thereby releasing the seal of the fluid outlet. When the actuator body reaches its second position, at least one pressure equalization hole is opened to equalize the pressure difference, and then the actuator body moves back to its first position under the action of bias. This causes the valve component to move back to its first position, thereby sealing the fluid outlet.

30. The actuator according to claim 29, wherein, The movement of the valve member from its first position to its second position is caused by the low pressure in the volume and the pressurized fluid acting on the sealing surface of the valve member to create the pressure difference.

31. The actuator according to claim 29 or 30, wherein, The movement of the blocker from the second position back to its first position is achieved by offset.

32. The actuator according to claim 31, wherein, The bias can be mechanical, such as a spring, or it can be formed by fluid pressure acting on a pressure surface.

33. The actuator according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein, The size of the equalization orifice is adjustable to control the time it takes for the valve component to close after it has been opened.

34. The actuator according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein, The valve component and the actuator body are at least partially contained within the actuator cylinder, are slidable along the actuator cylinder, and are sealable to the actuator cylinder, the actuator cylinder itself being at least partially contained within the housing, the actuator cylinder including an equalization hole, and the actuator body including another drive hole.

35. The actuator according to claim 34, wherein, The actuator cylinder forms the drain chamber.

36. A method of operating an actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve in a pressurized fluid-driven fluid distribution device, the actuator comprising: Supply pressurized fluid to the shell structure; The pressurized fluid in the drain chamber biases the actuator body, which is at least partially located within the housing, toward the first actuator body position. The pressurized fluid, confined in the volume between the actuator body and the valve member, biases the valve member, which is at least partially located within the housing, toward the position of the first valve member, thereby sealing the fluid outlet; A stopper, at least partially located within the housing, is moved from a first position to a second position to release pressurized fluid in the drain chamber to an external low pressure and seal off the supply of pressurized fluid to the drain chamber, wherein, in the first position, the stopper seals the drain chamber from the external low pressure, and the drain chamber is supplied with pressurized fluid; When the stopper moves to the second position, pressurized fluid acts on the actuator body and moves it from the first actuator position to the second actuator position, and during this process, the volume is also isolated from the pressurized fluid; then, the pressure difference between the lower pressure in the volume and the surrounding pressurized fluid biases the valve member toward the second valve member position, thereby releasing the seal of the fluid outlet; When the actuator body reaches its second position, at least one pressure equalization orifice is opened to equalize the pressure difference. The actuator body then moves back to its first position under bias, which in turn moves the valve member back to its first position, thereby sealing the fluid outlet. This allows fluid to be dispensed from the outlet of the fluid dispensing valve.

37. An actuator for driving a fluid distribution valve as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

38. An apparatus as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

39. A method as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

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