Valve body and container

Abstract

The valve body comprises a first valve seat and a valve element, the valve element is in sliding connection with the first valve seat, the first valve seat is provided with a first cavity for containing the valve element, an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet are communicated with the first cavity, the two ends of the valve element are the upper end and the lower end respectively, the lower end is connected with the inlet, and the valve element is arranged in the first cavity. The upper end of the valve element is connected with the outlet, and a first elastic piece for keeping the two ends of the valve element to abut against the inlet and the outlet respectively is arranged in the first cavity. The valve body and the container are good in sealing performance and high in opening and closing reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valve body technology, and more specifically, to a valve body and container. Background Technology

[0002] In the beer brewing and distribution industry, beer kegs, as key containers for storing and transporting beer, directly affect the freshness, taste, and overall production efficiency of the beer. Among them, the keg's valve, as a crucial component connecting the keg to the external environment, not only controls the flow of beer but also ensures the hygiene, safety, and quality stability of the beer during storage and distribution.

[0003] Existing beer keg valves typically employ simple mechanical seals to control the inflow and outflow of beer. Common designs include check valves, ball valves, and butterfly valves. These valves achieve their sealing function through various methods, such as using spring pressure to keep the sealing ring tightly against the valve seat, or using a rotating handle to move the valve core, thereby opening or closing the passage. While these methods can meet basic functional requirements to some extent, they still have many shortcomings in practical applications.

[0004] Beer keg valves use a simple mechanical seal structure, which is prone to wear and tear after long-term use, leading to poor sealing and affecting the hygiene and safety of the beer, or even causing leakage. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a valve body and container with good sealing performance and high switching reliability.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a valve body, including a first valve seat and a valve core, wherein the valve core is slidably connected to the first valve seat, the first valve seat is provided with a first cavity for accommodating the valve core and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the first cavity, the two ends of the valve core are an upper end and a lower end, the lower end is connected to the inlet and the upper end is connected to the outlet, the first cavity is provided with a first elastic element for maintaining a sealed connection between the lower end of the valve core and the inlet, and the first cavity is connected to the outlet through the valve core.

[0007] By adopting the technical solution of this application, the valve core and the first valve seat are slidably connected, and a first elastic element is provided in the first cavity to ensure tight contact between the lower end of the valve core and the inlet, achieving a seal. The first cavity is connected to the outlet through the valve core, ensuring the seal between the upper end of the valve core and the outlet. This double-sealing structure improves the sealing performance of the valve, prevents beer leakage, and ensures the hygiene, safety, and quality stability of the beer. Compared with the traditional mechanical seal structure, the sliding connection between the valve core and the first valve seat reduces component wear caused by mechanical friction and extends the service life of the valve.

[0008] In some implementations, the valve core includes a communicating cavity, an upper port, and a lower port that are interconnected, the upper port being connected to the outlet, and the lower port being connected to the first cavity.

[0009] By adopting the technical solution of this application, a connecting cavity is provided inside the valve core, ensuring that beer or other fluids can flow smoothly from the inlet, the first cavity, the lower port (connected to the first cavity), through the connecting cavity, and then out from the upper port (connected to the outlet) when the valve core is opened. This design, with its double sealing structure, enables reliable opening and closing of the valve body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lower opening is located on and through the side wall of the valve core, and the communicating cavity is located in the middle of the valve core.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the design of the lower opening located on the side wall of the valve core allows the fluid to be redirected more smoothly when entering the valve core and into the connecting cavity. This design reduces turbulence and eddies within the valve, lowers fluid resistance, and improves the accuracy and stability of flow control. The lower opening penetrates the side wall of the valve core, and the connecting cavity is located in the middle of the valve core; this layout allows the valve core to better conform to the valve seat assembly when closed. This design of the lower opening and the connecting cavity reduces the direct impact of the fluid on the valve core, lowering the wear rate of the valve core.

[0012] In some implementations, a first seal is connected between the lower end and the inlet, and a second seal is connected between the upper end and the outlet. Under the elastic force of the first elastic element, the first seal closes the inlet.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the first sealing element, in conjunction with the elastic force of the first elastic element, significantly improves the sealing performance of the valve in the closed state. This design effectively prevents fluid leakage from the inlet, ensuring the hygiene, safety, and quality stability of beer or other fluids. The sealing elements are typically easy to disassemble and replace; worn sealing elements can be easily removed and replaced during valve cleaning and maintenance, facilitating repair and replacement, helping to maintain valve cleanliness and performance, and reducing malfunctions and maintenance costs caused by seal aging or wear.

[0014] In some embodiments, a connecting plate is connected to the inlet side of the valve seat, the lower end of the valve core is slidably connected to the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is provided with a through hole.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding connection design allows the connecting plate to guide the valve core during opening and closing, resulting in smoother switching and more stable sealing. This helps improve the valve's response speed and operational accuracy, especially in applications requiring rapid fluid flow control. The through-holes in the connecting plate facilitate liquid flow when the valve core is open, allowing the connecting plate to guide the valve core's sliding without obstructing liquid flow.

[0016] In some embodiments, a second valve seat is also included, the second valve seat including a second cavity, the first valve seat being disposed in the second cavity and slidably connected to the second valve seat, and a second elastic member being connected between the first valve seat and the second valve seat.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the introduction of the second elastic element provides additional elastic force to the first valve seat, ensuring that it can tightly fit the second valve seat in the closed state, effectively preventing fluid leakage and significantly enhancing the valve's sealing performance, especially under high pressure or high temperature environments. The valve core slides relative to the first valve seat, and the first valve seat slides relative to the second valve seat. This double-sliding double-sealing structure allows for synchronous or asynchronous operation of the two-stage sealing, making operation more flexible and applications more widespread.

[0018] In some implementations, the elastic coefficient of the first elastic element is smaller than that of the second elastic element.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the difference in elastic coefficients between the first and second elastic elements affects the dynamic performance of the valve during opening and closing. A smaller first elastic coefficient allows the valve core to more easily overcome the sealing force and move when opening, while a larger second elastic coefficient ensures that the valve seat assembly maintains better stability and controllability during movement. The design of the first elastic element's elastic coefficient to be smaller than that of the second elastic element is based on a comprehensive consideration of the valve's functional requirements, stress distribution, and dynamic performance. This design aims to improve the valve's sealing performance, durability, and fluid control performance, thereby meeting the needs of various industrial fields and fluid control systems.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second valve seat includes a first port and a second port communicating with the second cavity. The inlet end of the first valve seat passes through the first port and is clearance-fitted with the first port. A third sealing element is provided between the outlet end of the first valve seat and the second port. Under the elastic force of the second elastic element, the first valve seat seals against the second port through the third sealing element.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the inlet end of the first valve seat passes through the first port of the second valve seat, and a certain gap is maintained between them. This gap allows the first valve seat to slide smoothly within the second valve seat, while reducing friction and wear, and facilitating gas flow. A third sealing element is provided between the outlet end of the first valve seat and the second port of the second valve seat. When the second elastic element applies elastic force, the first valve seat is pushed towards the second port, causing the third sealing element to tightly abut against the second port, thereby achieving a seal.

[0022] In some implementations, under the combined elastic force of the first elastic element and the second elastic element, the first cavity is connected to the second port through the lower port, the connecting cavity, the upper port, and the outlet.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, when the first elastic element is driven to move the valve core, the inlet opens to realize the opening of the liquid valve, and the liquid can pass through the inlet into the first cavity.

[0024] Secondly, this application provides a container that employs the valve body described in the first aspect.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solutions, the container can achieve more stable sealing and smoother liquid dispensing function.

[0026] In summary, this application has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0027] 1. It effectively solves problems such as poor sealing, easy wear and tear, and low reliability of beer keg valves, which not only improves the freshness and taste of beer, but also significantly enhances production efficiency and economic benefits, bringing important technological progress to the beer brewing and distribution industry.

[0028] 2. This valve body design is not only suitable for beer kegs, but can also be widely used in other liquid storage and distribution containers that require efficient and reliable sealing control, such as beverage, juice, and dairy products industries, demonstrating its wide applicability and market potential. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a top view of the valve body of this application, showing its three-dimensional structure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve body of this application, viewed from below.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the three-dimensional cross-section of the valve body of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve body from another angle in this application;

[0033] Figure 5This is an exploded view of the valve body structure of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exploded structure of the valve body in this application;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the valve body and the inner connecting seat in this application;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the connection between the valve body and the inner connecting seat in this application;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of liquid flow in the open state of the valve body of this application;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body and liquid sampling probe mating structure of this application;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a beer barrel.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 1. First valve seat; 11. Seat body; 111. First internal thread; 112. Inlet; 12. Small O-ring; 13. Connecting plate; 131. Liquid inlet hole; 132. Guide hole; 14. First cavity; 2. Second valve seat; 21. Upper seat; 211. Second port; 212. Second internal thread; 22. Base; 221. First port; 23. Second cavity; 24. Connecting frame; 241. Outlet; 25. Second seal; 3. Valve core; 31. Lower port; 32. Upper valve; 321. Upper port; 322. Connecting cavity; 33. Lower valve; 34. First seal; 4. Second elastic element; 5. First elastic element; 6. Outer connecting seat; 61. Large O-ring; 7. Inner connecting seat; 8. Liquid sampling probe; 81. Liquid sampling hole; 100. Inner bag; 200. Outer bag; 300. Outer barrel. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0043] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0046] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] Please see Figures 1-6 This application provides a valve body including a first valve seat 1 and a valve core 3, with the valve core 3 slidably connected to the first valve seat 1. The first valve seat 1 has a first cavity 14 for accommodating the valve core 3 and an inlet 112 and an outlet 241 communicating with the first cavity 14. The valve core 3 has an upper end and a lower end, with the lower end connected to the inlet 112 and the upper end connected to the outlet 241. The first cavity 14 has a first elastic member 5 that maintains a sealed connection between the lower end of the valve core 3 and the inlet 112. The two ends of the first elastic member 5 abut against the first valve seat 1 and the valve core 3, respectively. The end of the valve core 3 away from the outlet 241 passes through the inlet 112 of the first valve seat 1 to seal the inlet 112, thereby enhancing the sealing performance and extending the service life.

[0049] The shape of the first cavity 14 can be designed as a cylinder or other geometric shape as needed to adapt to different application scenarios.

[0050] The first elastic element 5 can be a coil spring or a rubber gasket. A coil spring offers the advantage of providing stable elastic force, while a rubber gasket is more suitable for high-frequency opening and closing operations due to its better cushioning effect. To ensure a sealing effect, additional support structures can be provided on both sides of the first elastic element 5 to prevent deformation after prolonged use.

[0051] Please see Figures 3-6The valve core 3 includes a communicating cavity 322, an upper opening 321, and a lower opening 31 that are interconnected. The upper opening 321 is connected to the outlet 241, and the lower opening 31 is connected to the first cavity 14. This design allows liquid to enter the communicating cavity 322 from the lower opening 31 and then flow out from the upper opening 321 to the outlet 241, thus achieving a smooth transition of the flow path. The communicating cavity 322 can be designed as a gradually tapered structure to better guide the liquid flow and reduce the occurrence of vortices.

[0052] The lower opening 31 is located on and penetrates the side wall of the valve core 3, and the connecting cavity 322 is located in the middle of the valve core 3. This design helps to reduce the resistance of the liquid during flow and improve the flow efficiency. In addition, the lower opening 31 can also be set in the form of multiple small holes to increase the uniformity of liquid distribution and avoid damage caused by excessive local pressure. In this embodiment, the valve core 3 includes an upper valve 32, a lower valve 33, and a first sealing element 34. The first sealing element 34 is assembled on the lower valve 33, and the lower valve 33 and the upper valve 32 are fixedly connected as a whole.

[0053] A first seal 34 is connected between the lower end and the inlet 112, and a second seal 25 is connected between the upper end and the outlet 241. Under the elastic force of the first elastic element 5, the first seal 34 seals the inlet 112. Here, the first seal 34 and the second seal 25 can be either O-rings or lip seals, both of which have excellent sealing performance and a long service life. To prevent the seals from being extruded under high pressure, an anti-extrusion ring can be added to their exterior.

[0054] A connecting plate 13 is connected to one side of the valve seat inlet 112. The lower end of the valve core 3 is slidably connected to the center hole of the connecting plate 13, and the connecting plate 13 is also provided with a through hole. When the valve is opened, the inlet and outlet 241 are connected. The connecting plate 13 can be made of high-strength plastic or metal materials to ensure its strength and stability.

[0055] In addition, the valve body also includes a second valve seat 2, which includes a second cavity 23. The first valve seat 1 is disposed within the second cavity 23 and slidably connected to the second valve seat 2. A second elastic element 4 connects the first valve seat 1 and the second valve seat 2. The function of the second elastic element 4 is to provide additional preload when the valve is closed, further enhancing the sealing effect. The second elastic element 4 can also be a coil spring or a rubber gasket, depending on the requirements of the actual application environment.

[0056] Specifically, the elastic coefficient of the first elastic element 5 is smaller than that of the second elastic element 4. This design prioritizes releasing the pressure of the first elastic element 5 when the valve is opened, ensuring the valve core 3 can open smoothly. When the valve is closed, the greater elasticity of the second elastic element 4 is used to press the sealing surface tightly, achieving a better sealing effect. In this embodiment, both the first elastic element 5 and the second elastic element 4 are injection-molded into a mesh-like structure using plastic material that meets food hygiene standards, providing both good elasticity and compliance with food safety requirements.

[0057] The second valve seat 2 includes a first port 221 and a second port 211 communicating with the second cavity 23. The inlet 112 end of the first valve seat 1 passes through the first port 221 and is clearance-fitted with it. A third seal is provided between the outlet 241 end of the first valve seat 1 and the second port 211. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 4, the first valve seat 1 seals against the second port 211 through the third seal. The third seal and the second seal 25 are an integral structure, which not only simplifies the assembly process but also improves the overall reliability. The second seal 25 is assembled with the connecting frame 24. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member 5 and the second elastic member 4, the upper surface of the second seal 25 seals against the first valve seat 1, and the lower surface of the second seal 25 seals against the valve core 3. The connecting frame 24 can be made of metal or plastic, and the second seal 25 is made of silicone. The connecting frame 24 and the second seal 25 can be connected as a single unit by assembly or injection molding.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second valve seat 2 includes an upper seat 21 and a base 22, which are connected by threads. A second elastic element 4 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first valve seat 1, with both ends abutting against the base 22 and the first valve seat 1 respectively, thus achieving contact between the first valve seat 1 and the connecting frame 24, and maintaining a tight seal between the second sealing element 25 and the upper seat 21. An outer connecting seat 6 is threaded to the base 22, and a large O-ring 61 seals between the outer connecting seat 6 and the base 22. In this embodiment, the seat body 11, the connecting frame 24, and the second sealing element 25 can be considered as a single unit forming the first valve seat 1, realizing the corresponding functions of the first valve seat 1.

[0059] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the valve body is connected to the liquid bag, the liquid bag and the inner connecting seat 7 are sealed together as one unit. The inner connecting seat 7 is threadedly connected to the inlet 112 end of the first valve seat 1, thereby allowing the inner cavity of the liquid bag to connect to the inlet 112 through the center hole of the inner connecting seat 7. When the valve core 3 is opened, the liquid in the liquid bag can enter the first cavity 14 through the inlet 112. A small O-ring 12 is provided between the inner connecting seat 7 and the first valve seat 1 to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the two.

[0060] The second valve seat 2 is threadedly connected to the external connecting seat 6, which is integrally connected to the air bag. The liquid bag is located inside the air bag, and the internal spaces of the two bags are isolated from each other.

[0061] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 10 During the liquid extraction operation, the liquid extraction probe 8 is inserted into the second port 211 of the second valve seat 2 and abuts against the valve core 3, pushing the valve core 3 to slide away from the second port 211. When the valve core 3 is subjected to pressure and slides away from the outlet 241, the inlet 112 of the first valve seat 1 opens. The liquid in the liquid bag connected to the inner connecting seat 7 passes through the connecting plate 13 and enters the first cavity 14 from the inlet 112. Then, it passes through the lower port 31 from the first cavity 14 and enters the connecting cavity 322 (see solid line arrow), and flows out from the upper port 321 into the liquid extraction hole 81.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] Please see Figure 11 This embodiment discloses a container, specifically a beer keg, which employs the valve body described in the previous embodiment. The second valve seat 2 is threadedly connected to the outer barrel 300. The outer connecting seat 6 is integrally and sealingly connected to the outer bag 200 (air bag). The outer connecting seat 6 is threadedly connected to the second valve seat 2, and the outer bag 200 is located inside the outer barrel 300. The inner connecting seat 7 is integrally and sealingly connected to the inner bag 100 (liquid bag), and the inner connecting seat 7 is threadedly connected to the first valve seat 1.

[0064] When it is necessary to remove the beer from the inner bag 100, the liquid dispensing probe 8 presses down on the valve core 3 and the first valve seat 1. The valve core 3 and the first valve seat 1 slide, and air enters the second cavity 23 from the second port 211 (see the dashed arrow) and enters the outer bag 200 from the first port 221. The gas entering the outer bag 200 compresses the inner bag 100, and the beer in the inner bag 100 flows out through the lower port 31 and the connecting cavity 322 from the liquid dispensing hole 81 (see the solid arrow).

[0065] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments; the embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A valve body, characterized by, The valve body comprises a first valve seat (1) and a valve core (3), the valve core (3) is in sliding connection with the first valve seat (1), the first valve seat (1) is provided with a first cavity (14) for accommodating the valve core (3) and an inlet (112) and an outlet (241) in communication with the first cavity (14), two ends of the valve core (3) are an upper end and a lower end respectively, the lower end is connected with the inlet (112), the upper end is connected with the outlet (241), the first cavity (14) is provided with a first elastic member (5) for keeping the lower end of the valve core (3) in sealed connection with the inlet (112), and the first cavity (14) is in communication with the outlet (241) through the valve core (3).

2. The valve body of claim 1, wherein The valve core (3) comprises a communication cavity (322), an upper port (321) and a lower port (31) in communication with each other, the upper port (321) is in communication with the outlet (241), and the lower port (31) is in communication with the first cavity (14).

3. The valve body of claim 2, wherein, The lower port (31) is arranged on the side wall of the valve core (3) and penetrates through the side wall, and the communication cavity (322) is arranged at the middle part of the valve core (3).

4. The valve body of claim 1, wherein The first sealing member (34) is connected between the lower end and the inlet (112), the second sealing member (25) is connected between the upper end and the outlet (241), and the first sealing member (34) seals the inlet (112) under the elastic force of the first elastic member (5).

5. The valve body of claim 1, wherein The inlet (112) side of the valve seat is connected with a connecting plate (13), the lower end of the valve core (3) is in sliding connection with the connecting plate (13), and the connecting plate (13) is provided with a through hole.

6. Valve body according to claim 1 or 2 or 4, characterized in that The valve body further comprises a second valve seat (2), the second valve seat (2) comprises a second cavity (23), the first valve seat (1) is arranged in the second cavity (23) and is in sliding connection with the second valve seat (2), and the first valve seat (1) and the second valve seat (2) are connected with a second elastic member (4).

7. The valve body of claim 6, wherein, The elastic coefficient of the first elastic member (5) is smaller than the elastic coefficient of the second elastic member (4).

8. The valve body of claim 6, wherein, The second valve seat (2) comprises a first port (221) and a second port (211) in communication with the second cavity (23), the inlet (112) end of the first valve seat (1) penetrates through the first port (221) and is in gap fit with the first port (221), a third sealing member is arranged between the outlet (241) end of the first valve seat (1) and the second port (211), and the first valve seat (1) is in sealed abutment with the second port (211) through the third sealing member under the elastic force of the second elastic member (4).

9. A valve body according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 2, characterised in that Under the common elastic force of the first elastic member (5) and the second elastic member (4), the first cavity (14) is in communication with the second port (211) through the lower port (31), the communication cavity (322), the upper port (321), the outlet (241) and the second port (211).

10. A container characterized in that, The valve body comprises the valve body as claimed in any one of claims 1-9.

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