Liquid tank residual liquid discharging device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522088529.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-28
AI Technical Summary
[0005]本申请的目的在于克服上述技术不足,提出一种载液罐放余液装置,解决现有技术中无法防冻、操作复杂且有安全隐患的技术问题
[0017]与现有技术相比,本申请提供的技术方案带来的有益技术效果包括:
Smart Images

Figure CN224740016U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of emergency rescue equipment technology, specifically to a device for draining residual liquid from a liquid-carrying tank. Background Technology
[0002] Emergency rescue fire trucks and other special vehicles are usually equipped with large liquid-carrying tanks for storing extinguishing agents such as water and foam liquid. In order to empty the remaining liquid and sediment in the tank, a drain device is usually installed at the bottom of the liquid-carrying tank.
[0003] In existing technology, a common method for draining residual liquid involves pre-installing a connector at the sludge collection trough at the bottom of the tank. A compression-type hydraulic hose is then used to guide the liquid to an easily accessible location, such as the side of the vehicle chassis, with a manual ball valve connected to the end. This structure has significant drawbacks: First, the hydraulic hose remains filled with liquid when the tank contains liquid. In cold regions or winter, when the ambient temperature is below the freezing point of the liquid (e.g., water below 0°C), the liquid inside the hose will freeze, forming an ice blockage and rendering the draining function completely ineffective. Second, if the liquid freezes, it will expand in volume (e.g., water freezing), and the strong expansion force can directly cause the hydraulic hose to burst, leading to equipment failure and increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, the manual ball valve installed at the bottom of the vehicle is inconvenient to operate, requiring the operator to squat or even lie on the ground. This is not only strenuous, but also poses a safety hazard, as the gushing liquid can easily splash onto the operator during discharge and may even cause a collision with the vehicle chassis if the operator is unable to avoid it.
[0004] Therefore, how to provide a liquid tank draining device that can effectively prevent freezing at low temperatures and also provide a flexible, safe, and convenient operation solution is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a liquid tank draining device to solve the technical problems of existing technologies, such as inability to prevent freezing, complex operation, and safety hazards.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: This application provides a device for draining residual liquid from a liquid-carrying tank, including a liquid collection assembly and a dual-function connector.
[0007] The liquid collection assembly includes a liquid collection tank bottom plate and a liquid collection tank riser, wherein the liquid collection tank riser is connected to the liquid collection tank bottom plate; A dual-function connector is fixed to the end of the liquid collection tank riser away from the bottom plate of the liquid collection tank. A first pagoda connector is formed on the outer wall of the middle part of the dual-function connector. The first pagoda connector is used to connect a hose. A first external thread is formed on the outer wall of the end of the dual-function connector away from the liquid collection tank riser. The first external thread is used to connect a proximal valve.
[0008] In some embodiments of this application, a proximal valve is also included, the proximal valve having an internal threaded interface that mates with a first external threaded portion of the dual-function connector, the proximal valve being detachably threaded to the first external threaded portion of the connector via its internal thread.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the proximal valve includes a pneumatic ball valve, the outlet of which is connected to a flexible hose.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, a hose and a remote valve are also included, one end of the hose being inserted into the first pagoda connector of the dual-function connector, and the remote valve being connected to the other end of the hose.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, a mounting bracket is also included, wherein a second external thread is formed on the outer wall of one end of the mounting bracket, the second external thread being connected to the hose, and a second pagoda connector is formed on the outer wall of the other end of the mounting bracket, the second pagoda connector being connected to the remote valve, and the mounting bracket is also fixed to the vehicle body.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting bracket includes a fixed plate and a connecting plate that are bent and connected to each other. The center of the connecting plate is connected to the second external thread portion and the second pagoda joint portion. The axial direction of the second external thread portion and the second pagoda joint portion is inclined downward relative to the horizontal line.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a hose clamp is also included, which is disposed at the connection between the hose and the proximal valve, or at the connection between the hose and the second pagoda connector.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the valve is a three-way ball valve, with its first inlet connected to the dual-function connector, its second inlet connected to a high-pressure purging air path, and its outlet connected to a hose. The three-way ball valve can switch between having the first inlet and outlet connected and having the second inlet and outlet connected.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the outer surface of the first pagoda joint of the dual-function connector is provided with alternating annular ribs and annular grooves along the axial direction.
[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom plate of the liquid collection tank includes a vortex-shaped conical bottom plate that converges toward the center of the liquid collection tank riser, and guide ribs are provided on the inner wall of the liquid collection tank riser.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: This application adopts a modular design, with a dual-function connector integrating the first external threaded part and the first pagoda-shaped connector part, providing anti-freeze solutions, such as direct valve connection to the liquid collection assembly, and low-cost and convenient solutions, such as hose lead-out, allowing for strong interchangeability as needed. The anti-freeze solution eliminates the risk of freezing by eliminating residual liquid in the hose, ensuring reliability in severe cold. The valve facilitates connection to an external power source, eliminating the need for the operator to crouch under the vehicle to continuously guide the liquid collection, simplifying operation and improving safety. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid tank draining device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the antifreeze scheme for a liquid tank draining device in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a convenient solution for draining residual liquid from a liquid-carrying tank, as described in an embodiment of this application.
[0019] Figure label: 1. Liquid collection assembly; 11. Liquid collection tank bottom plate; 12. Liquid collection tank riser; 2 dual-function connector, 21 first external threaded part, 22 first pagoda joint part; 3. Proximal valve; 4. Hose; 5. Distal valve; 6. Mounting bracket; 61. Second external thread; 62. Second pagoda connector; 7. Throat clamps. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0021] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in this specification, the term "comprising" is an open-ended expression, meaning that the stated feature is present but other features are excluded. Directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" refer to exemplary directions based on the accompanying drawings. Features specified as "first" or "second" implicitly include one or more of that feature. Singular expressions can also be used in plural forms. "Multiple" means two or more. The terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, and it can be a connection within two components. Furthermore, "linked" can include wireless connections.
[0022] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a liquid tank draining device to solve the technical problems of existing technologies, such as inability to prevent freezing, complex operation, and safety hazards.
[0023] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: like Figures 1-3 As shown. This application provides a device for draining residual liquid from a liquid-carrying tank, including a liquid collection assembly 1 and a dual-function connector 2.
[0024] The liquid collection assembly 1 includes a liquid collection tank bottom plate 11 and a liquid collection tank riser 12, the riser 12 being connected to the liquid collection tank bottom plate 11. The liquid collection assembly 1 is welded or otherwise fixed to the lowest point of the liquid-carrying tank for collecting all residual liquid and impurities within the tank. The liquid collection assembly 1 includes a liquid collection tank bottom plate 11 and a liquid collection tank riser 12, the riser 12 being vertically or inclinedly mounted on the liquid collection tank bottom plate 11 and communicating with it to form a collection chamber.
[0025] A dual-function connector 2 is fixed to one end of the liquid collection tank riser 12 away from the liquid collection tank bottom plate 11. A first pagoda connector portion 22 is formed on the outer wall of the middle portion of the dual-function connector 2, and a first external thread portion 21 is formed on the outer wall of the end of the dual-function connector away from the liquid collection tank riser. The first pagoda connector portion 22 and the first external thread portion 21 are integrally formed. The first external thread portion 21 is used to connect to the proximal valve 3, and the first pagoda connector portion 22 is used to connect to the hose 4. A dual-function connector 2 is fixedly connected at the lower outlet of the liquid collection tank riser 12 away from the liquid collection tank bottom plate 11. This dual-function connector 2 is an integrally formed component, structurally including two standard interfaces: a first external thread portion 21 and a first pagoda connector portion 22. The first external thread portion 21 has a standard pipe thread for threaded connection with components such as valves with internal threads; the first pagoda connector portion 22 has multiple annular flanges with increasing or identical outer diameters for tight-fitting insertion with the inner wall of the hose 4. This design allows the same basic component to support two completely different downstream piping connection methods.
[0026] This application adopts a modular design. The dual-function connector 2 integrates the first external threaded part 21 and the first pagoda connector part 22, providing antifreeze solutions, such as direct connection of the valve to the liquid collection assembly 1, and low-cost and convenient solutions, such as the extension of the hose 4, allowing for strong interchangeability as needed. The antifreeze solution eliminates the risk of freezing by removing the residual liquid from the hose 4, ensuring reliability in severe cold. Operation can be safely performed from the cab or the side of the vehicle without crouching under it.
[0027] In some embodiments of this application, a proximal valve 3 is also included, the proximal valve 3 having an internal threaded interface that mates with the first external threaded portion 21 of the dual-function connector 2, and the proximal valve 3 is detachably threadedly connected to the first external threaded portion 21 of the connector through its internal thread.
[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the proximal valve 3 includes a pneumatic ball valve, the outlet of which is connected to a hose 4.
[0029] This invention provides an antifreeze installation solution for use in extremely cold environments, utilizing the first external thread portion 21 of the dual-function connector 2. A proximal valve 3, such as a pneumatic ball valve, is configured, with its inlet end having an internal thread interface that matches the first external thread portion 21 of the dual-function connector 2. During installation, the pneumatic ball valve is directly screwed onto the dual-function connector 2, ensuring it is tightly installed directly below the liquid collection assembly 1. The outlet of the pneumatic ball valve can be connected to a short flexible hose 4 to direct the liquid to a safe area.
[0030] This direct-connection structure eliminates the need for the long liquid storage hose 4 found in existing technologies, minimizing the total length of the drain line. After drainage, only a very small amount of liquid remains inside the valve and on the inner wall of the collection assembly 1. Because there is no sealed section, even if ice forms, it cannot create a blockage strong enough to crack the pipes. This fundamentally solves the problem of the drain device freezing and failing in low-temperature environments. Furthermore, the use of a pneumatic ball valve allows for remote operation via an electronic control button in the driver's cab, eliminating the need for operators to leave the vehicle and come into contact with the low-temperature environment and splashed liquid, greatly improving operational convenience and safety.
[0031] In some embodiments of this application, a hose 4 and a remote valve 5 are also included, one end of the hose 4 being inserted into the first pagoda connector 22 of the dual-function connector 2, and the remote valve 5 being connected to the other end of the hose 4.
[0032] This utility model also provides an installation scheme suitable for non-cold regions or where cost-effectiveness is emphasized, which selects to use the first pagoda connector 22 on the dual-function connector 2. A flexible hose 4 is configured, the inner diameter of which matches the outer diameter of the first pagoda connector 22. One end of the flexible hose 4 is forcefully fitted onto the first pagoda connector 22. The other end of the flexible hose 4 is connected to a remote valve 5, typically a manual internal thread ball valve.
[0033] In some embodiments of this application, a mounting bracket 6 is also included. The mounting bracket 6 is integrally provided with a second external thread portion 61 and a second pagoda connector portion 62. The second external thread portion 61 is formed on the outer side wall of one end of the mounting bracket 6, and the second pagoda connector portion 62 is formed on the outer side wall of the other end of the mounting bracket 6. The second external thread portion 61 is connected to the hose 4, and the second pagoda connector portion 62 is connected to the remote valve 5. The mounting bracket 6 is also fixed to the vehicle body.
[0034] For ease of installation and operation, the solution also includes a mounting bracket 6. One end of this assembly is a welded bracket with an external thread to a pagoda connector, used to connect the hose 4 and screw it onto the manual ball valve. The assembly also integrates a mounting bracket 6, which is fixed to a suitable location on the vehicle chassis beam or side skirt using bolts or other methods.
[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting bracket 6 includes a fixing plate and a connecting plate that are bent and connected to each other. The center of the connecting plate is connected to the second external threaded portion 61 and the second pagoda joint portion 62. The axial directions of the second external threaded portion 61 and the second pagoda joint portion 62 are inclined downward relative to the horizontal line.
[0036] In some embodiments of this application, a hose clamp 7 is also included, which is disposed at the connection between the hose 4 and the proximal valve 3, or at the connection between the hose 4 and the second pagoda connector 62.
[0037] Specifically, the mounting bracket 6 is designed with a bent structure, for example, by a 45° bend, so that after installation, the outlet axis of the manual ball valve naturally tilts downward. To ensure a secure connection, a high-strength hose clamp 7 is used to lock the connection between the hose 4 and the first pagoda connector 22 of the dual-function connector 2, as well as the connection between the hose 4 and the pagoda connector of the mounting bracket 6.
[0038] This solution extends the operating valve to an easily accessible location on the side of the vehicle, solving the problem of difficult operation of traditional under-vehicle valves. The 45° angled outlet design eliminates the need for additional bends, allowing the discharged liquid to flow directly to the ground, effectively preventing liquid splashing onto operators. The design is ingenious and safe. This solution uses common manual valves and hoses, resulting in lower overall costs and making it an economical and practical choice.
[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the valve is a three-way ball valve, with its first inlet connected to the dual-function connector 2, its second inlet connected to a high-pressure purging air path, and its outlet connected to a hose 4. The three-way ball valve can switch between connecting the first inlet and the outlet and connecting the second inlet and the outlet.
[0040] Based on the above embodiment, the near-end valve 3 can be replaced with a three-way ball valve. The first inlet of the three-way ball valve is connected to the dual-function connector 2 to receive liquid from the liquid tank; its outlet is connected to the hose 4; and its newly added second inlet is connected to the vehicle's high-pressure air source system (such as the air reservoir of the brake system) through a pipeline, forming a high-pressure purging air path. The valve core of the three-way ball valve can be switched to achieve two working states: State 1, connecting the first inlet and outlet for normal residual liquid drainage; State 2, connecting the second inlet and outlet to blow high-pressure gas into the pipeline after residual liquid drainage is completed.
[0041] An active purging function has been added. After each draining operation, switching the valve and briefly introducing high-pressure gas will forcefully purge any remaining liquid in the liquid collection assembly 1 and the valve. This is especially important for vehicles carrying corrosive, easily crystallizing, or highly hygienic liquids, and also provides double protection against freezing.
[0042] In some embodiments of this application, the outer surface of the first pagoda joint portion 22 of the dual-function connector 2 is provided with alternating annular ribs and annular grooves along the axial direction.
[0043] To further improve performance, the basic components are optimized. The outer surface of the first pagoda-shaped connector 22 of the dual-function connector 2 can be designed with alternating annular ribs and annular grooves along the axial direction. This bamboo-like shape, compared to a smooth pagoda head, can embed deeper into the inner wall of the hose 4, generating greater friction and mechanical engagement force under the radial pressure of the hose clamp 7.
[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom plate 11 of the liquid collection tank includes a vortex-shaped conical bottom plate that converges toward the center of the liquid collection tank riser 12, and guide ribs are provided on the inner wall of the liquid collection tank riser 12.
[0045] The bottom plate 11 of the liquid collection tank of the liquid collection assembly 1 can be designed as a vortex-type conical bottom plate that converges towards the central liquid collection tank riser 12. Furthermore, several guide ribs can be arranged along a spiral direction on the inner wall of the liquid collection tank riser 12.
[0046] The optimized pagoda connector significantly enhances connection reliability, effectively preventing hose 4 from detaching under high-pressure impact. The vortex-type base plate and guide ribs design guide the liquid to rotate and form a vortex during discharge. This vortex effect stirs up impurities such as mud and scale deposited on the base plate, drawing them into the central water flow for discharge, achieving dynamic self-cleaning and greatly reducing maintenance difficulty.
[0047] In addition to the technical features described in the above embodiments, the present invention may also include one or more of the following additional technical features to achieve better technical effects: For the near-end valve control solution, a flexible electric heating jacket can be wrapped around the dual-function connector 2 and the pneumatic ball valve. This heating jacket contains a built-in heating wire and a temperature sensor, which is connected to the vehicle's power supply. When the ambient temperature is too low, the system can automatically activate heating to maintain the valve body temperature above freezing, providing ultimate protection against freezing.
[0048] Inside the liquid collection tank riser 12, above the dual-function connector 2, a pull-out basket-type filter screen can be installed. This filter screen can be removed for cleaning through the tank manhole using a long-handled tool. It can effectively intercept large particulate impurities, protect the sealing surfaces of downstream valves from scratches or jamming, and extend the service life of the valves.
[0049] For pneumatic ball valves, a purely mechanical valve position indicator, such as a pointer or dial with red / green color markings, can be integrated into its pneumatic actuator. The valve's open or closed status can be clearly seen from outside the vehicle through a transparent cover, providing on-site operators with a reliable status confirmation method that does not rely on an electronic control system, thus avoiding misoperation.
[0050] To maximize connection reliability, the annular rib of the first pagoda connector 22 can be designed as an asymmetrical barb shape. Its side facing the insertion direction of the hose 4 is flat, while the side away from the insertion direction is nearly vertical. This makes the hose 4 easy to install but extremely difficult to pull off.
[0051] In the remote valve control scheme, elastic damping blocks such as polyurethane can be installed between the mounting bracket 6 and the fixing point on the vehicle body; at the same time, the selected hose 4 can be a composite rubber hose 4 with an embedded steel wire skeleton. This combination design can effectively absorb vibrations during vehicle operation and prevent fatigue fracture of the metal bracket and loosening and leakage at the connection.
[0052] When the liquid tank is used to load flammable foam liquids or chemicals, the dual-function connector 2 can be made of conductive polymer composite material or have an antistatic coating applied to the surface of the metal part, with a grounding terminal pre-installed to ground the vehicle body. This can safely conduct away static electricity generated by the liquid flow, prevent electrostatic sparks, and meet explosion-proof requirements.
[0053] For remotely operated manual ball valves, a spring-loaded pin locking mechanism can be integrated into the handle. In the closed position, the pin locks the handle, preventing accidental opening and leakage due to vehicle bumps or unforeseen impacts.
[0054] The fixing method between the dual-function connector 2 and the liquid collection assembly 1 can be improved from welding to a standard quick-release clamp connection. This design makes the replacement of the connector extremely convenient, without the need for cutting and welding, greatly facilitating the maintenance, cleaning, and replacement of the connector or the inside of the liquid collection tank. It eliminates the need for cutting and re-welding, reducing the maintenance cost throughout the entire life cycle.
[0055] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: Modular design, flexible configuration: Two installation options are provided through a dual-function connector 2 that integrates an external thread and a pagoda-shaped connector. Users can choose the "anti-freeze solution" by directly installing the valve at the manifold 1, or the "low-cost and convenient solution" by leading it out through the hose 4, depending on actual needs (such as whether it is in a cold region) and cost budget. It is highly interchangeable and widely applicable.
[0056] Eliminating the risk of freezing: In the "anti-freeze solution", the valve is directly connected to the liquid collection assembly 1, without the intermediate liquid storage hose 4. After the liquid is drained, there is only a very small amount of residual liquid in the valve, which fundamentally solves the problem of the hose 4 being blocked or burst due to freezing at low temperature, and ensures the reliability of the device in severe cold environment.
[0057] Enhanced operational safety and convenience: Whether using the electro-pneumatic near-end valve 3 or the optimized bracket-mounted far-end valve 5, operators no longer need to crouch under the vehicle; they can operate conveniently and safely from the cab or the side of the vehicle. In particular, the inclined installation design of the far-end valve 5 effectively guides liquid downwards, preventing splashing and protecting operator safety.
[0058] Enhanced connection reliability: The annular rib design of the pagoda connector, combined with the high-strength hose clamp 7, greatly enhances the pull-out resistance of the hose 4 connection, ensuring a stable and leak-free connection during high-flow discharge.
[0059] It features a self-cleaning function and is easy to maintain: The design of the vortex-type conical bottom plate and guide ribs utilizes the hydraulic action during liquid discharge to agitate and carry away sediment, achieving dynamic self-cleaning of the collection tank and reducing the frequency of manual cleaning and maintenance workload.
[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps, measures, and schemes in the various operations, methods, processes, and procedures discussed in this application can be alternated, modified, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted.
[0061] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A device for draining residual liquid from a liquid-carrying tank, characterized in that, include: The liquid collection assembly includes a liquid collection tank bottom plate and a liquid collection tank riser, wherein the liquid collection tank riser is connected to the liquid collection tank bottom plate; A dual-function connector is fixed to the end of the liquid collection tank riser away from the bottom plate of the liquid collection tank. A first pagoda connector is formed on the outer wall of the middle part of the dual-function connector. The first pagoda connector is used to connect a hose. A first external thread is formed on the outer wall of the end of the dual-function connector away from the liquid collection tank riser. The first external thread is used to connect a proximal valve.
2. The letdown device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a proximal valve having an internal threaded interface that mates with a first external threaded portion of the dual-function connector, wherein the proximal valve is detachably threadedly connected to the first external threaded portion of the connector via its internal thread.
3. The residual liquid discharge device for the liquid-carrying tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The proximal valve includes a pneumatic ball valve, the outlet of which is connected to a flexible hose.
4. The residual liquid discharge device for the liquid-carrying tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hose and a remote valve, one end of the hose being inserted into the first pagoda connector of the dual-function connector, and the remote valve being connected to the other end of the hose.
5. The residual liquid discharge device for the liquid-carrying tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting bracket, one end of which has a second external thread on its outer side wall, which is connected to the hose. The other end of which has a second pagoda connector on its outer side wall, which is connected to the remote valve. The mounting bracket is also fixed to the vehicle body.
6. The letdown device of claim 5, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a fixed plate and a connecting plate that are bent and connected to each other. The center of the connecting plate is connected to the second external threaded part and the second pagoda joint part. The axial direction of the second external threaded part and the second pagoda joint part is inclined downward relative to the horizontal line.
7. The carrier liquid tank liquid displacement device of claim 5, wherein, It also includes a hose clamp, which is disposed at the connection between the hose and the proximal valve, or at the connection between the hose and the second pagoda connector.
8. The residual liquid discharge device for the liquid-carrying tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve is a three-way ball valve, with its first inlet connected to the dual-function connector, its second inlet connected to a high-pressure purging air path, and its outlet connected to a hose. The three-way ball valve can switch between connecting the first inlet and the outlet, and connecting the second inlet and the outlet.
9. The carrier fluid tank liquid displacement apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the first pagoda joint of the dual-function connector is provided with alternating annular ribs and annular grooves along the axial direction.
10. The carrier fluid tank liquid displacement device of claim 1, wherein, The bottom plate of the liquid collection tank includes a vortex-shaped conical bottom plate that converges towards the center of the liquid collection tank riser, and guide ribs are provided on the inner wall of the liquid collection tank riser.