VALVE ACTUATOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve actuating device, with a manual control element and a valve which can be actuated via the manual control element, wherein a control element is operatively connected to the manual control element, wherein the valve can be actuated with a distal end of the control element and a compensating device is arranged in the operative connection between the control element and the manual control element, which compensating device has a plunger which is movably guided in a receptacle and allows a relative movement of the manual control element against the control element, and wherein a restoring element is present which counteracts the relative movement with a restoring force.

[0002] Such valve actuating devices are known and are used to manually separate an outlet from an inlet or to manually connect the outlet and inlet if necessary.

[0003] EP 1 548 344 B1 discloses a valve actuating device with the features described above, in which the tappet is formed on the manual control element and the receptacle is formed on the control element. A return element is arranged in the receptacle and thus in the compensating or buffer device.

[0004] Publications EP 2 530 365 A1, EP 2 865 928 A1, EP 2 865 929 A1, JP 2006 308021 A, and FR 2 481 404 A1 also describe valve actuating devices that form a relevant technical background for the invention. With particular reference to EP 2 530 365 A1, a valve actuating device according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of creating an alternative to the solution according to EP 1 548 344 B1.

[0006] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.In particular, to achieve the stated object in a valve actuating device of the type described above, it is proposed that the return element be arranged outside the compensating device. This avoids any obstructions to the movement of the tappet caused by the return element in the receptacle.

[0007] Furthermore, the plunger is provided at a proximal end of the control element. This makes it easy to manufacture the plunger and the control element from the same material. It is also possible to manufacture the receptacle and the control element from different materials. This is advantageous because the receptacle, as a complex shape, can be easily manufactured from plastic, while a metallic material may be more suitable for the control element to achieve greater load-bearing capacity and kink resistance.

[0008] Finally, according to claim 1, it is provided that the return element is supported on a housing part.

[0009] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the receptacle of the compensating device is fixedly arranged on the hand control element, as described in subclaim 2. Thus, the receptacle can be easily and safely manually operated and adjusted from the outside.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle can be provided with a ram removal opening that is open transversely to a ram guide direction and / or laterally. This allows the ram to be easily inserted during production.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle can form a stop against which the return element presses the plunger in a rest position. This allows a defined rest position to be formed.

[0012] In a valve actuating device according to the invention, as described in claim 4, it can also be provided that an adjusting device is formed with which a maximum distance—for example, in an open position of the valve—between a valve seat of the valve and the distal end of the control element can be adjusted. It is advantageous in this case that an adjustment path that the valve, in particular a valve element, for example the one described below, can execute can be limited between a closed position and an open position. Thus, intermediate positions between the closed position and the open position can be set so as not to fully open the valve.The maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end of the control element can be adjustable, for example, in that a maximum distance - for example, with the tappet extended in the receptacle of the compensating device - between the manual control element and the distal end of the control element is adjustable or is adjusted using the adjusting device. For example, the control element can be adjustable independently of the manual control element, or the position of the manual control element can be adjusted independently of the control element. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum distance between the valve seat and the distal end of the control element can be adjustable in that the position of the manual control element can be adjusted together with the control element.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment device can be arranged between the compensating device and the manual control element. This allows for a compact actuating device. The adjustment device can thus be easily arranged outside a sealed area of ​​the valve. It is advantageous if the adjustment device is designed to adjust a distance between the compensating device and the manual control element. This allows for a simple limitation of the valve's adjustment travel by shifting a rest position of the tappet in the receptacle.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the adjusting device can be provided with a movement thread. This makes it possible to convert a rotary operating movement into a movement that results in an adjustment of the aforementioned maximum distance. For this purpose, the manual control element is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable, particularly preferably about an axis directed towards the valve. To actuate the aforementioned closure element, the manual control element can additionally be designed to be displaceable, in particular towards the valve. This facilitates operability, as a user can easily distinguish between manual actuation by pressing and setting intermediate positions by turning.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment device can be provided with a support spring that can assist an extension movement. This allows for smooth operation.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the valve has a pressure chamber which is connected to an inlet of the valve via a filling opening and to an outlet of the valve via an outlet opening, wherein a valve element of the valve which separates the outlet from the inlet can be acted upon by the pressure chamber and wherein the outlet opening can be opened and closed with a closure element. Thus, a servo actuator is formed which amplifies an actuating force introduced via the manual control element by a water pressure applied to the inlet. The described compensating device enables the closure element to be adjusted or to be adjusted with the valve element when the pressure builds up in the pressure chamber and the valve element is pressed into the closed position. The outlet opening can thus be kept closed by the closure element being movable with the valve element.This allows for actuation with comparatively little force. The amplification can be achieved by the pressure chamber, which can be switched via the actuating element between a filled, pressurized, and thus closing state and an empty, releasing state. The closure element is preferably arranged at the distal end of the control element. Thus, additional transmission elements between the control element and the closure element are dispensable. This simplifies the structural design.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a pressure chamber of the valve, for example the one already mentioned, is sealed off from the manual control element by a seal. This makes it easy to close off the pressure chamber from the outside. In particular, it can be provided that the seal rests against the control element. This allows the control element to enter the pressure chamber. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the seal rests against the compensating device. This makes it possible to introduce an actuating movement into the pressure chamber, in particular for adjusting a closure element, for example the one already mentioned. The seal is preferably moved along with the control element or fixed to a housing part, for example the one already mentioned. This enables a structurally simple design of the seal.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the valve element is suspended from an elastic membrane, preferably supporting a filling opening, for example, the aforementioned pressure chamber. Thus, the filling opening can be easily moved along with the membrane and / or a valve element attached to it, which enables self-cleaning during operation, for example, with a cleaning pin.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a pressure chamber, for example the one already mentioned, is delimited by a housing part, for example the one already mentioned, and a membrane, for example the one already mentioned, attached to the housing part. This makes it possible to form an essentially two-shell pressure chamber that is easy to manufacture. A combination with the aforementioned seal against the manual control element is particularly advantageous in this case. In particular, it can be provided that the membrane is clamped between the housing part and a further housing part. This allows the membrane to be held easily and tightly to the housing part. Preferably, the further housing part forms at least the outlet. The further housing part can thus be provided with a further function, in particular with the provision of the aforementioned valve seat.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a drain opening, for example the one already mentioned, of a pressure chamber of the valve, for example the one already mentioned, is arranged in an extension of the control element. Thus, a closure element, for example the one already mentioned, for opening and closing the drain opening can be easily and directly controlled by the control element, especially if it is rod-shaped.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an inlet, for example the one already mentioned, is separated from an outlet, for example the one already mentioned, by an annular valve seat, for example the one already mentioned. Thus, the valve function of the valve is easily controllable. The valve seat can serve as a support for the aforementioned valve element.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an outlet, for example the one already mentioned, is arranged in an extension of the outlet opening. This allows for a space-saving design in which, for example, the control element, the closure element, and the valve element are arranged one behind the other on an imaginary line.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the return element can be provided to act on the control element. This allows for the return force to be applied directly to the control element. A space-saving design is also possible. The return element can, for example, act on the control element in a tensile or compressive manner. Preferably, the control element is pressurized by the return element. This allows for a compact design along the control element, making it easy to support the return force.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the return element can be supported on a housing part, for example, the one already mentioned. This provides a solid abutment.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the return element can be a helical spring. Thus, a return force can be developed with a structurally simple component. A return force along the control element can be easily developed. Preferably, the helical spring accommodates the control element. This saves space.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the hand-held control element is acted upon by a hand-held control element return spring. This is advantageous in that a return of the hand-held control element can be achieved independently of the compensating device. In particular, it can be provided that the hand-held control element return spring develops a greater force than the return element. This makes it easy to ensure that the hand-held control element return spring can overcome the return force of the return element. Preferably, the return forces of the return element on the one hand and the hand-held control element return spring on the other hand are aligned parallel and / or opposite to one another. It is preferably provided that the hand-held control element return spring is supported on a housing part, for example the one already mentioned. This forms a fixed abutment for the hand-held control element.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the hand control element return spring can be designed as a helical spring. Helical springs are structurally simple components for developing a return force that is, for example, linearly directed. Preferably, the hand control element return spring surrounds the control element and / or the compensating device. This allows for a space-saving arrangement.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the hand-held control element can be provided to at least partially accommodate or overlap the compensating device and / or the control element in a hood-like manner. This allows for a small longitudinal dimension of the device.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the manual control element is adjustable beyond a stop point of the control element. The compensating device preferably enables this adjustability. It is advantageous in this case that a bistable adjusting mechanism, for example a push-push locking mechanism such as a ballpoint pen mechanism or a heart-shaped cam mechanism, can be controlled, wherein a change from one stable position to a further stable position can be achieved by adjusting beyond the further stable position and then falling back into the further stable position. Here, the return element enables the necessary freedom of movement between the receptacle and the plunger, since the control element cannot be moved beyond the further stable position in which the valve closes, for example. The return element can thus simultaneously convey an actuating force for adjusting the valve.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the hand-operated control element can be adjusted parallel to the control element. Thus, an actuation direction and an adjustment direction coincide, and a small lateral dimension relative to an actuation direction can be achieved.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can be designed in a rod shape. Linear actuation is thus easily achieved. A small lateral dimension is also possible.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can be provided with a cross-sectional thickening at an end facing away from the valve. This allows the formation of a stop with which the control element can be held in a rest position in a receptacle of the compensation unit, for example, the one already mentioned.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can be arranged so that it can be displaced. This allows the control element to be easily guided linearly. According to the invention, the compensating device is arranged so that it can be displaced, thus enabling its linear guidance.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the control element can be slidably mounted on a housing part, for example, the one already mentioned. This allows for easy guidance of an adjustment movement of the control element. Alternatively or additionally, the compensating device can be slidably mounted on a housing part, for example, the one already mentioned. This allows the compensating device to be guided with minimal design effort.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle and / or the manual control element can be connected to a bistable adjustment mechanism. Thus, the valve can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, which each represent stable positions.

[0036] For example, the adjustment mechanism can be designed as a push-push locking mechanism, particularly a ballpoint pen mechanism and / or a heart-shaped cam mechanism. This allows for easy operation and switching between positions, as the user only needs to press to achieve the change.

[0037] In a valve actuating device according to the invention, in particular as described above and / or according to one of the claims, it can also be provided, as described in claim 19, that the valve has a pressure chamber which is connected to an inlet of the valve via a filling opening and to an outlet of the valve via an outlet opening, wherein a valve element of the valve separating the outlet from the inlet can be acted upon by the pressure chamber and wherein the outlet opening can be opened and closed with a closure element. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is provided that a cross-sectional area at the outlet opening that can be covered by the closure element is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the control element at its outlet from the pressure chamber. This prevents the closure element from automatically moving away from the outlet opening and releasing it in an uncontrolled manner - for example in the event of a pressure shock transmitted into the pressure chamber.Another advantage is that a return element, for example the one described above, with which the locking element is moved into its closed position, can be equipped with a low spring force. This has the further advantage that a manual control element return spring, for example the one described above, which forces a return movement of the manual control element, also does not need to be dimensioned with a high spring force. This allows for smooth switching behavior.

[0038] Preferably, the closure element is arranged at the distal end of the control element. This makes it easy to control the closure element—for example, via the previously described manual control element. The coverable cross-sectional area can, for example, be at least twice as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the control element. For example, the coverable cross-sectional area can be defined by a pilot valve seat that interacts with the closure element.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a pilot valve seat, which can be closed and opened with the closure element, is formed on the valve element, and that the outlet opening forms a preferably funnel-shaped constriction behind the pilot valve seat in the flow direction. It is advantageous that the outlet opening can be designed to be as small as possible, for example, with a diameter of at most half or even at most a quarter of the size of the pilot valve seat. To achieve the stated object, the invention provides, alternatively or in addition to the previously described, for a valve actuating device, in particular as described above and / or according to one of the claims, that the valve actuating device is provided with a manual control element and a valve actuable via the manual control element, wherein a control element is operatively connected to the manual control element.wherein the valve is operable with a distal end of the control element, wherein the valve has a pressure chamber which is connected via a filling opening to an inlet of the valve and via a drain opening to an outlet of the valve, wherein a valve element of the valve separating the outlet from the inlet can be acted upon by the pressure chamber, and wherein the drain opening can be opened and closed with a closure element, which is preferably arranged at the distal end of the control element, characterized in that a pipe socket is attached to the drain opening, which projects into the drain even when the valve is open and prevents backflow from a main flow path of the open valve to the drain opening. Thus, a rectifying pipe socket is provided which keeps the main flow away from the mentioned pilot valve. Thus, a resistance to closing the pilot valve, which is developed by the main flow,This allows the pilot valve to be closed even at high pressures in the main flow path.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a length with which the valve element with the pipe socket projects into the drain in the closed position of the valve is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, a lifting height of the valve element.

[0041] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments can be obtained by combining the features of individual or multiple claims with each other and / or with individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments, the invention being defined in claim 1.

[0042] It shows: Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a valve actuating device not according to the invention, wherein a manual control element is arranged in a lower rest position in which a drain opening of a valve is closed, Fig. 2 shows a further longitudinal section through the valve actuating device not according to the invention according to Figure 1 in a sectional plane rotated by 90° around the longitudinal axis, Fig. 3 a three-dimensional external view of the non-inventive valve actuating device according to Figure 1 , Fig. 4a Figure 1 corresponding longitudinal section view, in which the manual control element is arranged in an upper rest position in which the drain opening of the valve is released, Fig. 5 a further longitudinal section view to Figure 4 in a sectional view rotated by 90° around the longitudinal axis, Fig. 6 an exploded view of the non-inventive valve actuating device according to Figure 1 ,Fig. 7 a longitudinal sectional view of a first valve actuating device according to the invention, Fig. 8 a further longitudinal sectional view of the valve actuating device according to Figure 7 , Fig. 9 a three-dimensional external view of the valve actuating device according to the invention according to Figure 7 , Fig. 10 a longitudinal sectional view of the valve actuating device according to the invention according to Figure 7 , Fig. 11 a longitudinal sectional view of the valve actuating device according to the invention according to Figure 7 with opposite Figure 10 sectional plane rotated by 90°, Fig. 12 an exploded view of the valve actuating device according to the invention according to Figure 7 , Fig. 13 a longitudinal sectional view of another valve actuating device according to the invention in the closed position of the valve, Fig. 14 a Figure 13 corresponding longitudinal sectional view of the valve actuating device according to the invention Figure 13in a position shortly before opening the valve, Fig. 15a to Figure 13 and Figure 14 corresponding longitudinal sectional view of the valve actuating device according to the invention Figure 13 in open position, Fig. 16 one to Figure 13 to Figure 15 corresponding longitudinal sectional view of the valve actuating device according to the invention Figure 13 in a partially open intermediate position Fig. 17 a further valve actuating device according to the invention in an axial or longitudinal section in the closed switching position of the valve, Fig. 18 a detail from Fig. 17 and Fig. 19 the valve actuating device according to the invention from Fig. 17 in an open switching position of the valve.

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a first valve actuating device 1 not according to the invention in longitudinal sectional views rotated by 90° to each other. Figure 3shows this non-inventive valve actuating device 1 in a three-dimensional oblique view.

[0044] The valve actuating device 1 has a manual control element 2 with which a valve 3 arranged inside the valve actuating device 1 can be switched between a closed position and an open position.

[0045] A control element 4 is arranged between the hand control element 2 and the valve 3, which transmits an operating movement on the hand control element 2 to the valve 3.

[0046] At a distal end 5, the control element 4 is connected to the valve 3 in such a way that the valve 3 can be switched between the open position and the closed position with the control element 4.

[0047] A compensating device 6 is formed between the hand control element 2 and the control element 4, which transmits an actuation of the hand control element 2 to the control element 4.

[0048] For this purpose, the compensation device 6 has a receptacle 7 in which a plunger 8 is guided in a sliding, linear manner.

[0049] This freedom of movement means that the control element 4 is movable relative to the hand control element 2.

[0050] In order to hold the control element 4 in a preferred rest position relative to the hand control element 2, a return element 9 is formed. This return element 9 develops a return force to hold the control element 4, if the position of this control element 4 allows it, in the Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown resting position in shot 7.

[0051] It can be seen from the illustrations that the return element 9 is arranged outside the compensating device 6 and, in particular, outside the receptacle 7. This prevents any obstruction to the sliding movement of the plunger 8 in the receptacle 7. The plunger 8, which is guided in the receptacle 7, is formed directly at the proximal end 10 of the control element 4.

[0052] The receptacle 7 of the compensation device 6, however, is firmly connected to the hand control element 2 via a locking connection 11.

[0053] The longitudinal axis 12 of the valve actuating device 1 defines a tappet guide direction along which the tappet 8 is displaceably guided in the receptacle 7.

[0054] Transversely to this tappet guide direction, the receptacle 7 is provided with a tappet removal opening 13 through which the tappet 8 can be inserted laterally on the control element 4.

[0055] This enables a one-piece design of the plunger 8 on the control element 4.

[0056] The valve 3 has a pressure chamber 14 which is connected to an inlet 16 of the valve 3 via a filling opening 15.

[0057] A cleaning pin 17 prevents the filling opening 15 from becoming clogged.

[0058] As soon as water pressure is present in the inlet 16, the pressure chamber 14 is filled via the filling opening 15.

[0059] The pressure chamber 14 is connected to an outlet 19 of the valve 3 via an outlet opening 18.

[0060] The valve element 20 can be used to separate the outlet 19 from the inlet 16.

[0061] At the distal end 5, the control element 4 is connected to a closure element 21.

[0062] In the valve element 20, the drain opening 18 is formed corresponding to the closure element 21, which - depending on the position of the hand control element 2 - can be closed or opened, i.e. released, with the closure element 21.

[0063] The closure element 21 thus controls whether pressure builds up in the pressure chamber 14 via the filling opening 15, which is the case when the drain opening 18 is closed, or whether this built-up pressure dissipates again when the drain opening 18 is opened by the closure element 21. For this purpose, the opening diameter of the drain opening 18 is selected to be larger than the opening diameter of the filling opening 15.

[0064] When pressure builds up, the valve element 20 is pressed against the outlet 19 to separate the inlet 16 from the outlet 19. When the pressure chamber 14 is relieved (with the outlet opening 18 open), the pressure in the inlet 16 causes the valve element 20 to be pushed away from the inlet 16, releasing this inlet 16. The valve 3 is then moved to its open position.

[0065] The Figures 4 and 5 show an intermediate position in which the closure element 21 is already released from the outlet opening 18 to release it. However, the pressure in the pressure chamber 14 has not yet been reduced, so the valve element 20 continues to close the outlet 19.

[0066] The control element 4 is arranged in the pressure chamber 14. The pressure chamber 14 is sealed from the hand control element 2 by a seal 22. The seal 22 rests against a housing part 23 and is moved along with the compensating device 6.

[0067] The pressure chamber 14 is sealed by an elastic membrane 24. The membrane 24 supports the valve element 20 and the filling opening 15 formed on the valve element 20.

[0068] The already mentioned housing part 23 and the membrane 24 thus limit the pressure chamber 14.

[0069] The membrane 24 is clamped between the housing part 23 and another housing part 25, which forms the inlet 16 and the outlet 19.

[0070] It can be seen from the drawings that the drain opening 18 and the drain 19 are arranged one behind the other in an extension of the control element 4 along the longitudinal axis 12, i.e. along the adjustment direction of the control element 4.

[0071] The sealing of the outlet 19 against the inlet 16 by the valve element 20 is achieved by the valve element 20 in the closed position according to Figure 1 and Figure 2is pressed by the pressure in the pressure chamber 14 against a valve seat 26 on the outlet 19.

[0072] The return element 9 is designed as a helical spring and applies pressure to the control element 4. The return element 9 is supported on the hand control element 2 via the holder 7.

[0073] The hand control element 2 is acted upon by a hand control element return spring 27, which is supported on the housing part 23. The hand control element return spring 27 develops a greater force than the return element 4.

[0074] Both the return element 4 and the hand control element return spring 27 are designed as helical springs that surround and accommodate the control element 4.

[0075] The compensating device 6 is also arranged at least partially in the hand control element return spring 27.

[0076] The hand control element 2 is hood-shaped and accommodates the compensation device 6 in its interior 28.

[0077] The hand control element 2 is held in a sleeve 29, which forms a stop on the hand control element 2.

[0078] The Figures 1 and 2 show the valve 3 in the closed position, in which the closure element 21 closes the drain opening 18. This closure is already necessary to build up pressure in the pressure chamber 14 when the valve element 20 has not yet reached the valve seat 26. At this moment, the manual control element 2 must therefore already be in the lower position. In order to allow the valve element 20 to continue to run, pressing the manual control element 2 initially causes the plunger 8 to move in the receptacle 7. As the valve element 20 lowers, the tension of the return element 9 causes the plunger 8 to move back to its stop in the receptacle 7.

[0079] Furthermore, the mobility of the plunger 8 in the receptacle 7 allows the hand control element 2 to be moved beyond the end of the adjustment travel for the actuating element 4, as determined by the locking element 21. This is advantageous in a push-push locking mechanism, since it allows the movement beyond the bottom dead center (with respect to the push movement) or stable point to retract the hand control element.

[0080] From the Figure 1 is compared to the Figure 4 It is also evident that the hand control element 2 is adjustable parallel to the control element 4 along the longitudinal axis 12.

[0081] To allow contact with a boundary of the receptacle 7, the plunger 8 is formed as a cross-sectional thickening 30 at the proximal end 10 of the control element 4. In the exemplary embodiment, this cross-sectional thickening 30 is integrally connected to the control element 4 and molded onto it.

[0082] A bistable adjusting mechanism 31 with a bracket 32 ​​and a control groove 33 forms a push-push locking mechanism, for example a ballpoint pen mechanism or a heart-shaped cam mechanism, with which the hand control element 2 on the housing part 23 can be moved between an upper position ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and a lower position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) can be adjusted by pressing along the longitudinal direction.

[0083] These two setting positions cause the closed position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and the disclosure ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) of valve 3.

[0084] The Figures 7 to 12 show a valve actuating device designed according to the invention. Components or functional units that are functionally and / or structurally related to components or functional units of the preceding non-inventive example of the Figure 1are identical or similar, are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. The explanations regarding the Figures 1 to 6 are therefore considered to be Figures 7 to 12 , all of which show embodiments according to the invention, accordingly.

[0085] The embodiment of the invention according to the Figures 7 to 12 differs from the previous embodiment in that the seal 22 is fixed in the housing part 23, so that the control element 4 is guided outward through the housing part 23. The compensating device 6 is thus located behind the seal 22 and therefore outside the pressure chamber 14. The seal 22 rests against the control element 4.

[0086] The embodiment according to Figures 7 to 12differs from the previous embodiment further in that the return element 9 is supported on the housing part 23, as proposed in claim 1. So that the manual control element 2 can transfer the control element 4 into the upper position opening the drain opening 18, the manual control element return spring 27 is designed to be stronger than the return element 9.

[0087] The control element 4 is slidably arranged on the housing part 23. In the Figures 7 and 8 The closing position of valve 3 is again shown, while the Figures 10 and 11 show the open positions of valve 3.

[0088] It is evident that in the Figures 7 and 8 the closure element 21 closes the drain opening 18, while the closure element 21 in the Figures 10 and 11 the drain opening 18 is released so that the pressure chamber 14 is relieved.

[0089] The Figures 13 to 16show a further exemplary embodiment of a valve actuating device according to the invention. Components and functional units that are structurally and / or functionally similar or identical to components or functional units of the preceding exemplary embodiments are again designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately. Figures 1 to 12 are therefore considered to be Figures 13 to 16 accordingly.

[0090] The embodiment according to Figures 13 to 16 shows first in Figure 13 the closed position of the valve 3, in which the closure element 21 closes the outlet opening 18. Thus, a pressure is built up in the pressure chamber 14 via the filling opening 15 from the inlet 16, which presses the valve element 20 into the valve seat 26.

[0091] Figure 14shows an intermediate position in which the hand control element 2 has already moved to the upper position. This is achieved by pressing the hand control element 2, which moves the bistable adjustment mechanism 31 to the upper position.

[0092] In this situation, the closure element 21 releases the drain opening 18. However, since pressure is still built up in the pressure chamber 14, the valve initially remains in its closed position.

[0093] However, as already mentioned, the drain opening 18 is larger than the filling opening 15, so that the pressure in the pressure chamber 14 is reduced via the drain opening 18 and the drain 19.

[0094] This causes the pressure in the inlet 16 to lift the membrane 24 with the valve element 20, so that the valve 3 is opened.

[0095] This condition is in Figure 15 shown.

[0096] The embodiment according to Figures 13 to 16differs from the previous exemplary embodiments in that an adjusting device 34 is additionally formed between the compensating device 6 and the manual control element 2, with which adjusting device 34 a maximum distance, i.e. a distance when the control element 4 is maximally extended from the receptacle 7, between the closure element 21 and the manual control element 2 can be adjusted. In this way, the maximum distance between the valve seat 26 and the distal end 9 of the control element 4, i.e. a distance between the valve seat 26 on the one hand and the distal end 9 or the closure element 21 fastened thereto on the other hand, can be adjusted in the open position of the valve 3. An opening cross-section at the valve seat 26 in the open position is thus variable.

[0097] This is made possible by the fact that a movement thread 35 is formed on the hand control element 2, with which a rotational movement of the hand control element 2 can be converted into a displacement movement along the longitudinal axis 12 of a sleeve-shaped intermediate part. Thus, in the described embodiment, the hand control element 2 is not only displaceable along the longitudinal axis 12, but is also designed to be rotatable or pivotable about the longitudinal axis 12.

[0098] Figure 16 shows a opposite Figure 15 shifted position of the intermediate part 36.

[0099] This displacement changes the distance between the holder 7 of the compensation device 6 and the hand control element 2.

[0100] This leads to a situation in which, compared to the situation in Figure 15the closure element 21 is moved closer to the drain opening 18. This leads to a brief closure of the drain opening 18 and thus a renewed pressure buildup in the pressure chamber 14. Since the manual control element 2 remains in its upper position, the valve element 20 is not pushed all the way to the valve seat 26 by the pressure buildup, but is only pushed downwards until the drain opening 18 is opened again. This is because the closure element 21 cannot continue to follow the valve element 20 until it reaches the valve seat 26 due to the position of the control element 2.

[0101] In this open state, the pressure chamber 14 is relieved again, so that the valve element 20 again strives to move upwards. This creates a floating equilibrium state in which the inlet 16 is partially opened, so that a Figure 15reduced current is set between inlet 16 and outlet 19. This ensures that in the open position a Figure 15 reduced maximum distance between the valve seat 26 and the distal end 9 of the control element 4.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the manual control element 2 is arranged together with the control element 4 by an adjusting device 34, for example a movement thread 35, so as to be adjustable along the longitudinal axis 12 in order to bring the distal end 9 in the open position of the valve 3 closer to the valve seat 26 or to move it further away from it.

[0103] A support spring 37 supports in the Figures 13 to 16 the extension of the operating element 2 from the intermediate part 36, which is controlled by the movement thread 35.

[0104] The Figures 17 to 19 show a further embodiment of a valve actuating device according to the invention 1.Again, components and functional units that are structurally and / or functionally similar or identical to components or functional units of the preceding embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described separately again. Figures 1 to 16 are therefore considered to be Figures 17 to 19 accordingly.

[0105] The valve actuating device 1 differs from the preceding embodiments in that a cross-sectional area at the drain opening 18, which can be covered by the closure element 21, is enlarged.

[0106] The cross-sectional area is so large that the closure element 21 with the control element 4 is moved into the closed position by an internal pressure in the pressure chamber 14.

[0107] This is achieved in that the cross-sectional area that can be covered by the closure element 21 at the outlet opening 18 is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the control element 4 at its outlet from the pressure chamber 14, i.e. in the region of a passage opening 40.

[0108] The coverable cross-sectional area at the drain opening 18 is defined by a pilot valve seat 44, which can be closed and released with the closure element 21 and forms a pilot valve 46 with it.

[0109] This allows the return element 9 to be dimensioned with a low spring force. This means that the manual control element return spring 27 also does not need to be dimensioned with a high spring force. This allows for smooth switching behavior.

[0110] The drain opening 18 describes a constriction 45 behind the pilot valve seat 44 in the flow direction, which can be funnel-shaped, for example, and which leads to a very small inner diameter and / or inner cross section of the drain opening 18 at its narrowest point.

[0111] The valve actuating device 1 according to Fig. 17 to 19 differs further from the preceding embodiments in that a pipe socket 38 is attached to the drain opening 18. This socket protrudes into the drain 19 in all switching positions, i.e., even when the valve 3 is open, and prevents backflow from a main flow path 39 of the open valve 3 to or into the drain opening 18.

[0112] The pipe socket 38 generally has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the valve seat 26 or the outlet 19, for example at most half as large.

[0113] This is achieved in the exemplary embodiment in that a length 42 by which the valve element 20 with the pipe socket 38 projects into the outlet 19 in the closed position of the valve 3, i.e. a length 42 between the valve seat 26 and a free end of the pipe socket 38, is at least 1.5 times, preferably even at least twice, a lifting height 43 of the valve element 20. The lifting height 43 can be determined by a dimension of the pressure chamber 14 or in another way, for example by stops for the valve element 20.

[0114] In the valve actuating device 1, it is proposed to form a compensating device 6 between a manual control element 2 and a control element 4, with which a valve 3 can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, with which the control element 4 can be moved against a restoring force of a restoring element 9 relative to the manual control element 2 and towards or away from it, wherein the restoring element 9 is arranged outside the compensating device 6 and / or a plunger 8 is arranged on the control element 4 and guided in a receptacle 7 of the compensating device 6, wherein additionally or alternatively an adjusting device 34 is formed, with which the control element 4 can be removed from the manual control element 2 or moved towards it. List of reference symbols

[0115] 1Valve actuation device 2Hand control element 3Valve 4Control element 5Distal end 6Compensation device 7Receptacle 8Plunger 9Reset element 10Proximal end 11Locking connection 12Longitudinal axis 13Plunger removal opening 14Pressure chamber 15Filling opening 16Inlet 17Cleaning pin 18Discharge opening 19Discharge 20Valve element 21Closing element 22Seal 23Housing part 24Diaphragm 25Further housing part 26Valve seat 27Hand control element return spring 28Inner of 2 29Sleeve 30Cross-sectional thickening 31Bistable actuating mechanism 32Brace 33Control groove 34Adjustment device 35Movement thread 36Intermediate part 37Support spring 38Pipe socket 39Main flow path 40Passage opening 41Valve socket 42Length 43Stroke height 44Pilot valve seat 45Restriction 46Pilot valve

Claims

1. Valve-actuating device (1), comprising - a manual operating element (2) and - a valve (3) which can be actuated by means of the manual operating element (2), wherein - a control element (4) is operatively connected to the manual operating element (2), - wherein the valve (3) can be actuated by a distal end (5) of the control element (4), and - a displaceable compensating device (6) is arranged in operative connection between the control element (4) and the manual operating element (2), which compensating device has a plunger (8), which is movably guided in a receptacle (7), and allows a relative movement of the manual operating element (2) with respect to the control element (4), - wherein a restoring element (9) is present which counters the relative movement with a restoring force, - wherein the restoring element (9) is arranged outside the compensating device (6), and - wherein the plunger (8) is formed on a proximal end (10) of the control element (4), characterized in - that the restoring element (9) is supported on a fixed housing part (23).

2. Valve-actuating device (1) according to claim 1, - wherein the receptacle (7) of the compensating device (6) is fixedly arranged on the manual operating element (2).

3. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the receptacle (7) has a plunger extraction opening (13) open transversely to a plunger guide direction and / or laterally, and / or - wherein the receptacle (7) forms a stop against which the restoring element (9) presses the plunger (8) into an inoperative position.

4. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein an adjusting device (34) is formed by means of which a maximum distance between a valve seat (26) of the valve (3) and the distal end (5) of the control element (4) can be adjusted, - preferably wherein adjusting device (34) is arranged between the compensating device (6) and the manual operating element (2) and / or is designed to adjust a distance between the compensating device (6) and the manual operating element (2), and / or - wherein the adjusting device (34) has a movement thread (35) and a supporting spring (37) by means of which a deployment movement can be supported.

5. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the manual operating element (2) is arranged displaceably, in particular in the direction of the valve (3), and / or rotatable, in particular about an axis facing the valve (3).

6. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the valve (3) has a pressure chamber (14) which is connected via a filling opening (15) to an inlet (16) of the valve (3) and via an outlet opening (18) to an outlet (19) of the valve (3), wherein a valve element (20) of the valve (3) that separates the outlet (19) from the inlet (16) can be subjected to load by the pressure chamber (14) and wherein the outlet opening (18) can be opened and closed by a closure element (21), which is preferably arranged at the distal end (5) of the control element (4).

7. Valve-actuating device (1) according to claim 6, - wherein the pressure chamber (14) of the valve (3) is sealed with respect to the manual operating element (2) by means of a seal (22), - in particular wherein the seal (2) - rests on the control element (4), - can preferably be moved together with the control element (4) or is secured to a or the housing part (23), or - rests on the compensating device (6), can preferably be moved with the control element (4) or is secured to a or the housing part (23).

8. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the valve element (20) is suspended on an elastic membrane (24), - preferably wherein the membrane (24) carries the or a filling opening (15) of the pressure chamber (14).

9. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the or a pressure chamber (14) of the valve (3) is delimited by the or a housing part (23) and the or a membrane (24) secured on the housing part (23), - in particular wherein this membrane (24) is clamped between the housing part (23) and the further housing part (25).

10. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the or an outlet opening (18) of the or a pressure chamber (14) of the valve (3) is arranged in an extension of the control element (4), and / or - wherein the or an outlet (19) is arranged in an extension of the outlet opening (18).

11. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the or an inlet (16) is separated from the or an outlet (19) by the or an annular valve seat (26).

12. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the restoring element (9) exerts a load on the control element (4), in particular a pressure load.

13. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the restoring element (9) is a spring, in particular a coil spring, preferably the one accommodating the control element (4).

14. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the manual operating element (2) is subjected to load by a manual operating element restoring spring (27), preferably supported on the or a housing part (23), - in particular wherein the manual operating element restoring spring (27) develops a greater force than the restoring element (9) and / or - wherein the manual operating element restoring spring (27) is formed as a coil spring preferably engaging around the control element (4) and / or the compensating device (6).

15. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manual operating element (2) at least partially receives or engages over the compensating device (6) and the control element (4) in a hood-like manner.

16. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the manual operating element (2) is adjustable beyond a stop point of the control element (4), - wherein the manual operating element (2) is adjustable parallel to the control element (4).

17. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the control element (4) is bar-shaped and has a cross-sectional thickening (30) at an end remote from the valve (3), and / or - wherein the control element (4) is arranged displaceably and is mounted on the or a housing part (23).

18. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (7) and / or the manual operating element (2) are / is connected to a bistable adjusting mechanism (31).

19. Valve-actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the valve (3) has a pressure chamber (14) which is connected via a filling opening (15) to an inlet (16) of the valve (3) and via an outlet opening (18) to an outlet (19) of the valve (3), wherein a valve element (20) of the valve (3) that separates the outlet (19) from the inlet (16) can be subjected to load by the pressure chamber (14) and wherein the outlet opening (18) can be opened and closed by a closure element (21), which is preferably arranged at the distal end (5) of the control element (4), and - wherein a cross-sectional area which can be covered by means of the closure element (21) at the outlet opening (18) is larger than a cross-sectional area of the control element (4) at its outlet from the pressure chamber (14),20. Valve-actuating device (1) according to claim 19, - wherein, on the valve element (20), there is formed a pilot valve seat (44) which can be closed and opened by means of the closure element (21), and - wherein the outlet opening (18) forms, downstream of the pilot valve seat (44) in a flow direction, a preferably funnel-shaped constriction (45).

21. Valve-actuating device (1) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, at the outlet opening (18), there is attached a pipe stub (38) which, even when the valve (3) is open, projects into the outlet (19) and prevents a backflow from a main flow path (39) of the open valve (3) to the outlet opening (18), - in particular wherein a length (42) with which the valve element (20) projects with the pipe stub (38) into the outlet (19) in the closed position of the valve (3) amounts to at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, a stroke height (43) of the valve element (20).