Valve opener for opening a valve of a filter device, filter cartridge for preparing liquids with a valve opener, and filter device

The valve opener with a retaining and pulling element design addresses the reliability issues of existing filter devices by providing a secure and efficient mechanism to open the valve, enhancing the operational consistency of filter devices.

WO2026082582A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-23SODAPOP GMBH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SODAPOP GMBH
Filing Date
2025-10-10
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing filter devices with axially movable valve bodies suffer from complex mechanisms that are prone to wear and reduced reliability due to manufacturing tolerances, making it difficult to reliably open the valve.

Method used

A valve opener comprising a retaining element and a valve pulling element, where the retaining element is attached to a filter cartridge and the valve pulling element is movable relative to the retaining element, allowing for a gripping section to engage the valve body with an interference fit or frictional engagement, and a support section to pull the valve body away from the container bottom.

Benefits of technology

Enables reliable and efficient opening of the valve with an axially movable valve body, ensuring consistent operation and reducing the risk of mechanical failure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

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    Figure EP2025079262_23042026_PF_FP_ABST
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve opener (4) for opening a valve (3.4) of a filter device (1) for preparing liquids, which filter device has a valve body (3.5) which is movable in an axial direction (A) and is provided in a valve holder (3.6) which is arranged on the base (3.3) of a container (3) of the filter device (1), comprising a holding element (4.1) which is designed to be fastened to a filter cartridge (2) which can be inserted into the container (3) of the filter device (1), and a valve pulling element (4.5) which is moveably held on the holding element (4.1), wherein the valve pulling element (4.5) has a contact portion (4.7) for placing on the valve holder (3.6) and a gripping portion (4.7), protruding from the contact portion (4.7) in the axial direction (A), for gripping the valve body (3.5), which gripping portion is designed such that it can be at least partially introduced into the valve holder (3.6) in order to grip the valve body (3.5) with a press fit or frictional connection, wherein the holding element (4.1) has an upper stop (4.2) for the valve pulling element (4.5) on which the valve pulling element (4.5) can rest when the holding element (4.1) is moved in the direction of the valve holder (3.6) so that the gripping portion (4.7) of the valve pulling element (4.5) can be introduced into the valve holder (3.6) as a result of a movement of the holding element (4.1) in order to grip the valve body (3.5) with a press fit or frictional connection, wherein the valve pulling element (4.5) can be moved with respect to the holding element (4.1) in order to pull a gripped valve body (3.5), which has a press fit or is in frictional connection with the gripping portion (4.7), away from the base (3.3) of the container (3).
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Description

[0001] 1 Our reference: SODOQ22-WO

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] title

[0004] Valve opener for opening a valve of a filter device, filter cartridge for treating liquids with a valve opener and filter device

[0005] State of the art

[0006] The present invention relates to a valve opener for opening a valve of a filter device for processing liquids, which has an axially movable valve body provided in a valve holder arranged at the bottom of a container of the filter device. The invention further relates to a filter cartridge for processing liquids with a valve opener. A further aspect of the invention is a filter device for processing liquids.

[0007] Such filter devices are known from the prior art and are typically used to filter water. The filter devices generally comprise a container with a filter cartridge through which the medium, for example, water, flows. The filter cartridges typically contain a filter medium, in the form of granules, for the chemical and / or mechanical removal or reduction of organic and / or inorganic contaminants.

[0008] German patent application DE 20 2016 008 866 U1 discloses a filter device in which a movable valve body is arranged in a hollow body designed as a valve holder at the bottom of the inlet funnel. This valve body is moved from a closed position to an open position by means of a mandrel located in the indentation at the bottom of the filter cartridge, allowing the filtered water to flow from the inlet funnel into the reservoir of the filter jug. The mandrel is designed as a valve opener that engages in a spiral contour of the valve body to convert its linear motion into a rotary motion that opens the valve. This mechanism has complex components and may exhibit reduced reliability due to wear or manufacturing tolerances. 2 Our reference: SODOQ22-WO

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve opener for use in a filter device for processing liquids, which can be arranged on a filter cartridge of the filter device and enables the reliable opening of a valve with an axially movable valve body.

[0011] The problem is solved by a valve opener for opening a valve of a filter device for processing liquids, which has an axially movable valve body provided in a valve holder arranged at the bottom of a container of the filter device, comprising a retaining element designed to be attached to a filter cartridge that can be inserted into the container of the filter device, and a valve pulling element which is movably held on the retaining element, in particular axially, wherein the valve pulling element has a support section for resting on the valve holder and a gripping section projecting axially from the support section for gripping the valve body, which is designed such that it can be at least partially inserted into the valve holder in order to grip the valve body with an interference fit or frictional engagement.wherein the retaining element has an upper stop for the valve pulling element against which the valve pulling element can rest when the retaining element is moved towards the valve holder, so that the gripping section of the valve pulling element can be inserted into the valve holder by a movement of the retaining element in order to grip the valve body with an interference fit or frictional engagement, wherein the valve pulling element is movable relative to the retaining element in order to pull a gripped valve body, which is in an interference fit or frictional engagement with the gripping section, away from the bottom of the container.

[0012] The valve opener according to the invention comprises at least two separate elements, the retaining element and the valve pulling element, which are movable relative to each other. The retaining element enables the valve opener to be attached to a filter cartridge and keeps the valve pulling element movable, particularly in the axial direction. The retaining element also has an upper stop for the valve pulling element. The valve pulling element can rest against this upper stop when the retaining element is moved towards the valve holder, for example, when a filter cartridge containing the valve opener is inserted into the container of the filter device. The valve pulling element includes a support section that can rest on the valve holder when the gripping section of the valve pulling element is at least partially inserted into the valve holder.The gripping section can grasp the valve body with an interference fit or frictional engagement. The valve body, gripped by the gripping section, can be pulled away from the bottom of the container by moving the valve pulling element relative to the holding element. In this respect, the valve opener according to the invention enables the reliable opening of a valve with an axially movable valve body.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element has a lower stop for the valve puller, against which the valve puller can rest when the retaining element is moved away from the bottom of the container. The lower stop prevents the valve puller from detaching from the retaining element. Specifically, the lower stop prevents the valve puller from detaching from the retaining element when a filter cartridge, on which the valve opener is arranged, is removed from the container.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining element has several first clamping struts by which the retaining element can be secured in a recess of a filter cartridge by means of a press fit or frictional engagement. The first clamping struts can be separated from one another by grooves that run substantially parallel to the axial direction. Alternatively, the retaining element can be bonded in the recess of the filter cartridge. A further alternative is that the retaining element can be integrally formed with a housing of the filter cartridge, i.e., formed as a single piece with the housing.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping section of the valve pulling element has several second clamping struts by which the valve body can be gripped by an interference fit or frictional engagement. The second clamping struts can be separated from one another by grooves that run essentially parallel to the axial direction.

[0016] Preferably, the valve pulling element and the retaining element are designed such that movement of the valve pulling element relative to the retaining element, in order to pull the gripped valve body, which is in a press fit or frictional engagement with the gripping section of the valve pulling element, away from the bottom of the container, is triggered by the upper stop pressing the support section of the valve pulling element against an upper edge of the valve holder. It has been found that this pressing state is assumed when the gripping section has gripped the valve body. Thus, a movement of the retaining element, for example by a movement of a filter cartridge encompassing the valve opener, towards the bottom of the container can be converted into a movement sequence that includes the gripping of the valve body by the gripping element and the subsequent pulling of the gripped valve body away from the bottom of the container.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section is deformable by pressure exerted by the upper stop in the direction of the valve housing. The deformation of the support section can either directly cause the valve puller to move away from the bottom of the container or it can temporarily store energy as deformation energy in order to release it later as an elastic restoring force, thereby indirectly causing the valve puller to move away from the bottom of the container. Advantageous embodiments of direct and indirect actuation of the valve puller will be explained in detail below.

[0018] Direct actuation of the valve puller:

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section is connected to the gripping section in such a way that the gripping section is pulled away from the bottom of the container by deformation of the support section. For example, the pressure exerted by the upper stop towards the valve housing can bend the support section resting on the upper edge of the valve housing towards the bottom of the container. Such bending can exert a leverage effect on the gripping section connected to the support section, which pulls the gripping section away from the bottom of the container and thereby also lifts the gripped valve body from the bottom.

[0020] Preferably, the upper stop is designed as an annular end face of a hollow cylindrical element. Alternatively, the upper stop can be formed from the end faces of several axially arranged struts, preferably arranged circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the gripping section.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section comprises several support struts projecting radially in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. When the gripping section is inserted into the valve holder, the struts can form several support points on an upper edge of the valve holder. By providing several support points, undesirable tilting of the gripping element relative to the holding element can be prevented.

[0022] According to an alternative, advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section is designed as an annular disc. The annular disc can rest along an annular support area on the upper edge of the valve holder, thereby preventing undesired tilting of the gripping element relative to the holding element.

[0023] Actuation of the valve puller by elastic restoring force:

[0024] According to an alternative, advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section is elastically deformable and designed such that, upon returning to its elastic state, it pulls the gripping section away from the bottom of the container. In this respect, the support section can briefly store deformation energy through elastic deformation in order to release it in a return movement, thereby pulling the gripping section, together with the gripped valve body, away from the bottom of the container. For example, the support section can be made of an elastically deformable material. The elastically deformable material is preferably arranged on the side of the support section facing the bottom of the container, or the support section is formed entirely from the elastically deformable material.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section has at least two pre-stressed, elastically deformable ribs projecting towards the bottom of the container. The pre-stressed ribs preferably exert a force (opening force) directed away from the bottom of the liquid container onto the upper surface of the valve holder. The force exerted by the pre-stressed elastic ribs is preferably directed vertically towards the bottom of the liquid container and pulls the valve, which is gripped by the gripping section, away from the bottom of the container. The force exerted by the ribs on the valve holder can be transmitted to the valve body via the connection between the support section and the gripping section, and then via the connection between the gripping section and the valve body.The term "pre-stressed" means that the elastic ribs retain their shape and position even when not in contact with external components such as the valve holder. Upon contact with an external component, in this case the valve holder, the ribs are deformed and preferentially exert a restoring force to return to their original position. This restoring force can be used as the opening force to pull the valve body. Our reference: SODOQ22-WO.

[0026] Ribs can be arranged symmetrically around the gripping section. This symmetrical arrangement of the ribs allows for an evenly distributed force, thus preventing, in particular, tilting caused by one-sided force acting on the valve body.

[0027] According to an alternative, advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section has one or more elastic projections that can rest on the valve holder. These projections can, for example, be individual smaller rubber elements or one large rubber element that generates an opening force on the valve.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support section, in particular the ribs of the support section, and the upper stop are designed such that the support section can jump over the upper stop when restoring its elastic deformation. For this to occur, it may be necessary for the restoring or opening force of the elastic support section to be greater than the holding force of the upper stop. The upper stop can be arranged on an inner contour of the retaining element so that the valve puller can enter the inner contour of the retaining element when jumping over the stop.

[0029] Filter cartridge

[0030] To solve the aforementioned problem, a filter cartridge for treating liquids with a valve opener as described above is further proposed. The filter cartridge can be designed as a water filter cartridge.

[0031] Another object of the invention is a filter device for treating liquids with a container having a bottom on which a valve holder is provided in which an axially movable valve body is arranged, and with a valve opener as described above.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valve opener is designed as part of a filter cartridge that can be inserted into the container. 7 Our reference: SODOQ22-WO

[0033] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the inventive concept.

[0034] Brief description of the characters

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a filter device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve opener according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first position of the retaining element with respect to the valve pulling element.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the area of ​​the valve opener circled in Figure 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention in a second position of the retaining element with respect to the valve pulling element.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows the valve opener according to the first embodiment of the invention in a third position of the retaining element with respect to the valve pulling element.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve opener according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Embodiments of the invention

[0041] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a filter device 1 comprising a filter jug ​​5 for serving filtered water. The filter jug ​​5 is shown, by way of example, equipped with a spout 5.1, a handle 5.2, and a lid 5.3. A container designed as an inlet funnel 3 is inserted into the filter jug ​​5. The inlet funnel 3 has an access opening 3.1 through which unfiltered water can be poured into the inlet funnel 3. The inlet funnel 3 also has an outlet 3.8 in its base 3.3 at its lower end, through which the water flows from the inlet funnel 3 into a reservoir 5.4 of the filter jug ​​5. A receiving chamber 3.2 is provided between the outlet 3.8 and the access opening 3.1, into which a filter cartridge 2 can be inserted.

[0043] In the area of ​​the outlet 3.8, the inlet funnel 3 has a valve 3.4, which comprises a valve holder 3.6 and a movable valve body 3.5. The valve body 3.5 is movable within the valve holder 3.6 between a closed position and an open position in an axial direction A. In the closed position, no water can pass through the valve 3.4 from the inlet funnel 3 towards the reservoir 5.4, while in the open position, water can flow through the outlet 3.8 into the reservoir 5.4. The closed position is, in particular, a position in which the valve body 3.5 rests on the outlet 3.8 due to its own weight, thus closing it. In the open position, the valve body 3.5 is slightly raised relative to the outlet 3.8, thereby opening the outlet 3.8. Figure 1 shows the valve 3.4 schematically in the closed position. The valve holder 3.6 stands opposite to a mounting direction M of the filter cartridge 2 from the bottom 3.3 of the inlet funnel 3 in the direction of the filter cartridge 2 and houses the valve body 3.5.

[0044] In the illustration according to Fig. 1, the filter cartridge 2 is partially inserted into the receiving chamber 3. The filter cartridge 2 is inserted by a user through the access opening 3.1 along the mounting direction M into the receiving chamber 3 of the inlet funnel 3. The mounting direction M extends essentially parallel to the axial direction A in which the valve body 3.5 is movable.

[0045] The filter cartridge 2 has at least one inlet opening 2.3 on its upper side. On its lower side, the filter cartridge 2 has at least one outlet opening 2.4, which in this case is, purely by way of example, formed in the form of an opening in the base 2.5 of the filter cartridge 2. A filter chamber 2.1 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 between the inlet openings 2.3 and the outlet openings 2.4, and is at least partially filled with a filter medium. The filter medium comprises, in particular, granules for the chemical and / or mechanical removal or reduction of organic or inorganic contaminants in the water that flows through the filter cartridge 2 from the inlet openings 2.3 to the outlet openings 2.4. For specific applications, it is preferably provided that the granules are enhanced so that additives such as, for example,Minerals are added that contribute to the well-being of the user consuming the water. 9 Our reference: SOD0022-WO.

[0046] The filter cartridge 2 is a consumable part; that is, a filter cartridge 2 in use must be replaced by a user with a new filter cartridge 2 after a certain period of time or after a certain number of use cycles. The used filter cartridge 2 is removed from the receiving space 3.2 in the opposite direction to the mounting direction M, and a new filter cartridge 2 is inserted along the mounting direction M.

[0047] In order for the filter cartridge 2 to exert its filtering effect, the valve 3.4 must be moved from the closed position to the open position. For this purpose, the filter device has a valve opener 4, which is arranged in a recess 2.2 in the base of the filter cartridge 2, so that it can be inserted, together with the filter cartridge 2, into the receiving chamber 3.2 of the inlet funnel 3. The valve opener 4 can grip the valve body 3.5 by means of an interference fit or frictional engagement and pull it away from the base 3.3 of the container 3, thus moving the valve 3.4 into its open position.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve opener 4 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The valve opener 4 is designed in multiple parts and comprises a retaining element 4.1, which is configured to be attached to a filter cartridge 2 that can be inserted into the container 3 of the filter device 1. The retaining element 4.1 can be secured in a recess of a filter cartridge by means of an interference fit or frictional engagement. For example, the retaining element 4.1 can have several first clamping struts by which the retaining element 4.1 can be secured in the recess of the filter cartridge by means of an interference fit or frictional engagement. The first clamping struts can be separated from one another by grooves that run substantially parallel to the axial direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the valve opener 4 comprises a valve pulling element 4.5, which is formed separately from the retaining element 4.1 and is movably held in the retaining element 4.1 in the axial direction A. When the filter cartridge 2 is inserted into the container 3, the valve pulling element 4.5 can be moved together with the retaining element 4.1 towards the valve body 3.5, grip it, and then pull it away from the bottom 3.3 of the container 3 to release the opening 3.8.

[0050] The valve pulling element 4.5 has a support section 4.7 for resting on the valve holder 3.6. A further component of the valve pulling element 4.5 is a gripping section 4.5 projecting axially A from the support section 4.7 for gripping the valve body 3.5. The gripping section 4.5 is designed such that it is at least partially integrated into the valve body 3.5. Our reference: SOD0022-WO

[0051] Valve holder 3.6 can be inserted to grip the valve body 3.5 with an interference fit or frictional engagement. The gripping section 4.5 of the valve pulling element 4 comprises several secondary clamping struts by which the valve body 3.5 can be gripped with an interference fit or frictional engagement. The secondary clamping struts can be separated from each other by grooves 4.9 that run substantially parallel to the axial direction.

[0052] The retaining element 4.1 has an upper stop 4.2 for the valve pulling element 4.5, against which the valve pulling element 4.5 can rest when the retaining element is moved towards the valve holder 3.6, so that the gripping section 4.6 of the valve pulling element 4.5 can be inserted into the valve holder 3.6 by movement of the retaining element 4.1 to grip the valve body 3.5 with an interference fit or frictional engagement. A position of the retaining element 4.1 and the valve pulling element 4.5 in which the retaining element 4.1 has pressed the valve pulling element 4.5 into the valve holder 3.6 and the valve body 3.5 is gripped by the gripping section 4.6 is shown in Fig. 2. In this position, the support section 4.7 of the valve pulling element 4.5 rests on a top surface of the valve holder 3.6, which thus forms a bearing for the support section 4.7.

[0053] The detailed view in Fig. 3 shows the area where the retaining element 4.1 and the valve puller 4.5 contact each other, with the support section 4.6 of the valve puller 4.5 projecting obliquely upwards, unlike the representation in Fig. 2. Nevertheless, the retaining element 4.1 and the valve puller 4.7 are in contact with each other via the upper stop 4.2 and the support section 4.7. It is also evident that a lower stop 4.3 is provided on the inner side of an outer wall 4.4 of the retaining element 4.1, which prevents the valve puller 4.5 from falling out of the retaining element 4.1 downwards. Furthermore, the valve puller 4.5 can rest against the lower stop 4.23 when the retaining element 4.1, particularly together with the filter cartridge 2, is moved away from the base 3.3 of the container 3.

[0054] In the valve opener according to the first embodiment, the valve pulling element 4.5 and the retaining element 4.1 are designed such that movement of the valve pulling element 4.5 relative to the retaining element 4.1, in order to pull the gripped valve body 3.5, which is in a press fit or frictional engagement with the gripping section of the valve pulling element 4.5, away from the bottom 3.3 of the container 3, is triggered by the upper stop 4.2 pressing the support section 4.7 of the valve pulling element 4.5 against the upper edge of the valve holder 3.6. As shown in Fig. 4, the support section 4.7 can be deformed towards the valve housing 3.6 by the pressure exerted by the upper stop 4.2. The support section 4.7 is connected to the gripping section 4.6 such that the gripping section 11 Our reference: SODOQ22-WO

[0055] 4.6 By deforming the support section 4.7 towards the bottom 3.3 of the container 3, the valve body 3.5 is pulled away from the bottom 3.3 of the container 3, i.e., lifted. In this respect, the valve pulling element 4.5 moves relative to the holding element 4.1 to pull the gripped valve body 3.5, which is in a press fit or frictional engagement with the gripping section 4.5, away from the bottom 3.3 of the container 3. In doing so, the gripping section 4.6 lifts the valve body 3.5 and opens the valve 3.4.

[0056] The support section 4.7 can comprise several support struts projecting radially in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Alternatively, the support section 4.7 can be designed as an annular disk.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a valve opener 4, which can be provided on the filter cartridge 2 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment of the valve opener 4, the support section 4.7 is elastically deformable and designed such that, upon returning to its elastic state, it pulls the gripping section 4.5 away from the base 3.3 of the container 3.

[0058] The illustration in Fig. 5 shows a position in which the valve opener 4, in particular the gripping section 4.7, is spaced apart from the valve body 3.5. The stop 4.2 of the retaining element 4.1 presses against the valve pulling element 4.5, allowing it to penetrate the valve holder 3.6 and grip the valve body 3.5. Several secondary clamping struts are arranged on the gripping section 4.5, by which the valve body 3.5 can be gripped by an interference fit or frictional engagement. The secondary clamping struts can be separated from each other by grooves 4.9, which run substantially parallel to the axial direction.

[0059] To allow elastic deformation of the support section 4.7, it has at least two pre-stressed, elastically deformable ribs 4.10 projecting towards the bottom 3.3 of the container 3. If the ribs 4.10 of the support section 4.7 are deformed by the pressure exerted by the upper stop 4.2, they return to their original state as soon as the pressure is released. The support section 4.7, in particular the ribs 4.10, and the upper stop 4.2 are designed such that the support section

[0060] 4.7 when the elastic deformation returns to its original position, the valve pulling element 4.7 can override the upper stop 4.2. It can then penetrate a free space in the retaining element 4.1 above the upper stop 4.2 and thereby pull the valve body 3.5 upwards.

[0061] Fig. 5 further shows that the retaining element 4.1 is secured in the recess of the filter cartridge 2 by an interference fit or friction fit. The retaining element 4.1 has several first clamping struts by which the retaining element 4.1 is secured in the recess of the filter cartridge 2 by an interference fit or friction fit. The first clamping struts are separated from each other by grooves 4.8, which run substantially parallel to the axial direction A.

[0062] The valve openers 4 described above are suitable for use in a filter device 1 for processing liquids and can be arranged on a filter cartridge 2 of the filter device 1. They enable reliable opening of a valve 3.4 with an axially movable valve body 3.5.

[0063] 13 Our reference: SOD0022-WO

[0064] Reference symbol list

[0065] 1 filter device

[0066] 2 filter cartridges

[0067] 2.1 Filter chamber

[0068] 2.2 Recess

[0069] 2.3 Entrance opening

[0070] 2.4 Outlet opening

[0071] 3 containers

[0072] 3.1 Access opening

[0073] 3.2 Recording room

[0074] 3.3 Floor

[0075] 3.4 Valve

[0076] 3.5 Valve body

[0077] 3.6 Valve bracket

[0078] 3.8 Outlet

[0079] 4 valve openers

[0080] 4.1 Holding element

[0081] 4.2 upper stop

[0082] 4.3 lower stop

[0083] 4.4 Side wall

[0084] 4.5 Valve puller

[0085] 4.6 Edition section

[0086] 4.7 Gripping section

[0087] 4.8 Nut

[0088] 4.9 Nut

[0089] 4.10 Rib

[0090] 5 filter jugs

[0091] 5.1 Pouring

[0092] 5.2 Handle

[0093] 5.3 Lid

[0094] 5.4 Reservoir

[0095] A axial direction

[0096] M Mounting direction

Claims

14 Our reference: SODOQ22-WO PATENT CLAIMS 1. Valve opener (4) for opening a valve (3.4) of a filter device (1) for treating liquids, the filter device having a valve body (3.5) movable in an axial direction (A), which is provided in a valve holder (3.6) arranged on the bottom (3.3) of a container (3) of the filter device (1), comprising a retaining element (4.1) configured to be attached to a filter cartridge (2) that can be inserted into the container (3) of the filter device (1), and a valve pulling element (4.5) movably held on the retaining element (4.1), wherein the valve pulling element (4.5) has a support section (4.7) for resting on the valve holder (3.6) and a gripping section (4.7) projecting axially (A) from the support section (4.7) for gripping the valve body (3.5), which is designed such that it is at least partially embedded in the Valve holder (3.6) can be inserted to support the valve body (3.5) to grip with an interference fit or friction fit, wherein the retaining element (4.1) has an upper stop (4.2) for the valve pulling element (4.5) against which the valve pulling element (4.5) can rest when the retaining element (4.1) is moved towards the valve holder (3.6), so that the gripping section (4.7) of the valve pulling element (4.5) can be inserted into the valve holder (3.6) by a movement of the retaining element (4.1) in order to grip the valve body (3.5) with an interference fit or friction fit, wherein the valve pulling element (4.5) is movable relative to the retaining element (4.1) in order to pull a gripped valve body (3.5) in interference fit or friction fit with the gripping section (4.7) away from the bottom (3.3) of the container (3).

2. Valve opener according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining element (4.1) has a lower stop (4.3) for the valve pulling element (4.5) against which the valve pulling element (4.5) can rest when the retaining element (4.1) is moved away from the bottom (3.3) of the container (3).

3. Valve opener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (4.1) has several first clamping struts by which the retaining element (4.1) can be fixed with a press fit or friction fit in a recess (2.2) of a filter cartridge (2). 15 Our reference: SODOQ22-WO 4. Valve opener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping section (4.7) of the valve pulling element (4.5) has several second clamping struts by which the valve body (3.5) can be gripped with a press fit or friction fit.

5. Valve opener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve pulling element (4.5) and the retaining element (4.1) are designed such that a movement of the valve pulling element (4.5) relative to the retaining element (4.1) to pull the gripped valve body (3.5) away from the bottom of the container, which is in press fit or friction fit with the gripping section (4.7) of the valve pulling element (4.5), is triggered by the upper stop (4.2) pressing the support section (4.6) of the valve pulling element (4.5) against an upper edge of the valve holder (3.6).

6. Valve opener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support section (4.6) is opened by a pressure action of the upper stop. (4.2) is deformable in the direction of the valve housing (3.6).

7. Valve opener according to claim 6, characterized in that the support section (4.6) is connected to the gripping section (4.7) in such a way that the gripping section (4.7) is pulled away from the bottom (3.3) of the container (3) by deforming the support section (4.6) in the direction of the bottom (3.3) of the container (3).

8. Valve opener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support section (4.6) comprises several support struts projecting radially in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

9. Valve opener according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support section (4.6) is designed as an annular disc.

10. Valve opener according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support section (4.6) is elastically deformable and designed such that, when it returns to its elastic deformation, it lifts the gripping section (4.7) from the base. (3.3) of the container (3) is pulled away. 16 Our reference: SOD0022-WO 11. Valve opener according to claim 10, characterized in that the support section (4.6) has at least two prestressed elastically deformable ribs (4.10) extending towards the bottom (3.3) of the container (3).

12. Valve opener according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the support section (4.6), in particular the ribs (4.10) of the support section (4.6), and the upper stop (4.2) is designed such that the support section (4.6) can jump over the upper stop (4.2) when restoring its elastic deformation.

13. Filter cartridge for processing liquids with a valve opener (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Filter device for treating liquids with a container (3) having a bottom (3.3) on which a valve holder (3.6) is provided in which an axially movable valve body (3.5) is arranged, characterized by a valve opener (4) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Filter device according to claim 14, characterized in that the valve opener (4) is designed as part of a filter cartridge (2) which can be inserted into the container (3).

Citation Information

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