Conversion valve

Abstract

A two-component switching valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a fluid conduit, the switching valve being injection molded in two steps and requiring no assembly after the injection molding process. The valve includes a valve chamber with a plug inside, and the valve has a sealing means in the form of the cross-sectional areas of the plug and the valve chamber varying along their lengths. Thus, a switching valve is obtained which, when the valve is open, does not require a viscous sealant such as silicone to eliminate the risk of leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid valves. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manually controlled mechanical valve for blocking or releasing the flow of fluid through a pipe. Background Art

[0002] Valves are used in many environments where it is necessary to control the discharge of fluid from a container.

[0003] For example, when installed in the outlet of a urine bag, such a valve can be used frequently, such as by a person suffering from urinary incontinence or a disabled person with a burning sensation during urination and who needs to intermittently empty such a urine bag.

[0004] For such uses, it is naturally necessary to seal the valve when it is closed. Similarly, it is important that when it is open, the fluid only discharges through the outlet of the valve without leaking to the side.

[0005] If the valve consists of two components, it is a challenge to avoid leakage when the valve is open. One method used in the art to ensure the sealing of the valve is to coat the contact surfaces of the valve with silicone. The silicone provides an effective seal to prevent leakage, but assembling the two components of such a valve with this coating is an expensive process.

[0006] One way to overcome these challenges is to produce the valve as a single component. This alleviates the problem of ensuring the necessary seal between the components. At the same time, in order to release fluid from the single-component valve, it is usually necessary to continuously apply pressure to the valve during the discharge process of the connected container. This is troublesome and particularly problematic for users with disabilities who require the valve in the first place.

[0007] WO2018 / 035219A1 teaches a valve assembly formed as two separate components and subsequently assembled. The assembly has a valve chamber and a plug. The plug can rotate within the valve chamber to open or close the valve assembly, thereby allowing fluid flow. The valve chamber and the plug each include lips or ridges that engage with each other when the valve is assembled. The engaging lips and ridges are formed as rings around the surfaces of the valve chamber and the plug respectively. When the plug rotates within the valve chamber, the engaging lips and ridges help to seal the valve by remaining engaged.

[0008] US6086762A discloses a device that can be connected to a Luer lock on one side and includes a coaxially connected transducer protector device on the other side. The first and second tubular connectors of the transducer protector include radial annular flanges that allow the first and second tubular connectors to be connected to each other in a permanent and sealed manner by assembly and ultrasonic welding. A filter membrane is inserted and clamped between the annular flanges. The second tubular connector is formed from a rigid thermoplastic material, while the first annular flange is formed from a more elastic thermoplastic material. In addition, the use of different cooling rates and shrinkage rates of the molded part cross-sections with different wall thicknesses is also taught.

[0009] US2006 / 163515A1 teaches a piston valve for controlling the flow of liquid through a needleless fluid handling device. The valve chamber and the piston are separately molded by a secondary molding process. The valve chamber can be manufactured using secondary molding, where two parts of the valve chamber are molded together and considered as a single unit, so that only the valve chamber and the piston must be assembled after molding. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to alleviate at least some of the above problems. This object is achieved by producing a two-component switching valve that is injection molded in two steps and does not require assembly after the injection molding process.

[0011] Such a two-component switching valve for controlling the fluid flow through the switching valve includes:

[0012] A valve chamber including a fluid inlet, a body, and a fluid outlet;

[0013] A plug including a wall and an open channel, and;

[0014] The plug is placed within the body of the valve chamber;

[0015] Wherein, the two-component switching valve includes a sealing means in the form of a variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug along the length of the plug.

[0016] Two-component switching valves (sometimes referred to as T-joints in the art) are a known valve configuration, but it has not previously been possible to construct them without the need for a viscous sealant such as silicone to eliminate the risk of leakage when the valve is open. However, varying the cross-sectional area of the plug provides a sealing mechanism that allows the omission of the viscous sealant.

[0017] The variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug can take different forms. For example, it can be a local variation in small strips or a more gradual variation along the entire length of the plug.

[0018] The switching valve is designed to control the fluid flow through the valve itself. Fluid is understood to mean liquid or gas.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug takes the form of a local increase in the area, where the plug includes one or more sealing grooves.

[0020] Such sealing grooves can be of various shapes. For example, they can be circular or have steeper side walls. They can have different widths, and the number of the sealing grooves can also vary between embodiments of the present invention. The sealing grooves will be shaped such that they match the sealing lips in the valve chamber of the switching valve, whereby the sealing grooves and the sealing lips can be interlocked. Thus, the sealing grooves provide a change in the material direction, whereby it extends through any gaps that may occur between the plug and the valve chamber, and such gaps may cause leakage through the top or bottom of the valve chamber body. The interlocked sealing grooves and sealing lips form a robust sealing point of the switching valve and can be made directly of the same material as that used for the plug and the valve chamber which are injection molded separately.

[0021] In another embodiment of the two-component switching valve, the change in the cross-sectional area of the plug takes the form of a local reduction in the area, wherein the plug includes one or more sealing lips.

[0022] Like the sealing grooves, the sealing lips can also be of various shapes. For example, they can have circular or steeper side walls. In addition, the sealing lips can have different widths, and the number of the sealing lips can also vary between embodiments of the present invention. The sealing lips will be shaped such that they match the sealing grooves in the valve chamber of the switching valve, whereby the sealing grooves and the sealing lips can be interlocked. Thus, the sealing grooves provide a change in the material direction, whereby it extends through any gaps that may occur between the plug and the valve chamber, and such gaps may cause leakage through the top or bottom of the valve chamber body.

[0023] The interlocked sealing lips and sealing grooves form a robust sealing point of the structure and can be made directly of the same material as that used for the plug and the valve chamber which are injection molded separately.

[0024] The sealing lips and sealing grooves are able to provide sealing while being small enough to create very little resistance so that the user can still easily change the position of the plug inside the valve chamber to open or close the switching valve. Thus, when the user moves around, these interlocked seals provide enough resistance to hold the plug in place, thereby reducing the risk of accidental opening. They can also provide the user with a tactile feedback of whether the valve is in the open or closed position. In addition, these effects can be obtained while keeping the sealing lips and sealing grooves small enough to prevent the movement of the plug inside the valve chamber from requiring a large amount of finger force, which may be important for elderly or disabled users.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to any area changes caused by the sealing lips or the sealing grooves, the change in the cross-sectional area takes the form of one or more increases along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the plug.

[0026] An increase in cross-sectional area such as a conical shape also indeed contributes to the sealing of the switching valve. If the plug is shaped such that it expands and moves it, so that a wider area of the plug forces the sides of the plug more strongly against the inside of the valve chamber body, a stronger seal is achieved.

[0027] The expansion of the cross-sectional area can extend along the entire length of the plug. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area can extend along one or more sections of the plug length, e.g., along half or a quarter of the length. Similarly, two separate sections of the plug can be made to include an increase in cross-sectional area. Additionally, such sections can be designed to include an increase in cross-sectional area in opposite directions to each other.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switching valve includes an oval cross-sectional geometry of the plug. The inside of the valve chamber will have a matching oval cross-section, while the outside of the valve chamber can have any shape, e.g.: it can include slight indentations to provide a better grip for the user, or have another shape for purely aesthetic reasons without affecting the inside geometry of the valve chamber or its benefits.

[0029] To facilitate the use of the switching valve, rotation of the plug within the body of the valve chamber must be avoided. Rotation of the plug can cause the open channels within the plug to become misaligned with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the valve chamber. This reduces the fluid flow through the valve and can even cause it to become completely blocked even when the switching valve is configured to be open.

[0030] In the art, plugs with a circular base geometry are commonly used and provided with a single flat side to prevent any rotation. However, the flat side becomes an area of increased leakage risk.

[0031] The oval cross-sectional geometry prevents the plug from rotating within the valve chamber without introducing any sharp edges or flat surfaces that could increase the leakage risk.

[0032] The ellipticity of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 is such that the major axis is perpendicular to the fluid flow through the switching valve 100. This geometry increases the sealing effect of the switching valve as it reduces the curvature at the openings of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, whereby the openings are more thoroughly blocked by the plug. Fluid is most likely to leak into the gap space between the valve chamber and the plug at the points of highest curvature.

[0033] Increasing the cross-sectional area of the plug and the valve chamber also reduces the curvature of the plug at the fluid inlet opening, but this also increases the overall size of the switching valve. The oval cross-section provides the benefits of lower curvature while maintaining a small footprint of the switching valve.

[0034] In the specific context where the switching valve is connected to a urine bag, it is particularly important that the switching valve is small, discreet and easy to operate. It is important for the bag to be placed on the user's body in an unobtrusive manner so that the user does not feel exposed, where it can easily remain out of sight, for example under clothing. This can only be achieved if the switching valve is compact.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the major axis of the elliptical cross-section is 1.01 to 1.3 times longer than the minor axis.

[0036] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the major axis of the elliptical cross-section is 1.03 to 1.06 times longer than the minor axis.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plug includes two flanges placed on either side of the body of the valve chamber. Preferably, these flanges are placed at either end of the plug.

[0038] If the switching valve is made of two components and must then be assembled, it is not possible to injection mold more than one flange into the plug, as this would prevent the plug from entering the valve chamber.

[0039] There are several advantages to having two flanges on the plug. First, the flanges prevent the plug from becoming loose in the valve chamber. If the plug can become completely loose, it may fall out. If it falls out, the plug may be lost, and even if not, reinserting it into the valve chamber may pose a hygiene risk. Additionally, if the plug is completely removed and comes into contact with an adverse external environment, the seal that relies on an adhesive sealant may become less efficient.

[0040] Second, the flanges prevent the user from pushing the plug further through the valve chamber than intended. If the plug is pushed too far, it can cause a partial blockage of the fluid flow through the open channels in the plug. Additionally, the switching valve is designed to ensure a seal when in the open position. Sealing features such as a sealing lip can be placed more advantageously when the exact open position of the switching valve is known. When using such a sealing device, pushing the plug too far through the valve chamber increases the risk of leakage.

[0041] Third, when opening or closing the switching valve, the flanges provide a larger area for the user to apply pressure. In turn, this means that the counter-pressure is transmitted over a larger area of the user. This means that the user will experience a smaller force in each area of their own body, thus reducing the risk of tissue damage or pain.

[0042] If the example of the switching valve for a urine bag is used again, the drainage may need to be carried out in a crowded space such as an aircraft toilet, which makes it important that the mechanism for opening and closing the switching valve is easy to operate. In addition, a significant number of users are disabled and have reduced mobility, so it becomes very important to require minimal finger strength and to be easy to use without sharp edges.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve, comprising:

[0044] injection molding one component and then die-casting the other component in the form of in-mold forming or secondary forming, wherein the first component participates in the forming of the second component;

[0045] wherein the shrinkage of the molded components during the cooling of the material is used to improve the sealing of the switching valve.

[0046] Injection molding is a known method for producing various components in the art. The same is true for in-mold forming and secondary forming. However, this method has not been used to produce two-component switching valves before because it is impossible to maintain the sealing of such valves without adding a viscous sealant.

[0047] Injecting the first and second components of the two-component switching valve directly into each other, as in in-mold forming or secondary forming, has the advantage that the switching valve is assembled during the casting process without involving additional steps. This results in a significant reduction in production costs because assembly machines or personnel can be dispensed with.

[0048] Since it is possible to obtain a sealed switching valve by injection molding with in-mold forming or external forming for the sealing lip and the sealing groove and the extended area along the plug. The shrinkage of the injection molding material has been taken into account in the design of the produced parts and plays an indispensable role in ensuring that the final product is indeed sealed.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first component to be injection molded is the valve chamber, and the plug is injection molded inside the valve chamber using the valve chamber as a mold, and this method is in-mold forming.

[0050] The in-mold forming of the two-component switching valve causes the plug to shrink from the valve chamber during cooling. In this case, the shrinkage reduces the pressure along the length of the plug and the valve chamber, thereby minimizing the force required to move the plug while still maintaining the sealing of the switching valve.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first component to be injection molded is the plug, and the valve chamber formed by secondary forming is injection molded around the plug.

[0052] Overmolding of the two-component changeover valve causes the valve chamber to shrink inwards around the plug. This shrinkage means that the force between the inside of the valve chamber and the outside of the plug increases, reducing the risk of leakage.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve includes molding a second component in such a manner that a portion of a first component acts as a stop to limit the direction in which material of the second component may contract during cooling.

[0054] If there are no external influences on an injection molded component, it will shrink towards its center as it cools and hardens. However, this limits the way in which a second component molded based on the first component can be designed, as it is always tilted in a specific way relative to the first component. By molding the components in such a way that a portion of the first component that serves as a mold for the second component contacts the second component over a significant surface, the direction in which the second component shrinks can be controlled. This enables different design possibilities compared to a second component that can only shrink towards the center. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described according to the present invention, wherein

[0056] Figure 1 It is a urine bag with a change-over valve connected to an outlet tube.

[0057] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a switching valve according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug of a switching valve according to a variation of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view of an opened switching valve according to the present invention.

[0060] Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of a closed switching valve according to the present invention.

[0061] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an open switching valve according to the present invention shown in a perspective view.

[0062] Figure 6 The switching valve according to the invention is shown in a top view.

[0063] Figure 7a , Figure 7b and Figure 7c A cross section of a stopper in two different variants according to the invention is shown.

[0064] Figure 8 A sealing lip according to a variant of the invention is shown in cross-section in close-up.

[0065] Figure 9a -d is a sketch of different variants of the placement, quantity, and shape of the sealing lip.

[0066] 10a and Figure 10b Shows the sealing effect of the shrinkage of the switching valve material during the cooling process.

[0067] Figure 11 Is a schematic diagram of the internal molding process flow of the switching valve.

[0068] Figure 12 Is a schematic diagram of the external molding process flow of the switching valve. Detailed implementation mode

[0069] The present invention will be described in detail below through embodiments, but it should not be considered as a limitation to the scope of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 1 Is a schematic diagram of the urine bag 10 with the switching valve 100 connected to the outlet pipe 13. This is a common use of the switching valve 100, but it can be connected to many other fluid systems, where the sealing valve can be used for the controlled release of fluid from a container.

[0071] In the case of the urine bag 10, it usually has an inlet pipe 11 that can be connected to a catheter (not shown). The inlet pipe 11 allows fluid to flow into the bag 12, and the fluid accumulates there as long as the switching valve 100 is closed. The switching valve 100 is placed in the outlet pipe 13. Once the user wants to discharge the contents of the bag 12, the switching valve 100 can be opened and the fluid discharged.

[0072] Figure 2 Shows the switching valve 100 according to the present invention. The switching valve 100 includes a valve chamber 110 and a plug 150.

[0073] The valve chamber 110 includes a fluid inlet 120. Depending on the system to which it is to be connected, the fluid inlet 120 can take many different shapes. Therefore, the function of the fluid inlet 120 is to allow the switching valve 100 to be connected to a fluid container 10 (not shown) from which it blocks or releases fluid.

[0074] The valve chamber 110 also includes a fluid outlet 140. The fluid outlet 140 can also take various forms. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet 140 is long enough to allow the user to place a finger under it without any fluid spilling onto the finger. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening 142 of the fluid outlet 140 is angled to improve the user's control of the fluid flow.

[0075] The body 130 of the valve chamber 110 surrounds the plug 150. The plug 150 can move upward or downward within the valve chamber 100 (shown by arrows A and B respectively) to open or close the fluid flow through the switching valve 100. In different embodiments of the present invention, the movement directions of the plug 150 that respectively cause the opening and closing of the switching valve 100 can be reversed.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both components of the dual-component switching valve 100 are made of one or more injection-moldable materials such as plastics. In some embodiments, the two components of the dual-component switching valve 100 can be made of the same material. In other aspects of the present invention, they are made of different materials. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to making all components of the valve chamber 110 or the plug 150 of the same material.

[0077] Figure 3 Only the plug 150 of the switching valve is shown, without the surrounding valve chamber 110. The plug 150 includes a tube 152 having a through-opening channel 170. When the switching valve 100 is open, the opening channel 170 is positioned such that it is at least partially in line with the fluid inlet 120 (not shown) and the fluid outlet 140 (not shown) of the valve chamber 110 (not shown), so that fluid can reach the fluid outlet 140 from the fluid inlet 120 through the opening channel 170.

[0078] For different embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of the opening channel 170 can vary. In a preferred variant, the cross-sectional area is similar to the cross-sectional areas of the corresponding inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, but in other embodiments of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of the opening channel 170 can be smaller or larger than that.

[0079] In addition to the side walls of the opening channel 170, the plug 150 itself can be hollow to reduce the weight of the switching valve 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plug 150 does not need to be hollow. The plug 150 can be solid or partially hollow with a stable structure inside.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plug 150 is equipped with two flanges 153, 153' located at either end of the plug 150. When changing the position of the switching valve, these flanges 153, 153' provide a larger area for the user to apply pressure, which in turn increases the area of the user's finger that bears the corresponding counter-pressure, thus reducing the risk of pain or physical injury. In addition, the flanges 153, 153' can prevent the plug from being pressed deeper into the valve chamber than expected. Therefore, the flanges 153, 153' help to guide the opening and closing positions of the switching valve, thus allowing for a more effective design of the sealing element of the switching valve because they can specifically match the positions.

[0081] The flanges 153, 153' can be rings at the edge of the plug 150 as shown in Figure 3 the figure, or they can adopt different geometric shapes, such as a full plate at the end of the plug 150 or a rounded surface on the said end.

[0082] In addition, the flanges 153, 153' serve as stops for the plug 150, thus reducing the risk of the plug 150 being released from and falling out of the valve chamber 110.

[0083] One of the flanges 153 can be equipped with a tactile marking 157 to assist visually impaired users in determining which end needs to be pressed to open or close the switching valve 100. Such a tactile marking 157 can take the form of small indentations as shown in the example of Figure 3 . Alternatively, the tactile marking 157 can be a small protrusion on the flange 153. It is also foreseeable that such a tactile marking 157 can take the form of the first flange 153 made of a different material from the second flange 153'.

[0084] The plug 150 can include one or more cross-sections, where the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 varies along the length of the plug. This can be achieved, for example, by increasing the thickness of the wall 160 of the plug 150 along the cross-section. The cross-section can include the entire length of the plug 150.

[0085] In some embodiments, the wall 160 of the plug 150 can include one or more sealing lips 165, sealing grooves 166, or a combination of both.

[0086] Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the open switching valve 100 according to the present invention is shown. The plug 150 has been pressed until the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 blocks the flange 153. In the shown position, the open channels 170 are respectively aligned with the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the switching valve 100. In this case, the fluid enters the switching valve 100 at the outer opening of the fluid inlet 122, passes through the switching valve 100 through the open channels 170, and leaves the valve through the outer fluid opening of the outlet 142.

[0087] It is foreseeable that other embodiments of the present invention can have separate stops on the plug 150, whereby the switching valve 100 opens at a position different from the Figure 4a shown position, where the flange 153 contacts the valve chamber 110.

[0088] Figure 4bA cross-sectional view of a closed switching valve 100 according to the present invention is shown. The plug 150 has been pressed until the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 blocks the flange 153'. In the position shown, the fluid inlet 120 and the fluid outlet 140 are blocked by the wall 160 of the plug 150, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the switching valve 100.

[0089] Although shown as the flange 153' contacting the valve chamber 110, it is clear that the switching valve 100 was closed prior to this position. Thus, the extreme position where the flange 153' contacts the valve chamber 110 is not the only intended implementation of closing the switching valve 100 according to the present invention.

[0090] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an open switching valve according to the present invention is shown in perspective. This view complements by revealing the shape of the opening channel 170 in the plug 150 Figure 4a such that it is more apparent how the opening of the switching valve 100 allows fluid flow.

[0091] Figure 6 The switching valve 100 according to the present invention is shown in a top view. From this angle, it can be seen more clearly that the opening of the fluid outlet 142 is angled. Additionally, observing the switching valve from this angle shows that the cross-sectional areas of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150 are slightly elliptical. Dashed lines d, D are added as a guide for the eye to highlight the difference in the lengths of the two axes, with the ellipse produced by D being longer than d. In different embodiments of the present invention, the difference between the axes of the cross-section can vary to make the ellipticity more or less apparent. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the major axis (D) to the minor axis (d) is between 1.01 and 1.3. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the major axis (D) is 1.03 to 1.06 times larger than the minor axis (d).

[0092] The elliptical shape of the plug 150 ensures that it cannot rotate within the valve chamber 110. Thus, there is no risk of the plug being in a position where the opening channel 170 has rotated away from the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144 (both not seen at this angle) while the switching valve 100 is to be opened, whereby fluid flow would still be blocked.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the orientation of the ellipse is such that the longer side faces the fluid inlet 120 and the fluid outlet 140. This configuration helps to ensure the sealing of the opening channel 170 in the closed state of the switching valve 150. The curvature of the body 130 and the plug 150 need to match precisely to ensure that fluid cannot enter the potential gap space between the plug 150 and the body 130. Having the flatter side of the elliptical geometry face the fluid inlet 120 allows a less curved area to form a seal between the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150.

[0094] Figure 7a and Figure 7b shows longitudinal sections of the plug 150 in two different variants according to the present invention. The illustration shows how the cross-sectional area increases along the longitudinal section of the plug 150 (marked by the arrow M). In Figure 7a , the section where the cross-sectional area increases extends from the first end of the plug 150 to the opening channel 170. In Figure 7b , the section where the cross-sectional area increases extends along the entire length of the plug 150. These two variants are merely examples of the structure. Embodiments can be foreseen where the expansion region extends along any other part of the length of the plug 150. Similarly, the amount of increase in the cross-sectional area can vary between embodiments.

[0095] Figure 7c shows that the plug 150 can support multiple sections M, M', where the cross-sectional area is increased according to the present invention. The amount of increase in the cross-sectional area along the sections M, M' can be the same, but is not limited to being the same within one embodiment, just as they can vary between embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] When the switching valve 100 is in the closed state, the increase in the cross-sectional area contributes to its sealing. When the plug 150 moves so that the switching valve 100 changes from the open state to the closed state, the increase in the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 causes the wall 160 of the plug 150 to increasingly press against the inner side of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 for sealing, thereby enhancing the sealing strength.

[0097] Since the dual-component switching valve is formed by internal molding or secondary molding, the plug 150 and the valve chamber 110 (not shown) will follow each other's shapes. Therefore, their cross-sectional areas will increase accordingly, and both components contribute to this effect.

[0098] Figure 8 shows a set of sealing lips 165, 165' in the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and corresponding sealing grooves 166, 166' in the wall 160 of the plug 150 in a variant according to the present invention in a longitudinal sectional view. The sealing lips 165, 165' and the sealing grooves 166, 166' are interlocked to achieve strong sealing. Even if some fluid enters the gap space between the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150, the sealing lips 165, 165' will block the fluid.

[0099] Figure 9a -d depict different embodiments of the sealing lip 165 or the sealing groove 166 on the inner side of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110. The number of the sealing lip 165 or the sealing groove 166 and their geometric shapes and arrangements vary between different embodiments.

[0100] Figure 9a Two sealing lips 165, 165' are shown protruding from the inside of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and placed on either side of the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144. The first sealing lip 165 is placed close to the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, while the second sealing lip 165' is close to the end of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

[0101] 9b shows two sealing lips 165, 165' placed on both sides of the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, respectively. The sealing lips 165, 165' are both placed close to the inner openings 124, 144.

[0102] Figure 9a -b are two examples of arrangements of the pairs of sealing lips 165, 165' Many other arrangements may be used within the scope of the present invention, with different numbers of sealing lips 165, 165' being placed at other locations along the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

[0103] For example, the switching valve 100 may include sealing lips 165, 165' and sealing grooves 166, 166', which are distributed on the inner side of the body 130 and the outer wall 160 of the plug 150 in such a manner that they interlock in different arrangements when the switching valve 100 is opened and closed, respectively. For example, when the switching valve 100 is closed, the first sealing lip 165 may interlock with the first sealing groove 166. When the switching valve 100 is in the preferred open position, the first sealing lip 165 will instead interlock with the second sealing groove 166'.

[0104] Figure 9c shows that four sealing lips 165, 165', 165", 165'" are placed in two pairs close to each other. The first pair of sealing lips 165, 165' is close to the first end of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110, while the second pair of sealing lips 165", 165'" is close to the second end of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

[0105] The sealing lip shown in Figure 9c is smaller than Figure 9a -b, because having two smaller sealing lips 165, 165' placed close to each other can increase the sealing effect without significantly increasing the force required to move the plug 150 within the valve chamber 110. However, the sealing lips 165 and the sealing grooves 166 can have any size within the scope of the present invention, whether they are placed in pairs or how they are distributed along the length of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

[0106] Figure 9dThe main body 130 of the valve chamber 110 is shown in a cross-sectional view. The inner side of the main body 130 includes a single sealing groove 166 placed near the top of the main body 130. This example illustrates that the sealing groove 166 can be placed in the main body 130 of the valve chamber 110. Then the sealing lip 165 is placed correspondingly in the outer wall 160 of the plug 150 (not shown). As with Figure 9a the case of the sealing lip 165 shown in -c, the sealing groove 166 can be placed at any position along the length of the main body 130, just as there can be any number of sealing grooves 166, 166', and their dimensions can vary.

[0107] All the examples in FIG. 9 illustrate that there can be different variations and should not be considered restrictive. The number of the sealing lip 165 and the sealing groove 166, their positions, and their dimensions can be further varied within a range from a single sealing lip 165 and sealing groove 166 to covering the entire surface.

[0108] Figure 10a and 10b illustrates how to utilize the fact that the material of the switching valve 100 shrinks after injection molding to increase the sealing strength between the interlocking sealing lip 165 and the sealing groove 166. The two-component switching valve 100 is manufactured by an injection molding process in two steps. First, one component is injection molded, and then the second component is injection molded while using the first component as a mold. When the material cools, both components will shrink. Most of the shrinkage will occur immediately after injection molding, so when the first component is used as the mold for the second component, it will be close to or have reached its final geometry.

[0109] In the case where the valve chamber 110 is injection molded first, when it is used as the mold for the plug 150, it will shrink most of the total shrinkage. In the example shown, the main body 130 of the valve chamber 110 includes the sealing lip 165. The plug 150 is molded inside the main body 130 and will be injection molded together with the corresponding sealing groove 166. The side of the wall of the plug 130 facing the main body 130 is shown in dashed lines to more easily distinguish the two lines on the sketch. A small distance is shown between the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150 to allow them to be visually distinguished. In the actual two-component switching valve 100, this gap is minimized.

[0110] Once the plug 150 is molded inside the valve chamber 110, it will shrink. If no measures are taken to control the shrinkage, the shrinkage will occur in the direction towards the center of the structure (as shown by the arrow H). When this shrinkage occurs, the sealing groove 166 will move slightly in the shrinkage direction (arrow H). This offset will result in a slight hollow 168 being formed on one side of the sealing lip 165. At the same time, as the shrinkage pulls the inside of the sealing groove 166 closer to the other side of the sealing lip 165, any gap on this other side of the sealing lip 165 will be reduced.

[0111] Figure 11 A method of manufacturing a two-component switching valve 100 (not shown) is illustrated. The process used is two-step injection molding, where first the valve chamber 110 is injection molded and the plug 150 is injection molded inside it using the valve chamber 110 as a mold, i.e., in-mold forming. A flowchart of the main steps involved illustrates the process.

[0112] In the first step 210 of the process, the valve chamber 110 is injection molded. Then the valve chamber 110 can be repositioned 215, i.e., moved and / or reoriented, to a position suitable for the second step 220. If the valve chamber 110 is in the desired position immediately after production, the step of repositioning 215 can be omitted. The second step 220 is the injection molding of the plug 150. The plug 150 is injection molded directly inside the valve chamber 110, and the valve chamber 110 thus serves as a mold for the plug 150.

[0113] Between the first step 210 and the second step 220, some time elapses (shown by the arrow S). During this period, the valve chamber 110 cools after injection molding, and during this cooling process, the valve chamber 110 will shrink. Most of the shrinkage occurs immediately after molding, but after the end of the time period (S), it may continue to shrink at a lower rate. The potential repositioning 215 of the valve chamber 110 occurs during the time period (S).

[0114] After the second step 220 in which the plug 150 is injection molded, there is another time period (shown by the arrow T) in which the plug 150 cools and the plug 150 shrinks. Once the cooling of the injection molding material of the plug 150 is complete, production is finished and there are no further assembly or post-processing steps for the switching valve 100. The two components of the two-component switching valve can continue to shrink after the illustrated production steps.

[0115] Note that the lengths of the arrows T and S indicating the time periods do not represent the lengths of the time periods.

[0116] Figure 12 A method of manufacturing a two-component switching valve 100 (not shown) is illustrated. The process used is two-step injection molding, where first the plug 150 is injection molded and the valve chamber 100 is injection molded around it using the plug 150 as a mold, i.e., in-mold forming, i.e., secondary molding. A flowchart of the main steps involved illustrates the process.

[0117] In the first step 310 of the process, the plug 150 is injection molded. The plug 150 can then be repositioned 315, i.e., moved and / or reoriented, to a position suitable for the second step 320. If the plug 150 is in the desired position immediately after production, the step of repositioning 315 can be omitted. The second step 320 is the injection molding of the valve chamber 110. The valve chamber 110 is injection molded directly around the plug 150, and the plug 150 thus serves as a mold for the valve chamber 110.

[0118] Between the first step 310 and the second step 320, some time elapses (shown by the arrow S). At this time, the plug 150 cools after injection molding, and during this cooling process, the plug 150 will shrink. Most of the shrinkage occurs immediately after molding, but it may continue to shrink at a lower rate after the end of the time period (S). The potential repositioning 315 of the plug 150 occurs during the time period (S).

[0119] After the second step 320 of injection molding the valve chamber 110, there is another time period (shown by the arrow T) during which the plug 150 cools and the plug 150 shrinks. Once the cooling of the injection molding material of the valve chamber 110 is complete, production ends, and there are no further assembly or post - processing steps for the switching valve 100. The two components of the two - component switching valve can continue to shrink after the illustrated production steps.

[0120] Note that the lengths of the arrows T and S indicating the time periods do not represent the lengths of the time periods.

Claims

1. A dual-component switching valve (100) for controlling the fluid flow through said switching valve (100), said switching valve (100) comprising: a valve chamber (110), said valve chamber (110) comprising a fluid inlet (120), a body (130), and a fluid outlet (140); a plug (150), said plug (150) comprising a wall (160) and an open channel (170) extending through said plug (150); wherein said plug (150) is placed within the body of said valve chamber (110); said plug (150) is coaxially movable within said valve chamber (110) so as to be able to open or close the fluid flow through said switching valve (100); characterized in that said dual-component switching valve (100) comprises sealing means for sealing said switching valve when open to fluid flow, said sealing means taking the form of a variation in the cross-sectional area of said plug (150) along the length of said plug (150).

2. The dual-component switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, the variation in the cross-sectional area of said plug (150) takes the form of a local increase in said area, wherein said plug (150) comprises one or more sealing grooves (166).

3. The dual-component switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, the variation in the cross-sectional area of said plug (150) takes the form of a local decrease in said area, wherein said plug (150) comprises one or more sealing lips (165).

4. The dual-component switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, said valve chamber (110) comprises a sealing lip (165), said plug (150) comprises a sealing groove (166), and said sealing lip (165) and said sealing groove (166) interlock; or said valve chamber (110) comprises a sealing groove (166), said plug (150) comprises a sealing lip (165), and said sealing groove (166) and said sealing lip (165) interlock.

5. The dual-component switching valve according to claim 4, wherein, apart from any area variation caused by said sealing lip (165) or said sealing groove (166), the variation in the cross-sectional area takes the form of one or more successive increases along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of said plug (150), wherein said dual-component switching valve (100) comprises one or more tapered cross-sections.

6. The dual-component switching valve according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein, the cross-sectional geometry of said plug (150) is oval.

7. The dual-component switching valve according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein, said plug (150) comprises two flanges (153, 153') on either side of the body (130) of said valve chamber (110).

8. A method for manufacturing a dual-component switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: injection molding a first component, and then injection molding a second component in the form of in-mold molding or secondary molding, wherein said first component participates in the molding of said second component; Characterized in that the shrinkage of the first component and the second component after molding during the cooling of the material is used to improve the sealing of the switching valve (100), since the second component is shaped such that at least a portion of the first component restricts the shrinkage direction of the second component; After molding the valve (100), the assembly of the two-component switching valve (100) is not carried out.

9. The method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve according to claim 8, wherein, the first component to be injection molded is the valve chamber (110), and wherein the second component is the plug (150), and the plug (150) is injection molded within the valve chamber (110) using the valve chamber (110) as a mold, and wherein the method is an internal molding.

10. The method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve according to claim 8, wherein, the first component to be injection molded is the plug (150), and wherein the second component is the valve chamber (110), and the valve chamber (110) formed by secondary molding is injection molded around the plug (150).

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