Fluid switching valve with valve closure body that can withstand pressure differences

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid switching valve comprising a valve housing, an inlet area, a first outlet and a second outlet leaving the valve housing, a first fluid connection, a second fluid connection, a counter-pressure chamber, a first valve unit, a second valve unit and a user operable switching body for switching the valve closure bodies between their closed position and their open position. The valve units each have a valve closure body which is movable between a closed position and an open position for the respective fluid connection and are arranged so as to be subjected to fluid pressure via the inlet area on the one hand and via the counter-pressure chamber on the other hand. The counter-pressure chamber is fluidically connected to the first outlet by a first blockable outlet connection and to the second outlet by a second blockable outlet connection. The switching body releases the first valve closure body and keeps the second valve closure body in its closed position in a first operating position and keeps the first valve closure body in its closed position and releases the second valve closure body in a second operating position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fluid switching valve, comprising a valve body, an inlet region having an inlet into the valve body, a first outlet and a second outlet exiting the valve body, a first fluid connection from the inlet region to the first outlet, a second fluid connection from the inlet region to the second outlet, a counterpressure chamber, a first valve unit including a first valve closure, a second valve unit including a second valve closure, and a user-operable switching element for switching the valve closures between a closed position and an open position. The counterpressure chamber is fluidly connected to the inlet region via an inlet connection conduit. The first valve closure is movable between a closed position and an open position for use with the first fluid connection and is arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region on one side and via the counterpressure chamber on the other. The second valve closure is movable between a closed position and an open position for use with the second fluid connection and is arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region on one side and via the counterpressure chamber on the other. In other words, the valve closures are able to withstand a pressure difference because they withstand the pressure difference between fluid in the inlet region on one side and fluid in the counterpressure chamber on the other. The switching element can be switched between different operating positions using a switching motion. Background Technology

[0002] This type of fluid switching valve is used to controllably supply fluid in a feed to a first outlet or a second outlet, where the fluid then flows out. The fluid is generally considered to be a liquid, gas, or vapor in this context. For example, in sanitary technology, such a fluid switching valve is used as a sanitary fluid switching valve to selectively feed a feed fluid (typically water in this case) via a first outlet to a first point of use, such as a bathtub outlet, or via a second outlet to a second point of use, such as a bathtub handheld shower head. Additionally, such sanitary fluid switching valves in shower heads or kitchen showerheads designed for various types of jet streams are used to selectively feed the jet fluid (which is typically water) to a fluid path for a first type of jet stream or to a fluid path for a second type of jet stream. If a shut-off function is additionally required, a corresponding shut-off valve device may be associated with the fluid switching valve, for example, upstream of the inlet or downstream of the first and / or second outlet, or integrated into the valve body of the fluid switching valve.

[0003] In conventional sanitary fluid switching valves, the switching force typically depends heavily on the fluid pressure acting on the valve's switching components, particularly the valve closure body. This causes the switching force to be applied by the user, or the sensation of valve switching, to vary significantly depending on the current fluid pressure. In the general-purpose fluid switching valves of the type mentioned earlier, this can be mitigated by the effect of the pressure differential across the valve closure body. Furthermore, conventional sanitary fluid switching valves with fluid pressure-dependent switching behavior generally require a relatively long axial stroke length for the valve closure body or for the user-actuated switching element acting on it; the stroke length is typically greater than 3 mm.

[0004] The fluid switching valve of the type mentioned at the beginning is disclosed in patent application WO2021 / 037421A1 as a built-in part in a shower head for sanitary fittings. The disclosed fluid switching valve includes multiple diaphragm valves, each having a diaphragm and a back pressure chamber connected in parallel to an inlet area. The diaphragm valves are held in their closed position by fluid pressure or dynamic pressure in the back pressure chambers and are controlled using a user-actuable rotatable pin controller having a control channel in the form of an axial groove through which the back pressure chambers are connected to corresponding outlets, bypassing the diaphragm. Depending on the rotational position of the pin, the fluid pressure in one of the back pressure chambers can be released via the control channel, thus opening the associated diaphragm valve, while the remaining diaphragm valves remain closed.

[0005] Another conventional fluid switching valve with multiple outlets and an associated back pressure chamber is disclosed in Publication EP3147029A2, wherein a user-actuable electromagnet is used to control the fluid fed to the back pressure chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The fundamental technical problem of the present invention is to provide a fluid switching valve that offers advantages over the prior art, particularly in terms of functionality, design and / or operational reliability.

[0007] The present invention solves this problem by providing a fluid switching valve having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0008] In this fluid switching valve, the back pressure chamber is fluidly connected to the first outlet via a first outlet connection pipe and fluidly connected to the second outlet via a second outlet connection pipe. In the first operating position, the user-actuable switching body releases the first valve closing body and holds the second valve closing body in its closed position, while in the second operating position, the switching body holds the first valve closing body in its closed position and releases the second valve closing body.

[0009] This special valve design allows the fluid switching valve to potentially offer advantages over conventional fluid switching valves in terms of functionality, design, and / or operational reliability. For example, the valve can be implemented using only a single back pressure chamber and therefore can have a correspondingly compact design (if necessary). Furthermore, it can be easily implemented in such a way that the actuation force applied by the user can be kept quite low, and the actuation force is not dependent on any effective fluid pressure, or is almost always so. When the switching body is actuated, the corresponding outlet connection can rapidly reduce the effective fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber. In the valve according to the invention, the switching body itself holds the valve body in its closed position, such that it is not necessary, or at least not solely, to hold the valve body in its closed position by fluid pressure, which, depending on the design, is potentially helpful in this regard. This contributes to a considerably high degree of operational reliability for the valve.

[0010] Of course, depending on the requirements and specific circumstances, the fluid switching valve according to the invention may have exactly two or more outlets exiting the valve housing, and thus exactly two or more fluid connections and valve units, and is particularly suitable as a hygienic fluid switching valve in hygienic technology, but is also useful in other fields where fluid switching valves with such fluid routing characteristics are required.

[0011] In another development of the invention, the switching motion of the switch body includes axial motion and rotational motion about its axial axis. This represents an advantageous implementation of the desired switching motion of the switch body. In embodiments with functional and design advantages, the axial motion and rotational motion are at least sometimes superimposed, for example, as a combination of axial lifting and rotational motion and / or a combination of axial lowering and rotational motion, and in alternative embodiments, the axial motion and rotational motion occur one after the other in time. In other alternative embodiments, the switching motion of the switch body is, for example, a pure rotational motion.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the switcher may use a forward-switching arrangement to further switch from one operating position to the next. Cyclic forward switching means that the switcher continues to move in the same direction upon re-aperture, cyclically presenting its different operating positions one after another. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation for switching the switcher between its different operating positions. In an alternative embodiment, the switching movement of the switcher between different operating positions may occur in another manner, such as directly from the current operating position to any desired next operating position and / or optionally in two opposite directions, such as clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0013] In another development of the invention, the switching element blocks the second outlet connection pipe in the first operating position and / or blocks the first outlet connection pipe in the second operating position. This is an advantageous use of the switching element in terms of function and design, not only for holding the corresponding valve closure body in its closed position, but also for blocking the first or second outlet connection pipe. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the switching element blocking the first and / or second outlet connection pipe, a separate blocking element does so.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, different operating positions correspond to different rotational angle positions of the switching body. This is an advantageous implementation for many applications. In an alternative embodiment, different operating positions may, for example, correspond to different axial positions of the switching body.

[0015] In another development of the invention, the back pressure chamber is designed as a single unit. In this case, the first and second valve units can be subjected to fluid pressure via a one-piece common back pressure chamber. This is an advantageous design implementation in terms of the desired functionality of the back pressure chamber and the valve units. In an alternative embodiment, the back pressure chamber is made of multiple parts, such that it includes multiple separate chambers, each individually associated with each of the valve units.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the switching body includes a switching component movably located within a one-piece backpressure chamber, the switching component acting on a first valve closure and a second valve closure. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation of the switching body. In an alternative embodiment, the switching body includes a switching component movably located outside the backpressure chamber, or includes multiple switching components inside the backpressure chamber, each of which is associated with one of the valve closures.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the switching component in the one-piece backpressure chamber includes a switching disc that is axially and rotatably movable, presenting different rotational positions in different operating positions, and the switching disc acts axially on the valve closure body. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation of the switching component. In this process, the axially and rotatably movable switching disc can be designed in a fan-shaped or polygonal form, or another form suitable for the arrangement of the valve closure body. In an alternative embodiment, the switching component can be designed as a purely axially movable switching component or as a tiltable switching component.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, a first outlet connection conduit is disposed within a first valve closure body, and / or a second outlet connection conduit is disposed within a second valve closure body. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation for both the outlet connection conduit and the valve closure body. In an alternative embodiment, the corresponding outlet connection conduit is disposed outside the valve closure body, for example, adjacent to the valve closure body.

[0019] In another development of the invention, the first valve closure body and / or the second valve closure body are axially movable and guided within a receiving portion or held axially movable by a retaining membrane. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation for the arrangement of the valve closure bodies. In this process, in an advantageous embodiment, the axial movement of the corresponding valve closure body is parallel to the axial movement of the switching body, while in an alternative embodiment it is not parallel to it. In an alternative embodiment, the valve closure body is rotatably arranged or rigidly connected to the switching body or switching component.

[0020] In another development of the invention, the first valve closure and / or the second valve closure are axially defined in their open position by a stop. In this way, the respective stop thus restricts the axial opening movement of the respective valve closure in a defined manner. This is also a functional and design advantage for the valve closure. In an alternative embodiment, the open position of the first valve closure and / or the second valve closure is not defined by a stop, but by the end position of a retainer (such as a retaining diaphragm) holding the respective valve closure.

[0021] In another development of the invention, the first valve closure and / or the second valve closure are subjected to spring force and / or gravity in the direction of their closed position. In this context, being subjected to spring force means that a spring force, for example from a compression spring or a tension spring, or from some other elastic element, acts directly or indirectly (e.g., via a switching body) on the respective valve closure in the direction of its closed position. In this context, being subjected to gravity means that the gravity of the respective valve closure acts in the direction of its closed position. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation for the valve closure or valve closing unit. In an alternative embodiment, no elastic restoring force is provided for the valve closure in the direction of its closed position, which may be advantageous for certain applications where such restoring force in the closing direction is neither functionally nor cost-effective.

[0022] In another development of the invention, the inlet region includes a one-piece inlet chamber through which the valve closure body is subjected to fluid pressure. In this embodiment, during operation on the inlet chamber side, substantially uniform fluid pressure acts on the different valve closure bodies. This is a functionally and design-advantageous implementation for the valve closure body or valve closure unit and for the inlet region. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet region may, for example, include a single associated inlet chamber for each valve closure body.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the first valve closure body and / or the second valve closure body face the inlet region with a pressure contact surface on the inlet side and face the back pressure chamber with a pressure contact surface on the back pressure side, the pressure contact surface on the back pressure side being smaller than the pressure contact surface on the inlet side. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fluid pressure in the inlet region and the back pressure chamber are the same, and the force generated by the fluid pressure in the inlet region on the corresponding valve closure body is greater than the force generated by the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber. This is a functionally and designally advantageous implementation for the valve closure body or valve closure unit, wherein the fluid pressure can preload the corresponding valve closure body in the direction of the back pressure chamber during operation. In an alternative embodiment, the corresponding valve closure body has a larger pressure contact surface on the back pressure side compared to the pressure contact surface on the inlet side, which may be beneficial for the corresponding application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These and other embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a top view of a fluid switching valve with an inlet and three outlets.

[0026] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line II-II shows the valve in operation with the first outlet open.

[0027] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Sectional view of line III-III,

[0028] Figure 4 It is a variant designed for fluid switching valves. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing no switching compression spring and the first outlet closed.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a variant designed for fluid switching valves. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the valve closure body held by a diaphragm and the first outlet closed, and

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line VI-VI. Detailed Implementation

[0031] As shown in the figure through several exemplary embodiments, the fluid switching valve according to the present invention includes a valve housing 1, an inlet region 2 having an inlet 3 for entering the valve housing 1, a first outlet 4 for exiting the valve housing 1, a second outlet 5 for exiting the valve housing 1, a back pressure chamber 7, a first valve unit 8, a second valve unit 9, and a user-operable switching body 11.

[0032] In a corresponding embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the fluid switching valve has an additional third outlet 6 exiting the valve housing 1 and a corresponding third valve unit 10. In the illustrated case, all three valve units 8, 9, and 10 have the same design. In this process, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the three outlets 4, 5, and 6 may exit the valve housing 1 in the same direction, for example, in the direction opposite to that of the inlet 3 as shown, or alternatively in another direction, or they may alternatively exit in two or three different directions (e.g., offset from each other by 90° at the valve housing 1).

[0033] A first fluid connector 12 extends from the inlet region 2 to the first outlet 4. A second fluid connector 13 extends from the inlet region 2 to the second outlet 5. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a third fluid connector 14 extends from the inlet region 2 to the third outlet 6.

[0034] Inlet region 2 is fluidly connected to back pressure chamber 7 via inlet connection pipe 15. In the illustrated example, inlet connection pipe 15 is permanently open, so that back pressure chamber 7 remains active, i.e., it is continuously fluidly connected to inlet region 2 during operation.

[0035] The first valve unit 8 includes a valve closure body 16 movable between a closed position S and an open position O for use with a first fluid connection 12 and arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region 2 on one side and via the back pressure chamber 7 on the other. The second valve unit 9 includes a second valve closure body 17 movable between a closed position S and an open position O for use with a second fluid connection 13 and arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region 2 on one side and via the back pressure chamber 7 on the other. Similarly, the third valve unit 10 includes a third valve closure body 18 movable between a closed position and an open position for use with a third fluid connection 14 and arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region 2 on one side and via the back pressure chamber 7 on the other.

[0036] Valve closure bodies 16, 17, and 18 preferably have the same design, for example, as cylindrical or tubular members used as valve pistons, as shown in the example. In this process, valve closure bodies 16, 17, and 18 are preferably formed of rigid, inelastic plastic or metal materials.

[0037] The purpose of the user-operable switching body 11 is to switch each of the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 between their closed position S and open position O. The switching body 11 can be switched between different operating positions via a switching movement. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching body 11 can switch between three different operating positions, wherein, depending on the operating position, always only one of the three valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 is in its open position O while the other two are in their closed position S.

[0038] The back pressure chamber 7 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 4 via the first outlet connection pipe 19, fluidly connected to the second outlet 5 via the second outlet connection pipe 20, and fluidly connected to the third outlet 6 via the third outlet connection pipe (not shown in the figure).

[0039] In the first operating position, the switching body 11 is as follows Figures 2 to 6 As can be seen, the first valve closing body 16 is released, and as... Figure 3 and 6 As can be seen, the second valve closing body 17 is held in its closed position S. In the illustrated embodiment, in its first operating position, the switching body 11 also... Figure 6 As can be seen, the third valve closure 18 is held in its closed position S. Therefore, in the first operating position, only the first valve closure 16 is in its open position O and thus only the first fluid connection 12 is open.

[0040] In the second operating position, the switching body 11 releases the second valve closing body 17 and holds the first valve closing body 16 in its closed position S. In the illustrated example, in the second operating position, the switching body 11 also holds the third valve closing body 18 in its closed position S.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment shown, in its third operating position, the switching body 11 releases the third valve closing body 18 and holds the first valve closing body 16 and the second valve closing body 17 in their closed position S.

[0042] In the illustrated example, valve closure bodies 16, 17, and 18 are designed in a cylindrical / tubular shape. In an alternative embodiment, the valve closure body has another form, such as a disc shape.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching motion of the switching body 11 includes axial motion and rotational motion, as shown in the example illustrated. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the axial motion is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the switching body 11. Z The motion is performed in two opposite directions as corresponding rising and falling movements, respectively. The rotational motion of the switching body 11 occurs around a rotation axis, which in the illustrated embodiment is designated as the longitudinal axis L of the switching body 11.Z Alternatively, the rotation axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the switching body 11. Z The offset or orientation is not parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating position, the second operating position, and the third operating position correspond to specific rotational positions of the switching body 11, wherein the different rotational positions of the switching body 11 are each offset by 120°.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, as illustrated in the example, the switching body 11 can be further switched from one of the different operating positions to the next using a forward switching arrangement 22. With the aid of the forward switching arrangement 22, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the rotational movement of the switching body 11 occurs as a periodic forward switching in only one direction, such as in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.

[0045] For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching body 11 includes a pressure pin 32 along the longitudinal axis L of the switching body 11. Z (Alternatively parallel or non-parallel) Extending from the back pressure chamber 7 through the inlet region 2 and exiting the valve body 1, the pin is axially movable along its extension direction (i.e., along its longitudinal axis) and also rotatably movable about its longitudinal axis within the valve body 1. Like a sleeve, the pin-through seal 34 around the pressure pin 32 seals the valve body 1 in the inlet region 2 relative to the outside and in the pin-through region, and allows axial raising and lowering movement of the pressure pin 32, and thus allows axial raising and lowering movement of the switching body 11 to occur. The pressure pin 32 is terminated on the outside with a pressure actuation unit 33, which cooperates with the forward switching arrangement 22. The forward switching arrangement 22 can be any conventional design suitable for this purpose, which need not be further explained in this regard; for example, it can be a forward switching arrangement of the ballpoint pen switching principle type used for such switching purposes of hygienic fluid switching valves, as known to those skilled in the art. For example, the switching mechanism of the forward switching arrangement 22 can be implemented in a conventional manner because when the user actuates the pressure actuation unit 33 by pressing the pressure actuation unit axially, the switching body 11 first rises away from the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18, and then moves in a direction toward the next possible position due to the interaction of the slide rail or inclined surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement corresponds to a 120° rotational movement, so that it then axially descends back onto the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 during or after the rotational movement.

[0046] Alternatively, another type of conventional switching device with the same switching function may be used, such as the type with a rotary movement control element, instead of the axial movement control element with pressure pin 32 and pressure actuation unit 33 as illustrated above.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching body 11 blocks the second outlet connection conduit 20 in the first operating position. In the illustrated example, the switching body 11 also blocks the third outlet connection conduit in this operating position. The first outlet connection conduit 19 remains open.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the switch 11 blocks the first outlet connection pipe 19 in the second operating position, and in the illustrated example, also blocks the third outlet connection pipe. The second outlet connection pipe 19 remains open.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment shown, as indicated, the switch 11 can be switched to a third operating position. In this position, the switch blocks the first outlet connection pipe 19 and the second outlet connection pipe 20, while the third outlet connection pipe remains open.

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, as shown in the example, different operating positions correspond to different rotational angle positions of the switching body 11. During this process, as shown in the example, Figure 6 As can be seen, valve closing bodies 16, 17, and 18 can rotate around the axis of rotation (i.e., the longitudinal axis L of the switching body 11). Z The valves are arranged evenly along a circle, meaning they are evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. This is an advantageous design prerequisite to ensure that the switching body 11, as indicated, can act on at least one of the valve closing bodies depending on the rotation angle position, and can release the remaining one or more valve closing bodies. Additionally, this arrangement facilitates a compact design, for example, for the cylindrical valve housing 1 shown. In this process, it is preferable that the valve closing bodies 16, 17, and 18 are positioned at the same axial height within the valve housing 1.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, as shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the backpressure chamber 7 is designed as a single part, i.e., it forms a single, monolithic chamber space. In an alternative embodiment, the backpressure chamber 7 may consist of multiple separate chambers, each with its own chamber space.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, such as the example shown, the switching body 11 includes a switching element 23 movably disposed within a one-piece backpressure chamber 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching element 23 acts on two different valve closures 16, 17, 18 depending on the operating position, and releases the remaining valve closures, and is fixedly connected to the pressure pin 32. Due to its one-piece design, the backpressure chamber 7 has sufficient space to accommodate and move the switching element 23 without the need for undesirable strict size constraints.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, as shown in the example, the switching body 11 includes a switching disc 24 that is axially and rotatably movable within the one-piece backpressure chamber 7. The switching disc presents different rotational positions in different operating positions of the switching body 11 and also acts on valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18. In the example shown, as... Figure 6 As can be seen, the switching disk 24 has a fan-shaped shape (the fan has an angle range of approximately 240°) and is rigidly connected to a pressure pin 32 extending perpendicular to the disk plane of the switching disk 24.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, as shown in the example, the first outlet connection pipe 19 is disposed in the first valve closure body 16, and the second outlet connection pipe 20 is disposed in the second valve closure body 17. Additionally, in the example shown, the third outlet connection pipe is disposed in the third valve closure body 18. A special feature of the example shown is that the respective outlet connection pipes 19 and 20 are respectively formed as central longitudinal holes in the piston-shaped valve closure bodies 16, 17, and 18. This makes it possible, in a simple manner, not only to allow the switching body 11 to act on the respective valve closure bodies 16, 17, and 18 so that they can be held in their closed position S, but also to block or seal the outlet connection pipes 19 and 20 of their respective closure bodies.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment, the first valve closure 16 and / or the second valve closure 17 are axially movable and guided within their respective receiving portions 25. Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown, two valve closure bodies 16, 17 and a third valve closure body 18 are axially movable and guided within an associated receiving portion 25. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a housing component 36 to the valve housing 1, which separates the inlet region 2 and the back pressure chamber 7 from each other, with the corresponding receiving portion 25 formed within said housing component. Figure 2 As can be seen, the inlet connecting pipe 15 is also provided as a through hole in the housing component 36, through which the inlet region 2 is fluidly connected to the back pressure chamber 7. Each of the receiving portions 25 has a shape that matches the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 received therein; in other words, in the exemplary embodiment shown, for the piston-shaped valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18, the receiving portion 25 is cylindrical and designed as a blind hole.

[0056] In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the first valve closure body and / or the second valve closure body 16, 17 are held axially movable by a retaining membrane 26. Figure 5 and 6In the example shown, two valve closures 16 and 17, and a third valve closure 18, are axially movable and held by corresponding retaining membranes 26. Preferably, the corresponding valve closures 16, 17, 18 may be manufactured together with their retaining membranes 26 as a two-component assembly, wherein the rigid, inelastic valve closures 16, 17, 18 are integrally manufactured with or connected to the flexible retaining membrane 26.

[0057] In the embodiment mentioned above, in which the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 are axially movable, as shown in the example, their axial movement can be parallel to the axial movement of the switching body 11. In an alternative embodiment, the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 are not axially movable parallel to the switching body 11.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 is axially defined in its open position O by an associated stop 27, wherein the stop limitation preferably allows for a relatively small axial switching stroke length for the switching body 11. Figures 2 to 4 In the design of the example shown, this limitation allows the axial travel of valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 from their closed position S to their open position O to remain appropriately shorter than the axial switching length, i.e., the stroke length, of the switching body 11. For example, it is possible to limit the axial travel of valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 to only about 1.8 mm to 2.2 mm, and to limit the axial switching or stroke length of the switching body 11 to only about 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0059] In advantageous embodiments, such as in the example shown, the first valve closing body 16 and / or the second valve closing body 17 are subjected to a spring force acting in the direction of their closed position S. In particular... Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated example, the first valve closure, the second valve closure, and the third valve closure 18 are subjected to a spring force acting in the direction of their closed position S. In this embodiment, for the purpose of applying the spring force, the fluid switching valve includes a switching spring 28 inside the valve housing 1, for example, in the form of a helical compression spring disposed in the back pressure chamber 7, as shown, alternatively in the form of a tension spring or other conventional elastic element. Therefore, each valve closure acting on the switching body 11 in its current operating position is elastically preloaded into the closed position S of the closure, regardless of the effective fluid pressure or pressure differential or the spatial orientation of the valve housing 1. In the illustrated example, when the valve housing 1 is in the corresponding position orientation, the gravity of the valve closures 16, 17, 18 acts on the valve closures 16, 17, 18 in the direction of their closed position S as an alternative or supplement to the aforementioned spring force, as... Figures 2 to 5 The situation seen is that the horizontal orientation is combined with the vertical direction upwards; in other words, the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 are subjected to gravity in the direction of their closed position S.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, as shown in the example, the inlet region 2 includes a one-piece inlet chamber 29, i.e., the inlet chamber 29 forms a single, integral inlet chamber space. Valve closures 16, 17, 18 are typically subjected to fluid pressure via this one-piece inlet chamber 29. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet chamber 29 is located opposite the back pressure chamber 7 relative to the valve closures 16, 17, 18.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the first valve closure 16 and / or the second valve closure 17 face the inlet region 2 with a pressure contact surface 30 on the inlet side and face the back pressure chamber 7 with a pressure contact surface 31 on the back pressure side. Particularly in the illustrated example, each of the first valve closure 16 and / or the second valve closure 17 and, moreover, the third valve closure 18, faces the inlet region 2 with a corresponding pressure contact surface 30 on the inlet side and faces the back pressure chamber 7 with a pressure contact surface 31 on the back pressure side. In this process, the pressure contact surface 31 on the back pressure side and the pressure contact surface 30 on the inlet side are designed to be annular, with the pressure contact surface 31 on the back pressure side being smaller than the pressure contact surface 30 on the inlet side. As a result, when the fluid pressure in one inlet region 2 is equal to the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber 7 on the other side, the pressure generated by the fluid pressure in the inlet region 2 and acting on the respective valve closures 16, 17, 18 is higher than the pressure generated by the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber 7 and acting on the respective valve closures 16, 17, 18 in the opposite direction. In this way, when the pressure in the valve housing 1 is constant, the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 are pushed in the direction of their open position O during operation. In other words, the fluid pressure pre-presses the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18 to their open position O.

[0062] The function of the switching valves is explained in more detail below, where the three valve units 8, 9, and 10 operate identically due to their similar design, making it sufficient to provide, for example, details about the first valve unit 8 as an example of its function. For the explanation of this function, in Figure 2 In the diagram, the valve is shown to be in active operation, with the associated fluid flow indicated by the flow arrows.

[0063] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, for the first valve closure 16 of the first valve unit 8, the corresponding valve closures 16, 17, 18 are in their closed position S on the associated valve seat 35, thereby sealing or blocking their associated fluid connections 12, 13, 14 relative to the associated outlets 4, 5, 6, and thus sealing or blocking the inlet region 2. In the open position O of the corresponding valve units 8, 9, 10, the associated valve closures 16, 17, 18 are separated from their valve seats 35 by a certain distance, i.e., lifted off their valve seats 35. As shown, the valve seat 35 can be formed from the end of the corresponding pipestub, and the end face of the corresponding piston-shaped valve closure 16, 17, 18 can be seated in a sealing manner against the end of the pipestub. For this purpose, the valve closures 16, 17, 18 have a wider T-shaped top region in the illustrated example. As in the illustrated valve embodiment, the valve seat 35 can be located, for example, in a common transverse plane in the valve housing 1.

[0064] In the illustrated example, due to the pressure difference resulting from the fluid pressure acting on the closure body from inlet region 2 minus the lower fluid pressure acting on the closure body from back pressure chamber 7 in the opposite direction, and minus the pressure difference resulting from gravity acting on the closure body in the closing direction S, the corresponding valve closure bodies 16, 17, 18 rise away from their valve seats 35 during operation. This subsequently opens the fluid connections 12, 13, 14 from inlet region 2 to the associated outlet, and fluid can correspondingly flow directly from inlet region 2 to the outlet, as in... Figure 2 The first outlet 4 is visible and indicated by the flow arrow Fh. Additionally, in the example shown, as in... Figure 2 As shown in the first valve unit 8, there is also an indirect fluid connection from the inlet region 2 via inlet connecting pipe 15, back pressure chamber 7, and associated outlet connecting pipes 19, 20, 21. However, generally, due to the effective fluid pressure relationship, therefore... Figure 2 Any additional fluid flow generated by this indirect fluid connection, indicated by the flow arrow Fz, is generally quite low at best.

[0065] Without any restrictions on universality, according to Figure 2 The operating condition is considered the first operating position of the fluid switching valve, and there and Figures 3 to 6The position of the switch body 11 shown is considered its first operating position. In this first operating position, the switch body 11 releases the first valve closure 16, causing it to assume its open position O. This opens the first fluid connection 12, allowing fluid to flow directly from the inlet 3 (i.e., inlet region 2) and indirectly through the inlet connection pipe 15, the back pressure chamber 7, and the first outlet connection pipe 19 to the first outlet 4. Simultaneously, the switch body 11 (specifically, the switch plate 24) holds the second valve closure 17 and the third valve closure 18 in their closed positions S, respectively. During this process, the switch body 11 or the switch plate 24 also seals the corresponding second outlet connection pipe 20 and third outlet connection pipe 21. This means that the second fluid connection 13 and the third fluid connection 14, as well as the two associated indirect fluid connections via the inlet connection pipe 15, the back pressure chamber 7, and the second outlet connection pipe 20 or the third outlet connection pipe 21, are blocked. No fluid flows from the inlet region 2 or from the back pressure chamber 7 to the corresponding second outlet 5 and third outlet 6.

[0066] When the user actuates the pressure actuation unit 33 of the switching body 11, and thus in Figures 2 to 5 As the pressure pin 32 moves axially upward, the switching body 11 or switching disc 24 rises axially, and the two valve closing bodies 17, 18, due to their preload under fluid pressure (in other words, due to the fluid pressure difference between the inlet area 2 and inlet chamber 29 on one side and the back pressure chamber 7 on the other side), follow this axial upward movement in the direction of the open position O until they are pushed downward. This also causes the two blocked fluid connections 13, 14 to open during the switching moment. This helps to release the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber 7 and thus helps to keep the actuation force required by the user for valve switching relatively low. Fluid can flow out of the back pressure chamber 7 through the outlet connection pipe 19 of the valve closing body 16, which is in its open position O and is not pushed downward, keeping the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber 7 low, thereby making it easier to axially raise the switching body 11, and primarily the valve closing bodies 17, 18, which are pushed downward until then. If the switching body 11 is seated against the housing component 36 in its initial position with an axial seal, the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber 7 initially acts to counteract the upward movement of the switching body 11. However, once the switching body 11 rises slightly, this pressure effect immediately subsides, because fluid pressure can also act on the switching body 11 from the other side in the direction of rise.

[0067] When the valve closures 17, 18, which had been pushed down until then, have reached their axial end positions, for example defined by the stop 27 and / or the retaining diaphragm 26, in other words, when they have reached their fully open position O, the further axial rise of the switching body 11 causes the outlet connection pipes 20, 21 of the two valve closures 17, 18, which had been pressed down until then, to also open, which allows fluid to flow out of the back pressure chamber 7 more easily and quickly.

[0068] Once the switching body 11 has risen to its axial end position and the user releases the pressure pin 32 and pressure actuation unit 33 again, the switching body 11 returns to its original position supported by the switching spring 28 and also by its own weight (depending on the valve's orientation). The switching body 11 descends first until it reaches the axial end position of the valve closing bodies 16, 17, 18.

[0069] The aforementioned rotating mechanism (e.g., sliding mechanism) of the forward switching arrangement 22 ensures that the switching body 11 rotates (e.g., clockwise) the desired 120° as it moves axially upward and / or in its axial end position and / or during its initial downward movement, until the switching body reaches the height of the valve closures 16, 17, 18, at which point it now sits against the first valve closure 16 and the third valve closure 18, and as it descends further, it moves these two valve closures 16, 18 together with it and moves them to their closed position S and holds them there. The second valve closure 17 is no longer loaded by the switching body 11 and remains in the open position O. The switching body 11 is now in its second operating position, in which the switching body thus causes the first fluid connection 12 and the third fluid connection 14 to be blocked by the corresponding valve units 8, 10, while the second fluid connection 13 is kept open by the second valve unit 9. Thus, fluid then flows from the inlet 3 (i.e., from the inlet region 2) through the second fluid connection 13 and the second outlet connection pipe 20 to the outlet 5 and flows out from the outlet.

[0070] The next switch of the valve and all subsequent switches are performed similarly to the switch just explained, wherein, due to the cyclic forward switching arrangement 22, the switching body always rotates 120° in the same direction each time. This causes the switching body to release the third valve closing body 18 to its open position O after the next switch to its third operating position, while keeping the first valve closing body 16 and the second valve closing body 17 pushed down to their closed position S. In subsequent switches, the switching body 11 then returns to its first operating position in the illustrated example; in other words, the valve is once again in the position presented as its initial position.

[0071] As clearly demonstrated in the exemplary embodiments shown and further mentioned above, the present invention provides a fluid switching valve that offers advantages over conventional fluid switching valves, particularly in terms of functionality, design, and / or operational reliability. Specifically, the fluid switching valve according to the present invention allows users to perform comfortable switching with minimal switching force and a short switching length of the valve components. Due to its design and mode of operation, the valve is less prone to failure and can be designed to be very compact as needed.

[0072] Of course, fluid switching valves are not only suitable for sanitary applications, such as sanitary showers or kitchen showers, but also for non-sanitary applications, such as in chemical processes and in the petroleum processing industry, for corresponding control of the feed and distribution of fluids or gaseous fluids.

Claims

1. A fluid switching valve, comprising: -valve housing (1), - An inlet region (2) having an inlet (3) for entering the valve housing, -The first outlet (4) and the second outlet (5) exiting the valve housing, -A first fluid connector (12) from the inlet region (2) to the first outlet (4) and a second fluid connector (13) from the inlet region (2) to the second outlet (5), -The inlet region (2) is fluidly connected to the back pressure chamber (7) via the inlet connection pipe (15). - A first valve unit (8) comprising a first valve closure body (16) movable between a closed position (S) and an open position (O) for use with the first fluid connection (12) and arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region (2) on one hand and via the back pressure chamber (7) on the other hand. - A second valve unit (9) comprising a second valve closure body (17) movable between a closed position (S) and an open position (O) for use with the second fluid connection (13) and arranged to withstand fluid pressure via the inlet region (2) on one hand and via the back pressure chamber (7) on the other hand. - A user-operable switching body (11) for switching the valve closing body (16, 17) between its closed position (S) and its open position (O), the switching body (11) being able to switch between different operating positions by switching movement. Its features - The back pressure chamber (7) is a single chamber that is fluidly connected to the first outlet (4) via a blockable first outlet connection pipe (19) and fluidly connected to the second outlet (5) via a blockable second outlet connection pipe (20). - The switching body (11) releases the first valve closing body (16) and holds the second valve closing body (17) in its closed position (S) in the first operating position, and holds the first valve closing body in its closed position and releases the second valve closing body in the second operating position.

2. The fluid switching valve of claim 1, further characterized by The fluid switching valve is a sanitary switching valve.

3. The fluid switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The switching movement of the switching body (11) includes axial movement and rotational movement, and / or - The switching body (11) can be cyclically switched from any of the different operating positions to the next via the forward switching arrangement (22), and / or -The switching body (11) blocks the second outlet connection pipe (20) in the first operating position and / or blocks the first outlet connection pipe (19) in the second operating position, and / or - The different operating positions correspond to different rotation angle positions of the switching body (11).

4. The fluid switching valve of claim 1, further characterized by The switching body (11) includes a switching component (23), which is movably positioned in the back pressure chamber (7) and acts on the first valve closing body (16) and the second valve closing body (17).

5. The fluid switching valve of claim 4, further characterized by The switching component (23) includes a switching disc (24) which is axially and rotatably movable in the back pressure chamber (7) and presents different rotational positions in the different operating positions, and acts axially on the valve closing body (16, 17).

6. The fluid switching valve of any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized by, The first outlet connection pipe (19) is located in the first valve closing body (16), and / or the second outlet connection pipe (20) is located in the second valve closing body (17).

7. The fluid switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, - The first valve closure body (16) and / or the second valve closure body (17) are axially movable and guided in the receiving portion (25) or held axially movable by the retaining membrane (26), and / or - The first valve closing body (16) and / or the second valve closing body (17) are axially defined in their open position (O) by a stop (27), and / or - The first valve closing body (16) and / or the second valve closing body (17) are subjected to spring force and / or gravity in the direction of their closed position.

8. The fluid switching valve of any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized by, The inlet area (2) includes a one-piece inlet chamber (29), through which the valve closure body (16, 17) can be pressurized with fluid.

9. The fluid switching valve of any one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized by, The first valve closing body (16) and / or the second valve closing body (17) face the inlet region (2) with the pressure contact surface (30) on the inlet side and face the back pressure chamber (7) with the pressure contact surface (31) on the back pressure side, the pressure contact surface (31) on the back pressure side being smaller than the pressure contact surface (30) on the inlet side.

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