Switching valve and switching unit for switching at least two fluid channels

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching valve (100) for switching at least two fluid channels (202, 204), comprising at least: a valve housing (110) in which a piston (120) is arranged to move in an axial direction (112) in order to control a fluid flow between at least two valve openings (102, 104), said valve openings being in fluid communication with said fluid channels (202, 204); a first return spring (114) by means of which a return force is applied to the piston (120) in the axial direction (112) during normal operation; and a switching unit (10) which is designed to bring the piston (120) from at least one first switching position into at least one second switching position (2) against the restoring force and to maintain the second switching position and to return it from the at least one second switching position (2) into the at least one first switching position. The piston (120) is held in the at least one first switching position (1) and the at least one second switching position (2) without energy supply. The invention also relates to a switching unit (10) for a switching valve (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching valve for switching at least two fluid channels and a switching unit for the switching valve. Existing technology

[0002] An electrically operated switching valve is known for switching hydraulic channels having at least two flow passages. Conventional valves maintain an open position against hydraulic pressure and therefore exhibit a fixed current consumption in the open or closed position depending on the holding force.

[0003] DE 20 2005 011 092 U1 describes a locating locking pin (Rastriegel) having a locking pin that is axially driven by rotational movement. The radial pin is locked in at least one axial end slot in such a way that, with reduced spring force, the radial pin must be axially moved against the spring force and thus unlocked before returning to its original rotation. To move the locking pin to a position where it locks or releases at least two components, a radial screw slit / radial pin guide is provided between the locking pin and the housing sleeve.

[0004] DE 20 2008 013 348 U1 discloses a locking screw with a locking mechanism, wherein the locking or releasing action of the locking screw is always performed only in a single direction of operation, either by pushing or pulling. The locking screw primarily comprises a "ballpoint pen mechanism" as a displacement and stop mechanism for blocking in the working and resting positions. In this way, the locking pin is actuated only by pressing (or only by pulling) against or by means of spring force. The displacement and stop mechanism functionally corresponds to the sliding guide of a ballpoint pen guide. Thus, a conventional switching mechanism is provided, as it is used, for example, in a ballpoint pen.

[0005] DE 20 2009 014 685 U1 discloses a sliding arrangement for drawers, sliding doors, hinged doors, etc., and in particular an ejection device having an ejection arrangement comprising a slider adjustable between an insertion position and an ejection position by a spring element. The slider is adjustable along a first adjustment stroke under spring load and is adjustable along a subsequent second adjustment stroke without spring load under the idling action of the ejection device.

[0006] Overview of the Invention One objective of this invention is to provide an efficient switching valve for switching at least two fluid channels.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide an efficient switching unit for switching valves.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the aforementioned task is solved by a switching valve for switching at least two fluid channels, the switching valve comprising at least: a valve housing in which a piston is arranged to be movable in an axial direction to control fluid flow between at least two valve openings, which are in fluid communication with the fluid channels when used as intended; a first return spring by means of which the piston is subjected to a return force in the axial direction during intended operation; and a switching unit configured to cause the piston to overcome the return force from at least one first switching position to at least one second switching position and to remain in the second switching position, and to return it from the at least one second switching position to the at least one first switching position, wherein the piston is held in the at least one first switching position and the at least one second switching position without an energy supply.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, another task is solved by a switching unit for a switching valve, the switching unit comprising at least: a base ring having guide grooves and retaining ribs alternately arranged on an inner circumference; an actuator guided axially within the guide grooves in the base ring, by means of which the piston is movable in the axial direction, and the actuator including a first control surface inclined in the circumferential direction; a switching ring guided in the base ring and movable in the axial direction, including a second control surface complementary to the first control surface in the circumferential direction and provided for contacting the first control surface; and a second return spring by means of which the switching ring is supported in the axial direction at the actuator.

[0010] Beneficial embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the other claims, description and drawings.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a switching valve for switching at least two fluid channels is provided, comprising at least: a valve housing in which a piston is arranged to be movable in an axial direction to control fluid flow between at least two valve openings, which are in fluid communication with the fluid channels when used as intended; a first return spring by means of which the piston is subjected to a return force in the axial direction during intended operation; and a switching unit configured to allow the piston to overcome the return force, move from at least one first switching position to at least one second switching position and maintain the second switching position, and to return it from the at least one second switching position to the at least one first switching position. In this context, the piston is maintained in the at least one first switching position and the at least one second switching position without the supply of energy (particularly electrical or magnetic energy).

[0012] This invention describes an electrically switched valve that actively switches hydraulic flow paths. In this context, the switching valve connects two or more fluid passages to each other. For this purpose, both fluid passages to be connected are traversed by a switching channel. The switching valve is inserted into this switching channel. The switching valve includes at least one piston, a return spring, and a switching unit that allows the at least one first and at least one second switched position of the switching valve to be maintained even without an energy supply (particularly electrical or magnetic energy).

[0013] The proposed switching valve therefore includes a terminal position maintained in a current-free manner, thereby saving energy.

[0014] Furthermore, it is conceivable that this switching valve could also be used to switch and / or distribute airflow.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the switching unit can be designed to move the piston from the at least one first switching position to the at least one second switching position and back by the action of a control pin that is movable in the axial direction. The switching process can be initiated and controlled by means of the control pin. When the switching process is initiated, the transition from one switching position to another is achieved by an internal mechanism of the switching unit.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the control pin can be coupled to an actuator, particularly an electromagnetic actuator. For example, the control pin can be controlled and moved by an electromagnetic actuator, but it can also be hydraulically controlled.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the switching unit may include: at least one base ring having guide grooves and retaining ribs alternately arranged on its inner circumference; an actuator guided axially within the guide grooves in the base ring, by means of which the piston is movable in the axial direction, and the actuator includes a first control surface inclined in the circumferential direction; a switching ring guided in the base ring and movable in the axial direction, and including a second control surface complementary to the first control surface in the circumferential direction and provided for contacting the first control surface; and a second return spring by means of which the switching ring is supported axially at the actuator. Thus, by means of the switching unit, the piston can be switched back and forth between first and second switching positions by the control of a control pin.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, when the control pin is manipulated, the actuator can be simultaneously moved axially and rotationally about the longitudinal axis, thereby lifting the actuator out of the guide slot and holding it in the at least one second switching position by a retaining rib arranged at the base ring and extending in the axial direction.

[0019] This simultaneous axial and rotational movement of the actuator can be advantageously achieved by means of the restoring force of the first return spring. Due to the inclined control surface, the rotational movement of the actuator can be advantageously aroused again by the control pin when the switching ring is actuated again, and the actuator can be lifted out of the retaining rib. In this way, the actuator can return to the at least one first switching position due to the restoring force of the first return spring.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the second control surface of the switching ring can be configured to be at least segmented in a wedge shape in the circumferential direction. Rotational movement of the actuator can advantageously be achieved in this manner.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the switching ring may include a radially protruding guide bump that engages, as specified, with a guide groove in the base ring. In this way, the switching ring can be advantageously guided laterally within the guide groove of the base ring during its axial movement.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the retaining rib may include a locking surface at its axial free end, within which the actuator is held in the at least one second switching position. The actuator's first control surface can therefore interact with the locking surface to hold the actuator in the second switching position.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the actuator may include a circumferential guide element that extends axially and engages, as specified, with a guide groove in the base ring. Therefore, the actuator can also be advantageously guided laterally during axial movement.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the guide element may include the first control surface at its axial free end. The first control surface of the actuator can therefore advantageously interact with the locking surface of the retaining rib to hold the actuator in the second switching position.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the locking surface may include a locking protrusion arranged in a circumferential direction, at which the guide element is locked in the at least one second switching position. In this way, the actuator can be held in the second switching position.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the retaining ribs may include locking surfaces at their axial free ends that are circumferentially adjacent to each other and arranged at different heights in the axial direction. Advantageously, the new switching position can thus be adjusted in a step-switching manner by each further switching pulse of the control pin.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the piston and the actuator may each have an orifice for compensating for fluid volume as the piston and actuator move. This prevents a closed fluid volume from impeding the movement of the piston and actuator.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the switching valve, the switching ring may include a receiving portion and / or the actuator may include an internal section for guiding the second return spring. In this way, the second return spring can be safely guided during actuator movement.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, a switching unit for a switching valve is provided, the switching unit comprising at least: a base ring having guide grooves and retaining ribs alternately arranged on an inner circumference; an actuator guided axially within the guide grooves in the base ring, by means of which a piston is movable in the axial direction, and the actuator including a first control surface inclined in the circumferential direction; a switching ring guided in the base ring and movable in the axial direction, including a second control surface complementary to the first control surface in the circumferential direction and provided for contacting the first control surface; and a second return spring by means of which the switching ring is supported in the axial direction at the actuator.

[0030] A switching unit consisting of a base ring, actuator, switching ring, and return spring can also be advantageously used as a retrofit solution to convert a standard valve into a switching valve with a current-free terminal position.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the switching valve, the base ring, particularly the profile of the base ring, is formed in the valve housing, particularly integrally formed therewith.

[0032] Brief description of the attached figures Further advantages are illustrated in the following figures, which depict embodiments of the invention. The figures, description, and claims contain numerous combinations of features. Those skilled in the art will also readily consider these features individually and combine them into other suitable combinations.

[0033] For example: exist Figure 1 An isometric view of a switching valve for switching at least two fluid channels according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. exist Figure 2 An exploded view of the switching valve is shown in the figure; exist Figure 3 An enlarged exploded view of a portion of a switching valve having a switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; exist Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shows the switching valve installed in the valve block in the second switching position; exist Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows the switching valve installed in the valve block in the first switching position; exist Figure 6 The image shows an isometric view of the base ring of the switching valve; exist Figure 7 The image shows an isometric view of the actuator for the switching valve; exist Figure 8 The diagram shows an isometric view of the switching ring of the switching valve; and exist Figure 9 The figure shows an isometric view of the base ring of the switching valve with the inserted switching ring.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar parts are identified by the same reference numerals. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0035] To explain the present invention, Figure 1 An isometric view of a switching valve 100 for switching at least two fluid channels 202, 204 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 An exploded view of the switching valve 100 is shown, in which a portion of the switching valve 100 with the switching unit 10 is shown. Figure 3 It is shown in magnification.

[0036] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view shows the switching valve 100 installed in the valve block 200 at the second switching position 2, while Figure 5 The switching valve 100 in the first switching position 1 is shown.

[0037] The switching valve 100 includes a valve housing 110 in which a piston 120 is movably arranged in the axial direction 112 for controlling fluid flow between at least two valve openings 102, 104. In intended use, the valve openings 102, 104 are in fluid communication with fluid passages 202, 204 of the valve block 200. Furthermore, the switching valve 100 includes: a first return spring 114 by which the piston 120 is subjected to a return force in the axial direction 112 during intended operation; and a switching unit 10 configured to allow the piston 120 to overcome the return force from at least one first switching position 1 to at least one second switching position 2 and maintain the second switching position, and to return it from at least one second switching position 2 to at least one first switching position 1. In this context, the piston 120 is held in at least one first switching position 1 and at least one second switching position 2 in the absence of energy supply, particularly in the absence of electrical or magnetic energy.

[0038] The piston 120 includes annular grooves 128 extending around its circumference, which are configured, for example, as lubricant grooves, to be guided within the valve housing 110 with minimal friction.

[0039] A switching valve 100 is arranged in a bore in a valve block 200 that traverses two fluid passages 202, 204. A valve housing 110 is sealed relative to the bore in the valve block 200 by at least one radially outwardly arranged sealing element 122, such as an O-ring.

[0040] By means of the control pin 12 movable in the axial direction 112 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The switching unit 10 can move the piston 120 from at least one first switching position 1 to at least one second switching position 2 and back. The control pin 12 can be coupled to, for example, the actuator 14, particularly the electromagnetic actuator 14. (As can be...) Figure 4 As can be seen, the actuator 14 is screwed onto the valve block 200 via the fastening flange 106 using the fastening screw 108. The control pin 12 may be a component of the actuator 14. However, alternatively, the control pin 12 may also be driven solely by the actuator 14.

[0041] The switching unit 10 includes: a base ring 20 having guide grooves 26 and retaining ribs 24 alternately arranged on its inner circumference; and an actuator 40 guided within the guide grooves 26 in the base ring 20 along an axial direction 112, by means of which a piston 120 is movable in the axial direction 112. The actuator 40 includes a first control surface 48 inclined in a circumferential direction 36. Furthermore, the switching unit 10 includes a switching ring 60 guided in the base ring 20 and movable in the axial direction 112, and includes a second control surface 64 complementary to the first control surface 48 in the circumferential direction 36 and provided for contacting the first control surface 48. Additionally, the switching unit 10 includes a second return spring 80 by means of which the switching ring 60 is supported at the actuator 40 in the axial direction 112.

[0042] To explain the various components of the switching unit 10, Figure 6 The figure shows an isometric view of the base ring 20, while Figure 7 An isometric view of actuator 40 is shown. Figure 8 An isometric view of the switching ring 60 is shown, and Figure 9 An isometric view of the base ring 20 with the inserted switching ring 60 is shown.

[0043] The second control surface 64 of the switching ring 60 is constructed in a wedge shape in at least segments in the circumferential direction 36, with edges 70 arranged therebetween.

[0044] The switching ring 60 includes radially protruding guide bumps 68 that engage with guide grooves 26 of the base ring 20 as specified. In this way, the switching ring 60 can be laterally guided within the base ring 20.

[0045] The retaining rib 24 includes a locking surface 30 at its axial free end 28, within which the actuator 40 is held in at least one second switching position 2.

[0046] At circumference 54, actuator 40 includes a guide element 44 that extends in the axial direction 112 and engages, as specified, with a guide groove 26 in base ring 20. In this way, actuator 40 is laterally guided within base ring 20.

[0047] The guide element 44 includes a first control surface 48 at its axial free end 46.

[0048] The locking surface 30 of the base ring 20 includes a locking protrusion 32 arranged in the circumferential direction 36, and the guide element 44 is locked at the locking protrusion in at least one second switching position 2.

[0049] The switching ring 60 includes a receiving portion 72 and the actuator 40 includes an internal section 50 for guiding the second return spring 80.

[0050] Piston 120 and actuator 40 each include an orifice 52, 126 for compensating for fluid volume during movement of piston 120 and actuator 40. In this way, fluid can flow from one side of piston 120 through orifice 52, 126 to the other side of actuator 40, and vice versa.

[0051] With the aid of the restoring force of the first return spring 114, the actuation of the control pin 12 by the switching valve 10 causes simultaneous axial and rotational movement of the actuator 40 about the longitudinal axis 112. In this way, for example, the actuator 40 in the switching position 1 is lifted out of the guide slot 26 and held in at least one second switching position 2 by the retaining rib 24 arranged at the base ring 20 and extending in the axial direction 112.

[0052] When the control pin 12 is manipulated along the axial direction 112, the control pin pushes the switching ring 60. Thus, the switching ring 60 moves so far along the axial direction 112 that it strikes the actuator 40, which is guided in the base ring 20. The base ring 20 is press-fitted and therefore fixedly connected to the valve housing 110. Once the actuator 40 is removed from the guide slot 26 of the base ring 20, the restoring force of the first return spring 114 and the control surface 64 of the switching ring 60, which is inclined in the circumferential direction 66, force the actuator 40 to rotate. This rotation forces the actuator 40 into the next switching position 1, 2 and holds it in this switching position 1, 2 by the retaining rib 24 in the base ring 20. When the actuator 40 is in this switching position 1, 2, the control pin 12 is inactive. Therefore, without energy applied by the actuator 14, the actuator 40 is held in the switching position 1, 2 without current.

[0053] The switching ring 60 is now pressed back into its basic position by the second reset spring 80.

[0054] Once a new control pulse is applied via control pin 12 and switching ring 60 contacts actuator 40 again, actuator 40 is lifted out of base ring 20 and rotated further. This time, actuator 40 rotates so far that it jumps out of retaining rib 24 and can now slide down into switching position 1 at base ring 20. Switching valve 100 is thus opened.

[0055] That is, the inclined second control surface 64 causes the actuator 40 to rotate again due to the re-operation of the switching ring 60 by the control pin 12, and the actuator is lifted out of the holding rib 24. In this way, the actuator 40 is returned to at least one first switching position 1 by the restoring force of the first return spring 114.

[0056] Since the base ring 20 always alternately includes a continuous guide groove 26 and a guide with retaining ribs 24, the switching valve 100 is alternately opened and closed.

[0057] exist Figure 4 In the switching position 2 shown, the piston 120 that is pushed back closes the fluid passage 204, so that no fluid flow occurs between the first fluid passage 202 and the second fluid passage 204.

[0058] exist Figure 5 In the switching position 1 shown, the piston 120 is positioned between the two fluid channels 202 and 204, such that the valve opening 104 is open toward the fluid channel 204. The valve opening 102 leading to the fluid channel 202 is always open, allowing fluid in the valve interior 124 to flow through the hollow cylindrical piston 120 between the two fluid channels.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, the retaining rib 24 may include a locking surface 30 at its axial free end 28, the locking surfaces being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction 36 and arranged at different heights in the axial direction 112. Thus, a new switching position can be adjusted using each further switching pulse in a step-switching manner.

[0060] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the switching unit 10 includes a base ring 20 having: guide grooves 26 and retaining ribs 24 alternately arranged on the inner circumference; and an actuator 40 guided within the guide grooves 26 in the base ring 20 along an axial direction 112, by means of which the piston 120 is movable in the axial direction 112. The actuator 40 includes a first control surface 48 inclined in the circumferential direction 36. Furthermore, the switching unit 10 includes a switching ring 60 guided in the base ring 20 and movable in the axial direction 112, and includes a second control surface 64 complementary to the first control surface 48 in the circumferential direction 36 and provided for contacting the first control surface 48. Additionally, the switching unit 10 includes a second return spring 80 by means of which the switching ring 60 is supported at the actuator 40 in the axial direction 112.

[0061] Advantageously, the switching unit 10 can also be used as a retrofit solution to convert a standard valve into a switching valve 100 with a current-free switching position.

[0062] Figure 6 An isometric view of the base ring 20 of the switching valve 100 is shown. The base ring 20 includes an outer sleeve 22, wherein guide grooves 26 and retaining ribs 24 are arranged alternately adjacent to each other in the axial direction at the inner circumference.

[0063] The retaining rib 24 includes a locking surface 30 at its axial free end 28, within which the actuator 40 is held in at least one second switching position 2. The locking surface 30 includes a locking protrusion 32 arranged in the circumferential direction 36, at which the guide element 44 of the actuator 40 can be locked in at least one second switching position 2. Between the locking surface 30 and the locking protrusion 32, an edge 34 is visible, such that the guide element 44 of the actuator 40 can be locked in place at the locking surface 30 in at least one second switching position 2.

[0064] Figure 7 An isometric view of the actuator 40 of the switching valve 100 is shown. The actuator 40 includes a body 42 having a guide element 44 that extends axially in the direction 112 at its circumference 54 and engages, as specified, with a guide groove 26 of the base ring 20. In this way, the actuator 40 is laterally guided within the base ring 20. The guide element 44 includes a first control surface 48 at its axial free end 46.

[0065] Actuator 40 includes an internal section 50 for guiding the second return spring 80.

[0066] Figure 8 An isometric view of the switching ring 60 of the switching valve 100 is shown. Guided in the base ring 20 and movable in the axial direction 112, the switching ring 60 includes second control surfaces 64 at the ring body 62 in the circumferential direction 36. These second control surfaces are complementary to and provided for contacting the first control surface 48 of the actuator 40. Edges 70 are arranged between the inclined control surfaces 64 in the circumferential direction 66, such that the guide element 44 of the actuator 40 can be locked in place at the control surfaces 64 in at least one first switching position 1.

[0067] The switching ring 60 includes radially protruding guide bumps 68 at the ring body 62, which engage with the guide grooves 26 of the base ring 20 as specified. In this way, the switching ring 60 can be laterally guided within the base ring 20.

[0068] Figure 9 An isometric view of the base ring 20 of the switching valve 100 with the inserted switching ring 60 is shown. Figure 9 The arrangement of the switching ring 60 within the base ring 20 can be seen. The switching ring 60 is radially arranged inside the retaining rib 24 of the base ring 20.

[0069] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. First switching position 2 Second switching position 10 Switching Units 12 Control pins 14 drives 20 base rings 22 sleeve 24. Keep the ribs intact. 26 Guide slots 28 Free End 30 Locking face 32 Locking protrusions 34 Edge 36 Circumferential direction 40 Actuators 42 Main Body 44 Guiding elements 46 Free end 48 First Control Surface 50 sections 52 holes 54 Circumferential direction 60 Switching ring 62 rings 64 Second Control Surface 68 Guide bump 70 Edge 72. Reception Department 80 Second return spring 100 Switching Valve 102 Valve opening 104 Valve Opening 106 Fastening flange 108 Fastening Screws 110 valve housing 112 Longitudinal axis 114 First return spring 120 piston 122 Sealing element 124 Valve interior 126 holes 128 Annular groove 200 Valve Block 202 Fluid Channel 204 Fluid Channel.

Claims

1. A switching valve (100) for switching at least two fluid passages (202, 204), comprising at least: - A valve housing (110) in which a piston (120) is arranged to be movable in the axial direction (112) to control fluid flow between at least two valve openings (102, 104), which are in fluid communication with the fluid passages (202, 204) when used as intended. - A first return spring (114), by means of which the piston (120) is subjected to a return force in the axial direction (112) during scheduled operation, and - A switching unit (10) configured to cause the piston (120) to overcome the reset force from at least one first switching position (1) to at least one second switching position (2) and maintain the second switching position, and to return it from the at least one second switching position (2) to the at least one first switching position (1). The piston (120) is held in the at least one first switching position (1) and the at least one second switching position (2) when there is no energy supply.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The switching unit (10) is configured to cause the piston (120) to move from the at least one first switching position (1) to the at least one second switching position (2) and back by the action of a control pin (12) that is movable in the axial direction (112).

3. The switching valve according to claim 2, wherein, The control pin (12) is coupled to the driver (14), particularly the electromagnetic driver (14).

4. The switching valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The switching unit (10) includes at least: - Base ring (20) having guide grooves (26) and retaining ribs (24) alternately arranged on the inner circumference. - An actuator (40) is guided in the base ring (20) in the guide groove (26) in the axial direction (112) and by means of the actuator, the piston (120) can be moved in the axial direction (112), and the actuator includes a first control surface (48) inclined in the circumferential direction (36). - A switching ring (60) is guided in the base ring (20) and movable in the axial direction (112) and includes a second control surface (64) which is complementary to the first control surface (48) in the circumferential direction (36) and is provided for contacting the first control surface (48). - A second return spring (80) by means of which the switching ring (60) is supported in the axial direction (112) at the actuator (40).

5. The switching valve according to claim 4, wherein, When the control pin (12) is manipulated, the actuator (40) is simultaneously subjected to axial and rotational movement about the longitudinal axis (112), whereby the actuator (40) is lifted out of the guide groove (26) and held in the at least one second switching position (2) by a retaining rib (24) arranged at the base ring (20) and extending in the axial direction (112).

6. The switching valve according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The second control surface (64) of the switching ring (60) is wedge-shaped at least in segments in the circumferential direction (36).

7. The switching valve according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The switching ring (60) includes a radially protruding guide bump (68) that engages with the guide groove (26) of the base ring (20) as specified.

8. The switching valve according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The retaining rib (24) includes a locking surface (30) at its axial free end (28), within which the actuator (40) is held in the at least one second switching position (2).

9. The switching valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuator (40) includes a guide element (44) that extends axially (112) at a circumference (54) and engages, as specified, with a guide groove (26) of the base ring (20).

10. The switching valve according to claim 9, wherein, The guide element (44) includes the first control surface (48) at its axial free end (46).

11. The switching valve according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The locking surface (30) includes a locking protrusion (32) arranged in the circumferential direction (36), and the guide element (44) is locked at the locking protrusion in the at least one second switching position (2).

12. The switching valve according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The retaining rib (24) includes a locking surface (30) at its axial free end (28), which is adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction (36) and arranged at different heights in the axial direction (112).

13. The switching valve according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein, The piston (120) and the actuator (40) each include a hole (52, 126) for compensating for fluid volume when the piston (120) and the actuator (40) move.

14. The switching valve according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein, The switching ring (60) includes a receiving portion (72) and / or the actuator (40) includes an internal segment (50) for guiding the second return spring (80).

15. A switching unit (10) for a switching valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least: - Base ring (20) having guide grooves (26) and retaining ribs (24) alternately arranged on the inner circumference. - An actuator (40) is guided in the base ring (20) in the guide groove (26) in the axial direction (112) and by means of the actuator, the piston (120) can be moved in the axial direction (112), and the actuator includes a first control surface (48) inclined in the circumferential direction (36). - A switching ring (60) is guided in the base ring (20) and movable in the axial direction (112) and includes a second control surface (64) which is complementary to the first control surface (48) in the circumferential direction (36) and is provided for contacting the first control surface (48). - A second return spring (80) by means of which the switching ring (60) is supported in the axial direction (112) at the actuator (40).

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