Fluid distribution valve

Abstract

Fluid distribution valve (6) with an external valve component (12) and a valve body (18) arranged in the outer valve component (12) and rotatable about an axis relative to the outer valve component (12), wherein an outer surface of the valve body (18) and an inner surface of the outer valve component (12) have through-openings (20) to which through-openings (20) fluid lines (4, 5, 7, 8, 10) connect and which through-openings (20) can be brought in and out of overlap by rotating the valve body (18) relative to the outer valve component (12), characterized by a sealing insert (19) between the valve body (18) and the outer valve component (12) for sealing through-openings (20), which sealing insert (19) is non-rotatably connected to the valve body (18) or to the outer valve component (12) and is rotated relative to the other, i.e. the outer valve component (12) or the valve body (18), when rotating and which sealing insert (19) completely surrounds at least one of the through-openings (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid distribution valve with which a fluid, in particular water, can be distributed between connected lines. Specifically, it relates to a rotary valve with a rotatable valve body in an outer valve component.

[0002] Fluid distribution valves are well-known and widely used. For example, they are employed in water supply systems, particularly in toilet / shower units. Depending on the application, they allow the switching of incoming water between multiple lines or the blocking of such lines. In principle, water supplied from multiple lines can also be selectively diverted (with the flow reversed) to at least one outgoing line. In any case, there are more than two line connections, and therefore this is not a simple on / off switching valve for opening or closing the flow in a single line.

[0003] A bidet toilet system, for example, involves supplying water from a water supply, typically already heated, to at least one of several shower nozzles and / or to a cleaning device for a shower arm with these nozzles and / or for a receiving chamber for this shower arm. The multiple shower nozzles can differ in their spray direction and target location (so-called anal nozzles, feminine nozzles, etc.), and many bidet toilet systems have their own cleaning devices that can, for example, rinse the shower arm or parts thereof, or a receiving chamber for it, with heated water.

[0004] The applicant has been producing and selling such fluid distribution valves for WC shower units for many years. These are primarily rotary valves with a rotatable valve body in a housing, which, for the sake of simplicity, will be referred to as the outer valve component. The fluid distribution valve functions by aligning or openings on the outer surface of the valve body and the inner surface of the outer valve component, depending on the rotational position, thereby enabling or preventing water flow. Fluid lines, i.e., water lines, are connected to these openings. In the conventional type, the aforementioned surfaces are approximately cylindrical, with the axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of the cylinder.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of further improving a fluid distribution valve of the type described.

[0006] The invention relates to a fluid distribution valve according to claim 1 and also to a WC shower unit equipped therewith, as well as the use of the fluid distribution valve for such a shower unit.

[0007] The inventors have observed that in certain applications of fluid distribution valves, particularly with liquids and especially water, problems can arise with solids or particles between the outer surface of the valve body and the inner surface of the outer valve component. These can include, for example, residual impurities from tap water that have passed through filter screens, or limescale deposits, etc. Due to such solid particles, achieving very precise fits between the two surfaces proves difficult; rather, a certain degree of tolerance is required.

[0008] Such tolerances may also be necessary or at least advantageous due to manufacturing processes. For example, valve components can be manufactured economically and practically using plastic injection molding, which on the one hand necessitates certain tolerances and on the other hand entails geometric limitations with regard to demolding.

[0009] Ultimately, precise fits, even if technically feasible, always involve costs.

[0010] On the other hand, it has become apparent that the play present in this sense leads to a fundamental leakage of a fluid distribution valve of the described type and to noticeable disadvantages. Firstly, this concerns the unnecessary water consumption itself; secondly, for example in WC shower systems, it usually also results in energy loss due to the heating of the water; and thirdly, the leakage of the fluid distribution valve can be perceived as annoying by users, for example if a trickle of leaking water runs into a toilet bowl or elsewhere in the area of ​​the shower arm connection.

[0011] In this sense, various trials have shown a significant improvement through the introduction of a sealing insert between the valve surfaces. This insert provides an additional layer of material between the valve surfaces (not necessarily everywhere in between) for sealing purposes. In contrast, in the prior art described above, the valve surfaces sealed by contact with each other. The valve body improves the sealing performance and, compared to a sealing-optimized mounting of the valve surfaces, reduces its sensitivity to solid particles. Furthermore, the sealing insert is free from the material limitations that apply to the valve body and the outer valve component, and can therefore be optimized without such limitations. For example, a silicone sealing insert is preferably used within the scope of the present invention and the exemplary embodiment.

[0012] According to the invention, the sealing insert is connected to the valve body or the outer valve component in a rotationally fixed manner, and thus behaves like one of these components during relative rotations between them, rotating accordingly relative to the other.

[0013] Furthermore, the sealing insert completely surrounds at least one of the through-openings in the outer surfaces, thus forming a seal for this opening against the adjacent parts of the corresponding outer surface of the through-opening and the complementary outer surface. This preferably applies to a plurality and particularly preferably to all through-openings in the outer surfaces.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, there are at least two through-holes offset from one another in the direction of the (rotational) axis, whereby the axial offset does not necessarily exclude an offset in the circumferential direction. Especially with a large number of connected lines, such an axial offset can lead to an advantageous design, and the invention provides that the sealing insert then completely surrounds at least the two axially offset through-holes.

[0015] In addition to the through-openings in the valve body's outer surfaces, a preferred through-opening is located on an end face of the valve body, i.e., at an end penetrated by the axis of rotation and therefore not also in a outer surface. Accordingly, a fluid line communicating with this through-opening is provided on the end face of the outer valve component (with respect to the valve body). The valve body, in turn, has an internal fluid line extending from this through-opening, which also runs axially. For example, the valve body can be largely hollow and open on one side (at the end face), see the exemplary embodiment.

[0016] As mentioned earlier, through-openings in the outer surfaces can be axially spaced. Generally, a design that is comparatively extended in the direction of the axis can be advantageous, particularly to accommodate a larger number of pipe connections and through-openings. Preferably, the sealing insert according to the invention then relates to a plurality, and more preferably, all through-openings along such an elongated outer surface. In this sense, the length of the sealing insert in the direction of the axis is preferably greater than (the diameter) perpendicular to it.

[0017] As mentioned, the sealing insert is designed to be closed around the openings to be sealed. This does not necessarily mean that it is also closed around its circumference, i.e., has a tube-like shape. However, this is a simple and preferred design. Depending on the location of the openings, the sealing insert could also be, for example, U-shaped in cross-section (or slightly more closed than a U).

[0018] As mentioned, the sealing insert rotates with one of the two during the movements between the valve body and the outer valve component. This anti-rotation lock is advantageously achieved by a positive-locking element on the valve body, which advantageously interacts with a complementary positive-locking element on the valve body or outer valve component. In the exemplary embodiment, this is a combination of two axially parallel, elongated projections on the outer valve component and two receptacles for them, i.e., a groove / rib combination.

[0019] Preferably, the sealing insert does not have a constant material thickness (in the radial direction for cylindrical geometries), but rather at least one thickening. This thickening completely surrounds one of the through-holes in a cylindrical surface, preferably as close as possible to this opening. In particular, the edge of the sealing insert can be thickened around the through-hole. This achieves a tighter fit and / or increased contact pressure locally, thus creating a local seal.

[0020] This can involve an improvement of an existing seal, but also the sealing areas themselves. In this sense, the other through-openings in the area of ​​the sealing insert are preferably also surrounded by such a thickening.

[0021] Even if these are the sealing areas themselves and the remaining sealing insert contributes little or nothing to the seal, this remaining area still serves a supporting function and also enables simple and convenient handling, particularly cost-effective installation or replacement of the sealing insert. In the example shown, it can be seen that the overall approximately hollow-cylindrical geometry of the sealing insert virtually automatically positions and holds the thickened portions in the correct positions simply by inserting it into the outer valve component.

[0022] Emphasizing or concentrating on sealing in the immediate vicinity of the through-holes can also have the advantage of preventing excessive friction between the sealing insert and the other component (valve body or external valve component) rotating relative to it, or at least reducing such friction.

[0023] The preferred material for the sealing insert in the application has already been mentioned, namely silicone. Particularly preferably, this silicone has a Shore A hardness between 30 and 90, with preferred lower limits of 40 and 50 and preferred upper limits of 80 and 70.

[0024] The outer valve component or the valve body can be constructed essentially or entirely of plastic (preferably both), in particular injection-molded parts. Of course, metal components or similar components can be integrated. Preferably, the outer surfaces considered here are made of plastic. On the one hand, plastic parts, and in particular injection-molded parts, are economical and practical; on the other hand, the sealing insert according to the invention can largely or completely compensate for the effects of larger dimensional tolerances, for example, compared to precision-manufactured metal parts.

[0025] The fluid distribution valve is preferably motor-driven. The force transmission, i.e., coupling, between the motor and the valve body preferably occurs at the end face of the valve body, specifically at the end face opposite the end face already mentioned with regard to the through-hole. For example, the valve body can have an end-face positive locking element for positive locking with a complementary element on the motor output side.

[0026] Finally, the valve body can be stabilized at a specific point without the interposition of the sealing insert in the outer valve component. This is preferably done at a distance from an actuation point for the rotary movement, in particular the aforementioned coupling of the motor drive, and most preferably at an end opposite it. Accordingly, this mounting can be located at the end face of the valve body, as already discussed with regard to the through-hole, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment.

[0027] The fluid distribution valve according to the invention constitutes a component that is advantageous in terms of technical performance and economy, particularly for a toilet shower unit. This can be, on the one hand, a (so-called integrated) shower toilet or, on the other hand, a shower unit that can be combined with a toilet, i.e., for example, a so-called add-on unit. In this sense, the invention also relates to such a toilet shower unit.

[0028] It also focuses on the advantageous use of the fluid distribution valve for such toilet shower facilities. This means that the fluid distribution valve has a particularly useful application in such toilet shower facilities, and thus its installation and function in the shower facility extend its advantages to the shower facility. The term "use" here does not necessarily refer to the use of the fluid distribution valve in the sense of using the toilet shower facility, i.e., switching and distributing water flows, but rather to the intended purpose itself.

[0029] An embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the figures, is explained below for illustrative purposes. In detail, Fig. 1 a perspective view of part of a shower device according to the invention with a shower arm, its drive and a fluid distribution valve; Fig. 2 a perspective overall view of the fluid distribution valve from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a representation of the fluid distribution valve from Fig. 2 in a different perspective and with components pulled apart along an axial direction; Fig. 4 a view of a section along the axial direction through the fluid distribution valve; Fig. 5 a close-up enlargement for Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a close-up to Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a view of a section perpendicular to the axial direction through the fluid distribution valve and Fig. 8 a sealing insert of the fluid distribution valve in perspective view.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a part of a shower device according to the invention to illustrate a typical use of a fluid distribution valve according to the invention. A shower arm 1, extendable to the front left, is visible in a housing 2, as is a drive motor 3 for the extension movement of the shower arm 1, which is coupled to the shower arm 1 via a worm gear. The shower arm 1 is supplied with shower water in its rear section via four water lines, two of which, 4 and 5, are shown. This water is supplied to three different shower nozzles.

[0031] Three of these water lines extend downwards from a fluid distribution valve 6, visible in the foreground. A more clearly visible line 7 extends from the fluid distribution valve 6 to the front right, leading to a front position of the housing 2 of the shower arm 1 and supplying a washing device for the shower arm. The previously mentioned water line 4 supplies another (internal) cleaning device of the shower arm 1. A further line 8 extends from the fluid distribution valve 6 and serves for water circulation in certain operating conditions, particularly during descaling. An actuator 9 of the fluid distribution valve is also visible in the foreground. The distribution valve 6 is supplied by a water inlet line 10, which is also visible as a line, although its connection is covered by the connection of the water line 7.

[0032] Overall, the distribution valve 6 serves to distribute the water, which acts as the operating medium, within the shower system and is therefore mounted near the shower arm. Other components connected to the distribution valve 6, such as a hot water tank, an instantaneous water heater, an inlet water connection with a free-fall section for hygienic separation from the water supply network, a water pump, etc., are not shown, but are familiar to experts. Furthermore, one of the four mentioned water lines (reference number 5) leads directly from an auxiliary pump to shower arm 1 and supplies a so-called "boost nozzle".

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows the distributor valve 6. Fig. 1. The actuator 9, already mentioned, with its electrical connection lines 11, is visible at the front right, and below it is an approximately cylindrical outer valve component 12, namely a valve housing. In a lower section, there is a connection 13 for the aforementioned water supply line 10, above it a slightly smaller connection 14 for the shower water line, above that another connection 15 for the line 4 for internal shower arm cleaning, and above that yet another connection 16 for a further shower water line (in this case, for supplying a so-called anal nozzle, in contrast to the so-called lady nozzle supplied by connection 14). To the right of connection 16, there is another connection 17 for the [unclear - possibly referring to a specific component or device]. Fig. 1 already shown circulation line 8 and below it finally a connection piece 18 for the line 7 from Fig. 1.

[0034] It can be seen that the connecting nozzles are offset along the vertical axis of the approximate cylindrical shape of the outer valve body 12 and partly also offset along the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

[0035] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows the internal structure of the distribution valve 6 better. In particular, Fig. 3 elements inserted in the outer valve component 12 in the assembled state in an extended state. The same applies to the actuator 9 shown on the right. Specifically, this concerns a valve body 18 and a sealing insert 19 (in the assembled state) that surrounds it and is arranged in the outer valve component 12. This is in Fig. 8 enlarged and shown separately, whereby the Fig. 5-7 the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 with further magnifications or a different section plane. In Fig. 3 it can be seen that the motor 9 has a flat pin on its left-facing output shaft for engagement with the inner valve component, i.e. the valve body 18, and can thereby rotate and position it.

[0036] The valve body 18, in turn, is, like the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show, from his in Fig. 3 left end is concentrically hollowed out over most of its longitudinal extent and has through openings 20 extending from this concentric (cylindrical) inner line 27 to its outer surface, one of which is in Fig. 3 shown. With such through-openings 20, the inner line in the valve body 18 can communicate with the various connection nozzles, which are shown on the basis Fig. 2 and lead to respective through openings in the outer valve component 12, see the sectional views 4 to 7. In this case, a rotary positioning of the valve body 18 ensures either a closure of such a through opening 20 or its connection to a connecting piece, in the case of the connecting pieces 14 and 18 on the one hand and 16 and 17 on the other hand, an optional connection to one of two connecting pieces located at the same position along the axis.

[0037] On the other hand, the mentioned cylindrical inner line 27 is arranged in the inner valve body 18 according to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is connected at its front through-opening 26 to the inlet connection piece 13, from which the water to be distributed flows in.

[0038] The outer valve body 12 and the valve body 18 are each injection-molded plastic components, while the sealing insert 19 is a silicone component with a Shore A hardness of 60. The sealing insert 19 can thus compensate for the somewhat larger manufacturing tolerances of injection-molded parts (12 and 18) compared to metal components.

[0039] The Fig. Figures 4-6 show that an end of the valve body 18 opposite the actuator 3 is in direct contact with a radially adapted section of the inner surface of the outer valve body 12, without the interposition of the sealing insert 19. This serves as a centering and bearing arrangement for absorbing forces between the two valve bodies 12 and 18. Further bearing arrangements are shown in the Fig. 4-6 at the end of the valve body 18 adjacent to the actuator 9, namely to the right of the right end of the sealing insert 19. There is also a bearing here. A sealing ring 21 with an approximately X-shaped cross-section (made of NBR with a Shore A hardness of 70) is inserted into this latter bearing to seal the distributor valve completely to the right.

[0040] Especially the Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the sealing insert 19 has the aforementioned through-openings on its inner surface (as shown in Figure 20). Fig. 3) completely circumferential thickenings 24 on.

[0041] These thickenings 24 signify a concentration of the contact pressure and thus also of the sealing function of the sealing insert 19. Because of their asymmetrical arrangement (cf. Fig. 8 and the arrangement of the connection spigots in Fig. 2), the centering bearing at the distal end of the sealing insert 19 (relative to the actuator 9) is particularly important. The thickened portions 24 described ensure, in particular, that excessive contact pressure is not required between the sealing insert 19 as a whole and the valve bodies 18 and 12 for reasons of tightness. Thus, the torques to be applied by the actuator 3 are not too great. In principle, the sealing function can be concentrated entirely or essentially on these thickened portions 24, which can be seen in Fig. 7 can be seen at the narrow gap between the outer surface of the valve body 18 and the inner surface of the sealing insert 19 (outside the thickenings 24).

[0042] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 also shows two groove-like indentations 22 running parallel to the axis of rotation in the outer surface of the sealing insert 19 (in Fig. 8 (only one visible) and two corresponding inwardly projecting ribs 23 (only in Fig. 7) on the inner wall surface of the outer valve body 12. The recording 22 acc. Fig. 8 (and Fig. 3) is open to the distal end of the sealing insert 19 (relative to the actuator 3), so that it is assembled accordingly Fig. 3 can be inserted along the axial direction. The sealing insert 19 is rotatably locked in the outer valve body 12 by the positive locking between the groove 22 and the rib 23.

[0043] In Fig.3, a projection 25 can be seen at the end of the valve body 18 proximal to the actuator motor 3. This is a carrier with a magnet inserted therein. Accordingly, a Hall sensor can verify the angle of rotation when passing through this projection 25 during a rotation driven by the motor 9 and thus generate a reference signal for controlling the motor 9.

Claims

[1] Fluid distribution valve (6) with an outer valve component (12) and a valve body (18) arranged in the outer valve component (12) and rotatable about an axis relative to the outer valve component (12), wherein an outer surface of the valve body (18) and an inner surface of the outer valve component (12) have through-openings (20), to which through-openings (20) fluid lines (4, 5, 7, 8, 10) are connected and which through openings (20) can be brought into and out of alignment by rotating the valve body (18) relative to the outer valve component (12), characterized by a sealing insert (19) between the valve body (18) and the outer valve component (12) for sealing through openings (20), which sealing insert (19) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the valve body (18) or to the outer valve component (12) and is rotated during rotation relative to the other, i.e. the outer valve component (12) or the valve body (18), and which sealing insert (19) completely surrounds at least one of the through openings (20). [2] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the through-openings (20) are offset from one another along the axis and the sealing insert (19) completely surrounds both of these through-openings (20). [3] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a fluid line in the outer valve component (12) adjoins the valve body (18) at the end face and the valve body (18) has a through opening (26) communicating with this fluid line on this end face and an inner fluid line (27) adjoining the through opening. [4] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the sealing insert in the direction of the axis is greater than perpendicular thereto. [5] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing insert is closed in a circumferential direction around the axis. [6] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the sealing insert has a positive locking element (22) for securing it against rotation relative to the valve body (18) or the outer valve component (12). [7] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the sealing insert has a thickening (24) around at least one of the through-openings (20) in one of the lateral surfaces, which thickens completely around the through-opening (20). [8] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing insert is made of silicone, preferably with a Shore A hardness between 40 and 80. [9] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the outer valve component (12) and / or the valve body (18) are constructed from plastic, in particular are injection-molded parts. [10] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims with a motor (9) for driving the rotary movement, which motor (9) is preferably coupled to the end face of the valve body (18). [11] Fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the valve body (18) is mounted in the outer valve component (12) at a location spaced from an actuating engagement for the rotary movement, preferably at an end opposite thereto, without the interposition of the sealing insert (19). [12] Toilet shower device, namely a shower toilet or a shower device for the toilet that can be combined with a toilet, with a fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of the preceding claims for distributing water. [13] Use of a fluid distribution valve (6) according to one of claims 1-11 for a toilet shower device according to claim 12.

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