Switching valve, diverter, sanitary fitting and use of a switching valve

Abstract

Switching valve (2) with an inlet (24) and at least one outlet (25), comprising a switching mechanism (8) which is operatively connected to an actuator (5), characterized in that an insert part (9a) is formed, wherein the insert part (9a) has a drain (10) which establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism (8) and the at least one outlet (25), and that the insert part (9a) has a bypass channel (11), in particular which provides an additional connection (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a switching valve with an input and at least one output, comprising a switching mechanism operatively connected to an actuator. Such a switching valve is widely used in practice.

[0002] The invention further relates to a diverter. Diverters are well known in the art.

[0003] The invention further relates to the use of a sealing ring. Such uses are known.

[0004] The invention further relates to a sanitary fitting. Sanitary fittings are well known in the art.

[0005] The invention further relates to the use of a switching valve. This is widely used in practice.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of improving the performance characteristics of a switching valve. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0007] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically reasonable manner and define further embodiments of the invention, as long as these combinations comprise the features of at least one independent claim. Furthermore, the features listed in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0008] To achieve the stated object, the invention proposes the features of claim 1. In particular, the invention proposes, in a switching valve of the type described above, to achieve the stated object, that an insert part is formed, wherein the insert part has an outlet that establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism and the at least one outlet, and that the insert part has a bypass channel, in particular wherein the bypass channel provides an additional connection. Thus, the operating characteristics of the switching valve can be improved.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below, which can optionally be combined with the features of claim 1 alone or in combination with the features of other embodiments.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, a sealing means can be provided that seals the connection in the operating position. This ensures advantageous functionality of the switching valve.

[0011] The switching valve preferably has two outlets. In the operating position (in one installation direction of the switching valve), the two outlets are located above the inlet. The water is guided from the inlet around the switching mechanism, especially the diaphragm switching mechanism, towards the outlets.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, two sealing means can be provided that define an outlet section containing the at least one outlet. This allows good functionality of the switching valve to be achieved.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the bypass channel can be provided to open into or adjacent to the inlet. This can improve the operating characteristics of the switching valve.

[0014] Preferably, the bypass channel is formed as an annular channel in the insert part. The bypass channel can consist of one or more channels.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the bypass channel can be arranged outside, in particular at a distance from, the at least one outlet. This can improve the operating characteristics of the switching valve.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, two sealing means can be provided that define an inlet section containing the one inlet. Thus, a functional seal of the fluid flow can be achieved.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the additional connection can be spaced apart from the inlet and additionally or alternatively from the outlet. Preferably, the additional connection is located outside of one or the inlet section and additionally or alternatively outside of one or the outlet section. Thus, good operating characteristics of the switching valve can be achieved.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the insert part can be inserted loosely or tightly into the switching valve. Loosely means that a small amount of play is formed between the insert part and a valve body. Tightly means that no play is formed between the insert part and the valve body. This allows for flexibility in the arrangement.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching mechanism can be a piston mechanism or a diaphragm switching mechanism. A piston mechanism is described as a mechanism that has a piston with thickened portions that can selectively block outlets. A diaphragm switching mechanism is described as a mechanism that has diaphragms that can be selectively blocked by a plunger.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the sealing means and the two additional sealing means can be designed as O-rings on a valve body of the switching valve. This ensures that the arrangement is sealed.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that an opening cross-section of the bypass channel is matched to an opening cross-section of the inlet and additionally or alternatively to an opening cross-section of the outlet. In this context, "matched" can mean that the deviations in the opening cross-sections amount to a maximum of 25 percent.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the bypass channel can be provided to branch off in a fluid communication between the inlet and the switching mechanism. This ensures proper functionality of the switching valve.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the bypass channel can run along an actuation direction or along a switching valve insertion direction. Preferably, the bypass channel runs parallel to the actuation direction or the switching valve insertion direction. The actuation direction refers to the direction in which the actuator is actuated. The switching valve insertion direction refers to the direction in which the switching valve is inserted into a sanitary fitting. This simplifies the mechanical construction of the insert part.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuation direction and the switching valve insertion direction can be congruent. This simplifies the mechanical construction of the switching valve.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet can be provided with a deflector that extends through a side wall of the bypass channel. The deflector is designed in an elbow shape. This increases the flexibility of the switching valve.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet can be configured parallel to the bypass channel in one area and separate from the bypass channel in an entire area. This can increase the functionality of the switching valve.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching valve can be designed as a diverter. Preferably, the switching valve is designed as a changeover valve. Thus, the switching mechanism can switch between two outputs.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the inlet and the at least one outlet can be provided to define superimposed levels. This simplifies installation in a sanitary fitting.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet can be provided with a wall against which the switching mechanism, in particular the piston mechanism or the diaphragm switching mechanism, engages. This ensures the functionality of the switching valve.

[0030] The insert part is preferably made of a plastic.

[0031] The insert part has a valve seat against which a valve rests in a position of use.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuator can be operatively connected to a plunger. This ensures the functionality of the actuator.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the tappet can be provided with several thickened portions. This allows a flow channel in a diaphragm switching mechanism to be blocked and switch efficiently.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching mechanism can be activated or triggered by a ballpoint pen mechanism in the actuator. This allows for a high level of user comfort.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the insert part can be mounted as an assembly unit in the switching valve. This simplifies the installation of the insert part in the switching valve.

[0036] To achieve the stated object, the invention provides the features of the independent claim 19 directed to a diverter. In particular, to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes that a diverter of the type described above have two inlets separated from each other by a sealing element. The sealing element is preferably a sealing ring. This allows the flexibility of the device to be increased.

[0037] To achieve the stated object, the features of the independent claim 20, which is directed to a use, are provided according to the invention. In particular, to achieve the stated object, for a use of the type described above, the invention proposes that the sealing ring be part of a diverter, wherein the diverter is designed according to claim 19, and wherein the sealing ring is configured for a separate supply line to two switching mechanisms of the diverter. Thus, the flexibility of the diverter can be further increased.

[0038] To achieve the stated object, the invention provides the features of the independent claim 21 directed to a sanitary fitting. In particular, to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes, in a sanitary fitting of the type described above, that the sanitary fitting have a switching valve with the above-mentioned features. Thus, the performance characteristics of the sanitary fitting can be improved.

[0039] To achieve the stated object, the invention provides the features of the independent claim 22, which is directed to the use of a switching valve. In particular, to achieve the stated object, the invention proposes, when used as described above, that the switching valve in the sanitary fitting be designed according to one of the aforementioned features. Preferably, an inlet of the sanitary fitting is designed adjacent to the bypass channel or a bypass channel.

[0040] The invention will now be described in more detail using a few exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these few exemplary embodiments. Further variants of the invention and exemplary embodiments arise from combining the features of individual or multiple claims with one another and / or with individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments and / or the previously described variants of devices and uses according to the invention.

[0041] It shows: Fig. 1 a sanitary fitting with a switching valve according to the invention and Fig. 2 a section through the sanitary fitting with the switching valve according to the invention and Fig. 3 a section through the switching valve according to the invention and Fig. 4 a section through the insert and Fig. 5 the insert part in a view from above and Fig. 6 the insert part in a view from below and Fig. 7 a section through the insert and Fig. 8 another section through the insert and Fig. 9 the insert part in a perspective view and Fig. 10 the insert part in a further perspective view and Fig. 11 a section through another insert and Fig. 12 a section through the further insert part Fig. 11 and Fig. 13 another section through the further insert part from Fig. 11 and Fig. 14 a section through another sanitary fitting and Fig. 15 a section through plane A Fig. 14 and Fig. 16 a section through plane B Fig. 14 and Fig. 17 a section through plane C Fig. 14 and Fig. 18 a section through the plane D Fig. 14 and Fig. 19 a section through the plane E Fig. 14.

[0042] In the following description of various embodiments of the invention, elements that correspond in their function are given the same reference numbers even if they have a different design or shape.

[0043] For clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in the figures, although the elements may very well be present in the figures. However, identical reference symbols indicate functionally and / or structurally identical components and functional units.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a sanitary fitting 1 with a switching valve 2 according to the invention. The switching valve 2 is inserted into a base body 22 of the sanitary fitting 1.

[0045] The sanitary fitting 1 has an inlet connection 3, which is located at the bottom and in the Fig. 1 is therefore not visible. The sanitary fitting 1 also has two outlet connections 4, which are Fig. 1 are visible. The two output terminals 4 are arranged orthogonally to the input terminal 3.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through the sanitary fitting 1 with the switching valve 2 according to the invention. The switching valve 2 has an actuator 5, which is operatively connected to a plunger 6. The plunger 6 has several thickened portions 7. The switching valve 2 has a switching mechanism 8, which in the present embodiment is designed as a diaphragm switching mechanism 9. Alternatively, the switching mechanism 8 can be designed as a piston mechanism. The two output connections 4 are arranged orthogonally to the input connection 3. Orthogonal means that an angle between 85° and 95° is formed. An insert part 9a is formed below the switching mechanism 8. The insert part 9a has an outlet 10, which establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism 8 and one of the output connections 4. The insert part 9a further has a bypass channel 11.The bypass channel 11 branches off in fluid communication between an inlet 24 and the switching mechanism 8. The bypass channel 11 is annular. The bypass channel 11 runs along, preferably parallel, an actuation direction 12 or a switching valve insertion direction 13. The actuation direction 12 and the switching valve insertion direction 13 are congruent. The outlet 10 has a deflection 14, in particular a knee-shaped one, which extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. The outlet 10 is designed parallel to the bypass channel 11 in one area and separate from the bypass channel 11 throughout the entire area. In the present exemplary embodiment, the switching valve 2 is designed as a changeover valve that can switch between two output connections 4. The actuator 5 has a ballpoint pen mechanism, which can increase the user's ease of use. The insert part 9a is firmly inserted into the switching valve 2.Fixed means that there is no play between a valve body 14 and the insert part 9a. The insert part 9a is made of a plastic. A sealing means 15 is formed, which seals a connection 26 in the use position. Two sealing means 23 are formed, which define an outlet section 16 containing the at least one outlet 25. The lower sealing means 15 belongs to the sealing of the connection 26 as well as the sealing of the outlet 25 and is simultaneously identified by the reference numeral 23. Furthermore, two sealing means 23 are visible, which define an inlet section 27 containing the one inlet 24. The additional connection 26 is spaced apart from the inlet 24 and additionally or alternatively from the outlet 25. Preferably, the connection 26 is located outside the inlet section 27 and additionally or alternatively outside the outlet section 16.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a section through the switching valve 2 according to the invention. The switching valve 2 has an inlet 24 and two outlets 25. A further connection 26 is formed below the insert part 9a. The further connection 26 is provided by the bypass channel 11. The inlet connection 3 and the two outlet connections 4 are in Fig. 3 not visible. Two sealing means 23 are formed, which define the outlet section 16 containing at least one outlet 25 and seal the at least one outlet 25 in the position of use. The switching valve 2 functions as follows: The water enters at the bottom through the further connection 26 and runs through the bypass channel 11 towards the switching mechanism 8, which is designed as a diaphragm switching mechanism 9. There are a total of two diaphragms, each of which belongs to an outlet 25. If the tappet 6 blocks the lower diaphragm with one of its several thickened portions, the water cannot leave the switching valve 2 through the lower outlet 25. The only way for the water to leave the switching valve 2 is through the upper diaphragm and the upper outlet 25. In such a case, the tappet 6 does not block the upper diaphragm and thus flow through the upper diaphragm is possible.A cross-section of the bypass channel 11 is matched to a cross-section of the outlet 10. "Matched" means that there is a maximum deviation of 25 percent between the cross-sections of the outlet 10 and the bypass channel 11. Additionally, two sealing means 23 are formed, which define an inlet section 27 containing an inlet 24.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 shows a section through the insert part 9a. The insert part 9a shows the bypass channel 11 and the outlet 10. The outlet 10 has a knee-shaped deflection 14 that extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. The bypass channel 11 can be one or more channels. The bypass channel 11 is the channel that branches off in a fluid communication between the inlet 24 and the switching mechanism 8.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows the insert part 9a in a view from above. Fig. Figure 6 shows the insert part 9a in a bottom view. Six webs 17 are visible, which meet at a point in the center of the insert part 9a. Fig. 7 shows a section through the insert part 9a. Fig. 8 shows another section through the insert part 9a. In Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows the outlet 10, which extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. In Fig. 8 the bars 17 in the lower area are also visible.

[0050] Fig. Figure 9 shows the insert part 9a in a perspective view. The bypass channel 11 has six separate channels arranged around the outlet 10. As already mentioned above, the bypass channel 11 can have one or more channels that establish a branching connection between the inlet 24 and the switching mechanism 8. In the specific embodiment, the bypass channel 11 has several channels, here six.

[0051] Fig. Figure 10 shows the insert part 9a in a further perspective view, showing a sectional plane through the outlet 10. The outlet 10 has a deflection 14, which extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. Fig. 10 also shows the channels of the bypass channel 11.

[0052] Fig. 11 shows a section through another insert part 9a. The insert part 9a has a valve seat 16a, against which the switching mechanism 8 (not shown here) rests. The bypass channel 11 is formed next to the valve seat 16a. The outlet 10 is formed at a distance from the bypass channel 11; in the specific embodiment, this outlet does not have a knee-shaped deflection 14, but is T-shaped.

[0053] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show further sections through the insert part 9a. Fig. 12 is a section through the T-shaped drain 10; Fig. 13 is a cut at right angles to the cut from Fig. 12. In Fig. 13 shows the bypass channel 11, which consists of several channels. The drain 10 is visible in the middle.

[0054] Fig. 14 shows a section through another sanitary fitting 1. The sanitary fitting 1 has a switching valve 2. The switching valve 2 is designed as a diverter 18. The diverter 18 has three inlet connections 3, 19, 21. A sealing ring 20 is arranged between the inlet connections 3 and 19, which enables a separate supply line to two switching mechanisms 8 of the diverter 18. Above the third inlet connection 21, the insert part 9a can be seen, which has an outlet 10 with a deflection 14; in addition, the insert part 9a has a bypass channel 11. As already explained above, the bypass channel 11 can consist of one channel or several channels. The two inlet connections 3, 19 are designed orthogonal to the actuation direction 12 and to the switching valve insertion direction 13. The third input port 21 is formed along the actuation direction 12 and the switching valve insertion direction 13.The output ports of the switching valve 2 are identified by the reference numeral 4 and are configured orthogonal to the actuation direction 12 and the switching valve insertion direction 13. The diverter 18 has an actuator 5, which is operatively connected to a tappet 6. The tappet 6 has thickened portions 7, which interact with a switching mechanism 8 and can selectively switch output ports 4. In this specific embodiment, the switching mechanism 8 is configured as a diaphragm switching mechanism 9. Alternatively, the switching mechanism 8 can be configured as a piston mechanism. The insert part 9a is inserted into the switching valve 2 without play. The switching mechanism 8 has two diaphragms, each of which allows an inflow to one of the output ports 4 depending on the switching position. The actuator 5 has a ballpoint pen mechanism, which can increase the ease of use of the diverter 18.The insert part 9a has sealing rings that can seal the insert part 9a against flow. The insert part 9a is preferably made of a plastic, which can reduce manufacturing effort and costs. The insert part 9a enables communication between the switching mechanism 8 and an output connection 4 through the outlet 10. The outlet 10 has a deflection 14 that extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. The insert part 9a also has a bypass channel 11, which can consist of one or more channels.

[0055] The letters A to E symbolize the planes through which the cut is made and which are Fig. 15 to Fig. 19 are shown. Fig. 15 is a section through plane A from Fig. 14. In Fig. 15 shows the output 4 and the plunger 6.

[0056] Fig. 16 is a section through plane B from Fig. 14. In Fig. 16 shows the switching mechanism 8, which is designed as a membrane switching mechanism 9. The first input 3 is visible on the right side. Fig. 17 is a section through plane C from Fig. 14. In Fig. Figure 17 shows the switching mechanism 8, which is designed as a membrane switching mechanism 9. The second input connection 19 is also visible. Fig. 18 shows a section through plane D from Fig. 14. The bypass channel 11, which consists of several channels, is visible here. Also visible is the outlet 10, which has a diverter 14 that leads to the outlet connection 4. Fig. 19 shows a section through plane E from Fig. 14. In Fig. 19 shows the bars 17, which meet at a point in the middle. The third input connection 21 is also visible.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the input connection 21 is closed.

[0058] In another embodiment, the base body 22 does not contact the sealing ring 20, so that the input ports 3 and 19 communicate with each other. One of the input ports 2, 19 can therefore be closed if both switching mechanisms 8 are to be supplied together. The input port 21 can also be closed.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the base body 22 contacts the sealing ring 20. The input connection 19 is closed, and a separate supply of the switching mechanisms 8 through the input connections 3 and 21 is possible.

[0060] In a switching valve 2 with an inlet 24 and at least one outlet 25, comprising a switching mechanism 8 which is operatively connected to an actuator 5, it is proposed that an insert part 9a is formed, wherein the insert part 9a has an outlet 10 which establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism 8 and the at least one outlet 25, and that the insert part 9a has a bypass channel 11, wherein the bypass channel 11 provides an additional connection 26. List of reference symbols 1 sanitary fitting 2 switching valve 3 (first) input connection 4 Output connection 5 actuators 6 pestles 7 Thickening, thickenings 8 Switching mechanism 9 Membrane switching mechanism 9a Insert part 10 Procedure 11 Bypass channel 12 Actuation direction 13 Switching valve insertion direction 14 Deflection 15 Sealant 16 Exit section 16a Valve seat 17 jetty, jetties 18 diverters 19 (second) input connection 20 sealing ring 21 (third) input port 22 basic bodies 23 Sealants 24 entrance 25 Exit 26 additional connections 27 Entrance section

Claims

[1] Switching valve (2) with an inlet (24) and at least one outlet (25), comprising a switching mechanism (8) which is operatively connected to an actuator (5), characterized by that an insert part (9a) is formed, wherein the insert part (9a) has an outlet (10) which establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism (8) and the at least one outlet (25), and that the insert part (9a) has a bypass channel (11), in particular which provides an additional connection (26). [2] Switching valve (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that a sealing means (15) is formed which seals the connection (26) in the position of use. [3] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that two sealing means (23) are formed which define an outlet section (16) containing the at least one outlet (25). [4] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bypass channel (11) opens into or adjacent to the inlet (24). [5] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bypass channel (11) is arranged outside the at least one outlet (25). [6] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that two sealing means (23) are formed which define an inlet section (27) containing the at least one inlet (24). [7] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the additional connection (26) is spaced from the input (24) and / or the output (25), in particular outside the or an input section (27) and / or the or an output section (16). [8] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the insert part (9a) is inserted loosely, in particular with a play, or firmly, in particular without play, in the switching valve (2). [9] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the switching mechanism (8) is a piston mechanism or a membrane switching mechanism (9). [10] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing means (15) and the further two sealing means (23) are designed as O-rings on a valve body of the switching valve (2). [11] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an opening cross-section of the bypass channel (11) is matched to an opening cross-section of the inlet (24) and / or to an opening cross-section of the outlet (25). [12] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the bypass channel (11) branches off in a fluid communication between the inlet (24) and the switching mechanism (8). [13] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bypass channel (11) runs along, in particular parallel to, an actuating direction (12) or a switching valve insertion direction (13). [14] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuation direction (12) and the switching valve insertion direction (13) are congruent. [15] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outlet (10) has a deflection (14) which extends through a side wall of the bypass channel (11). [16] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outlet (10) is designed parallel to the bypass channel (11) in one area and separate from it in the entire area. [17] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the switching valve (2) is designed as a diverter, in particular as a changeover valve. [18] Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the input (24) and the at least one output (25) define superimposed levels. [19] Diverter (18) with two inlets (24) which are separated from one another by a sealing element, in particular a sealing ring, in particular wherein the diverter (18) is designed as a switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims. [20] Use of a sealing ring (20) of a diverter (18) according to claim 19 for a separate supply line to two switching mechanisms (8) of the diverter (18). [21] Sanitary fitting (1) with a switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18. [22] Use of a switching valve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 16 in a sanitary fitting (1), in particular wherein an inlet (3) of the sanitary fitting (1) is formed adjacent to a bypass channel (11).

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