Valve actuation device with a control element

Abstract

Valve actuating device (1), in particular diverter (2), with a control element (3), wherein the control element (3) actuates mutually opposing and mutually coupling switching elements (4, 4') for selective positioning into one of at least two valve positions (5, 6), characterized in that the control element (3) has a base body (9) with a non-circular cross-section (30) that tapers section by section and / or is formed by axial ribs (8) along an axial direction (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve actuating device, in particular a diverter, with a control element, wherein the control element actuates switching elements which actuate in opposite directions and can be coupled to one another for selective positioning in one of at least two valve positions.

[0002] The invention further relates to a valve actuating device, in particular a diverter, with a control element, wherein the control element is axially displaceable via a spring-loaded actuating element.

[0003] Valve actuation devices with a diverter are known in practice, for example, for installation in a sanitary fixture. These allow a fluid flow to be switched by actuating the valve actuation device accordingly. This allows, for example, a fluid flow, preferably water, to be redirected so that it no longer flows from the faucet but rather from a shower head, for example. This often results in high (water) pressures, which can make it difficult for the operator of the valve actuation device to manually adjust the valve positions completely from top to bottom dead center.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of enabling simplified operation of the valve actuating device even at high (water) pressures.

[0005] To achieve the stated object, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, to achieve the stated object, in a valve actuating device of the type described above, it is proposed according to the invention that the control element has a base body with a non-circular cross-section that tapers in sections along an axial direction.

[0006] For example, a first valve position can be configured to open a fluid path to a first sanitary fitting, for example, a faucet, while a second valve position can be configured, for example, to open at least one further fluid path to at least one second sanitary fitting, for example, a shower head. Each valve position can be manually activated by an operator as needed, for example. A third valve position of the at least two valve positions can also be used, for example, to mount the valve actuation device.

[0007] In order to either block and / or release the fluid paths, the switching elements, in particular at least one switching element, preferably at least two switching elements, are actuated. Opposite action can mean, for example, that in a valve position, one fluid path is released by actuating the control element via the at least one switching element, while, in particular simultaneously, due to a coupling / operative connection of the switching elements, another fluid path is blocked by the at least second switching element without additional actuation of the control element.

[0008] The control element's base body, which tapers in sections in the axial direction and has a non-circular cross-section, offers, among other things, the outstanding advantage of creating a preferably point and / or linear contact between the control element and the switching element. This allows for improved sliding properties and thus better guidance of the switching elements and reduced mechanical stress on the contacting elements when switching to the various valve positions by reducing the friction coefficients at these points. In addition to the technical advantages, this also offers economic and production-related advantages, as less material is required to manufacture the control element, thus reducing costs.

[0009] The axial direction can be the direction along a longest extension of the valve actuating device.

[0010] It is also conceivable that a diameter of the control element in a switching area is identical in an extended dimension to an adjacent diameter.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the control element has a base body formed by axial ribs with a non-circular cross-section along an axial direction.

[0012] For example, it can be provided that the section of the control element tapering in the axial direction has the aforementioned axial ribs in order to further optimize the advantages already described, such as lower mechanical stress during switching operations and better controllability of the switching elements.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one outside a section of the control element tapered by axial ribs fluidically seals a radial relief opening of at least one switching element in one of the at least two valve positions.

[0014] The radial relief opening can, for example, be designed, depending on the valve position, to relieve a fluid pressure and / or a pressure caused by a fluid, in particular hydrostatic pressure, from a pressure chamber. It can be provided that each switching element, depending on the valve position or the position of the control element, can interact with a respective pressure chamber in such a way that, in particular through a corresponding opening on the switching elements, a fluid flow flowing to the valve actuating device can flow into one of the at least two pressure chambers, depending on the valve position or the position of the control element.The control element can, for example, be guided through both switching elements, preferably centrally, whereby, depending on the diameter of the control element, radial relief openings formed at a radial transition between the control element and the switching element can be either fluidically sealed or opened. Depending on the position of the control element or the valve position, a pressure, in particular a line pressure of the incoming fluid, can be built up in one pressure chamber, while ambient pressure preferably prevails in the at least one other pressure chamber.

[0015] A valve position can then result, for example, in that the control element is positioned in such a way that the passage of the control element through one switching element takes place at the section of the control element that is tapered by axial ribs, while the passage of the control element through the at least one other switching element in this position can be formed, for example, at an enlarged outer diameter and thus outside the section of the control element that is tapered by axial ribs.At the section of the control element tapered by axial ribs, the relief opening can thus be opened by the design of the tapered section and / or the axial ribs between the control element and the switching element, while the relief opening of the at least one further switching element can be fluidically sealed by the enlarged outer diameter of the control element at the radial transition between the control element and this switching element.

[0016] The radial direction can be the direction perpendicular to the already defined axial direction.

[0017] This makes it possible, for example, as already mentioned above, for a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid flowing to the valve actuating device to build up in one of the pressure chambers, namely the one in which the radial relief opening is closed, and to dissipate in the other, for example, by opening the radial relief opening due to the section of the control element tapered by axial ribs in such a valve position. A fluid path can thus be blocked by a pressurized pressure chamber, whereas the fluid path can be opened by the switching element, which can interact with the non-pressurized pressure chamber.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the control element forms a pilot valve with at least one switching element.

[0019] For example, it can also be provided that the control element with two switching elements forms two pilot valves, via which a fluid flow or the fluid flowing into the valve actuating device can advantageously be controlled without any problems. Thus, for example, at least one switching element can open a fluid path in at least one valve position due to the pressure of the incoming fluid flow. This can be achieved, for example, by the switching element deforming due to the fluid pressure in such a way that an access opening opens and / or a corresponding fluid path defined by this switching element can be opened. This can also be achieved in a highly advantageous manner that the fluid pressure can have a supporting effect when switching from one valve position to at least one other valve position.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment can provide that the control element releases a first fluid path in a first valve position and releases a fluid path different from the first fluid path in at least one second valve position.

[0021] This makes it particularly advantageous, for example, to supply various plumbing fixtures from the same supply source. As already mentioned above, a third valve position can, for example, be a valve position suitable for mounting the valve actuation device. It is particularly advantageous in this case that no fluid path is opened in this third valve position.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the valve positions change by a vertical movement of the control element via a spring-loaded actuating element.

[0023] A vertical movement can, for example, be a movement in the axial direction. This particularly advantageously allows an operator of the valve actuation device to switch between the at least two valve positions without exerting great force.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one switching element is formed to be elastically deformable.

[0025] In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the pressure chambers already described preferably provide an axial movement space for elastic expansion of the switching elements. Thus, depending on the valve position, at least one switching element can be elastically deformed under the fluid pressure of the inflowing fluid in such a way that, as soon as the relief opening(s) are opened, the access opening(s) are opened for the flow of the inflowing fluid.

[0026] The switching elements that can interact and be coupled with one another can be designed, for example, as a movable disc or the like, which are fluidically sealed, for example, with a lip seal.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one switching element is formed by a membrane body.

[0028] The membrane bodies can be operatively connected to one another, for example, via a sleeve that receives them at a radial end and surrounds the membrane bodies on an outer circumference.

[0029] An advantage of diaphragm bodies that also function as diaphragm seal(s) can be that they allow for a lower-friction movement of a central section of the control element.

[0030] Preferably, each switching element is elastically deformable and / or formed by a membrane body.

[0031] Thus, the switching elements can advantageously release and / or block different fluid paths due to the opposing mode of action of the switching elements.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the control element is carried out centrally in one of the at least two valve positions only by a single switching element.

[0033] In such a valve position, for example, the switching element, in which the control element is not completely centrally guided, can release the fluid path or a fluid path, since the switching element can advantageously expand elastically, in particular in the direction of the non-pressurized pressure chamber, under the fluid pressure or a fluid pressure due to the open radial relief opening of the inflowing fluid or an inflowing fluid. Thus, the access opening or an access opening can be opened and the fluid path released. In contrast, in such a valve position, the fluid path is blocked by the radial relief opening of the at least one further switching element, which is closed by the control element.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least two valve positions deflect a fluid flowing in perpendicular to an axial extension of the control element.

[0035] This makes it particularly advantageous to generate two separate fluid flows, which in turn can provide access for fittings that can be connected to them.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the independent claim directed to a valve actuating device are provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object. In particular, the invention proposes that the control element be made of plastic.

[0037] This, for example, results in excellent mold design options, which in turn can be realized cost-effectively, for example, using an injection molding process. Furthermore, the plastic design of the control element offers the advantage that the control element itself does not have to be assembled from cylinder sections, as is often the case with metal control elements, in order to achieve cost-effective production.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the independent claim directed to a valve actuating device are provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object. In particular, to achieve the stated object, in a valve actuating device of the type described above, the invention proposes that separate pressure chambers forming components are formed between the switching elements, said components being in axial contact with one another.

[0039] For example, it can be provided that the components are configured inversely and / or mirror-inverted to one another in the valve actuation device, which in turn can promote the opposing mode of action of the connectable switching elements. This makes it possible, for example, for only one switching element per valve position to elastically deform due to the fluid pressure or a fluid pressure and open a corresponding fluid path. Due to the axial contact between both components, a supporting effect of the pressure chamber, which is pressurized depending on the valve position, and / or a compact design can be advantageously generated.

[0040] Preferably, the components contact each other axially in a transition of a radially extending sealing region contacting the control element and separating the components from each other in sections in an axial direction.

[0041] The sealing area can, for example, be formed by a sealing ring that does not extend radially across the entire radial dimension of the components, which in turn can enable appropriate axial contact between the components at a radial end of the sealing area. For example, the sealing ring can be positioned so that it contacts the control element in every valve position. This can advantageously prevent fluid from entering between the two mutually inverse and / or mirror-imaged components.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the invention can provide that the switching elements are formed with openings that allow a fluid to enter a respective pressure chamber of the components.

[0043] This can, for example, allow a pressure chamber to fill with the incoming fluid in each of the at least two valve positions, thereby generating a hydrostatic pressure in the pressure chamber, particularly when the radial relief opening is closed. This makes it particularly advantageous to block one or more fluid paths. The openings can, for example, result in a hydrostatic pressure that corresponds to the line pressure of the incoming fluid when the pressure chamber is completely filled with fluid.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the entire valve actuating device consists of at least two sections, wherein a first section is formed with an external thread and an actuating mechanism that can actuate the control element, and wherein the switching elements and the components are formed in at least a second section.

[0045] The first section can therefore be easily screwed into a corresponding internal thread, for example, into the internal thread of a sanitary fitting, using the external thread, which in turn creates a connection that can be released at any time. The at least two valve positions can be set by an operator of the valve actuating device via the actuating mechanism, which can, for example, have a previously described, in particular spring-loaded, actuating element. For example, it can be provided that a change from one valve position to at least one other valve position can be initiated by pressing the actuating mechanism.

[0046] The second section, for example, can be used to achieve the previously described advantages of the valve actuation device. For example, the second section can be connected to the first section by force and / or form-fitting. The second section can thus also be easily installed and / or uninstalled via the first section, preferably within the sanitary fitting.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the control element is movably guided centrally in the switching elements and the components located therebetween.

[0048] Particularly advantageously, the switching elements can be actuated axially symmetrically thanks to the central guide of the control element. It is also advantageous that the corresponding mobility of the control element enables the switching elements to be switched to at least two valve positions.

[0049] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the sealing area is formed by a seal with a cross-section that changes in the radial direction.

[0050] For example, it can be provided that the seal is formed by an O-ring with a radially extending armature. The armature can, for example, be characterized in that a cross-sectional area of ​​the seal from the radial inside, and thus from the point at which it contacts the control element, is initially larger than an adjacent cross-sectional area in a radial outward extension. A larger cross-sectional area can, in particular, correlate with an increased axial extension of the seal in this area. The same applies to a reduced cross-sectional area.

[0051] A final section of the seal, for example a final radial section, for example radially outward, can then be enlarged again.

[0052] The seal can therefore, for example, have a reduced cross-sectional area between two enlarged cross-sectional areas.

[0053] A further advantage is that a larger sealing ring can be used, which can also be installed more easily.

[0054] An advantageous embodiment of the invention can provide that the components and the sealing area located in between are movable relative to one another.

[0055] This can be particularly advantageous, for example, to prevent the sealing ring, particularly radially inward and thus at the point where the sealing ring contacts the control element, from moving relative to the two marginally movable components between which the sealing ring is formed. Rather, the seal is thus carried along even with a slight movement of the components.

[0056] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the components are surrounded by a housing and are axially pressed together.

[0057] For example, the housing surrounds the components and switching elements axially and, in some sections, radially. The housing thus provides, for example, a suspension for the components and switching elements. Due to the compression of the components, they can, for example, act as abutments in the various valve positions, enabling a robust and pressure-resistant design of the second section of the valve actuation device.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the features of the independent claim directed to a valve actuating device are provided according to the invention to achieve the stated object. In particular, to achieve the stated object, in a valve actuating device, in particular a diverter, with a control element, wherein the control element is axially displaceable via a spring-loaded actuating element, it is proposed according to the invention that an axial guide of the control element extends above a sealing ring sealing a transition to a water-carrying side of the valve actuating device over at least twice the axial extent of the sealing ring and / or a plate outside the sealing ring.

[0059] The control element can thus advantageously be lengthened and guided better, in particular taking into account tolerances and movements of the valve actuating device.

[0060] In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the control element in this section of the valve actuating device, which, for example, relates to the or a first section of the valve actuating device, has the or a sectionally tapered base body and / or a base body formed by axial ribs. The axial ribs can, for example, form pockets that can preferably be used as a reservoir for a lubricant.

[0061] The plate can, for example, be positioned in such a way that it holds the sealing ring in its position.

[0062] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments arise from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiment.

[0063] It shows in a highly simplified representation Fig. 1 a two-dimensional sectional view of a valve actuating device according to the invention in a third valve position for assembly with a control element, two switching elements, two pressure chamber forming components with a sealing area formed therebetween, a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets, Fig. 2 shows a further two-dimensional representation of the valve actuating device according to the invention in a first valve position, Fig. 3 shows a further two-dimensional representation of the valve actuating device according to the invention in a second valve position, Fig. 4 a schematic, three-dimensional representation of a plate holding a transition above a sealing ring sealing to a water-carrying side of the or a valve actuating device. Fig. 5 a schematic, three-dimensional representation of a control element of or a valve actuating device with a base body tapered by axial ribs.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a valve actuating device, designated overall by 1, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a diverter 2 for installation in a sanitary fitting 41. The valve actuating device 1 shown is in an assembly position 36, which here enables problem-free installation of the valve actuating device 1 into the sanitary fitting 41. An external thread 26 is formed on a first section 24 of the valve actuating device 1, via which the valve actuating device 1 is screwed into a corresponding internal thread 42 of the sanitary fitting.

[0065] The valve actuating device 1 shown has a control element 3 made of plastic, wherein the control element 3 in the embodiment shown has two mutually opposing and mutually coupled switching elements 4, 4' for selective positioning in different valve positions, here in a first valve position 5 (see Fig. 2) and a second valve position 6 (see Fig. 3). The valve positions 5, 6 can be changed by a vertical movement 15 of the control element 3 via an actuating mechanism 27, consisting of an actuating element 16 and a spring 40 that (pre-)tensions this actuating element 16. The vertical movement 15 is a movement in the axial direction 7. Above a sealing ring 34 that seals off a transition to a water-carrying side 33 of the valve actuating device 1, it can also be clearly seen that an axial guide 32 of the control element 3 extends over more than twice an axial extent 18 of the sealing ring 34 and a plate 35 outside the sealing ring 34. The sealing ring 34 is axially fixed in its position by the plate 35.

[0066] The switching elements 4, 4' together with the control element thus each form a pilot valve 12.

[0067] It can thus be said that the first section 24 of the valve actuating device is formed with an external thread 26 and an actuating mechanism 27 which can actuate the control element 3.

[0068] The control element 3 has a sectionally tapered 10 along an axial direction 7 and by axial ribs 8 (see Fig. 5) formed base body 9 with non-circular cross-section 30 (comparison Fig. 4).

[0069] Each of the two switching elements 4, 4' is elastically deformable in this embodiment and is formed by a membrane body 17. In an assembled state of the valve actuating device 1, by actuating the actuating mechanism 27, a fluid 19 flowing into the valve actuating device 1 perpendicular to the or an axial extension 18 of the control element and thus in the radial direction 29 into the valve actuating device 1 can be deflected, depending on the valve position 5, 6, in order to release or block a fluid path 1 13 or a fluid path 2 14, depending on the position of the control element 3. This is done in the embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown in more detail.

[0070] The inflowing fluid 19 can also, depending on the valve position 5, 6, enter through openings formed on the switching elements 4, 4' and not shown in detail, whereby in turn a pressure can be built up in one of the two pressure chambers 20, 20' of the components 21, 21' as soon as a radial relief opening 11 of at least one pressure chamber 20, 20' is fluidically sealed. Further details can be found in the figure description of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be taken.

[0071] The embodiment according to Fig. 1 further shows that components 21, 21' forming separate pressure chambers 20, 20' in the axial direction 22 are formed between the switching elements 4, 4', wherein the control element 3 is movably guided centrally in the switching elements 4, 4' and the components 4, 4'. The components 21, 21' contact each other axially at a transition 37 of a radially extending sealing region 23 contacting the control element 3 and separating the components 21, 21' from one another in sections in an axial direction 22. This sealing region 23 is formed by a seal 28 with a cross-section 30 changing in the radial direction 29. The components 21, 21' and the sealing region 23 located in sections between them are movable relative to one another.

[0072] The section of the valve actuating device 1 which is formed with the components 21, 21' and the switching elements 4, 4' forms a second section 25 of the valve actuating device 1. The axially pressed components 21, 21' of the second section 25 are surrounded by a housing 31.

[0073] The embodiment according to Fig. Figure 2 shows the or a valve actuating device 1 according to the invention in a first valve position 5. The control element 3 is in a lower position, whereby the radial relief opening 11 at a radial transition between the control element 3 and the switching element 4' is radially sealed due to the enlarged diameter region 38 of the control element 3. The inflowing fluid 19 enters the pressure chamber 20' through the openings (not shown in detail), whereby a hydrostatic pressure builds up. An elastic movement of the switching element 4', designed as a membrane body 17, is thereby hindered. The fluid path 14 from Fig. 1 is thus blocked. However, the radial relief openings 11 on the other switching element are blocked due to the axial ribs 8 (better shown in Fig. 5) tapered section 10 of the base body 9 of the control element 3 is opened. Under the pressure of the fluid 19, the switching element 4, also designed as a membrane body 17, deforms elastically toward the pressure chamber 20. An access opening 43 for the fluid 19 is thus opened, and the fluid path 13 is accordingly released.

[0074] It can thus be said that the control element 3 in this first valve position 5 releases a first fluid path 1 13 and blocks a second fluid path 2 14.

[0075] Fig. Figure 3 shows, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the or a valve actuating device 1 according to the invention in a second valve position 6. Here, due to the position of the control element 3, the radial relief opening 11 is fluidically sealed at the radial transition between the control element 3 and the switching element 4. The inflowing fluid 19 enters the pressure chamber 20 of the component 21 through the openings (not shown in detail) of the membrane body 17, whereby the Fig. 4 is closed. The switching element 4 cannot deform elastically, and the fluid path 13, which was open in the first valve position 5, is thus blocked. It can therefore be stated here that outside the section 10 of the control element 3 tapered by axial ribs 8, the radial relief opening 11 of the switching element 4 is fluidically sealed.

[0076] In contrast, the radial relief opening 11 of the switching element 4' is open due to the position of the control element 3, since here the control element 3 is not passed centrally through the switching element 4', but only through the switching element 4. The fluid path 2 14 is thus released, since the membrane body 17 of the switching element 4' can deform elastically in the direction of the pressure chamber 21' of the component 20' under the pressure of the inflowing fluid 19 and the access opening 43' opens.

[0077] In this second valve position 6, a fluid path 2 14 different from the first valve position 5 is thus released.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows the or a plate 35 of the or a valve actuating device 1 according to the invention, via which the control element 3 is axially guided above the sealing ring 34 and thus realizes an axial guide 32. Here, the shape of the passage 39 also shows that the control element 3 is passed through the plate 35 at a section where the control element also has axial ribs 8. The passage 32 corresponds to the negative configuration of the correspondingly non-circular cross-section 39 of the control element 3 in this section.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows an individual representation of a base body 9 of or a control element 3 of or a valve actuating device 1. The control element has sections 10 tapered by axial ribs 8, as well as enlarged diameter regions 38 which do not have axial ribs 8.

[0080] The invention thus proposes in a valve actuating device 1, in particular diverter 2, that the control element 3 has a base body 9 with a non-circular cross-section 30, which is formed and / or tapered in sections by axial ribs 8, wherein the base body 9 consists of a plastic and is guided axially above a sealing ring 34, which seals a transition to a water-conducting side 33 of the valve actuating device 1, such that such an axial guide 32 extends over at least twice an axial extent 18 of the sealing ring 34 and / or a plate 35 outside the sealing ring 34. List of reference symbols 1 valve actuating device 2 diverters 3 Control 4 Switching element 4' switching element 5 first valve position 6 second valve position 7 axial direction 8 axial ribs 9 Basic body 10 tapered section 11 Relief opening 12 Pilot valve 13 Fluid path 1 14 Fluid path 2 15 vertical movement 16 Actuating element 17 membrane bodies 18 axial extension 19 Fluid 20 pressure chamber 20' pressure chamber 21 Component 21' component 22 Axial direction 23 Sealing area 24 first section 25 second section 26 external threads 27 Operating mechanism 28 Seal 29 Radial direction 30 cross section 31 housings 32 axial guide 33 water-bearing side 34 Sealing ring 35 plate 36 Mounting position 37 Transition 38 extended diameter range of the control element 39 Implementation 40 spring 41 Sanitary fitting 42 internal thread 43 Access opening 43' access opening

Claims

[1] Valve actuating device (1), in particular a diverter (2), with a control element (3), wherein the control element (3) actuates switching elements (4, 4') which can actuate in opposite directions and can be coupled to one another for selective positioning in one of at least two valve positions (5, 6), characterized by that the control element (3) has a base body (9) with a non-circular cross-section (30) which tapers in sections along an axial direction (7) and / or is formed by axial ribs (8). [2] Valve actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one section (10) of the control element (3) tapering outside an axial rib (8) fluidically seals a radial relief opening (11) of at least one switching element (4, 4') in one of the at least two valve positions (5, 6). [3] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control element (3) forms a pilot valve (12) with at least one switching element (4, 4'). [4] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element (3) releases a first fluid path (13) in a first valve position (5) and releases a fluid path (14) different from the first fluid path (13) in at least one second valve position (6). [5] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve positions (5, 6) change by a vertical movement (15) of the control element (3) via a spring-loaded actuating element (16). [6] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one switching element (4, 4'), preferably each switching element (4, 4'), is elastically deformable and / or is formed by a membrane body (17). [7] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element (3) is guided centrally in one of the at least two valve positions (5, 6) only by a single switching element (4, 4'). [8] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least two valve positions (5, 6) deflect a fluid (19) flowing in perpendicular to an axial extension (18) of the control element (3). [9] Valve actuating device (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element (3) is made of plastic. [10] Valve actuating device (1), in particular a diverter, with a control element (3), wherein the control element (3) actuates switching elements (4, 4') which can actuate oppositely to one another and can be coupled to one another for selective positioning in one of at least two valve positions (5, 6), and / or according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that components (21, 21') forming separate pressure chambers (20, 20') are formed between the switching elements (4, 4'), which components contact each other axially, preferably in a transition (37) of a radially extending sealing region (23) contacting the control element (3) and separating the components (21, 21') from one another in sections in an axial direction (22). [11] Valve actuating device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the switching elements (4, 4') are formed with openings which allow entry of a fluid (19) into a respective pressure chamber (20, 20') of the components (21, 21'). [12] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the entire valve actuating device (1) consists of at least two sections (24, 25), wherein a first section (24) is formed with an external thread (26) and an actuating mechanism (27) which can actuate the control element (3), and wherein the switching elements (4, 4') and the components (21, 21') are formed in at least a second section (25). [13] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control element (3) is movably guided centrally in the switching elements (4, 4') and the intermediate components (21, 21'). [14] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing area (23) is formed by a seal (28) with a cross-section (30) changing in the radial direction (29). [15] Valve actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the components (21, 21') and the sealing area (23) located in between are movable relative to one another. [16] Valve actuating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the components (21, 21') are surrounded by a housing (31) and are axially pressed together. [17] Valve actuating device (1), in particular diverter (2), with a control element (3), wherein the control element (3) is axially displaceable via a spring-loaded actuating element (16), characterized bythat an axial guide (32) of the control element (3) extends above a sealing ring (34) sealing a transition to a water-conducting side (33) of the valve actuating device (1) over at least twice an axial extent (18) of the sealing ring (34) and / or a plate (35) outside the sealing ring (34).

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