Switching valve, changeover mechanism, sanitary fitting, and use of a switching valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching valve (2) having an input (3) and at least one output (4), comprising a switching mechanism (8) which is operatively connected to an actuator (5), in which switching valve an insert part (9a) is formed, which insert part (9a) has an outlet (10) which establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism (8) and the at least one output (4), and the insert part (9a) has a bypass channel (11), the bypass channel (11) providing an additional connection (26).

Description

[0001] Switching valve, diverter, sanitary fitting and use of a switching valve

[0002] The invention relates to a switching valve with an input and at least one output, comprising a switching mechanism that is operatively connected to an actuator. Such a switching valve has numerous practical applications.

[0003] The invention further relates to a diverter. Diverters are well known in the art.

[0004] The invention further relates to the use of a sealing ring. Such uses are known.

[0005] The invention further relates to a sanitary fitting. Sanitary fittings are well known in the art.

[0006] The invention further relates to the use of a switching valve. This is widely used in practice.

[0007] 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.

[0008] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention, as long as these combinations have 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. To achieve the stated object, the invention proposes the features of claim 1.In particular, according to the invention, in a switching valve of the type described above, to achieve the stated object, an insert part is provided, wherein the insert part has an outlet which establishes fluid communication between the switching mechanism and the at least one outlet, and 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 position of use. 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, in particular the diaphragm switching mechanism, towards the outlets.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, two sealing means can be provided that define an output section containing the at least one output. This allows good functionality of the switching valve to be achieved. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the bypass channel opens into or adjacent to the input. This allows the operating characteristics of the switching valve to be improved.

[0013] The bypass channel is preferably formed as an annular channel in the insert part. The bypass channel may consist of one or more channels.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the additional connection is spaced apart from the inlet and additionally or alternatively from the outlet. Preferably, the additional connection is 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.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the insert part can be loosely or firmly inserted into the switching valve. Loosely means, in this context, that a small amount of play is formed between the insert part and a valve body. Fixed means, in this context, that no play is formed between the insert part and the valve body. Thus, flexibility of the arrangement can be provided.

[0018] 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 having a piston with thickened portions that can selectively block outlets. A diaphragm switching mechanism is described as a mechanism having diaphragms that can be selectively blocked by a tappet.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 good functionality of the switching valve.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the bypass channel runs along an actuation direction or along a switching valve insertion direction. The bypass channel preferably runs parallel to the actuation direction or the switching valve insertion direction. The actuation direction is the direction in which the actuator is actuated. The switching valve insertion direction is the direction in which the switching valve is inserted in a sanitary fitting. This allows the mechanical construction of the insert part to be simplified.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 knee-shaped. This increases the flexibility of the switching valve.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the inlet and the at least one outlet can define superimposed levels. This simplifies installation in a sanitary fitting.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the outlet has a wall against which the switching mechanism, in particular the piston mechanism or the membrane switching mechanism, engages in a contacting manner. Thus, the

[0029] Functionality of the switching valve must be guaranteed.

[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. Thus, the functionality of the actuator can be maintained.

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

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the switching mechanism can be actuated 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, in a diverter of the type described above, that the diverter have two inlets separated from one another 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, the diverter being designed according to claim 19, and the sealing ring being 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 features of the independent claim 22, which is directed to the use of a switching valve, are provided according to the invention. In particular, to achieve the stated object, when used as described above, the switching valve in the sanitary fitting is 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 with reference to 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 :

[0042] Fig. 1 a sanitary fitting with an inventive

[0043] Switching valve and

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a section through the sanitary fitting with the switching valve according to the invention and

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a section through the switching valve according to the invention and

[0046] Fig . 4 a section through the insert and

[0047] Fig . 5 the insert part in a view from above and

[0048] Fig . 6 the insert part in a view from below and

[0049] Fig . 7 a section through the insert and

[0050] Fig . 8 a further section through the insert and

[0051] Fig. 9 the insert part in a perspective view and

[0052] Fig. 10 the insert part in a further perspective view and

[0053] Fig. 11 a section through another insert and

[0054] Fig. 12 a section through the further insert part from Fig. 11 and

[0055] Fig. 13 shows a further section through the further insert part from Fig. 11 and

[0056] Fig. 14 a section through another sanitary fitting and

[0057] Fig. 15 a section through the plane A of Fig. 14 and

[0058] Fig. 16 a section through the plane B of Fig. 14 and

[0059] Fig. 17 a section through the plane C of Fig. 14 and

[0060] Fig. 18 a section through the plane D of Fig. 14 and

[0061] Fig. 19 shows a section through plane E of Fig. 14.

[0062] In the following description of various embodiments of the invention, elements that correspond in function are given the same reference numbers even if they have a different design or shape.

[0063] For clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in the figures, although the elements may very well be present. However, identical reference symbols indicate functionally and / or structurally identical components and functional units.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The sanitary fitting 1 has an inlet connection 3, which is located at the bottom and is therefore not visible in Fig. 1. The sanitary fitting 1 also has two outlet connections 4, which are visible in Fig. 1. The two outlet connections 4 are arranged orthogonally to the inlet connection 3.

[0066] Fig. 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 tappet 6. The tappet 6 has a plurality of thickened portions 7. The switching valve 2 has a switching mechanism 8 which, in the present exemplary 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 of 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 furthermore has a bypass channel 11.The bypass channel 11 branches off in a 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, to an actuating direction 12 or a switching valve insertion direction 13. The actuating direction 12 and the switching valve insertion direction 13 are congruent. The outlet 10 has a, in particular knee-shaped, deflection 14 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 entire area. In the present exemplary embodiment, the switching valve 2 is designed as a changeover valve which can switch between two output connections 4. The actuator 5 has a ballpoint pen mechanism which can increase the ease of use for a user. 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 position of use. 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 both to the sealing of the connection 26 and to the sealing of the outlet 25 and is simultaneously identified by the reference number 23. Furthermore, two sealing means 23 can be seen which define an inlet section 27 containing the one inlet 24. The additional connection 26 is spaced from the inlet 24 and additionally or alternatively from the outlet 25. The connection 26 is preferably located outside the inlet section 27 and additionally or alternatively outside the outlet section 16.

[0067] Fig. 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 not visible in Fig. 3. 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 multiple thickened sections, 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. In addition, two sealing means 23 are formed which define an inlet section 27 containing an inlet 24.

[0068] Fig. 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.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows the insert part 9a in a view from above. Fig. 6 shows the insert part 9a in a view from below. 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, the outlet 10 can be seen, which extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. In Fig. 8, the webs 17 in the lower area are also visible.

[0070] Fig. 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.

[0071] Fig. 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 that extends through a side wall of the bypass channel 11. The channels of the bypass channel 11 are also visible in Fig. 10.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show further sections through the insert part 9a. Fig. 12 is a section through the T-shaped outlet 10; Fig. 13 is a section at right angles to the section in Fig. 12. Fig. 13 shows the bypass channel 11, which consists of several channels. The outlet 10 is visible in the center.

[0074] 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 connections of the switching valve 2 are identified by the reference symbol 4 and are designed 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 connections 4. In this specific embodiment, the switching mechanism 8 is designed as a diaphragm switching mechanism 9. Alternatively, the switching mechanism 8 can be designed as a piston mechanism. The insert part 9a is inserted into the switching valve 2 without play. The switching mechanism 8 has two diaphragms which, depending on the switching position, each enable an inflow to one of the output connections 4. 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 which can seal the insert part 9a against flow. The insert part 9a is preferably made of a plastic, which can reduce the 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 which 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 channel or several channels.

[0075] The letters A to E symbolize the planes through which the section is made and which are shown in Fig. 15 to Fig. 19. Fig. 15 is a section through plane A from Fig. 14. In Fig. 15, the outlet 4 and the plunger 6 can be seen.

[0076] Fig. 16 is a section through plane B of Fig. 14. In Fig. 16, the switching mechanism 8 is visible, which is designed as a membrane switching mechanism 9. On the right-hand side, the first input 3 is visible. Fig. 17 is a section through plane C of Fig. 14. In Fig. 17, the switching mechanism 8 is visible, which is designed as a membrane switching mechanism 9. In addition, the second input connection 19 is also visible. Fig. 18 shows a section through plane D of Fig. 14. The bypass channel 11 is visible here, which consists of several channels. In addition, the outlet 10 is visible, which has a deflection 14, which opens into the output connection 4. Fig. 19 shows a section through plane E of Fig. 14. In Fig. 19, the webs 17 are visible, which meet at a point in the middle. In addition, the third input connection

[0077] 21 can be seen.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the input connection 21 is closed.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] List of reference symbols

[0083] 1 sanitary fitting

[0084] 2 switching valve

[0085] 3 (first) input connection

[0086] 4 Output to the connection

[0087] 5 actuators

[0088] 6 pestles

[0089] 7 Thickening, thickenings

[0090] 8 Switching mechanism

[0091] 9 Membrane switching mechanism

[0092] 9a Insert part

[0093] 10 Procedure

[0094] 11 Bypass channel

[0095] 12 Actuation direction

[0096] 13 Switching valve insertion direction

[0097] 14 Deflection

[0098] 15 Sealant

[0099] 16 Exit section

[0100] 16a Valve seat

[0101] 17 jetty, jetties

[0102] 18 diverters

[0103] 19 (second) input terminal

[0104] 20 sealing ring

[0105] 21 (third) input terminal

[0106] 22 basic bodies

[0107] 23 Sealants

[0108] 24 entrance

[0109] 25 Exit

[0110] 26 additional connections

[0111] 27 Introductory section

Claims

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 actuating means (5), characterized in that an insert part (9a) is formed, wherein the insert part (9a) has an outlet (10) which provides fluid communication between the switching mechanism (8) and which produces 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 in 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 in that two sealing means (23) are formed which define an output section (16) containing the at least one output (25).

4. Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 in 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 in 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 in that the additional connection (26) is spaced from the inlet (24) and / or the outlet (25), in particular outside the or an entrance section (27) and / or the or an output section (16).

8. Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 in that the switching mechanism (8) is a piston mechanism or a diaphragm switching mechanism (9).

10. Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 in 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 in that 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 in 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 in that the actuating direction (12) and the switching valve insertion direction (13) are congruent.

15. Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 in that the outlet (10) is designed in one area parallel to the bypass channel (11) and in the entire area separate from it.

17. Switching valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 in that the inlet (24) and the at least one outlet (25) define superimposed planes.

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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