Valve element, valve, fluid connector, and method for manufacturing valve element

Abstract

A valve element, comprising a first valve portion (204A, 204B) and a second valve portion (206A, 206B), which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the valve element (200A, 200B), wherein the first valve portion (204A, 204B) and the second valve portion (206A, 206B) are separately formed, and the first valve portion (204A, 204B) and the second valve portion (206A, 206B) are connected to each other and jointly define a groove (202A, 202B) for accommodating a sealing member (400A, 400B), the groove (202A, 202B) extending in the circumferential direction of the valve element (200A, 200B), the groove (202A, 202B) being configured to open towards the outer periphery of the valve element (200A, 200B), and at least a portion of the groove (202A, 202B) tapering in a radial outward direction of the valve element (200A, 200B); and the valve element (200A, 200B) can securely hold the sealing member (400A, 400B) in the groove (202A, 202B) of the valve element (200A, 200B) and is easy to manufacture. Further disclosed are a valve using the valve element, a fluid connector, and a method for manufacturing a valve element.

Description

Valve element, valve, fluid connector and method of manufacturing a valve element TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a valve element and a method of manufacturing the same, a valve comprising the valve element, and a fluid connector comprising the valve element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluid connectors are generally used to establish fluid communication between fluid lines. Fluid connectors with a shut-off function generally comprise a valve element and a seal accommodated in a recess of the valve element to control opening and closing of a fluid passage of the fluid connector. However, in the case that the pressure of fluid in the fluid connector is large or the seal repeatedly rubs against other parts of the fluid connector, the seal can be dislodged from the recess of the valve element, resulting in seal failure and further resulting in failure of the shut-off function of the fluid connector. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art and to provide an improved valve element and a method of manufacturing the same, a valve comprising the valve element, and a fluid connector comprising the valve element.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a valve element comprising a first valve portion and a second valve portion adjacent to each other in an axial direction of the valve element, the first valve portion and the second valve portion each being separately formed; wherein the first valve portion and the second valve portion are connected to each other and together define a recess for accommodating a seal, and wherein the recess extends in a circumferential direction of the valve element, the recess is configured to open towards an outer circumference of the valve element, and at least a portion of the recess is tapered in a radially outward direction of the valve element.

[0005] The tapered configuration of the recess of the valve element described above can more stably retain the seal on the valve element, which can avoid dislodgement of the seal from the recess in the case that, for example, the flow rate and / or pressure of fluid flowing through the valve element is large and the seal repeatedly rubs against other components. It is difficult to integrally form a valve element having a tapered recess, and the manufacture of a valve element having a tapered recess can be achieved by separately forming two valve portions and connecting the two valve portions together.

[0006] According to the above technical concept, the present invention can further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve part comprises a first surface and a second surface adjacent to each other, wherein the second valve part comprises a third surface, and wherein the second surface forms a bottom surface of the recess, and the first surface and the third surface are located on opposite sides of the second surface and form two opposite side surfaces of the recess, respectively.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve part comprises an end wall and an annular wall extending from the end wall substantially parallel to the axial direction, the end wall comprises the first surface, and the annular wall comprises the second surface; wherein the second valve part comprises an annular rim at its end, the annular rim comprises the third surface.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, the annular rim is adjacent to the annular wall and extends around the annular wall to at least partially overlap the annular wall in the axial direction of the valve element.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the second surface extends substantially parallel to the axial direction, and each of the first surface and the third surface forms an acute angle with the second surface.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the acute angle is in the range of 45° to 80°.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve part and the second valve part are each injection molded from a polymer material.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve part and the second valve part are connected together by welding, bonding or clamping.

[0014] A second aspect of the present application provides a valve comprising the valve element according to the first aspect of the present application.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the valve is a stop valve, a safety valve, a regulating valve, a check valve or the like. The valve can be provided in a fluid line or other fluid containing device to control or regulate the flow of fluid.

[0016] A third aspect of the present application provides a fluid connector comprising the valve element according to the first aspect of the present application.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments, the fluid connector further comprises a connector body, a resilient member, and a seal, wherein the connector body defines a fluid passage for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal is disposed in a recess of the valve element, wherein the valve element is movable within the connector body between a closed position closing the fluid passage and an open position opening the fluid passage, and the valve element is biased in the closed position by the resilient member.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the fluid connector further comprises a connector body, a resilient member, a seal, and a sliding sleeve, wherein the connector body defines a fluid passage for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal is disposed in a recess of the valve element, wherein the sliding sleeve is sleeved outside the valve element within the connector body and is movable between a closed position closing the fluid passage and an open position opening the fluid passage, and the sliding sleeve is biased in the closed position by the resilient member.

[0019] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a method of manufacturing a valve element according to the first aspect of the present application, the method comprising: providing a first valve part; providing a second valve part; and connecting the first valve part and the second valve part together.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, one of the first valve part and the second valve part comprises a post, and the other comprises a recess, wherein the method comprises: inserting the post into the recess.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, during the inserting of the post into the recess, the post and the recess are welded.

[0022] The valve element, the valve, and the fluid connector according to the present application can securely hold the seal in the recess of the valve element and are easy to manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present application will be better understood from the following detailed description of alternative embodiments, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar designations of elements in different figures denote the same or similar elements, and wherein:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid connector according to an example embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a side view of a valve element of the fluid connector in Fig. 1 ;

[0026] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the valve element of the fluid connector in Fig. 1, wherein a first valve part and a second valve part of the valve element have not yet been welded to each other; Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the valve element of the fluid connector in Fig. 1, wherein the first valve part and the second valve part of the valve element have been welded to each other;

[0027] Fig. 3B is another cross-sectional view of the valve element of the fluid connector in Fig. 1, in which the first valve portion and the second valve portion of the valve element are welded to each other;

[0028] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figs. 5A and 5B are a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the valve element of the fluid connector in Fig. 4; and

[0030] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view when the fluid connector in Fig. 1 and the fluid connector in Fig. 4 are connected together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The implementations of the present application will now be discussed in detail with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the detailed description of the specific implementations is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. In describing the various components of the application, relative terms such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc. are used to describe the orientation of the components as they are positioned in the drawings. These terms are relative and are used to illustrate the orientation of the components as they are shown in the drawings. If the position of the components in the drawings is changed, the orientation of the components will also change accordingly.

[0032] In the present application, the axial direction of a cylindrical or rod-shaped component refers to the direction of the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of the cylindrical or rod-shaped component refers to the direction along the circumference of the component, and the radial direction of the cylindrical or rod-shaped component refers to the direction that passes through the central axis of the component and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0033] The terms "first", "second", and the like are used merely for descriptive purposes and do not imply or imply relative importance or imply a number of the indicated technical features. In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connecting", "fixing", and the like should be interpreted broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrally connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Figs. 1 to 3B show a fluid connector 10A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the fluid connector 10A includes a connector body 100A, a valve element 200A, a resilient member 300A, and a seal 400A. The connector body 100A defines a fluid passage 102A for passage of fluid. The valve element 200A is movable within the fluid passage 102A between a closed position (see FIG. 1) in which the valve element 200A closes the fluid passage 102A and an open position (see FIG. 6) in which the valve element 200A opens the fluid passage 102A. The valve element 200A is initially biased in the closed position by the resilient member 300A. The valve element 200A can be moved against the resilient force of the resilient member 300A toward the open position upon application of an external force to open the fluid passage 102A, and the valve element 200A can return to the initial closed position under the resilient force of the resilient member 300A upon removal of the external force to close the fluid passage 102A to achieve a shut-off function.

[0036] An end of the connector body 100A defines a communication port 104A of the fluid passage 102A via which fluid can enter or exit the fluid passage 102A of the connector body 100A. The valve element 200A includes a recess 202A for receiving the seal 400A, which is in the form of a sealing ring. As shown in FIG. 1, when the valve element 200A is in the closed position, the valve element 200A blocks the communication port 104A, and the seal 400A seals a gap between an outer surface of the valve element 200A and an inner surface of the connector body 100A to close the fluid passage 102A; as shown in FIG. 6, when the valve element 200A is in the open position, the valve element 200A moves away from the communication port 104A to allow fluid to enter or exit the fluid passage 102A of the connector body 100A via the communication port 104A.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-3B, the valve element 200A includes a first valve portion 204A and a second valve portion 206A adjacent to each other in an axial direction D of the valve element 200A, the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A each being separately formed. The first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A are connected to each other and collectively define the recess 202A for receiving the seal 400A. The recess 202A extends in a circumferential direction of the valve element 200A, the recess 202A being configured to open toward an outer periphery of the valve element 200A, and at least a portion of the recess 202A is tapered in a radially outward direction of the valve element 200A.

[0038] The tapered configuration of the groove 202A can hold the seal 400A more firmly on the valve element 200A, which can avoid the seal 400A from being pulled out of the groove 202A in the case of a relatively high fluid flow rate and / or fluid pressure within the connector body 100A and the repeated rubbing of the seal 400A against the inner surface of the connector body 100A as the valve element 200A reciprocates within the fluid passage 102A. The manufacture of the valve element 200A with the tapered groove 202A is facilitated by separately forming the two valve parts and connecting the two valve parts together.

[0039] The first valve part 204A and the second valve part 206A can be injection molded from a polymer material. The first valve part 204A and the second valve part 206A can be connected to each other by welding, bonding or clamping. The manufacture of the valve element from a polymer material is particularly advantageous by separately forming the two valve parts and connecting the two valve parts together, which would otherwise be difficult to achieve by integrally forming the valve element with the tapered groove by injection molding due to, for example, difficulty in demolding during the injection molding process.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve part 204A includes an end wall 208A extending generally perpendicular to the axial direction D and an annular wall 210A extending from the end wall 208A generally parallel to the axial direction D. The end wall 208A includes a first surface 212A, the annular wall 210A includes a second surface 214A, and the first surface 212A and the second surface 214A are adjacent to each other. The second valve part 206A is in the form of a bracket and includes an annular rim 216A at an end thereof. The annular rim 216A includes a third surface 218A. The second surface 214A extends generally parallel to the axial direction D and forms a floor of the groove 202A, and the first surface 212A and the third surface 218A are respectively located on opposite sides of the second surface 214A and form two side surfaces of the groove 202A. It can be appreciated that in another embodiment not shown, the first surface can be provided by the first valve part, and the second surface and the third surface can be provided by the second valve part.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the floor of the groove 202A is integrally formed by the second surface 214A of the first valve part 204A, which is advantageous to achieve a better flatness and a smaller surface roughness of the floor of the groove 202A to achieve a tight contact of the seal 400A with the second surface 214A and thereby improve the sealing performance of the seal 400A. In other embodiments, the floor of the groove can also be jointly formed by a portion of the surface of the first valve part and a portion of the surface of the second valve part, as long as the flatness and the surface roughness requirements of the floor of the groove are met.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first surface 212A and the third surface 218A is at an acute angle to the second surface 214A. The acute angle can be in the range of 45° to 80°, preferably in the range of 65° to 75°, to achieve a secure retention of the groove 202A to the seal 400A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 212A, the second surface 214A and the third surface 218A are substantially planar surfaces. It is to be understood that in other embodiments not shown, the first surface, the second surface and the third surface can also be provided as curved surfaces.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 202A has a constant radial cross-section, and the entire groove 202A tapers in a radially outward direction of the valve element 200A. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the groove can have a varying radial cross-section, and one or more circumferential portions of the groove taper in a radially outward direction of the valve element; in yet other embodiments, the groove can have a constant radial cross-section, and one or more radial portions of the groove taper in a radially outward direction of the valve element.

[0044] With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first valve portion 204A further comprises a cylindrical portion 220A protruding from the end wall 208A substantially parallel to the axial direction D, and the second valve portion 206A further comprises a recess 222A matching the cylindrical portion 220A. The first valve portion 204A can be welded to the second valve portion 206A by ultrasonic welding. In the ultrasonic welding process, the cylindrical portion 220A is gradually inserted into the recess 222A while high-frequency ultrasonic waves are applied to both, the high-frequency ultrasonic waves causing vibrations and thereby generating heat, such that the high-molecular materials of the cylindrical portion 220A and the recess 222A at least partially melt, the application of the high-frequency ultrasonic waves is stopped when the cylindrical portion 220A is inserted into place in the recess 222A, and after the melted high-molecular materials have cooled down, the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A are fixed to each other.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the annular rim 216A of the valve element 200A is adjacent to the annular wall 210A and extends around the annular wall 210A to at least partially overlap the annular wall 210A in the axial direction of the valve element 200A. In this way, when the valve element 200A is subjected to a lateral force (e.g. an external force in the radial direction), the annular rim 216A and the annular wall 210A can abut against each other to share a certain amount of the lateral force, reducing the force acting on the weld between the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A, and thereby preventing the weld between the first valve portion 204A and the second valve portion 206A from cracking or being damaged.

[0046] FIGS. 4 to 5B show a fluid connector 10B according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the fluid connector 10B includes a connector body 100B, a valve element 200B, a resilient member 300B, a first seal 400B, a second seal 402, and a sliding sleeve 500. The connector body 100B defines a fluid passage 102B for fluid to pass through. The sliding sleeve 500 is sleeved outside the valve element 200B within the fluid passage 102B and is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 4) to close the fluid passage 102B and an open position (see FIG. 6) to open the fluid passage 102B, and the sliding sleeve 500 is initially biased in the closed position by the resilient member 300B. The sliding sleeve 500 can be moved toward the open position against the elastic force of the resilient member 300B when subjected to an external force to open the fluid passage 102B, and the sliding sleeve 500 can return to the initial closed position under the elastic force of the resilient member 300B when the aforementioned external force is removed to close the fluid passage 102B to achieve a shut-off function.

[0048] The connector body 100B and the valve element 200B define a communication port 104B of the fluid passage 102B, and fluid can flow into or out of the fluid passage 102B of the connector body 100B via the communication port 104B. The valve element 200B includes a groove 202B for accommodating the first seal 400B, and the sliding sleeve 500 includes a groove 202B for accommodating the second seal 402. As shown in FIG. 4, when the sliding sleeve 500 is in the closed position, the sliding sleeve 500 blocks the communication port 104B, the first seal 400B seals the gap between the inner surface of the sliding sleeve 500 and the outer surface of the valve element 200B, and the second seal 402 seals the gap between the outer surface of the sliding sleeve 500 and the inner surface of the connector body 100B to close the fluid passage 102B; as shown in FIG. 6, when the sliding sleeve 500 is in the open position, the sliding sleeve 500 moves away from the communication port 104B to allow fluid to flow into or out of the fluid passage 102B of the connector body 100B via the communication port 104B.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, the recess 202B of the valve element 200B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is substantially identical to the recess 202A of the valve element 200A shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in terms of formation and configuration. The valve element 200B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B also includes a first valve portion 204B and a second valve portion 206B adjacent to each other in the axial direction D of the valve element 200B, which are each separately formed and each made of a high molecular material. The first valve portion 204B and the second valve portion 206B are welded to each other and collectively define the recess 202B for accommodating the seal 400B. The recess 202B extends along the circumferential direction of the valve element 200B, is configured to open toward the outer periphery of the valve element 200B, and at least a portion of the recess 202B tapers in the radially outward direction of the valve element 200B. The first valve portion 204B and the second valve portion 206B are injection molded. The first valve portion 204B includes an end wall 208B and an annular wall 210B extending from the end wall 208B substantially parallel to the axial direction D. The end wall 208B includes a first surface 212B, the annular wall 210B includes a second surface 214B, and the first surface 212B and the second surface 214B are adjacent to each other. The second valve portion 206B has a substantially rod-like shape and includes an annular rim 216B at an end thereof. The annular rim 216B includes a third surface 218B. The second surface 214B extends substantially parallel to the axial direction D and forms a bottom surface of the recess 202B, and the first surface 212B and the third surface 218B are respectively located on opposite sides of the second surface 214B and form two side surfaces of the recess 202B. The specific formation and configuration of the recess 202B of the valve element 200B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be referred to the description of the recess 202A of the valve element 200A shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B above, which will not be described in detail hereinafter.

[0050] The valve element 200B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B differs from the valve element 200A shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in the configuration of the second valve portion 206B of the valve element 200B. The second valve portion 206B of the valve element 200B shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is fixed within the connector body 100B. The second valve portion 206B can include a head portion 224, a base portion 226, and a stem portion 228 extending between the head portion 224 and the base portion 226. The head portion 224 collectively defines the recess 202B with the first valve portion 204B. The base portion 226 is provided with a through hole 230 for passage of fluid. The stem portion 228 is provided with a reinforcing rib 232 to reinforce the stem portion 228. The elastic member 300B is sleeved outside the second valve portion 206B, one end of the elastic member 300B abuts against the sliding sleeve 500, and the other end of the elastic member 300B abuts against the base portion 226B to bias the elastic member 300B in the initial closed position.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector 10A in FIG. 1 and the fluid connector 10B in FIG. 4 when connected together. The fluid connector 10A can be partially inserted into the connector body 100B of the fluid connector 10B. When the fluid connector 10A is inserted into place, the fluid passages of both fluid connectors are open to allow the fluid pipes connected to the two fluid connectors to be in fluid communication with each other.

[0052] It can be understood that the above description only gives two examples of the valve element according to the present application. In other embodiments not shown, the valve element can also have other configurations, and in addition to being applied to fluid connectors with a shut-off function, it can also be applied to other types of fluid connectors and various other scenarios requiring valves. For example, the valve element can be used in various types of valves such as shut-off valves, safety valves, regulating valves, check valves, etc.

[0053] It should also be understood that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6 only show the shapes, sizes, and arrangements of the various optional components of the valve element and fluid connector according to the present application, and they are only illustrative and not limiting, and other shapes, sizes, and arrangements can also be taken without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0054] The technical content and technical features of the present application have been disclosed above, however it can be understood that under the creative idea of the present application, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of these embodiments according to the disclosed content. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. The present disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations, and equivalents. The above description of the embodiments is exemplary rather than limiting, and the scope of protection of the present application is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A valve element, characterized in that The valve element (200A, 200B) comprises a first valve portion (204A, 204B) and a second valve portion (206A, 206B) adjacent to each other in an axial direction (D) of the valve element (200A, 200B), the first valve portion (204A, 204B) and the second valve portion (206A, 206B) each being separately formed; wherein the first valve portion (204A, 204B) and the second valve portion (206A, 206B) are connected to each other and together define a recess (202A, 202B) for accommodating a seal (400A, 400B), and wherein the recess (202A, 202B) extends in a circumferential direction of the valve element (200A, 200B) and is configured to open towards an outer circumference of the valve element (200A, 200B), and at least a portion of the recess (202A, 202B) tapers in a radially outward direction of the valve element (200A, 200B).

2. Valve element according to claim 1, characterized in that The first valve portion (204A, 204B) comprises a first surface (212A, 212B) and a second surface (214A, 214B) adjacent to each other, wherein the second valve portion (206A, 206B) comprises a third surface (218A, 218B), and wherein the second surface (214A, 214B) forms a bottom surface of the recess (202A, 202B), the first surface (212A, 212B) and the third surface (218A, 218B) being located on opposite sides of the second surface (214A, 214B) and forming two opposite side surfaces of the recess (202A, 202B), respectively.

3. Valve element according to claim 2, characterized in that The first valve portion (204A, 204B) comprises an end wall (208A, 208B) and an annular wall (210A, 210B) extending from the end wall (208A, 208B) substantially parallel to the axial direction (D), the end wall (208A, 208B) comprising the first surface (212A, 212B), and the annular wall (210A, 210B) comprising the second surface (214A, 214B); wherein the second valve portion (206A, 206B) comprises an annular rim (216A, 216B) at an end thereof, the annular rim (216A, 216B) comprising the third surface (218A, 218B).

4. Valve element according to claim 3, characterized in that The annular rim (216A, 216B) is adjacent to the annular wall (210A, 210B) and extends around the annular wall (210A, 210B) to at least partially overlap the annular wall (210A, 210B) in the axial direction of the valve element (200A, 200B).

5. The valve element of claim 2, wherein, The second surface (214A, 214B) extends substantially parallel to the axial direction (D), and each of the first surface (212A, 212B) and the third surface (218A, 218B) forms an acute angle with the second surface (214A, 214B).

6. Valve element according to claim 5, characterized in that The acute angle is in the range of 45° to 80°.

7. Valve element according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first valve part (204A, 204B) and the second valve part (206A, 206B) are each injection molded from a polymer material.

8. Valve element according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first valve part (204A, 204B) and the second valve part (206A, 206B) are connected together by welding, gluing or clamping.

9. A valve, characterized by The valve comprises a valve element (200A, 200B) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A fluid connector, characterized by, The fluid connector (10A, 10B) comprises a valve element (200A, 200B) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein, The fluid connector (10A) further comprises a connector body (100A), a resilient member (300A) and a seal (400A), wherein the connector body (100A) defines a fluid passage (102A) for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal (400A) is arranged in a recess (202A) of the valve element (200A), wherein the valve element (200A) is movable within the connector body (100A) between a closed position, in which the fluid passage (102A) is closed, and an open position, in which the fluid passage (102A) is open, and the valve element (200A) is biased in the closed position by the resilient member (300A).

12. The fluid connector of claim 10, wherein, The fluid connector (10B) further comprises a connector body (100B), a resilient member (300B), a seal (400B) and a sliding sleeve (500), wherein the connector body (100B) defines a fluid passage (102B) for fluid to pass through, wherein the seal (400B) is arranged in a recess (202B) of the valve element (200B), wherein the sliding sleeve (500) is arranged within the connector body (100B) outside the valve element (200B) and is movable between a closed position, in which the fluid passage (102B) is closed, and an open position, in which the fluid passage (102B) is open, and the sliding sleeve (500) is biased in the closed position by the resilient member (300B).

13. A method of manufacturing a valve element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method comprises: providing a first valve part (204A, 204B); providing a second valve part (206A, 206B); and connecting the first valve part (204A, 204B) and the second valve part (206A, 206B) together.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, One of the first valve part (204A, 204B) and the second valve part (206A, 206B) comprises a cylindrical portion (220A) and the other comprises a recessed portion (222A), wherein the method comprises: inserting the cylindrical portion (220A) into the recessed portion (222A).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, During the inserting of the cylindrical portion (220A) into the recessed portion (222A), the cylindrical portion (220A) and the recessed portion (222A) are welded.

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