阅读说明：本技术 转换阀 (Change-over valve ) 是由 安德斯·约翰逊 于 2019-03-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于控制通过流体管道的流体流动的双组件转换阀,该转换阀分两步注塑成型,注塑成型工序后无需组装。该阀包括内部带有塞子的阀室,并且该阀具有密封装置,其形式为塞子和阀室的横截面面积沿它们的长度变化。因此,获得了一种转换阀,当该阀打开时,不需要诸如硅树脂等粘性密封剂来消除泄漏风险。(A two-component diverter valve for controlling fluid flow through a fluid line is injection molded in two steps without assembly after the injection molding process. The valve comprises a valve chamber with a plug inside and the valve has sealing means in the form of a plug and a cross-sectional area of the valve chamber varying along their length. Hereby a switching valve is obtained which, when opened, does not require a viscous sealant, such as silicone, to eliminate the risk of leakage.)

1. A two-component switching valve 100 for controlling fluid flow through the switching valve 100, the switching valve 100 comprising:

a valve chamber 110, said valve chamber 110 comprising a fluid inlet 120, a body 130, and a fluid outlet 140;

a plug 150, said plug 150 comprising a wall 160 and an open channel 170, and;

the plug 150 is placed within the body of the valve chamber 110;

wherein the two-component switching valve 100 includes a sealing means in the form of a variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 along the length of the plug 150.

2. A two-assembly changeover valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 takes the form of a local increase in said area, wherein the plug 150 comprises one or more sealing grooves 166.

3. A two-assembly changeover valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 takes the form of a localised reduction in the area, wherein the plug 150 comprises one or more sealing lips 165.

4. A two-assembly changeover valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150 comprise interlocking sealing lips 165 and grooves 166.

5. A two-component changeover valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the change in cross-sectional area takes the form of one or more increases in the longitudinal direction of the section of the plug 150, in addition to any change in area caused by the sealing lip 165 or groove 166.

6. A two-assembly changeover valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug 150 is elliptical in cross-sectional geometry.

7. A two-assembly changeover valve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug 150 comprises two flanges 153, 153' located on either side of the main body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

8. A method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve 100, comprising:

injection molding one component and then injection molding the other component as an internal or overmolding form, wherein the first component participates in the molding of the second component;

wherein the shrinkage of the assembly after molding during material cooling is used to improve the sealing of the diverter valve 100.

9. A method of manufacturing a two-component switching valve as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first component to be injection moulded is the valve chamber 110 and wherein the plug 150 is injection moulded in the valve chamber 110 using the valve chamber 110 as a mould, wherein the method is internal moulding.

10. A method of manufacturing a two-component changeover valve as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first component to be injection moulded is the plug 150 and wherein the valve chamber 110 is injection moulded around the plug 150 by over moulding.

11. A method for manufacturing a two-component changeover valve according to claim 9, wherein the second component is molded in such a manner that a part of the first component serves as a stopper that restricts a direction in which the material shrinks during cooling.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of fluid valves. In particular, the present invention relates to manually controlled mechanical valves for blocking or releasing the flow of fluid through a conduit.

Background

Valves are used in many environments where it is desirable to control the discharge of fluid from a container.

For example, when mounted in the outlet of a urine bag, such a valve may be used frequently, as may be used by persons suffering from urinary incontinence or disabled persons who have a burning sensation when urinating and need a means to intermittently empty such a urine bag.

For such applications, it is naturally necessary to seal the valve when it is closed. Also, it is important that when it is open, the fluid is only discharged through the outlet of the valve, and does not leak to the side.

If the valve consists of two components, it is a challenge to avoid leakage when the valve is open. One method used in the art to ensure valve sealing is to coat the contact surfaces of the valve with silicone. Silicone provides an effective seal against leakage, but assembling the two components of such a valve with such a coating is an expensive process.

One way to overcome these challenges is to produce the valve as a single component. This alleviates the problem of ensuring the necessary seal between the components. At the same time, to release fluid from the single component valve, it is often necessary to continuously apply pressure to the valve during the discharge of the connected container. This is cumbersome and especially problematic for users who suffer from disabilities, thereby requiring a valve in the first place.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the above problems. This object is achieved by producing a two-component changeover valve which is injection-molded in two steps without assembly after the injection-molding process.

The two-component switching valve for controlling fluid flow through the switching valve comprises:

a valve chamber comprising a fluid inlet, a body and a fluid outlet;

a plug comprising a wall and an open channel, and;

the plug is disposed within the body of the valve chamber;

wherein the two-component changeover valve includes a sealing means in the form of a cross-sectional area of the plug which varies along the length of the plug.

Two-component diverter valves (sometimes referred to in the art as T-fittings) are a known valve structure, but it has not previously been possible to construct them without the need for viscous sealants such as silicone to eliminate the risk of leakage when the valve is opened. However, varying the cross-sectional area of the plug provides a sealing mechanism that allows for the omission of viscous sealant.

The variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug may take different forms. For example, it may be a local variation in a small band or it may be a more gradual variation in the length of the entire plug.

The switching valve is designed to control the flow of fluid through the valve itself. Fluid is understood to be liquid or gas.

In one embodiment of the invention, the variation of the cross-sectional area of the plug takes the form of a local increase of the area, wherein the plug comprises one or more sealing grooves.

Such sealing grooves may take a variety of shapes. For example, they may be rounded or have steeper sidewalls. They may have different widths and the number of sealing grooves may also vary between embodiments of the present invention. The sealing grooves will be shaped such that they match sealing lips in the valve chamber of the switching valve, whereby the sealing grooves and the sealing lips can interlock. Thus, the seal groove provides a change in material direction whereby it extends through any gap that may occur between the plug and the valve chamber that may result in leakage through the top or bottom of the valve chamber body. The interlocking seal groove and seal lip form a strong sealing point for the diverter valve and can be made directly from the same material as the plug and valve housing, respectively, by injection molding.

In another embodiment of the two-component changeover valve, the variation in the cross-sectional area of the plug takes the form of a local reduction in the area, wherein the plug comprises one or more sealing lips.

As with the seal groove, the seal lip may take a variety of shapes. For example, they may have rounded or steeper sidewalls. Furthermore, the sealing lips may have different widths and the number of said sealing lips may also differ between embodiments of the invention. The sealing lips will be shaped such that they match sealing grooves in the valve chambers of the switching valves, whereby the sealing grooves and the sealing lips can interlock. Thus, the seal groove provides a change in material direction whereby it extends through any gap that may occur between the plug and the valve chamber that may result in leakage through the top or bottom of the valve chamber body.

The interlocking sealing lips and grooves form a strong sealing point of the structure and can be made directly of the same material as the separately injection molded plug and valve housing.

The sealing lip and groove provide a seal while being small enough to create little resistance so that a user can still easily change the position of the plug inside the valve chamber to open or close the switch valve. Thus, these interlocking seals provide sufficient resistance to hold the stopper in place when the user walks around, thereby reducing the risk of inadvertent opening. They may also provide tactile feedback to the user that the valve is in the open or closed position. Furthermore, these effects can be achieved while keeping the sealing lip and sealing groove small enough to prevent movement of the plug within the valve chamber requiring great finger force, which may be important for elderly or disabled users.

In one embodiment of the invention, the change in cross-sectional area takes the form of one or more increases in the longitudinal direction of the section of the plug, in addition to any area change caused by the sealing lip or the sealing groove.

An increase in cross-sectional area, such as a conical shape, does also contribute to the sealing of the switching valve. A stronger seal is achieved if the plug is shaped so that it expands and displaces it so that the wider area of the plug forces the sides of the plug more strongly against the inside of the valve chamber body.

The expansion of the cross-sectional area may extend along the entire length of the plug. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area may extend along one or more sections of the length of the plug, for example along one half or one quarter of the length. Similarly, it is possible to have two separate sections of the plug comprising an increase in cross-sectional area. Further, such a section may be designed to include increases in cross-sectional area in opposite directions to each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the switching valve comprises an elliptical cross-sectional geometry of the plug. The inside of the valve chamber will have a matching oval cross-section, while the outside of the valve chamber can have any shape, for example: it may include a slight indentation to provide a better grip for the user or another shape for purely aesthetic reasons without affecting the inside geometry of the valve housing or its benefits.

To facilitate the use of the changeover valve, it is necessary to avoid rotation of the plug within the body of the valve chamber. Rotation of the plug may cause the open passages in the plug to become misaligned with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the valve chamber. This can reduce the fluid flow through the valve, even causing it to be completely blocked when the switching valve is configured to open.

In the art, it is common to use a plug with a circular base geometry and provide it with a single flat side to prevent any rotation. However, the flat side becomes an area where the risk of leakage increases.

The elliptical cross-sectional geometry prevents the plug from rotating within the valve chamber without introducing any sharp edges or flat surfaces that could increase the risk of leakage.

The ovality of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 is such that the major axis is perpendicular to the fluid flow through the switching valve 100. This geometry increases the sealing effect of the switching valve, since it reduces the curvature of the openings of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, whereby said openings are more completely blocked by the plug. Fluid is most likely to leak into the clearance space between the valve chamber and the stopper at the point of highest curvature.

Increasing the cross-sectional area of the plug and valve chamber also reduces the curvature of the plug at the fluid inlet opening, but this also increases the overall size of the diverter valve. The elliptical cross-section provides the benefit of lower curvature while maintaining a small footprint for the switching valve.

In the specific context of connection of a changeover valve to a urine bag, it is particularly important that the changeover valve is small, discreet and easy to operate. Being able to place the pouch on the user's body in an unobtrusive manner is important for the user not to feel exposed, where it can be easily kept out of sight, for example under clothing. This can only be achieved if the switching valve is compact.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the major axis of the elliptical cross-section is 1.01 to 1.3 times longer than the minor axis.

In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the major axis of the elliptical cross-section is 1.03 to 1.06 times longer than the minor axis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stopper comprises two flanges placed on either side of the body of the valve chamber. Preferably, these flanges are placed at either end of the plug.

If the diverter valve is made of two components and must be subsequently assembled, it is not possible to injection mould more than one flange into the plug, as this would prevent the plug from entering the valve chamber.

The presence of two flanges on the plug has several advantages. First, the flange prevents the plug from being released from the valve chamber. If the plug can be completely released, it may fall off. If dropped, the stopper may be lost and reinserting it into the valve chamber may cause a sanitary risk, if not. Furthermore, if the plug is completely removed and exposed to adverse external environments, a seal that relies on a viscous sealant may become inefficient.

Second, the flange prevents the user from pressing the plug farther through the valve chamber than intended. If the plug is pushed too far, this can result in the flow of fluid through the open channel in the plug being partially blocked. Furthermore, the changeover valve is intended to ensure that the system is sealed in the open position. It may be more advantageous to place sealing features such as sealing lips when knowing the exact cut-open position of the switching valve. When using such sealing means, pushing the stopper too far through the valve chamber increases the risk of leakage.

Third, the flange provides a greater area for a user to apply pressure when opening or closing the switch valve. This in turn means that the counter pressure is transmitted to a larger area of the user. This means that the user will experience less force in each area of himself, so that the risk of tissue damage or pain is reduced.

If the changeover valve is used again for the example of a urine bag, the draining may need to be performed in a crowded space such as an aircraft toilet, which makes it important that the mechanism for opening and closing the changeover valve is easy to operate. Furthermore, a considerable number of users are disabled and have reduced mobility, so that ease of use with minimal finger force requirements and no sharp edges becomes important.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve, comprising:

injection molding one component and then die casting the other component in an internal or over-molded form, wherein the first component participates in the molding of the second component;

wherein shrinkage of the molded assembly during cooling of the material is used to improve sealing of the diverter valve.

Injection molding is a process known in the art for producing various components. The same is true of the internal molding and the secondary molding. However, this method has not previously been used to produce two-component diverter valves because it was not possible to maintain the leak tightness of such valves without the addition of a viscous sealant.

Injection molding the first and second components of the two-component diverter valve directly onto each other, as with in-mold or over-mold, provides the advantage of assembling the diverter valve during casting without the need for additional steps involved. This results in a significant reduction in production costs, since assembly machines or personnel can be dispensed with.

It is possible to obtain a sealed switching valve by injection molding with internal or external molding due to the sealing lips and the sealing grooves and the expansion region along the plug. Shrinkage of the injection molding material has been taken into account in the design of the parts produced and plays an essential role in ensuring a positive seal in the final product.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first component to be injection molded is the valve chamber, and the plug is injection molded inside the valve chamber by using the valve chamber as a mold.

The internal molding of the two-component diverter valve causes the plug to contract from the valve chamber during cooling. In this case, the constriction reduces the pressure along the plug and valve chamber length, thereby minimizing the force required to move the plug while still maintaining the diverter valve seal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first component to be injection molded is the plug, and the valve chamber by overmolding is injection molded around the plug.

Over-molding of the two-component changeover valve causes the valve chamber to constrict inwardly about the plug. This constriction means that the forces between the interior of the valve chamber and the exterior of the plug increase, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method for manufacturing a two-component switching valve includes molding a second component in such a manner that a portion of a first component acts as a stop that limits the direction in which material of the second component may shrink during cooling.

If there is no external influence on the injection molded component, it will shrink towards its center upon cooling and hardening. However, this limits the way in which the second component is designed based on the molding of the first component, since it is always inclined in a particular manner with respect to the first component. By shaping the components in such a way that a portion of the first component, which serves as a mold for the second component, is in contact with the second component over a significant surface, the direction in which the second component shrinks can be controlled. This enables the possibility of a different design compared to a second assembly which can only be retracted towards the middle.

Drawings

In the following, exemplary embodiments are described according to the present invention, wherein

Fig. 1 is a urine bag with a changeover valve connected to an outlet tube.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a switching valve according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a plug of a changeover valve according to a variant of the invention.

Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional view of an open switching valve according to the present invention.

Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a closed switching valve according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an open switching valve according to the present invention shown in perspective view.

Fig. 6 is a switching valve according to the invention shown in a top view.

Fig. 7a, 7b and 7c show cross-sections of the stopper according to two different variants of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a close-up of a cross-section of a sealing lip according to a variant of the invention.

Fig. 9a-d are sketches of different variations in sealing lip placement, number and shape.

10a and 10b show the sealing effect of the switching valve material shrinking during cooling.

Fig. 11 is a schematic flow chart of the internal molding process of the switch valve.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow diagram of a diverter valve exterior molding process.

Detailed Description

The present invention is illustrated in detail by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a urine bag 10 with a changeover valve 100 connected to an outlet tube 13. This is a common use of the diverter valve 100, but it can be connected to many other fluid systems where a sealing valve can be used to controllably release fluid from a container.

In the case of a urine bag 10, there is typically an inlet tube 11 connectable to a catheter (not shown). The inlet tube 11 allows fluid to flow into the bag 12 where it will accumulate as long as the switch valve 100 is closed. The switching valve 100 is placed in the outlet pipe 13. Once the user desires to drain the contents of the bag 12, the switching valve 100 may be opened and the fluid drained.

Fig. 2 shows a switching valve 100 according to the invention. The diverter valve 100 includes a valve chamber 110 and a plug 150.

The valve chamber 110 includes a fluid inlet 120. The fluid inlet 120 may take many different shapes depending on the system to which it is to be connected. Thus, the function of the fluid inlet 120 is to allow connection of the switching valve 100 to a fluid container 10 (not shown) from which fluid is blocked or released.

The valve chamber 110 also includes a fluid outlet 140. The fluid outlet 140 may also take various forms. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet 140 is long enough to allow a user to place a finger thereunder without any fluid spilling onto the finger. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening 142 of the fluid outlet 140 is angled to improve the user's control of the fluid flow.

The body 130 of the valve chamber 110 surrounds the plug 150. The plug 150 can be moved up or down (shown by arrows a and B, respectively) within the valve chamber 100 to open or close fluid flow through the switching valve 100. In various embodiments of the invention, the directions of movement of the plug 150 to cause opening and closing, respectively, of the switching valve 100 may be reversed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both components of the two-component switching valve 100 are made of one or more injection moldable materials, such as plastic. In some embodiments, both components of the two-component switching valve 100 may be made of the same material. In other aspects of the invention, they are made of different materials. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to having all components of the valve chamber 110 or the plug 150 made of the same material.

Fig. 3 shows only the plug 150 of the diverter valve, without the surrounding valve chamber 110. The plug 150 includes a tube 152 having a through-opening passageway 170. When the switching valve 100 is open, the vent passage 170 is positioned such that it is at least partially in line with the fluid inlet 120 (not shown) and the fluid outlet 140 (not shown) of the valve chamber 110 (not shown) such that fluid can pass from the fluid inlet 120 through the vent passage 170 to the fluid outlet 140.

The cross-sectional area of the open channel 170 may vary for different embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred variant, the cross-sectional area is similar to the cross-sectional area of the respective inner openings of fluid inlet 124 and fluid outlet 144, but in other embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional area of open channel 170 may be smaller or larger than that.

The plug 150 itself may be hollow, in addition to the side walls of the open channel 170, to reduce the weight of the diverter valve 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plug 150 need not be hollow. The plug 150 may be solid or partially hollow with a stable structure inside.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plug 150 is provided with two flanges 153, 153' located at either end of the plug 150. These flanges 153, 153 'provide the user with a greater area of applied pressure when changing the position of the switching valve, which in turn increases the area of the user's fingers that are subjected to a corresponding counter pressure, thereby reducing the risk of pain or physical injury. In addition, the flanges 153, 153' prevent the plug from being pressed deeper through the valve chamber than desired. Thus, the flanges 153, 153' help to guide the open and closed positions of the switching valve, allowing a more efficient design of the sealing elements of the switching valve, as they may specifically match the positions.

The flanges 153, 153' may be rings at the edge of the plug 150 as shown in fig. 3, or they may take on different geometries, such as full plates at the end of the plug 150 or rounded surfaces on the end.

In addition, the flanges 153, 153' act as stops for the bung 150, thus reducing the risk of the bung 150 releasing and falling from the valve chamber 110.

One of the flanges 153 may be provided with tactile indicia 157 to assist a visually impaired user in determining which end needs to be depressed to open or close the switching valve 100. Such tactile indicia 157 may take the form of small indentations as shown in the example of fig. 3. Alternatively, the tactile indicia 157 may be small protrusions on the flange 153. It is also envisioned that such tactile indicia 157 may take the form of a first flange 153 of a different material than a second flange 153'.

The plug 150 may include one or more sections wherein the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 varies along the length of the plug. This may be achieved, for example, by increasing the thickness of the wall 160 of the plug 150 along the cross-section. The cross-section may include the entire length of the plug 150.

In some embodiments, the wall 160 of the plug 150 may include one or more sealing lips 165, a sealing groove 166, or a combination of both.

Fig. 4a shows a cross-sectional view of an open switching valve 100 according to the invention. The plug 150 has been depressed until the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 blocks the flange 153. In the position shown, the port passages 170 are aligned with the internal ports of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, respectively, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the switching valve 100. In this case, fluid enters the switching valve 100 at the outer opening of the fluid inlet 122, passes through the switching valve 100 through the port passage 170, and exits the valve through the outer fluid port of the outlet 142.

It is contemplated that other embodiments of the invention may have a separate stop on the plug 150, whereby the switching valve 100 is opened at a different position than that shown in fig. 4a, with the flange 153 in contact with the valve chamber 110.

Fig. 4b shows a sectional view of a closed switching valve 100 according to the invention. The plug 150 has been depressed until the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 blocks the flange 153'. In the position shown, the fluid inlet 120 and the fluid outlet 140 are blocked by the wall 160 of the plug 150, thereby blocking fluid flow through the shift valve 100.

Although flange 153' is shown in contact with valve chamber 110, it is apparent that switching valve 100 was closed prior to this position. Thus, the extreme position of the flange 153' in contact with the valve chamber 110 is not the only intended implementation of closing the switching valve 100 according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an open switching valve according to the present invention shown in perspective view. This view complements fig. 4a by revealing the shape of the open passage 170 in the plug 150, making it more apparent how opening of the diverter valve 100 allows fluid flow.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a switching valve 100 according to the invention. From this angle, it can be more clearly seen that the opening of the fluid outlet 142 is angled. Further, viewing the switch valve from this angle shows that the cross-sectional area of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150 is slightly elliptical. Dashed lines D, D are added as a guide for the eye to highlight the difference in length of the two axes, the ellipse produced by D being longer than D. In different embodiments of the invention, the difference between the axes of the cross-sections may be different, so that the ovality is more or less pronounced. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the major axis (D) to the minor axis (D) is between 1.01 and 1.3. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the major axis (D) is 1.03 to 1.06 times larger than the minor axis (D).

The oval shape of the plug 150 ensures that it cannot rotate within the valve chamber 110. Thus, there is no risk of the plug being in a position where the changeover valve 100 is to be opened but the port passage 170 has been rotated away from the inner ports of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144 (neither seen in this angle), whereby the fluid flow will still be blocked.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oval is oriented such that the longer sides face the fluid inlet 120 and the fluid outlet 140. This arrangement helps ensure sealing of the open passage 170 in the closed state of the switching valve 150. The curvature of the body 130 and plug 150 need to be precisely matched to ensure that fluid cannot enter the potential interstitial space between the plug 150 and the body 130. Having the flatter side of the oval geometry facing the fluid inlet 120 allows for a less curved area to form a seal between the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150.

Fig. 7a and 7b show longitudinal sections of the plug 150 in two different variants according to the invention. Illustrating how the area of the cross-section increases along the longitudinal section of the plug 150 (marked by arrow M). In fig. 7a, the increased cross-sectional area section extends from the first end of the plug 150 to the open channel 170. In fig. 7b, the increased cross-sectional area section extends along the entire length of the plug 150. These two variations are merely examples of structures. Embodiments are envisioned in which the expansion region extends along any other portion of the length of the plug 150. Similarly, the amount of increase in cross-sectional area may vary from embodiment to embodiment.

Fig. 7c shows that plug 150 may support multiple sections M, M' with an increased cross-sectional area according to the present invention. The amount of increase in cross-sectional area along section M, M' may be the same, but is not limited to being the same within one embodiment, as they may differ between embodiments of the present invention.

The increase in cross-sectional area facilitates sealing of the switching valve 100 when in the closed state. When the plug 150 is moved to change the crossover valve 100 from the open state to the closed state, the increase in the cross-sectional area of the plug 150 causes the wall 160 of the plug 150 to increasingly press against the inside seal of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110, thereby enhancing the seal strength.

Since the two-component switching valve is formed by internal molding or overmolding, the plug 150 and the valve chamber 110 (not shown) will follow each other's shape. Therefore, their cross-sectional area will increase accordingly, and both components contribute to this effect.

Fig. 8 shows in longitudinal cross-section a set of sealing lips 165, 165 'in the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and corresponding sealing grooves 166, 166' in the wall 160 of the plug 150 according to a variation of the invention. The seal lips 165, 165 'and seal grooves 166, 166' interlock, thereby achieving a strong seal. Even if some fluid enters the clearance space between the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150, the sealing lips 165, 165' create a blockage of the fluid.

Fig. 9a-d depict different embodiments of a seal lip 165 or seal groove 166 on the inside of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110. The number of seal lips 165 or seal grooves 166 and their geometry and arrangement vary between different embodiments.

Fig. 9a shows two sealing lips 165, 165' protruding from the inside of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 and placed on either side of the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144. The first sealing lip 165 is positioned adjacent the inner openings of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, while the second sealing lip 165' is adjacent the end of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

Fig. 9b shows two sealing lips 165, 165' placed on either side of the inner opening of the fluid inlet 124 and the fluid outlet 144, respectively. The sealing lips 165, 165' are both placed against the inner openings 124, 144.

Fig. 9a-b are two examples of arrangements of paired sealing lips 165, 165'. Many other arrangements may be used within the scope of the present invention, wherein different numbers of sealing lips 165, 165' are placed at other locations along the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

For example, the diverter valve 100 may include sealing lips 165, 165 'and sealing grooves 166, 166' distributed on the inside of the body 130 and the outer wall 160 of the plug 150 in such a way that they interlock in different arrangements when the diverter valve 100 is opened and closed, respectively. For example, the first seal lip 165 may interlock with the first seal groove 166 when the switching valve 100 is closed. When the diverter valve 100 is in the preferred open position, the first seal lip 165 will instead interlock with the second seal groove 166'.

Fig. 9c shows that four sealing lips 165, 165', 165 ", 165'" are placed close to each other in two pairs. The first pair of sealing lips 165, 165 'is proximate a first end of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110, while the second pair of sealing lips 165 ", 165'" is proximate a second end of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

The sealing lip shown in fig. 9c is smaller than the sealing lip shown in fig. 9a-b, as having two smaller sealing lips 165, 165' placed close to each other can increase the sealing effect without significantly increasing the force required to move the plug 150 within the valve chamber 110. However, the seal lips 165 and seal grooves 166 can have any size within the scope of the present invention, whether they are placed in pairs or how they are distributed along the length of the body 130 of the valve chamber 110.

Fig. 9d shows the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 in cross-section. The inside of the body 130 includes a single seal groove 166 positioned near the top of the body 130. This example illustrates that the seal groove 166 can be placed in the body 130 of the valve chamber 110. The sealing lip 165 is then correspondingly placed in the outer wall 160 of the plug 150 (not shown). As with the seal lip 165 shown in fig. 9a-c, the seal groove 166 may be placed anywhere along the length of the body 130, just as there may be any number of seal grooves 166, 166', and their dimensions may vary.

All the example illustrations of fig. 9 may have different variations and should not be construed as limiting. The number of seal lips 165 and seal grooves 166, their location, and their size may further vary from a single seal lip 165 and seal groove 166 to cover the entire surface.

Fig. 10a and 10b show how the sealing strength between the interlocking seal lip 165 and the seal groove 166 is increased by the fact that the material of the switching valve 100 shrinks after injection molding. The two-component switching valve 100 is manufactured through an injection molding process performed in two steps. One component is injection molded first, and then a second component is injection molded while using the first component as a mold. As the material cools, both components shrink. Most of the shrinkage will occur immediately after injection moulding, so that when the first component is used as a mould for the second component it will approach or have reached its final geometry.

In the case where the valve chamber 110 is first injection molded, it will shrink most of the total shrinkage when it is used as a mold for the plug 150. In the example shown, the body 130 of the valve chamber 110 includes a sealing lip 165. The plugs 150 are molded inside the body 130 and will be injection molded with the corresponding sealing slots 166. The side of the plug 130 facing the wall of the body 130 is shown in dotted lines to more easily distinguish the two lines on the sketch. A slight distance is shown between the valve chamber 110 and the plug 150 to allow them to be visually distinguished. In a practical two-component switching valve 100, this clearance is minimized.

Once the plug 150 is molded within the valve chamber 110, it contracts. If no measures are taken to control shrinkage, shrinkage will occur in a direction toward the center of the structure (indicated by arrow H). When this contraction occurs, the sealing groove 166 will move slightly in the contraction direction (arrow H). This offset will result in a slight hollow 168 on one side of the sealing lip 165. At the same time, as the constriction pulls the interior of the seal groove 166 closer to the other side of the seal lip 165, any gap on that other side of the seal lip 165 is reduced.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method of manufacturing a two-component switching valve 100 (not shown). The process used is injection molding in two steps, wherein the valve chamber 110 is first injection molded and the plug 150 is injection molded in its interior using the valve chamber 110 as a mold, i.e., the interior is molded. The flow chart of the main steps involved illustrates the process.

In a first step 210 of the process, the valve chamber 110 is injection molded. The valve chamber 110 can then be repositioned 215, i.e., moved and/or reoriented, to be in a position suitable for the second step 220. If the valve chamber 110 is in the desired position immediately after production, the step of repositioning 215 may be abandoned. The second step 220 is injection molding of the stopper 150. The plug 150 is injection molded directly inside the valve chamber 110, and the valve chamber 110 thus serves as a mold for the plug 150.

Between the first step 210 and the second step 220, some time (indicated by arrow S) has elapsed. During this time, the valve housing 110 cools after injection molding, during which cooling the valve housing 110 will contract. Most of the shrinkage occurs immediately after molding, but after the time period (S) has ended, it may continue to shrink at a lower rate. The potential repositioning 215 of the valve chamber 110 occurs over a time period (S).

After the second step 220 of injection molding the plug 150, there is another period of time (indicated by arrow T) in which the plug 150 cools and the plug 150 shrinks. Once the cooling of the injection molded material of the plug 150 is complete, production is complete and there are no further assembly or post-processing steps of the diverter valve 100. The two components of the two-component switching valve may continue to contract after the production steps shown.

Note that the lengths of the arrows T and S designating the time periods do not represent the lengths of the time periods.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of manufacturing a two-component switching valve 100 (not shown). The process used is injection moulding in two steps, wherein the plug 150 is first injection moulded and the valve chamber 100 is injection moulded around it using the plug 150 as a mould, i.e. internal moulding, i.e. over moulding. The flow chart of the main steps involved illustrates the process.

In a first step 310 of the process, the plug 150 is injection molded. The plug 150 may then be repositioned 315, i.e., moved and/or reoriented, to be in a position suitable for the second step 320. If the plug 150 is in the desired position immediately after production, the step of repositioning 315 may be omitted. The second step 320 is injection molding of the valve housing 110. The valve chamber 110 is injection molded directly around the plug 150, the plug 150 thus serving as a mold for the valve chamber 110.

Between the first step 310 and the second step 320, some time (indicated by arrow S) has elapsed. At this point, the plug 150 cools after injection molding, during which cooling the plug 150 will shrink. Most of the shrinkage occurs immediately after molding, but after the time period (S) has ended, it may continue to shrink at a lower rate. The potential repositioning 315 of the plug 150 occurs over a time period (S).

After the second step 320 of injection molding the valve chamber 110, there is another period of time (indicated by arrow T) in which the plug 150 cools and the plug 150 contracts. Once the cooling of the injection material of the valve chamber 110 is over, the production is over and there is no further assembly or post-processing step of the changeover valve 100. The two components of the two-component switching valve may continue to contract after the production steps shown.

Note that the lengths of the arrows T and S designating the time periods do not represent the lengths of the time periods.