Space-saving multi-valve and method of operating a multi-valve

A multi-valve for distributing at least one fluid, comprising:

• a plurality of input channels for supplying a respective fluid;
• a plurality of output channels for discharging the fluid, wherein a respective input channel can be connected via a plurality of input branches to a respective, substantially coaxially arranged output branch of a respective different output channel;
• and
• a switch plate which is arranged in a gap between the input branches and output branches and can be translationally moved transversely to the input branches and output branches in order to open and/or close a connection of the respective input branch to the respectively assigned output branch, wherein the switch plate is connected to an endless belt,
• wherein the switch plate is guided in and/or out of the gap between the input branches and the output branches with the aid of at least one driven and/or moving deflection roller, and
• wherein the input channels and the output channels are aligned substantially perpendicularly to one another, wherein the deflection roller is arranged above or below the output channels and is positioned at a greater distance from the input channels than another deflection roller is or the deflection roller is arranged above or below the input channels and is positioned at a greater distance from the output channels than another deflection roller is.

A multi-valve for distributing at least one fluid, comprising:

• a plurality of input channels for supplying a respective fluid;
• a plurality of output channels for discharging the fluid,
• wherein a respective input channel can be connected via a plurality of input branches to a respective, substantially coaxially arranged output branch of a respective different output channel;
• and
• a switch plate which is arranged in a gap between the input branches and output branches and can be translationally moved transversely to the input branches and output branches in order to open and/or close a connection of the respective input branch to the respectively assigned output branch,
• wherein the switch plate is guided in and/or out of the gap between the input branches and the output branches with the aid of at least one driven and/or moving deflection roller, and
• wherein a diameter of the deflection roller corresponds to at least the sum of extensions of the respective input channel and of the associated input branches or the sum of extensions of the respective output channel and of the associated output branches along a flow direction in the gap between the input branches and the output branches.