System for dispensing a fluid

Abstract

A system (100) for distributing fluid includes a housing (102) defining a receiving portion (104) for a distributing member (10) intended to rotate about an axis (X). The housing is provided with channels (110a-110f) distributed around the circumference of the housing. At least three channels (110a-110d) belong to a first group (G1), each occupying a given first angular sector, and at least two channels (110e-110f) belong to a second group (G2), each occupying a second angular sector smaller than the first sector. The system is configured such that rotation of the distributing member, which allows fluid to flow between one of the channels from the second group and one of the channels from the first group and prevents flow between a different channel from the second group and the same channel from the first group, keeps flow between the other channels from the first group open.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for distributing fluids, particularly heat transfer fluids. Such distribution systems are used, for example, in the field of motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid circuits that allow for thermal regulation of different components or areas of a motor vehicle (particularly its internal compartments) are known. With the increasing number of hybrid or electric drive systems, these circuits have numerous branches to meet the vehicle's thermal management needs in various operating modes.

[0003] To allow fluid to flow through the different branches of a circuit, such a circuit comprises a large number of valves, which connect the branches to each other in different configurations depending on the desired operating mode. This number of valves increases pressure loss. Furthermore, they complicate the control of fluid flow and increase the cost of these circuits.

[0004] Rotary valves have also been proposed, which allow for multiple inlet / outlet connections, providing more possibilities for fluid flow between branches of the circuit compared to standard two-way, three-way, or four-way valves. However, these valves occupy a significant amount of space, limiting their use. Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain control over the friction generated during valve operation so that they can be actuated with limited torque. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and therefore proposes a distribution system for fluid distribution, which is intended to allow at least some branches of a circuit for the fluid to communicate with each other in different system configurations. The distribution system includes a distribution member designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis to selectively serve those branches to be communicated with each other based on the angular position of the distribution member. The distribution system includes a housing defining a receiving portion for the distribution member, the housing being provided with a plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels distributed around the outer periphery of the housing. At least three of the plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels belong to a first group, and each channel from the first group occupies a given... The system is configured such that rotation of the dispensing member allows fluid to flow between one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the second group and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group, and prevents flow between a different channel from the second group and the same channel from the first group, thereby keeping flow open between the other peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group.

[0006] Due to this configuration, the angular travel of the distribution component is limited, at least when switching from some of its angular positions to others. As a result, the friction generated and the torque required to move it are reduced. Furthermore, the perimeter of the housing is also reduced, allowing for a limitation on the radial dimensions of the system.

[0007] The distribution system according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, which may be employed independently or in combination with each other:

[0008] - The first corner sector is essentially equal to at least 72 degrees;

[0009] - The second angular sector is approximately equal to at most 36 degrees;

[0010] -The allocation system includes a single allocation level;

[0011] -The inlet and / or outlet channels are distributed along the longitudinal axis in the single stage;

[0012] - Peripheral entrances and / or exits extend laterally, particularly radially, into the housing via openings;

[0013] - The number of surrounding entrances and / or exits is six;

[0014] - The openings of the peripheral entrance and / or exit channels from the first group have a first width, and the openings of the peripheral entrance and / or exit channels from the second group have a second width, wherein the first width is greater than the second width;

[0015] - The peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group have a first cross-section, and the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the second group have a second cross-section, wherein the size of the first cross-section is larger than the size of the second cross-section;

[0016] - The ratio of the first width to the second width is included between 1 and 5;

[0017] - The ratio of the first cross section to the second cross section is included between 1 and 5;

[0018] - The first cross section and / or the second cross section are substantially included within 110 mm 2 and 490 mm 2 between;

[0019] -The peripheral entrances and / or exits from the first group are evenly spaced at an angle;

[0020] -The dispensing component includes a main body;

[0021] -The main body has a first rotating guide plate and / or a second rotating guide plate;

[0022] - The first plate and the second plate are parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the axis of rotation;

[0023] - The dispensing system includes a seal located between the dispensing member and the inner surface of the side wall of the housing;

[0024] - The seal includes a first portion located at a first plate of the dispensing member and / or a second portion located at a second plate of the dispensing member, the first portion being referred to as annular and in the form of a ring or a corner sector of a ring, and the second portion being referred to as annular and in the form of a ring or a corner sector of a ring;

[0025] -The distributing component has a plane of symmetry;

[0026] - The body has one or more radially open first chambers, such that the angular position of the body determines the passage of fluid between different peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels of the distribution system, through one or more of the first chambers;

[0027] - The first plate and the second plate are located on each side of the first chamber along the longitudinal axis;

[0028] - The body of the dispensing component has a fluid dispensing channel extending axially along a longitudinal axis, and a second chamber communicating with the dispensing channel, the second chamber being radially open, such that at least some angular positions of the body define the passage of fluid between the inlet and / or outlet channels referred to as the axial channels and at least one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels of the dispensing system, through the second chamber and the dispensing channel;

[0029] - The body includes branches that connect to each other at a central portion, the branches extending radially from the central portion to the lateral edges of the body;

[0030] - The main body of the dispensing component includes a guide that is angled between the first and second branches in the branches, near the peripheral edge, particularly near one of the lateral edges;

[0031] -The two in the first branch define the second chamber;

[0032] - One of the first branches and one of the second branches together with at least one of the guides positioned at an angle between the two associated branches define at least one of the first chambers;

[0033] -The branches extend substantially radially;

[0034] - Each first chamber has an angular amplitude between 120 and 150 degrees;

[0035] -The distribution channel is centered on the longitudinal axis;

[0036] - The first chamber and / or the second chamber extend at an angle around the longitudinal axis;

[0037] - The distribution channel communicates with the second chamber at all or part of the height of the chamber, which extends along the longitudinal axis;

[0038] -The number of the first chambers is two;

[0039] - The distribution component is configured to rotate through less than 360 degrees, or even less than 300 degrees;

[0040] - The branches defining the chamber include walls extending along the longitudinal axis from the first plate in the direction toward the second plate;

[0041] The walls of the branch are essentially planar;

[0042] -The walls of the first branch defining the second chamber are substantially parallel to each other;

[0043] - The distribution member is configured such that the flow cross-section between one of the chambers and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group and the flow cross-section between the same chamber and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the second group are substantially the same in at least one angular position in the angular position;

[0044] - The distribution system has multiple fluid distribution ports, each designed to connect to a branch of the fluid loop;

[0045] - The inlet and / or outlet channels lead to the assigned ports respectively;

[0046] - The dispensing element includes a body having an outer diameter Ør and a first height Hr, the ratio between the outer diameter Ør and the first height Hr defining a parameter R that is included between 0.6 and 2.7;

[0047] - The receiving portion of the housing has a second height Hc, and the openings of the inlet and / or outlet channels each have a third height h, such that the first height of the dispensing member is less than the second height of the receiving portion and greater than the third height of the opening;

[0048] - In each corner position of the distribution component, the second chamber is configured to communicate with one of the inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group;

[0049] - Four of the multiple peripheral entrances and / or exits belong to the first group, and / or two of the multiple peripheral entrances and / or exits belong to the second group;

[0050] - The ratio of the corner opening of the channel from the first group to the corner range of the first corner sector occupied by the first group of channels is greater than 50%, or even greater than 60%, or even approximately 75%. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a fluid distribution system according to the invention is shown in the cross-sectional plane.

[0053] Figure 2 same Figure 1 However, viewed from above,

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the distribution components of the distribution system.

[0055] Figure 4 Schematally shown on the cross-section plane Figure 3 A perspective view of the component allocation.

[0056] Figure 5 Schematally shown on the cross-section plane Figure 1 In the allocation system Figure 3 The first allocation position of the allocation component,

[0057] Figure 6 Schematally shown on the cross-section plane Figure 1 In the allocation system Figure 3 The second allocation position of the allocation component,

[0058] Figure 7 Schematally shown on the cross-section plane Figure 1 In the allocation system Figure 3 The third allocation position of the allocation component,

[0059] Figure 8 Schematally shown on the cross-section plane Figure 1 In the allocation system Figure 3 The fourth allocation position of the allocation component,

[0060] Figure 9 Schematally shown on the cross-section plane Figure 1 In the allocation system Figure 3 The fifth allocation position of the allocation component,

[0061] Figure 10 Schematally shown on the axial cross-section plane Figure 1 The housing of the distribution system.

[0062] In these figures, the same reference numerals correspond to the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0063] refer to Figures 1 to 3 This invention relates to a fluid distribution system 100. The distribution system 100 is designed to arrange at least some branches of a fluid loop in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other, depending on different system configurations. The distribution system has multiple fluid distribution ports (not shown). Each distribution port is designed to connect to a branch of the loop.

[0064] The distribution system 100 includes a distribution member 10. The distribution member 10 is designed to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis X so as to selectively serve branches that are to be connected to each other, depending on the angular position of the distribution member 100.

[0065] The dispensing system 100 also includes a housing 102 that defines a receiving portion 104 for the dispensing member 10. It should be understood that the diameter of the receiving portion 104 is substantially the same as the diameter of the dispensing member 10, and has clearance required for the dispensing member 10 to rotate within the receiving portion 104.

[0066] The housing 102 is equipped with a plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f. These channels 110a-110f advantageously open laterally to the receiving portion 104 via openings 111, 112. The number of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f is at least five. In the example shown, there are six peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f, namely, inlet and / or outlet channel 110a, second inlet and / or outlet channel 110b, third inlet and / or outlet channel 110c, fourth inlet and / or outlet channel 110d, fifth inlet and / or outlet channel 110e, and sixth inlet and / or outlet channel 110f. Each of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f is formed as a radial protrusion of the sidewall 106 of the housing 102.

[0067] Peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f are distributed on corner sectors P1 and P2 on the periphery of housing 102. At least three channels 110a-110d from the plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f belong to a first group G1. Each channel 110a-110d from the first group G1 occupies a given first corner sector P1. At least two channels 110e-110f from the plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f belong to a second group G2. Each channel 110e-110f from the second group G2 occupies a second corner sector P2. The size of the second corner sector P2 is smaller than the size of the first corner sector P1. It should be noted that the first corner sector P1 occupied by the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d from the first group G1 is not necessarily equal. Similarly, the second corner sector P2 occupied by the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e-110f from the second group G2 is not necessarily equal. In contrast, the largest corner sector of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the second group G2 is smaller than the smallest corner sector of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group G1.

[0068] The distributing member 10 is also configured such that rotation of the distributing member 10 (which allows fluid to flow between one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e-110f from the second group G2 and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d from the first group G1, and prevents flow between the other peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e-110f from the second group G2 and the same peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110a-110d from the first group G1) opens flow between the other peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d from the first group G1, particularly through the paired channels of the first group G1.

[0069] Many instances of the loops can be equipped with a distribution system that, due to its choice of multi-port interconnection, provides the advantage of enabling these loops to operate in highly varied modes of operation. Furthermore, as will be detailed later, the reduced angular amplitude of some of its peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels allows for a reduction in their dimensions, as well as the friction generated when switching from one angular position to another.

[0070] Advantageously, the distribution system 100 comprises a single stage. In other words, the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f lead substantially all to the distribution member 10 at the same height along the longitudinal axis. This improves the axial compactness of the system.

[0071] Figure 2 Another view of the allocation system 100 is depicted. Figure 2 An example of a first corner sector P1 belonging to one of the peripheral entrance and / or exit channels 110a-110d of the first group G1 is also shown, as well as an example of a second corner sector P2 belonging to one of the peripheral entrance and / or exit channels 110e-110f of the second group G2. Figure 2 In this example, the first corner sector P1 is advantageously substantially equal to at least 72 degrees. Still in this example, the second corner sector P2 is advantageously substantially equal to at most 36 degrees. The wall thicknesses of the corner sectors P1 and P2, including the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f, are measured. The corner ends of adjacent sectors coincide. In other words, one corner sector ends where the other begins. Each corner end is, for example, located on a radial straight line perpendicular to and passing through the longitudinal axis X and through the midpoint between two adjacent inlet and / or outlet channels.

[0072] Advantageously, the peripheral entrance and / or exit channels 110a-110d from the first group G1 are evenly spaced at an angle.

[0073] The openings 111 of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d from the first group G1 may have a first width D, and the openings 112 of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e-110f from the second group G2 may have a second width d. The first width D is greater than the second width d.

[0074] The ratio of the first width D to the second width d is advantageously included between 1 and 5.

[0075] The openings of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d from the first group G1 may have a first flow cross-section S1, and the openings of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e-110f from the second group G2 may have a second flow cross-section S2. The size of the first flow cross-section S1 is larger than the size of the second flow cross-section S2.

[0076] The ratio of the first flow cross section S1 to the second flow cross section S2 is advantageously included between 1 and 5.

[0077] Advantageously, the dimensions of the first flow cross section S1 and / or the second flow cross section S2 are substantially included within 110 mm. 2 (square millimeters) to 490 mm 2 These cross-sectional values ​​are intended to correspond to the cross-sections of pipes typically encountered in fluid circuits used for thermal regulation in vehicles.

[0078] Figure 3 Dispensing member 10 is shown. Dispensing member 10 may include a body 12 and may include a first plate 14 and a second plate 16, which are parallel, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X, and connected by the body 12. The body 12 has lateral edges 18, which in this example are located on an imaginary cylinder of the peripheral edges 20 of the connecting plates 14, 16. It should be understood that the first plate 14 and the second plate 16 (if present) have a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of dispensing member 10 and are configured to facilitate its rotation within the receiving portion 104. It is noteworthy that these are prone to generating friction, which the present invention seeks to limit.

[0079] The lateral edge 18 of the body 12 is positioned facing the inner surface of the sidewall 106 of the housing 102 and adjacent to the inner surface of the sidewall 106 of the housing 102, allowing for gaps.

[0080] The distributing member 10 may have a plane of symmetry. The distributing member 10 may be configured to rotate in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction. Therefore, the distributing member 10 may be configured to rotate by less than 360 degrees, or even less than 300 degrees, or even less than 240 degrees.

[0081] The body 12 of the dispensing member 10 has one or more radially open first chambers 24, such that the angular position of the body 12 defines the passage of fluid between different peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f of the dispensing system 100, through at least one of the first chambers 24. In the example shown, the number of first chambers 24 is two.

[0082] The main body 12 of the dispensing member 10 also has a fluid dispensing channel 22. This dispensing channel 22 extends axially along the longitudinal axis X. Advantageously, the first dispensing channel 22 is centered on the longitudinal axis X.

[0083] The main body 12 also has a second chamber 25 that communicates with the distribution channel 22. The second chamber 25 is also radially open.

[0084] The first chamber 24 and / or the second chamber 25 extend at an angle around the longitudinal axis X.

[0085] As a result, at least some angular positions of the body 12 of the distribution member 10 define a pathway for fluid between the axial inlet and / or outlet channel 21 and at least one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f of the distribution system 100, through the second chamber 25 and the distribution channel 22.

[0086] This axial distribution channel 22 allows for further limitation of the perimeter of the distribution member 10, and thus the radial dimension of the distribution system 100.

[0087] Advantageously, the dispensing channel 22 communicates with the second chamber 25 at all or part of its height. This height of the second chamber 25 extends along the longitudinal axis X. The communication between the dispensing channel 22 and the second chamber 25 is via an opening 23.

[0088] Additionally, the distribution member 10, particularly the main body 12, advantageously includes a central portion 26. The main body 12 may also include branches 28a, 28b that connect to each other at the central portion 26. The branches advantageously extend substantially radially from the central portion to the lateral edges 18.

[0089] The main body 12 also includes a guide 29 which is angledly positioned near the peripheral edge 20 between the first and second branches of branches 28a and 28b, particularly between the two lateral end edges 18 of branches 28a and 28b.

[0090] The first two branches in branch 28a define the second chamber 25. One or more other branches, referred to as the second branch 28b, help define the first chamber 24.

[0091] The at least one in the first chamber 24 is defined by one of the first branches 28a and one of the second branches 28b, wherein at least one of the guides 29 is angledly positioned between the respective two branches 28a, 28b. The branches 28a, 28b defining the chambers 24, 25 have inner walls 30a and outer walls 30b, 30c, which extend along the longitudinal axis X from the first plate 14 toward the second plate 16.

[0092] The inner wall 30a of the first branch 28a that defines the second chamber 25 may be substantially planar. These inner walls 30a may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0093] The outer wall 30b of the first branch 28a and the outer walls of one or more second branches 28b are arranged to form an angle. The closed end of the angle may be a cusp or a rounded point.

[0094] Advantageously, the angular amplitude α of each first chamber 25 is between 120 degrees and 150 degrees.

[0095] Advantageously, each outer wall 30b of the first branch 28a is substantially parallel to the first inner wall 31a of the guide 29 closest to it, and the outer wall 30c of the second branch 28b is substantially parallel to the second inner wall 31b of the same guide 29. It should be understood that the walls 31a, 31b of each guide 29 are arranged to form an angle, which may be cusp or rounded. Therefore, the first chamber 24 takes the form of a conduit with a bend.

[0096] The walls 30a, 30b, and 30c of branches 28a and 28b can be substantially planar. The walls 31a and 31b of guide 29 can also be substantially planar.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing member 10 is configured such that the flow cross-section between one of the chambers 24, 25 and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d from the first group G1 and the flow cross-section between the same chamber 24, 25 and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e-110f from the second group G2 are substantially the same in at least one angular position.

[0098] One or more first chambers 24 are radially connected to peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f. Advantageously, regardless of the angular position of the body 12 of the distributing member 10, one or more first chambers 24 are connected to no more than two of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f.

[0099] The second chamber 25 of the dispensing member 10 is intended to be radially connected to the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f. Advantageously, regardless of the angular position of the body 12 of the dispensing member 10, the second chamber 25 is intended to be connected to no more than one of the peripheral channels 110a-110f.

[0100] The distribution system 100 may include an actuator (not shown), such as a stepper motor, for rotating the distribution member 10 about a longitudinal axis X. In this case, the distribution member 10 may include a drive shaft 40 intended to engage with the actuator. The maximum nominal torque of the actuator is, for example, 2.5 Nm, particularly when a standard pressure (e.g., about 1.2 bar) is present in the fluid circuit.

[0101] The dispensing system 100 may also include a seal (not shown) located between the inner surfaces of the dispensing member 10 and the sidewall 106 of the housing 102. This seal may include a first portion located at a first plate 14 of the dispensing member 10 and / or a second portion located at a second plate 16 of the dispensing member 10, the first portion being referred to as annular, in the form of a ring or a corner sector of a ring, and the second portion being referred to as annular, in the form of a ring or a corner sector of a ring. Therefore, the friction involved is more specifically generated between the seal and the dispensing member 10.

[0102] The distribution system 100 may also include a sealing plate (not shown) designed to enclose a housing 102. This sealing plate 112 is mounted orthogonally to the longitudinal axis X of the distribution member 10. The sealing plate may be fixed (particularly welded) to the housing 102. Furthermore, the sealing plate is configured to be fixed to a fluid distribution support having a distribution port of the system, with inlet and / or outlet channels leading to the distribution port, respectively.

[0103] The following is an overview Figures 5 to 9 The allocation system 100 has various allocation positions.

[0104] In the following text, the flow of fluid (especially heat transfer fluid) through the chambers 24, 25 of the distribution member 10 is indicated by arrows in the corresponding figures.

[0105] Figure 5 A first distribution position of the distribution system 100 is depicted. In this first distribution position, the second chamber 25 establishes communication between the distribution channel 22 and the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110a. One of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the second peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110b and the third peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110c. Another of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the fourth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110d and the fifth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e. In this first position, flow in the sixth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110f is blocked.

[0106] Figure 6 A second distribution position of the distribution system 100 is depicted. In this second distribution position, the second chamber 25 establishes communication between the distribution channel 22 and the fourth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110d. One of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the second peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110b and the third peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110c. The other chamber 24 establishes communication between the first peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110a and the fifth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e. In this second position, flow in the sixth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110f is blocked.

[0107] Figure 7 A third distribution position of the distribution system 100 is depicted. In this third distribution position, the second chamber 25 establishes communication between the distribution channel 22 and the second peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110b. One of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the third peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110c and the fourth peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110d. The other chamber 24 establishes communication between the first peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110a and the fifth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e. In this second position, flow in the sixth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110f is blocked.

[0108] Figure 8 A fourth distribution position of the distribution system 100 is depicted. In this fourth distribution position, the second chamber 25 establishes communication between the distribution channel 22 and the second peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110b. One of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the third peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110c and the fourth peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110d. The other chamber 24 establishes communication between the first peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110a and the sixth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110f. In this second position, flow in the fifth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e is blocked.

[0109] Figure 9 A fifth distribution position of the distribution system 100 is depicted. In this fifth distribution position, the second chamber 25 establishes communication between the distribution channel 22 and the fourth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110d. One of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the second peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110b and the third peripheral inlet / outlet channel 110c. Another of the first chambers 24 establishes communication between the first peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110a and the sixth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110f. In this second position, flow in the fifth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e is blocked.

[0110] exist Figures 5 to 9In the example shown, as a reminder, the number of angular allocation positions is five, and they relate to the flow of fluid in at least one of chambers 24, 25. The first, second, third, and fourth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110d form a first group G1, each occupying a first angular sector P1 equal to 72 degrees. The fifth and sixth peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e-110f form a second group G2, each occupying a second angular sector P2 equal to 36 degrees. This configuration allows for fluid flow from... (The sentence is incomplete and requires further context to translate accurately.) Figure 6 The second allocation position is switched to Figure 9 The fifth allocation position, and can be obtained from Figure 7 The third allocation position is switched to Figure 8 The fourth distribution position, and vice versa, while maintaining the same fluid flow in the other inlet and / or outlet channels. Thus, when the relevant operating mode requires only a change in how the surrounding inlet and / or outlet channels are connected to each other for some of the inlet and / or outlet channels, the torque required to actuate the distribution system can be reduced, and it is possible to switch from one operating mode to another.

[0111] Therefore, here, although not strictly necessary, the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110e and 110f from the second group G2 are angularly adjacent. Furthermore, one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a from the first group G1 is angularly adjacent to one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110f from the second group G2. Additionally, another peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110d from the first group G1 is angularly adjacent to another peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel 110e from the second group G2. This configuration allows operation according to the invention to be achieved by rotating the distribution member 10, which can be clockwise or counterclockwise. It also facilitates its symmetrical configuration.

[0112] Based on this example, it will be understood that by combining chambers 24, 25 and channel 22, the present invention enables a variety of fluid dispensing possibilities while saving energy. Specifically, the fact that the dispensing position can be changed by means of a small rotation reduces the torque required to rotate the dispensing member, and thus allows the use of a less powerful actuator.

[0113] It also enables a reduction in the radial and / or axial dimensions of the dispensing system 100. Specifically, the location of the dispensing channel 22 (e.g., a central location) allows for a simplified architecture of the dispensing member 10, resulting in a more compact dispensing system.

[0114] It will be further noted that in each of the aforementioned angular positions of the dispensing member, the second chamber 25 is configured to communicate with one of the channels 110a-110d from the first group. In this manner, the flow cross-section of the fluid from the dispensing channel 22 is optimized to avoid additional pressure drop that would occur if the flow were directed to one of the channels 110e-110f from the second group, which have a smaller flow cross-section.

[0115] Refer again Figure 3 As can be seen, the main body 12 has an outer diameter Ør and a first height Hr. The ratio of the outer diameter Ør to the first height Hr defines the parameter R. This parameter R is included between 0.6 and 2.7.

[0116] The parameter R represents the optimal value obtained so that the distribution system 100 has a limited pressure drop and control over the friction generated by the distribution member 10, while making the distribution system 100 more compact.

[0117] It should be understood that an outer diameter Ør that is higher than the first height Hr will tend to increase friction, and a first height Hr that is higher than the outer diameter Ør will tend to increase pressure drop, especially if the passage of fluid toward the distribution member 10 has a shape that tends to be a simple groove.

[0118] If the outer diameter Ør is too small, the width of the fluid inlet / outlet channel will be very small for the same flow cross-section, and this is undesirable in terms of pressure drop even if the initial height Hr is increased.

[0119] If the outer diameter Ør is compact and suitable for positioning the fluid inlet / outlet channels, then the initial height Hr will be limited by the flow cross-sectional area requirements. Although a higher height Hr can improve pressure drop conditions, this is not desirable because the distributor system 100 will be less compact, which means more material and therefore additional cost, and the torque will increase due to the larger contact area, which means greater friction.

[0120] It will also be noted that for the same cross-section of the inlet / outlet channel, a higher first height Hr means a narrower channel and will have a tendency to cause deformation of the seal.

[0121] like Figure 10 As shown, in combination or as an alternative, the receiving portion 104 of the housing 102 may have a second height Hc, and the openings 111, 112 of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f each have a third height h, such that the first height Hr of the dispensing member 10 is less than the second height Hc of the receiving portion 104 and greater than the third height h of the openings 111, 112.

[0122] The flow cross-section of openings 111, 112 of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels 110a-110f (already mentioned) is defined as a first width D in the case of opening 111 or a second width multiplied by a third height h in the case of opening 112.

[0123] Preferably, as shown in the figure, the ratio of the angular opening of the channel from the first group to the angular range of the first angular sector occupied by the channels 110a-110d from the first group is greater than 50%, or even greater than 60%, or even substantially 75%. The angular opening corresponds to the value of the angle subtends by the channels 110a-110d, i.e., the angle corresponding to their width D. The angular range corresponds to the angular value of the angular sector P1 mentioned above. This applies to each channel from the first group, considered individually and / or cumulatively by summing the angular values ​​in the numerator and denominator. Thus, the distribution system according to the invention provides a construction in a small amount of space, whereby fluid can pass through particularly unrestricted, thereby limiting pressure drop.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, as can be understood from the foregoing, four channels from the plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels belong to the first group. These are channels 110a-110d. Two channels from the plurality of peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels belong to the second group; these are channels 110e and 110f. This then provides a six-way valve or even a seven-way valve including distribution channels, which in each case is particularly compact, while generating almost no pressure drop and requiring reduced drive torque.

Claims

1. A distribution system (100) for distributing fluid, the distribution system (100) being intended to allow at least some branches of a loop for use with the fluid to communicate with each other in different configurations of the system, the distribution system (100) including a distribution member (10) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (X) to selectively serve the branches to be communicated with each other according to the angular position of the distribution member (10), the distribution system (100) including a housing (102) defining a receiving portion (104) for the distribution member (10), the housing (102) being provided with a plurality of inlets and / or outlets referred to as periphery. The periphery of the housing is divided into multiple peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110d), with at least three channels (110e-110f) belonging to a first group (G1), each channel (110a-110d) occupying a first corner sector (P1), and at least two channels (110e-110f) belonging to a second group (G2), each channel (110e-110f) occupying a second corner sector (P2), the size of the second corner sector being smaller than the size of the first corner sector. The system is configured such that rotation of the dispensing member (10) allows fluid to flow between one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110e-110f) from the second group (G2) and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110d) from the first group (G1), and prevents flow between a different one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110e-110f) from the second group (G2) and the same one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group (G1), thereby keeping flow between the other peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels from the first group open.

2. The distribution system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first corner sector (P1) is essentially equal to at least 72 degrees.

3. The distribution system (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, The second angular sector (P2) is approximately equal to at most 36 degrees.

4. The distribution system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The peripheral entrance and / or exit passages (110a-110f) are laterally connected to the receiving portion (104) via openings (111, 112).

5. The distribution system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The opening (111) of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel (110a-110d) from the first group (G1) has a first width (D), and the opening (112) of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channel (110e-110f) from the second group (G2) has a second width (d), wherein the first width (D) is greater than the second width (d).

6. The distribution system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The openings of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110d) from the first group (G1) have a first flow cross section (S1), and the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110e-110f) from the second group (G2) have a second flow cross section (S2), wherein the size of the first flow cross section (S1) is larger than the size of the second flow cross section (S2).

7. The distribution system (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The ratio of the first width (D) to the second width (d) is included between 1 and 5.

8. The distribution system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The ratio of the first cross section (S1) to the second cross section (S2) is included between 1 and 5.

9. The distribution system (100) according to claim 6 or 8, wherein, The first cross section and / or the second cross section (S1, S2) are substantially contained within 110 mm. 2 up to 490 mm 2 .

10. The distribution system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The dispensing member (10) includes a body (12) having one or more first chambers (24) that are radially open, such that the angular position of the body (12) defines a pathway for fluid between different peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110f) of the dispensing system (100), through one of the first chambers (24) or at least one of the plurality of first chambers (24).

11. The distribution system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The dispensing member (10) has a fluid dispensing channel (22) extending axially along the longitudinal axis (X), and a second chamber (25) communicating with the dispensing channel (22), the second chamber being radially open such that at least some angular positions of the body are defined by a fluid passage between the inlet and / or outlet channel (21) referred to as the axial inlet and / or outlet channel (21) and at least one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110f) of the dispensing system (100), through the second chamber (25) and the dispensing channel (22).

12. The distribution system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The body (12) includes, on the one hand, a first branch (28a) and a second branch (28b) connected to each other at a central portion (26), the branches extending from the central portion to a lateral edge (18) of the body, and on the other hand, a guide (29) positioned at an angle between the first branch and the second branch in the branches near one of the lateral edges (18).

13. The distribution system (100) according to claim 12, which is subordinate to claim 11, wherein, Two of the first branches (28a) define the second chamber (25).

14. The distribution system (100) according to claim 12, which is subordinate to claim 10, wherein, One of the first branches (28a) and one of the second branches (28b), together with at least one of the guides (29) positioned at an angle between the two associated branches (28a, 28b), define at least one of the first chambers (24).

15. The distribution system (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The distribution member (10) is configured such that the flow cross-section between one of the chambers (24, 25) and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110d) from the first group (G1) and the flow cross-section between the same chamber in the chambers (24, 25) and one of the peripheral inlet and / or outlet channels (110e-110f) from the second group (G2) are substantially the same in at least one of the angular positions.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The dispensing member includes a body (12) having an outer diameter (Ør) and a first height (Hr), the ratio between the outer diameter (Ør) and the first height (Hr) defining a parameter (R) that is included between 0.6 and 2.

7.

17. The allocation system (100) according to claim 16, wherein the allocation system comprises a single allocation level.

18. The distribution system (100) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein claim 16 is considered subordinate to claim 4, The receiving portion (104) of the housing (102) has a second height (Hc), and the openings (111, 112) of the inlet and / or outlet channels (110a-110f) each have a third height (h), such that the first height (Hr) of the dispensing member (10) is less than the second height (Hc) of the receiving portion and greater than the third height (h) of the openings (111, 112).

19. The distribution system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Four of the multiple peripheral entrances and / or exits (110a-110d) belong to the first group (G1), and / or two of the multiple peripheral entrances and / or exits (110e-110f) belong to the second group (G2).

20. The distribution system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ratio of the corner opening of the channel (110a-110d) from the first group (G1) to the corner range of the first corner sector occupied by the channel (110a-110d) from the first group (G1) is greater than 50%, or even greater than 60%, or even substantially 75%.

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