Device for driving rotary valve

Abstract

A hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) comprising a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber, wherein the core (4) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (XX ') in said chamber, one axial bore, for example for supply (11), the side wall of the housing comprising at least two lateral bores, for example for outlets (12, 20), opening in the hydraulic chamber. The core (4) comprises a side surface (32), a facing side wall (8), an axial opening (18), at least one lateral hole (34), the core (4) comprising coupling means (282) for coupling a shaft end (330) of the actuator with the core (4), comprising a part (36) provided with a groove (361) for receiving the shaft end, the core comprising a receptacle (41) capable of receiving said part, the receptacle (41) being provided with a groove (361) for receiving the shaft end (330) of the actuator. Such that the latter transmits rotation from the shaft to the core.

Description

Technical fields and technical background

[0001] The invention relates to a device for driving a rotary valve or a hydraulic rotary distributor, for example for cooling in the automotive industry, the valve or distributor preferably being electrically driven. The invention is also suitable for distributing cooling fluid for fuel cells.

[0002] In the automotive sector, it is common to use valves or hydraulic distributors to cool certain parts of the engine, for example these are electric valves with 1 or 2 inlets and 2 outlets, and solenoid valves with 1 inlet and 2 outlets. These valves or distributors are usually controlled by an electric motor.

[0003] There are several types of hydraulic valves or distributors (the term "distributor" is used in the following description, but it also applies to valves), in particular slide valves and rotary distributors.

[0004] The rotary distributor, also known as a ball valve and a plug valve, comprises a housing defining a rotating cylindrical chamber, provided with at least one fluid inlet for connection to a liquid source, and at least one fluid outlet for connection to a pipe to deliver the liquid to the area to be cooled. The inlet and the outlet open into the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The distributor also comprises a rotating central part or core mounted in the chamber. The core comprises a rotating outer surface facing the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The core comprises at least two orifices connected by a channel on its outer surface. The two orifices are positioned relative to each other so that when one of the orifices faces the inlet, the other orifice faces the outlet. Thus, by rotating the core in the chamber, the circulation between the inlet and the outlet can be allowed or interrupted, thereby achieving the circulation between the liquid source and the area to be cooled.

[0005] One problem is driving a rotary distributor device, for example of the type described above: a simple drive system is sought, capable of easily transmitting the movement of the actuator to the core.

[0006] When the core is brought to another position, such as supplying a pipe, there is also the problem of how to automatically bring the core back to the balance or starting position.

[0007] Furthermore, such distributors are usually fed sideways, and the lateral fluid inlet generates a torque acting on the entire device. A problem is to create a distributor device that can solve this problem.

[0008] Another problem is to create a rotary distributor device capable of distributing a fluid between two distributor outlets in a synchronized and proportional manner. In fact, there is currently no known device capable of distributing a fluid between two outlets according to a predetermined distribution.

[0009] Another problem is the seal between the core and the housing; this is usually achieved by using seals, which brings with it the problem of monitoring the state of these seals, and the problem of manufacturing the device which must provide grooves to accommodate these seals. This leads to complications in the device and the production method. Efforts are being made to create dispensers that are simple in design, reliable, and contain fewer components. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reliable rotary hydraulic distributor, the manufacture of which is simplified relative to the hydraulic distributors of the prior art.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary hydraulic distributor that can solve at least one of the above problems.

[0012] The invention relates in particular to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing and a rotating central part or core, said housing comprising a rotating cylindrical chamber housing the core. The housing also comprises a side wall, two end walls defining a hydraulic chamber in which the core can rotate around an axis of rotation XX', at least one axial hole, such as a supply hole, and at least one lateral hole, such as two lateral holes, forming, for example, one or two outlet holes, opening into the hydraulic chamber. The core comprises a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial surface, such as for inlet or supply, at least one lateral hole, such as a lateral outlet, and a duct or chamber connecting said axial surface and the lateral holes, allowing circulation, such as supply, from or to each lateral hole of the housing, depending on the angular position of the core in the housing. The core comprises coupling means for coupling the shaft end of the actuator to the core.

[0013] For example, the coupling device comprises a part provided with a groove for receiving the end of the actuator shaft or capable of receiving the end of the actuator shaft, and the core comprises a housing capable of receiving the part so that the latter transmits the rotation from the shaft to the core.

[0014] The component and the receiving portion may each have a cylindrical shape and be provided with a lug having a parallelepiped shape, and the receiving portion includes a space for receiving the lug.

[0015] The slot and the lug may extend in directions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other. This allows compensating for coaxiality or alignment defects along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0016] As an alternative, the component and the receptacle can each have a parallelepiped shape.

[0017] The hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention may further comprise a return device for bringing the core back to the equilibrium or initial position after the core is brought to a position away from the equilibrium or initial position.

[0018] For example, these return means comprise a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the core and the other end of which is fixed to the dispenser part which remains stationary when the core is driven in rotation.

[0019] The invention therefore also relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing and a core, said housing comprising a side wall, two end walls defining a hydraulic chamber in which the core can rotate about an axis of rotation XX', and opening into the hydraulic chamber at least one axial hole, such as a supply hole, and at least one lateral hole, such as an outlet hole. The core comprises a side surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial surface, such as forming an inlet opening, at least one lateral hole, and a duct or chamber connecting said axial surface and the lateral holes, allowing circulation, such as supply, from or to each lateral hole of the housing, depending on the angular position of the core in the housing. The distributor also comprises return means for bringing the core back to a balanced or initial position after it has been rotated to a position away from this balanced or initial position.

[0020] For example, the return means comprise a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the core and the other end of which is fixed to the dispenser part which remains stationary when the core is driven in rotation.

[0021] In the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention, the sealing between the side surface of the core and the side wall of the shell can be ensured by a narrow channel or a small gap between the side surface and the side wall, for example between 50 μm and 200 μm or even 300 μm (for example: 250 μm, especially for a leakage of 1% of a flow rate of 700 l / mn), thereby achieving sealing.

[0022] In addition, the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention may include a limiter for limiting its rotational angular motion when it is driven by an actuator. For example, the core includes a circular groove, which is limited by a stopper at the initial position and the maximum position of the core.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the hydraulic rotary distributor of the invention, one of the end walls comprises a supply hole extending substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis XX' or coaxial therewith. The side wall of the housing comprises at least two lateral holes, such as two outlet holes, opening into the hydraulic chamber. The core comprises a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial surface, such as an inlet surface, facing the axial hole, such as the supply hole.

[0024] Preferably, in the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the lateral holes of the core have a shape allowing partially simultaneous supply to both lateral holes of the housing in at least one or more intermediate angular positions between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0025] For example, the lateral holes of the core have an elliptical, oval or ellipsoidal shape extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation XX'.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment:

[0027] - the lateral hole of the core has an angular opening, measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the core, greater than the angle between two lateral holes on the side wall of the housing in the same plane;

[0028] - and / or the distance separating the two farthest points of the lateral holes of the core is greater than the distance between the two lateral holes of the shell;

[0029] - and / or an internal pipe of the core connecting the axial surface of the core and the lateral hole of the core, the cross-section of which pipe, perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, gradually increases from the axial surface towards the lateral hole; for example, the cross-section of the internal pipe preferably gradually increases, and its increase value is between 1% and 3% for any increasing angle between 5° or even 7° and 12° or even 15°.

[0030] Preferably, the housing and / or core are made of molded plastic, which helps to reduce the mass and manufacturing time of the dispenser.

[0031] For example, the housing and / or the core are made of a plastic material.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the hydraulic rotary distributor of the present invention, the lateral hole of the housing is extended by a pipe along the axis X 12 , X 20 Extending, these axes have a point of intersection A situated rearwardly of the centre C of the core relative to the lateral aperture of the housing.

[0033] Regardless of the intended embodiment of the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention:

[0034] - the axial surface of the core may comprise an opening facing the axial bore of the housing;

[0035] - and / or the housing may comprise 1, 2 or more lateral holes.

[0036] The present application also aims at a hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor comprising a distributor according to one or another embodiment of the invention and an actuator, such as an electric motor or a gear motor, driving the core in rotation.

[0037] For example, the actuator comprises an output shaft aligned along the axis of rotation XX'.

[0038] The invention also relates to a method for distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor according to the invention, the fluid being introduced through an axial hole, therefore a supply hole, for example in the direction of the axis of rotation XX' or perpendicular to this axis, and being guided by the internal ducting of the core to its lateral holes and then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing, to one and / or the other of the 2 lateral holes of the housing, therefore the outlet holes.

[0039] According to one example, the fluid is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, for example 60% water and 40% ethylene glycol. The fluid is suitable for cooling fuel cells, for example.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for distributing fluids using a hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor according to the invention, the fluids being introduced through two lateral holes of the housing, thus inlet or supply holes, these fluids being guided by an internal duct of the core to the axial hole and mixing at least partially in this internal duct. The two fluids may be of the same nature or identical, but at different temperatures, one of which may come, for example, from a heating component or element, such as a fuel cell, and the other from a cooling component or element, such as a radiator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention will be better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic rotary distributor, which includes an inlet and two outlets, and the present invention can be applied to the distributor.

[0043] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotating centerpiece of the dispenser is shown.

[0044] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A front view of the rotating center component of the dispenser is shown.

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the ducting of the rotating centerpiece of the distributor is shown.

[0046] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of the housing and core of the distributor shown, allowing partial flow to each of the 2 outlet paths.

[0047] Figure 5A It is a top view of the shell and core of a distributor in the first switching state, allowing flow to only one of the two distributor outlet paths.

[0048] Figure 5BIt is a top view of the shell and core of the same distributor in the second switching state, allowing flow to only the other of the two distributor outlet paths.

[0049] Figure 6 is a view of one aspect of the present invention, including a receiving portion in the lower portion of the core body for receiving a coupling device to the actuator shaft.

[0050] Fig. 7A is a view of one embodiment of a coupling device for coupling a core to an actuator shaft.

[0051] Figure 7B is a view of another embodiment of a coupling device for coupling a core to an actuator shaft.

[0052] Figure 8 is a view illustrating one embodiment of a return device for bringing the core back to an initial position.

[0053] Fig. 9A is a view of a dispenser with axial feed, to which the invention is applicable.

[0054] Fig. 9B is a view of a distributor with axial fluid outlets, to which the present invention is applicable.

[0055] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C , show the steps of manufacturing the core of the rotary hydraulic distributor to which the present invention is applicable.

[0056] Figure 11A-11C Another aspect of the core of the rotary hydraulic distributor according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 An embodiment of a rotary hydraulic distributor to which the present invention is applicable is shown, which is of the type including one inlet and two outlets. It will be appreciated that the distributor may include one or more outlets. Furthermore, the inlet or inlets may be interchanged with the outlets, as described below (see Fig. 9B ).

[0058] The distributor D comprises a housing 2 or valve body, which has substantially the shape of a cylinder of revolution about an axis XX′, and a central part 4 , called core, mounted in the housing 2 and able to rotate therein.

[0059] In the example shown, the housing 2 comprises a bottom 6 and a substantially one-piece cylindrical side wall 8, as well as an inlet cover 10 comprising an opening 11 through which the fluid enters the device; the fluid thus flows in a direction aligned with the axis XX' and is then distributed by the core 4 towards one or more lateral outlets of the housing, preferably oriented in a YZ plane perpendicular to the axis XX' (see for example Fig. 9A The access cover 10 is assembled or rigidly connected to the housing 2 in a detachable manner, for example by screws, or is connected in a fixed manner, for example by welding, also for example by ultrasonic welding (particularly if the components are made of plastic material).

[0060] It should be noted that the coaxial entry of the fluid reduces the torque it generates on the entire distributor. This is advantageous at any flow rate, but in particular for high flow rates, for example between 200 and 700 l / min. The housing 2 comprises a first outlet opening 20 formed in the side wall 8, which can be extended by a first duct 20', for example for conveying liquid to a given area, for example an area to be cooled; and a second outlet opening 12, which can be extended by a second duct 12', also for example for conveying liquid to a given area, for example also an area to be cooled. These ducts 12', 20' are for example welded to the base of the orifices 12 and 20. The housing 2 defines a hydraulic chamber 26. The outlet openings 12 and 20 are angularly distributed on the side wall around the axis XX'.

[0061] The housing 2 also comprises a motor cover 18 which can be assembled or rigidly connected to the housing 2 in a detachable manner, for example by screws, or connected in a fixed manner, for example by welding, but also for example by ultrasonic welding (especially if the parts are made of plastic material). The whole device is driven by an actuator 33, for example an electric motor or a gear motor. A coupling device or part 36 connects the shaft of the actuator to the core 4 in order to drive the latter in rotation about the axis XX'.

[0062] Adaptation means 39 may be provided, comprising for example a ring 391 and fastening means 392, such as screws, for assembling the actuator 33 with the cover 18. The axis of the actuator passes through the central hole of the ring.

[0063] Figure 1 Devices such as Fig. 9A Assemble as shown.

[0064] Figure 2A and 2B A core 4 is shown, also in the shape of a cylinder of revolution of axis XX′. The core 4 is mounted in a hydraulic chamber, being able to rotate therein about axis XX′. It comprises two end faces 28 , 30 and a side surface 32 .

[0065] When the core 4 is mounted in the hydraulic chamber, its end face 28 faces the bottom of the housing 2 (on the actuator side) and its end face 30 faces the cover 10. The end face 30 comprises an opening 31 intended to be aligned with the opening 11 of the cover 10 to receive a fluid flowing in the direction of the axis XX'. The side surface 32 of the core 4 comprises a lateral opening 34 allowing the fluid to be guided to one or more housing outlet holes 12, 20. A ball bearing 37 may be provided to ensure the rotational guidance of the core 4 in the housing 2; moreover, a static seal may preferably be provided between the housing 2 and the cover 10 to avoid liquid leakage. Likewise, one or more seals 40 are preferably provided between the end face 6 and the cover 18 to avoid liquid leakage. Reference numeral 37' also denotes a ball bearing.

[0066] A conduit 38 connects the opening 31 through which the fluid enters the core 4 and the opening 34 through which the fluid exits the core. The shape of the conduit is Figure 3 Preferably, the duct widens gradually from an inlet opening 31 (eg circular) towards an outlet opening 34, which preferably has an elongated shape as described below.

[0067] Figure 3 A plane P is shown in FIG. 1 , which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow: According to one embodiment, the plane P forms an angle α with a plane P0 parallel to the plane of the inlet opening 31. The intersection of the plane P and the duct 38 has an area S that increases, for example linearly, as the angle α increases. This gradual increase helps to reduce the head loss.

[0068] Table 1 below lists different values ​​of area S for different values ​​of angle α, which increases as the angle α increases, as described above. Table 1 Location <![CDATA[Cross-sectional area (mm 2 )]]> Change from previous value Change from initial value 0° 2017.91 10° 2045.51 1％ 1％ 20° 2081.97 2％ 3％ 30° 2125.2 2％ 5％ 40° 2173 2％ 8％ 50° 2223.02 2％ 10％ 60° 2273.66 2％ 13％ 70° 2319.19 2％ 15％ 80° 2359.7 2％ 17％ 90° 2391.16 1％ 18％ final 2412.57 1％ 20％

[0069] In its final part, when the angle α is equal to 90°, the area S can be further increased, as shown in the above table (see the difference between the S value at 90° and the "final" value).

[0070] For example, for each increase of the angle α by 10°, or more generally any increase between 7° (or even 5°) and 12° (or even 15°), the area S may relatively increase by 1% to 3%, for example 2%.

[0071] Preferably, the projection of the outlet hole 34 on a plane parallel to the axis XX' and perpendicular to the fluid outlet direction has an elongated or elliptical shape extending along the axis YY' (substantially perpendicular to the axis XX'). For example, the projection of the outlet hole has an elliptical shape, the major axis of the ellipse being identical to the axis YY'.

[0072] The distance d between the two farthest points of the opening along the axis YY' ( Figure 2B ) is preferably greater than the distance d1 separating two adjacent outlet openings 12, 20 of the rotating shell 2. Figure 4 As shown, the figure schematically shows the housing 2 with its two outlets 12, 20, and the core 4 with its outlet opening 34. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the outlet hole 34 is partially open to the outlet 12 and the outlet 20, thereby allowing a first flow F12 to pass through the outlet 12 and a second flow F20 to pass through the outlet 20. The ratio of these flows can be changed by modifying the orientation of the core 4 in the housing 2 using the actuator 33.

[0073] The ratio of these flows can be varied by modifying the orientation of the core 4 in the housing 2 using the actuator 33 : for several positions of the core, the orifice 34 is partially open to the outlet 12 and to the outlet 20 , and for each of these positions the ratio of these flows is different than for the other positions.

[0074] In certain positions, the outlet opening 34 may open only to the outlet 12 or the outlet 20. Figure 5A (flow is entirely to outlet 20) and Figure 5B (flow is entirely to outlet 12).

[0075] Preferably, the gap between the core 4 and the inner surface of the housing 2 allows the sealing between two adjacent outlet paths 12, 20 to be ensured without using a seal. This avoids:

[0076] - additional friction (between the seal and the inner surface of the housing 2 or between the seal and the outer surface of the core 4);

[0077] - Monitoring of seal condition and replacement procedures when they are worn.

[0078] To do this, the maximum gap h that can be achieved between the outer surface of the core and the inner surface of the housing 2 can be calculated. This gap can be modeled by a system consisting of 2 plates, located between 2 outlets, with length l, width b and gap thickness h; one of the outlets has a pressure of p1 (upstream pressure) and the other has a pressure of p2 (downstream pressure, p1>p2). Since the fluid has a dynamic viscosity η, the following formula applies, giving the leaked flow rate dV / dt:

[0079] Formula 1: dV / dt=(h 3 b / 12nl).(p1-p2)

[0080] for:

[0081] - A fluid consisting of a mixture of water (60%) and ethylene glycol (40%);

[0082] -2x10 at 100°C -3 Viscosity in Pa.s;

[0083] - The pressure difference (p1-p2) is 1 bar;

[0084] -b=4.5x10 -2 m,L=1.77x10 -2 m.

[0085] In order to obtain a maximum radial clearance of 1.85x10 at a maximum leakage flow of up to 4 liters per minute, - 4 m.

[0086] The above formula can be adjusted depending on the required maximum leakage rate, the viscosity of the fluid (which itself may be temperature dependent), the geometric parameters, the pressure difference. The actual part dimensions obtained during manufacturing2,4 can then be compared with the maximum gap obtained according to the above modeling to verify whether the part meets the required sealing requirements.

[0087] Generally, the service temperature that results in the lowest viscosity can be used, since the leakage flow is inversely proportional to the viscosity. This temperature is usually the highest temperature used. For example, for a coolant used between -40°C and +100°C, use a value of 100°C.

[0088] More generally, the gap is for example between 50 μm and 200 μm or even 300 μm (for example: 250 μm, in particular for a leakage of 1% at a flow rate of 700 l / min).

[0089] This seal without seal is not only applicable to the above Figure 1-3 The distributors described above also apply to any distributor that implements a rotating element in the distributor body, in particular any distributor:

[0090] - involves injection of the fluid, not axially along the axis XX' as described above, but laterally into the body 2;

[0091] - and / or wherein the core comprises a distribution channel of uniform cross section, the end of which is located near the outlet opening and may have an elongated shape as described above, or a circular shape corresponding to or identical to the cross section of the opening 12,20.

[0092] Thus, sealing can be ensured by a narrow channel or a small gap between the side surface and the side wall.

[0093] Another aspect of the present invention is to Figures 11A to 11C The lateral pipes 12 and 20 are respectively arranged along the axis X 12 , X 20Extending, these axes lie in the same plane (a plane perpendicular to the axis XX') and intersect at point A. This point may be identical to the center C of the core 4 (also the center of the hole of the body 2 into which it is inserted). However, according to an interesting embodiment of the invention, point A is moved and is located behind point C, at a distance l. Point C is therefore closer to the orifices 12, 20 than point A; both points A and C lie on the axis EE' in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX' (or the midplane of the body 2). A is therefore farther from the orifices 12, 20 than point C. This allows, with a constant diameter of the pipes 12', 20', to increase the distance separating these pipes, called the overlap length (also Figure 4 As this distance increases, the leakage flow rate calculated according to the above formula decreases. Fig. 11B In the example of FIG. 1 , the intersection point A and the center C are the same. The pipe 38 is on the axis X 12 , X 20 The inner diameter in the plane is 80 mm. The length d1 is 1.36 mm. Fig. 11C In the example, point A is offset backwards by a distance l of 20.8 mm: the length d1 becomes d'1 = 11.33 mm, more than 8 times greater than the initial length; therefore, the leakage itself is reduced by more than a factor of 8. The gain obtained by relatively offsetting points A and C can therefore be very significant.

[0094] According to the invention, the coupling or driving means or components 36 as described above may have Figure 1 and 6 , 7: These devices have, for example, a cylindrical ( Fig. 7A ), a groove 361 can be made in its lower part, preferably having a parallelepiped shape, allowing the shaft end 330 of the actuator 33 to be accommodated (see Figure 1 The coupling member 36 itself is mounted in the lower receiving portion 41 of the core 4 (see Figure 6 and 7), the upper part of which comprises a lug 360, for example having a parallelepiped shape, allowing the drive core 4 to rotate when the shaft 330 drives the member 36 to rotate. Preferably, the groove 361 and the lug 360 each extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis XX' (the width of each is less than its length, the length being substantially the diameter of the cylinder 36), but they both extend in 2 directions perpendicular to each other (in other words: the groove 361 extends in a direction perpendicular to the lug), which allows compensating for coaxiality defects along 2 axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0095] The lower housing 41 of the core 4 has a shape complementary to that of the part 36 : in particular, it comprises a groove 282 into which the lug 360 is inserted.

[0096] As an alternative (see Figure 7B), the coupling device 36' can have a parallelepiped shape in the lower part, including a groove 361' allowing to accommodate the axial end 330 of the actuator 33. This part 36' itself is mounted in the lower housing 41 of the core 4 (see Figure 6 and 7), which have a parallelepiped shape, so that when the actuator 33 drives the part 36' in rotation, the latter in turn drives the core 4 in rotation.

[0097] Preferably, the lower face 28 of the core 4 has a circular groove 280 (see Figure 1 , 5 and 6), allowing to accommodate a pin 181 connected to the motor cover 18: this pin limits the movement of the core 4 when the core is rotated by the actuator 33. The stopper limits the travel of the slot in the initial position and maximum position of the core; the initial position corresponds, for example, to a flow rate of 0 at the outlet 20, and the final position may correspond to a flow rate of 0 at the outlet 12 (see Figure 5A and 5B ).

[0098] According to another aspect of the invention, a torsion spring can be connected to the core 4 at one end (for example, a groove is made in the top of the core 4 and the end of the spring is inserted therein), and the other end is connected to a part that remains stationary when the core is driven to rotate, such as a cover or end piece 10 (for example, a groove is made in the cover or end piece and the other end of the spring is inserted therein). Therefore, the actuator 33 can drive the core to rotate from the first position to the second position, and stopping the action of the actuator will automatically return the core to its first position, or initial position. For example, the device can be in a rest position, at which time the fluid flows to the outlet 12, and the actuator drives the core 4 to a position where the fluid flows to the outlet 20, and stopping the action of the actuator will automatically return the core to its initial position, that is, the position where the fluid flows to the outlet 12. This aspect of the invention is Figure 8 4 , a torsion spring 60 can be seen, one end 61 of which is connected to the upper part 30 of the core 4 and the other end 63 of which is connected to the lower part of the inlet cover 10.

[0099] The above about Figures 6 to 8 The coupling device 36 and its installation and / or return device in the lower receiving portion of the core 4 can be applied not only to the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 3 The described distributor may also be applicable to any other distributor implementing a rotating element in the distributor body, in particular any distributor:

[0100] - include injection of the fluid, not axially, as described above, along the axis XX', but laterally into the body 2; in this case, the shell and the core each have a fluid inlet in the side wall 8 and in the side surface 32;

[0101] and / or wherein the core comprises a distribution channel of uniform cross section, the end 34 of which, situated near the outlet orifice, may have an elongated shape as described above, or a circular shape corresponding to the cross section of the openings 12 , 20 .

[0102] Preferably, the housing 2 and the core 4 are made of plastic material, which reduces the mass of the dispenser, which is particularly advantageous in the automotive field. In addition, preferably a friction-reducing material is added to the plastic material. For example, the housing and / or the core are made of polyphthalamide, for example of the type PA6T / 6I-GF30, very preferably with the addition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0103] Furthermore, they are preferably manufactured by injection molding, which simplifies their manufacture. Fig. 10A and 10B As shown, the shape of the internal channel 38 is created in two parts 38-1 and 38-2, and then the core is surrounded by the shape by injection molding; in these figures, the shape of the two parts 38-1 and 38-2 also has an increased cross-section, but unlike Figure 3 The situation is as gradual as that.

[0104] However, the shell and the core can be made of metal materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum. Since they do not ensure sealing, the requirements for the surface conditions of the shell inner surface and the core surface are greatly reduced.

[0105] Figure 9 shows Figure 1 The reference numerals are the same as those mentioned above with respect to Figure 1 The coolant enters the device through the opening 11, along the axis of the core driven to rotate by the actuator 33. The actuator is, for example, a gear motor MR, whose output shaft is coupled to the core 4, for example as described above. The gear motor is, for example, the one described in the patent application with application number WO2019 / 129984.

[0106] The operation of a dispenser incorporating an actuation mechanism according to the present invention will now be described.

[0107] The supply inlet 11 is connected to a source of pressurized liquid, for example a pump connected to a liquid tank, and the two outlet openings 12, 20 are connected, for example, to a heat or electric motor to be cooled.

[0108] When it is desired to supply the outlet opening 20 with a maximum flow rate, the core 4 is rotated about the axis X by the actuator 33 so that the outlet 34 is aligned with the outlet opening 20. The pressurized liquid flows from the supply opening 18 through the conduit 38 to the outlet opening 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A shown.

[0109] When it is desired to supply the outlet orifice 12 with maximum flow, the core 4 is rotated about the axis XX' by the actuator 33 so that the outlet 34 is aligned with the outlet orifice 20, and the conduit 38 thus connects the supply orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A shown.

[0110] As mentioned above, the core 4 can occupy any intermediate angular position to ensure proportional supply of the outlet openings 12 and 20 .

[0111] Other relative angular orientations of outlets 12 and 20 are possible.

[0112] The invention allows providing a dispenser with reliable operation while greatly reducing restrictions on size, surface conditions, required materials and manufacturing methods.

[0113] The described example includes one supply hole and two outlet holes, but as mentioned above, the present invention is also applicable to a distributor including one inlet hole and one outlet hole, or a distributor including one supply hole and multiple outlet holes, and a distributor including two supply holes; a distributor according to the present invention can include two axial fluid inlets, and the actuator can be moved to allow fluid to pass through the second end or more ends and one or more outlet holes. The configuration with multiple supply holes and multiple outlet holes can realize a core with multiple cavities or grooves 43 to allow multiple flows to occur simultaneously or at different times in the distributor.

[0114] In the examples described above, the fluid enters through the aperture 11, flows through the conduit 38, and leaves the device through one or both lateral conduits 12, 20 (see, for example, Fig. 9A The arrow in the figure indicates the direction of fluid flow).

[0115] The same device can be used to perform the reverse operation: supply with fluids through the lateral ducts 12, 20, which are used as supply ducts, these fluids are mixed in the internal duct 38, and the mixture flows out through the hole 11, which becomes the outlet hole. Depending on the angular position of the core in the housing (around the axis XX'), the fluid ratio of the supply device is changed. Thus, it is possible to introduce 2 or more fluids to be mixed, depending on the number of lateral ducts 12, 20. This use is Fig. 9B In the figure, the arrow indicates the direction of fluid flow.

[0116] For example, the 2 fluids at the inlet may be different. Alternatively, they may have the same properties or both fluids may be the same but at different temperatures, one of which may for example come from a heating component or element, such as a fuel cell, and the other from a cooling component or element, such as a radiator.

[0117] The distributor according to the invention, in particular in combination with a gear motor, is particularly suitable for applications in the automotive sector (heat engines or electric motors) because of its low mass.

[0118] The actuating mechanism according to the invention can be applied to a distributor provided in a vehicle with a thermal, hybrid or electric engine, for example to implement a temperature regulation system and / or an air flow direction system.

Claims

1. A hydraulic rotary distributor, comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), wherein the housing (2) comprises a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) together defining a hydraulic chamber, wherein the core (4) is capable of rotating in the chamber about a rotation axis (XX'), at least one axial hole (11) and at least one lateral hole (12, 20) opening into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising a side surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an axial opening (18), at least one lateral hole (34) and a pipe (38) or chamber connecting the axial opening (18) and the lateral hole (34), the pipe ( 38) or chamber allows fluid to flow from or to each of the lateral holes (12, 20) depending on the angular position of the core in the housing, the core (4) includes a coupling device (28, 36, 36', 282) for coupling the shaft end (330) of the actuator (33) to the core (4), the coupling device (28, 36, 36', 282) includes a component (36, 36') having a groove (361) for accommodating the shaft end (330) of the actuator (33), and the core (4) includes a receiving portion (41) capable of accommodating the component (36, 36') so that the component transmits rotation from the shaft to the core.

2. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein the component (36, 36') and the housing (41) have a cylindrical shape and are provided with a lug (360) having a parallelepiped shape, and the housing (41) includes a space (282) for accommodating the lug.

3. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 2, wherein the groove and the lug (360) extend in a vertical or substantially vertical direction.

4. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein the component (36, 36') and the receiving portion (41) have a parallelepiped shape.

5. A hydraulic rotary distributor, comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), wherein the housing (2) comprises a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10), which together define a hydraulic chamber, wherein the core (4) is capable of rotating in the chamber around a rotation axis (XX'), at least one axial hole (11) and at least one lateral hole (12, 20) opening into the hydraulic chamber, and the core (4) comprises a side surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an axial opening (18), at least one lateral hole (34) and a connecting hole (20) connecting the axial opening ( 18) and a conduit (38) or chamber of the lateral holes (34), which conduit or chamber allows the flow of fluid from or to each of the lateral holes (12, 20) according to the angular position of the core in the shell, and the distributor further includes a return device (60, 61, 63) for bringing the core (4) back to the equilibrium or initial position after it is rotated away from the equilibrium or initial position, and the return device (60, 61, 63) includes a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the core (4) and the other end is fixed to the distributor part that remains stationary when the core (4) is driven to rotate.

6. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing between the side surface of the core and the side wall of the housing (2) is ensured by a gap between the side surface and the side wall.

7. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 6, wherein a gap between the side surface and the side wall is between 50 μm and 300 μm.

8. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the core (4) comprises a rotation limiting device (280) for limiting the rotation of the core when the core is driven to rotate by the actuator (33).

9. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 8, wherein the core (4) comprises an arc-shaped groove in which the stopper (181) is embedded.

10. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one end wall (6) comprises an axial hole (11) extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation (XX'), the side wall of the housing comprises at least two lateral holes (12, 20) opening into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising an axial surface (18) facing the axial hole (11).

11. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing comprises at least two lateral holes (12, 20), the lateral hole (34) of the core having a shape that allows flow from or to the two lateral holes partially simultaneously in at least one intermediate angular position between the first angular position and the second angular position.

12. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 11, wherein the lateral holes (34) of the core have an elliptical, oval or ellipsoidal shape extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (XX').

13. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the distance separating the two farthest points of the lateral holes (34) of the core is greater than the distance between the two lateral holes (12, 20) of the housing (2).

14. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein an internal pipe (38) of the core connects the axial surface (18) of the core and the lateral hole (34) of the core, and the cross-section of the pipe, perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, gradually increases from the axial surface (18) toward the lateral hole (34).

15. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 14, wherein the cross section of the internal duct (38) increases by between 1% and 3% when the angle measured between the axial surface (18) of the core and a plane perpendicular to the fluid flow direction increases by 5° to 15°.

16. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing and / or the core is made of plastic material.

17. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises at least two lateral holes (12, 20) extending along the axis (X 12 , X 20 ) extending from the ducts (12', 20'), the intersection point (A) of these axes being located behind the center (C) of the core (4) relative to the lateral holes (12, 20) of the shell.

18. A hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor comprising a distributor according to any preceding claim and an actuator (33) for driving the core in rotation.

19. Hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor according to the preceding claim, said actuator comprising an output shaft (330) aligned along the axis of rotation (XX').

20. A method for distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor according to claim 18 or 19, the fluid being introduced through an axial hole (11), for example in the direction of the axis of rotation (XX') or perpendicular to this axis, and being guided by an internal duct (38) of the core to a lateral hole (34) and then flowing to one and / or the other of the two lateral holes (12, 20) of the housing, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing (2).

21. The method according to the preceding claim, said fluid being a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the fluid is a cooling fluid of a fuel cell.

23. A method of distributing fluids using a hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor according to claim 18 or 19, the fluids being introduced through two lateral holes (12, 20) of the housing, these fluids being guided by an internal duct (38) of the core to the axial bore (11) and being at least partially mixed in the internal duct (38).

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the two fluids are of the same nature or the two fluids are the same but at different temperatures.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein one fluid is from a heating component or element, such as a fuel cell, and the other fluid is from a cooling component or element, such as a radiator.

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